With the Sask. Party off the campaign trail Sunday, the NDP took advantage and made two announcements.
Leader Ryan Meili stood in the Saskatoon Royal Canadian Legion Branch 63, promising that at least 50 per cent of his cabinet — if elected — would be made up of women. Surrounded by his female candidates in the Saskatoon area, Meili reiterated past promises to work along with the fight for equality within the province.
“We must have a government that reflects the people of Saskatchewan. It’s long overdue. When we do, the right decisions get made,” Meili said.
“Women are still not afforded equal opportunity. Saskatchewan women have had to struggle with a lot in the last four years.”
The previous announcements include promises including pay equity legislation, supporting women-owned businesses with start-up loans rurally, supporting minimum wage earners, improving access to women’s health care, $25-a-day childcare and increase the number of spaces.
.@Sask_NDP‘s @ryanmeili is celebrating the 91st Persons Day with the NDP’s female candidates within #yxe.
Meili commits to a gender-balanced cabinet, if elected. #skpoli pic.twitter.com/tqYeVwmsZQ
— Brady Lang (@BradyLangSK) October 18, 2020
Of the 18 MLAs that made up the cabinet prior to the writ-drop, five were women. Meili is promising at least nine of those spots would belong to women if his party forms government.
Call for support of Global Transportation Hub Inquiry
The NDP had more promises Sunday. Regina University candidate Aleana Young was joined by Regina Rosemont candidate Trent Wotherspoon in front of City Hall.
There, the pair called for a full public inquiry into the Global Transportation Hub (GTH) scandal.
“When it comes to the GTH deal, we need to throw open the shutters,” said Young in a Sunday press release. “All Regina candidates, from every party, have a duty to stand up to this corruption and support a public inquiry. If Tina Beaudry-Mellor is unwilling to stand up to Scott Moe and do what’s right for the people of Regina, I will.”
The NDP said Beaudry-Mellor admitted to “considering a public inquiry” when she was running to be Sask. Party leader.
“On doorstep after doorstep, I’m hearing calls to clean up the corruption, collusion and shady backroom deals surrounding the GTH. People in Regina want a change that they can trust,” Wotherspoon said in the NDP press release.