The Saskatchewan NDP are calling on the Sask. Party government to bring forward immediate and urgently needed supports for impacted small businesses and tourism venders who they say are the very backbone of our economy. The Saskatchewan NDP say the business owners they have spoken to are out thousands and thousands of dollars.

Saskatchewan Shadow Minister for Jobs & Economy Aleana Young says they are specifically calling on the provincial government to adopt the following plan:

1. Accept our demand for a grant program to help businesses stay afloat during the wildfire crisis, especially for seasonal businesses like tourism and outfitting that do the vast majority of their business during the summer months,

2. Allow businesses impacted by wildfires to delay or defer taxes and fees owed to the provincial government,

3. Expedite any SGI coverage and claims for small businesses and tourism vendors impacted by wildfires and,

4. Commit to charging zero interest on any government tax arrears for impacted businesses.

The Saskatchewan NDP say the Sask. Party government shouldn’t be making a buck off small businesses impacted by wildfires.

Young says, “We need to be focused on the future of the North and that includes supporting small businesses and their staff as they make plans to reopen and, in some cases, rebuild entirely.”

The Saskatchewan NDP stated supports are being provided in neighbouring Alberta, which has also been impacted from wildfires, with thousands evacuated.