NDP makes low-cost utilities promise, pledges tax cut

Returning to a campaign promise it has made before, theNDP says it will give Saskatchewan citizen's the lowest-priced bundle of utility costs in Canada.

LeaderCamBroten said if his party is elected government, it will lowerprovincial utility costs and introduce a tax cut for families earning less than $175,000 per year.

Earners who make more than $175,000 will pay more, however.

"Making it easier for hard-working people to get ahead is a top priority for me, and I'm starting with practical steps to put a bit more money in people's pockets," Broten said in a news release.

"After a decade of resource boom, everyday families aren't feeling the benefits at home."

The release stated Broten"is committed to delivering the lowest-cost utility bundle in all of Canada."

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The party's leader also said he'llraisethe basic personal taxexemption, whichmeans people will be allowed to earnan extra$500 before being taxed, according to the release.

Brotenproposes to fund this by "having individuals making more than $175,000 per year pay a little bit more."

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Sask. Party responds

In response to the NDP's announcement, Sask. Party spokesperson Kathy Youngsaid "[the province] has the second-lowest utility bundle in all of Canada. Second only to Manitoba where power is heavily subsidized by hydro. In fact, Saskatchewan residents pay, on average, $1,200 less than neighbouring Alberta."

It would cost $595 million over the course of the next term to get Saskatchewan's utility bundle to the same rate as Manitoba, the Sask. Party says.

Voters go to the polls on April 4.