Saskatchewan NDP calls for emergency sitting over rising costs for residents

As SaskPower and SGI plan for nearly 4% rate increases, the NDP are calling for an emergency session to discuss the rising costs. Wayne Mantyka reports.

The Saskatchewan NDP is calling for urgent action as residents face rising costs across the province with rent increases, high grocery bills, and proposed rate hikes from both SGI and SaskPower.

Last week, SGI announced plans to seek a 3.75 per cent insurance rate increase in June and again in 2027. SaskPower is proposing two years of 3.9 per cent rate hikes. In response, Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck is calling for an emergency sitting of the Legislature.

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“It’s time for someone to stand up for the seniors, for the students, for the working people in this province who are struggling,” Beck said.

She added that measures like passing the Rent Control Act, cutting taxes on groceries and children’s clothing, and other relief options should be considered immediately.

Residents say rising costs are hitting hard.

“Rent control at a provincial level would be something that I would like to see implemented,” one local resident told CTV News. “Everything’s just becoming so expensive. I want to see rent control and increased tenant protection.”

The provincial government toted its 2025–26 budget as delivering the largest income tax reduction since 2008 and lowered education property tax mill rates.

The province will outline additional measures in the next budget, set for March.