A recent study by Angus Reid has painted a grim picture of economic stress in Saskatchewan, indicating that residents of the province are feeling the financial pinch more than anywhere else in Canada. The study reveals that 67% of people in Saskatchewan believe they are not doing well financially, the highest proportion in the country.
Opposition Leader Carla Beck has voiced her concern over the findings, stating, “Every day, I hear from families who are working harder than ever and still falling behind. People who used to be able to afford a family vacation are now living paycheque to paycheque, pinching pennies just to pay the bills.” In a statement Beck also spoke to the need for governmental action to reduce living costs and improve opportunities for Saskatchewan residents. “Governments at all levels need to work towards lowering costs for folks and make sure that the people who call this province home have the opportunity to get ahead. After 17 years, it’s time for a change,” she said.
The Angus Reid Economic Stress Index showed several key areas of concern under Premier Scott Moe’s leadership. In Saskatchewan, 56% of residents feel worse off than they did last year, 45% believe they will be worse off next year, and 48% are struggling to feed their households. These figures surpass those of any other province in Canada.
Particularly concerning are the levels of financial anxiety in major cities like Regina and Saskatoon, where residents are more worried about money than those in other Canadian cities. Beck has proposed suspending the 15-cent provincial gas tax as an immediate measure to alleviate some of the financial burdens on Saskatchewan families. This approach has already been adopted by premiers in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
