Sask. premier says province not interested in separation but supports peoples’ right to a voice

WATCH: Western separation took over the legislature as it was debated how the province would handle a public petition for a referendum. Wayne Mantyka explains.

The Opposition NDP says Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe recently missed two opportunities to unequivocally reject the idea of the province leaving Canada, as western separatism talks see a rekindling after a fourth straight election was won by the federal Liberals.

A 75-minute emergency debate at the legislature is scheduled to take place Thursday surrounding anti-Canada separatism and NDP MLA Aleana Young says Moe needs to provide more clarity on his stance.

“The fact that we even have to discuss anti-Canada separatism speaks volumes,” Young said in a news release. “Premier Moe had two opportunities this week to shut down talk of separation — and he didn’t. Saskatchewan people deserve better than vague answers when the unity and future of the country is on the line.”

According to the NDP, during Question Period Wednesday, Moe did not outright deny Saskatchewan leaving Canada and instead said it was unlikely to happen under current rules.

Young said during Thursday’s emergency debate she will press the province to affirm Saskatchewan’s place in Canada and commit to rejecting any push for separation from Canada while also condemning Alberta Premier Danielle Smith for recent changes that could make it easier for residents to start a referendum on separation.

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During Question Period Thursday, Sask. NDP leader Carla Beck asked Moe to condemn those adding fuel to the fire regarding western separatism.

‘Not interested in separation’

In a passionate response, Moe argued that all the conversation in the legislature surrounding separatism has been instigated by the opposition.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is not interested in separation and Saskatchewan certainly isn’t interested in the status quo either, a status quo where our province is being treated unfairly by a federal government for close to a decade now, supported every step of the way by the NDP,” Moe said.

Moe said following Monday’s election – there is an opportunity to break away from the status quo of “unfair treatment” and separation talks, with Mark Carney now at the helm as prime minister.

“It is not a strongman argument where it’s status quo or separation, we don’t like either of those, we think there is an opportunity and we truly believe and always have believed right to the founding principals of this party that there is an opportunity for Saskatchewan to continue to grow and prosper in its economy and to grow its population, grow our communities re-invest into those communities all within a strong united nation of Canada,” Moe declared.

Beck said she does not support the status quo either but wants Moe to “find the courage” to condemn those who are trying to break up Canada.

“The premier can’t do it, he’d rather play politics and pander to his base, pander to separatists’ sentiments, that is shameful,” she said.

“Will the premier tell the people of this province today, clearly … that he will never initiate a vote on Saskatchewan leaving Canada?” Beck asked.

Moe said referendums are for people to be able to voice their opinions and said Beck is referring to Alberta people gathering signatures to have their voice heard.

“I don’t know what that number [of signatures] is or who is doing it but I can assure you it’s not the Government of Alberta doing it, nor is it the government of anywhere, when people are coming together to have their voice heard of which the NDP is now committed to shutting down, shutting down the voices that people have through legislative ability,” he said.

According to Moe, in Saskatchewan, the plebiscite legislation was last changed in 1996 under the NDP.

“That legislation is there for a reason, for the people of this province to have a voice, that voice that the NDP would take away. But again I say, it is the position of the government [to say] that this is not a two option argument it is not a status quo or separation, Saskatchewan today has over double the national rate of GDP growth due to policy decisions that have been made by this government, not just this year but over the last decade and a half.”

Moe went on to argue the Sask. Party will always be one that provides everyone in Saskatchewan with a voice any time they choose.