No need for tax increases in Sask. budget, NDP leader says

The Saskatchewan Party budget released on Wednesday should not include tax increases, NDP leader Cam Broten says.

With oil revenues expected to take a major hit, there has been speculation the government will cut spending or raise taxes to balance the budget.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Broten noted that Premier Brad Wall mused about increasing education taxes at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities convention in Saskatoon last week.

"Government should not be increasing taxes, either through itself or through municipalities," he said. "It's not acceptable to short-change municipalities, demand they increase taxes and pay more."

As an alternative to increasing taxes or cutting programs that matter to families, the government should "eliminate waste" and make smarter decisions about the economy, he said.

By waste, Broten says he means things like the Lean efficiency progam, as well as "pet projects".
Broten also wants the government to slash spending on private consultants, which he said cost taxpayers more than $120 million every year.