REGINA – The opposition New Democrats intend to waste no time to raise concerns about child poverty in the province.
On Friday, Opposition Deputy House Leader Kim Breckner confirmed that she would move an emergency motion forward on Monday afternoon on what action they could take to fight child poverty in Saskatchewan. The plan was to introduce the motion on the first afternoon of the spring sitting.
Breckner pointed to a report of 78,000 Saskatchewan children living in poverty, a higher percentage than any other Canadian province.
“This is heartbreaking,” said Breckner. “I’m a new mom, and I have a good-paying job but, as a new mom, I can’t imagine what it’s like to not be able to give your child everything they need to get a good start in life.”
Breckner brought her young son Ian to the news conference. She made clear she wanted to see the Sask Party majority support her motion, and not defeat it as has happened to previous emergency motions from the NDP. An emergency motion would require unanimous consent to come to the floor for debate under the rules.
“If Scott Moe truly cares, he will support our motion and we can have a debate right here in the Legislature,” Breckner said . “Not using your majority to block it. No amending it to fit their Sask. Party propaganda machine… these are kids and they are living in heartbreaking poverty. What could be more important?"
The Assembly will officially resume sitting starting at 1:30 p.m. Monday.
