SASKATCHEWAN RIVERS – Bernard Lalonde is the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan's candidate for the 2024 Provincial Election.
Lalonde told SaskToday.ca via email that his interest in politics began early in his life. As well, he was councillor in the R.M of Canwood for six years and has volunteered for "many other political campaigns."
What do you see as priorities for your area?
The most pressing issues in Saskatchewan are health care, education and highways.
What is your plan on:
Affordability
In terms of affordability, the PC Party of Saskatchewan has the following plan:
- Take PST off of restaurant meals.
- No PST on building supplies used for renovating a dwelling.
- Put rebate on supplies for a new build.
- Remove the PST on nothing for children under 16 and on K-12 school supplies.
- Remove the deposit and environmental fees on milk jugs, juice and water containers.
- Remove rental insurance on PST on home insurance for primary dwellings.
- Increase minimum wage to $16.00/hour in Oct. 2025.
Health
We must find ways to increase the amount of healthcare workers. Also, workers for other sectors.
Highways
We must keep the gas tax to ensure funds to build highways.
What is your stance on the federal Carbon Tax?
The Federal Carbon Tax is too costly. We shouldn't be paying it. The plan to reduce carbon emissions is good in theory, but it is impossible to reduce the amount we drive. Most rural communities don't have other options.