On the fourth day of the provincial election campaign, Saskatchewan Premier and Saskatchewan Party leader Scott Moe addressed media in Regina, unveiling a series of affordability measures aimed at benefiting post-secondary graduates, first-time homebuyers, seniors, and families across the province.
Speaking at Mount Royal, Moe reiterated his party’s commitment to making life more affordable for Saskatchewan residents. He emphasized that the new measures are part of the Saskatchewan Party’s broader plan to strengthen the economy and support a bright future for the province.
Moe revealed the Saskatchewan Party’s intention to increase the First-Time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit from $10,000 to $15,000. This boost will provide homebuyers with an increased benefit, moving from $1,050 to $1,575 in savings.
“Anyone who’s purchased a house, especially as a younger person, understands the significant upfront costs—the legal fees, moving expenses, and furnishings. Any amount helps, and this increase will make a difference for first-time buyers,” Moe stated.
In addition to the homebuyer credit, Moe promised to reinstate and make permanent the temporary Home Renovation Tax Credit, which was initially introduced during the pandemic in 2020. Under the plan, homeowners can claim up to $4,000 annually on home renovation expenses, providing a tax savings of $420 each year. For seniors, the benefit will be even greater, with an additional $1,000 available annually, resulting in savings of $525 for seniors looking to renovate their homes.
Moe also emphasized his government’s focus on seniors, particularly those living in personal care homes. He announced plans to increase the Personal Care Home Benefit for low-income seniors by $1,000 per month, raising it from $2,500 to $3,500. This increase is expected to directly impact approximately 560 seniors currently receiving the benefit and will extend support to an additional 1,500 seniors who qualify as a result of the expanded income threshold.
“Seniors who rely on this benefit will see a significant boost in their monthly income, ensuring they can live comfortably in personal care homes,” Moe said.
Furthermore, the benefit will be extended to 140 individuals under the age of 65 living in personal care homes, who will see an increase of $1,380 annually.
Moe took the opportunity to draw attention to the Saskatchewan Party’s opposition to the federal carbon tax. Last fall, the Saskatchewan government removed the federal carbon tax from home heating bills, saving homeowners over $400 annually.
“The federal NDP continues to support the Trudeau carbon tax, and many provincial NDP candidates have expressed their support as well. This tax makes everything we buy more expensive, from groceries to fuel,” Moe stated. He urged voters to choose a government that prioritizes Saskatchewan families over federal policies that he says raise costs for residents.
During the press conference, Moe faced questions regarding the timing of the announcements, with some critics suggesting that the affordability measures could have been introduced earlier, such as in the spring budget. Moe defended the timing, saying that the Saskatchewan Party has consistently implemented affordability measures across previous budgets, and these new initiatives build on that track record.
“There’s over $2 billion in each and every budget that contributes to making Saskatchewan the most affordable place to live in Canada. These new measures are in response to the challenges Saskatchewan families are facing, and we’re committed to doing everything we can to help,” Moe responded.
The election is scheduled for later this fall, and there is much curiosity about who will win.