Sask. NDP questions Scott Moe’s stance on western separatism

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe made it clear that he doesn’t support western separation on Monday, but the leader of the opposition is wondering why it took him so long to do so.

Speaking to media on Friday, Moe was asked about support for comments claiming that a vote for the Liberal party in the federal election is a vote for western Canadian secession. At that time, Moe said he wouldn’t comment on western secession, but said his government will work with whoever wins the federal election. He also emphasized that Saskatchewan is part of Canada, despite his government’s disagreements with Ottawa.

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During Question Period on Monday, the Saskatchewan NDP tossed a few questions to the premier asking about the same issue but Moe avoided giving yes or no answers.

“Every week, the leader of the Opposition says ‘condemn this individual, condemn this, condemn this,’ Mr. Speaker. The fact of the matter is, those are just simply nothing but words, Mr. Speaker, where it’s policies that actually matter,” said Moe in response to one NDP question.

Following Question Period, Moe spoke with the media and stated clearly that he does not support western separation.

“There’s this thought that you are unable to be a proud Canadian but still have questions with respect to the policies that our federal government is putting forward, and I simply don’t accept that,” said Moe, citing examples where he believes Ottawa has overstepped by reaching into provincial jurisdiction.

The premier didn’t explain why he hadn’t answered the questions about western separation clearly before that.

NDP Leader Carla Beck seemed frustrated that it took so long for Moe to give a direct answer to the question.

“I think this does matter to Saskatchewan. I think this should have been a very easy, an underhand toss, to the premier, but he couldn’t find his feet today to come out with a clear condemnation of those who would break up our country,” said Beck.

She said people in the province want to know that their leaders aren’t entertaining talk of separation.
Sally Housser, the NDP’s energy and resources critic, said that lack of clarity on where Moe stands creates instability which has a real impact. She said the premier should be capitalizing on the sense of unity across the country.

Housser pointed out that Moe was recently representing the province in London, England.

“Was he telling investors ‘You know what? I’m not sure about still being part of Canada,’ being wishy-washy on Canadian unity? Is that what investors and resources and industry needs to hear when we’re asking people to come and invest in Saskatchewan?” asked Housser.

Later this week, Moe is expected to speak at the Strong and Free Network Conference, a politically conservative conference aimed to put conservative “ideas to action.” Moe said his address is not government business, so he’ll foot the bill for his costs at the conference himself.