NDP calling for PST cut on prepared foods in Saskatchewan

The Sask. NDP is urging the government to remove PST on ready-to-eat foods, following Manitoba’s move. Wayne Mantyka reports.

Saskatchewan’s NDP is renewing its call to remove the provincial sales tax (PST) on prepared foods, arguing it would provide some relief as grocery prices remain high.

The party has long pushed for the exemption to apply to items like rotisserie chicken sold in grocery stores, which they say adds about 72 cents per purchase.

“The premier chose to keep his $25 million a year tax on groceries year after year. It’s still contained in this year’s bad news budget, this tax to help him pay for the financial mess that he’s created in this province,” said Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck.

The opposition also points to what it sees as inconsistencies in how the tax is applied.

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For example, some packaged snack items are taxed depending on quantity, with smaller packs subject to PST while larger quantities are not.

The renewed push comes as Manitoba prepares to remove its provincial sales tax on prepared foods starting July 1, becoming the first province in Canada to do so.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe maintains there is no PST on groceries, noting the province instead offers lower overall taxation compared to some jurisdictions.

The provincial government says a family of four earning $100,000 pays significantly less in total provincial taxes in Saskatchewan than in Manitoba.

Meanwhile, the NDP is also calling for a temporary suspension of the PST on fuel, which currently adds about 15 cents per litre, though the province says that revenue is needed for road repairs.