Sask. NDP promises to remove provincial sales tax on construction labour

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili promised Friday to remove the Saskatchewan Party’s six per cent provincial sales tax (PST) on construction labour if he’s elected premier.

Meili referred to the Regina Bypass when he spoke about construction contracts leaving the province.

The NDP has voiced its concerns over the $1.8-billion project before.

Some of its concerns have included the rise in estimated cost early on and the decision to hire a French company to build the bypass.

“Saskatchewan companies under Scott Moe have been left out of the biggest projects,” Meili claimed. “And yet, they pay more because the Sask. Party added on the PST to construction labour in Saskatchewan slowing down the key industry.”

Meili went on to say the NDP would remove the PST from construction labour, which was added in 2017 by the Sask. Party.

“The Regina Bypass was an over-budget disaster that shut construction workers and companies out. The Sask. Party’s approach has raised the cost of construction — and left our workers behind,” Meili said. “It’s time for a change. It’s time to invest in our economy, support businesses and workers and put people first.”

Meili had a group of trades workers standing behind him, referring to them frequently as he made his announcement.

“We want to make sure Saskatchewan companies will have a chance, I’ve heard so many stories from folks like the ones behind me who simply have to watch trucks go by with licence plates from Alberta, Texas, or Missouri and it’s just not right,” Meili said. “We know we have the workers here who can do the work.”