Sask. NDP wants to make first Saturday of every month a 'Buy Local Day'

With the constantly shifting threat of tariffs — some of which are already in effect — Saskatchewan's political parties are attempting to draw focus to local businesses.

On Thursday, Saskatchewan's Opposition NDP introduced a private member's bill that, if passed, would proclaim the first Saturday of each month as "Buy Local Day" in Saskatchewan.

"Designating one day a month, one day as Buy Local Day, is not a big ask. We hope that this bill will keep this momentum going, reminding us all of how much of a difference it makes when you shop local, support local businesses in your own community," said Aleana Young, NDP critic for jobs and the economy.

The Buy Local Day Act is Young's first private member's bill and is scheduled to receive second reading at the next sitting of the legislature.

"This seems like a pretty simple, straightforward, feel good piece of legislation. It would be my hope that we can pass it unanimously in the House. I don't see any reason not to," Young said. 

The private member's bill comes after the Saskatchewan NDP launched its shopsk.ca website in February. 

Speaking at District Brewing in Regina, Young was joined by NDP finance critic Trent Wotherspoon.

The pair emphasized that the uncertain future around tariffs and the ensuing effects on the market make it a tough time to be a small business owner.

"This bill is one way that we can stand together and strengthen what we've built here at home," Wotherspoon said.

Hayden McPherson, the marketing co-ordinator at District Brewing, said the business has tried to remain optimistic in the face of tariffs.

Saskatchewan government efforts

David Marit, the province's minister of SaskBuilds and procurement, told media on Thursday that the provincial government has always been committed to spending its money in Saskatchewan.

Marit said that over the past five years, the province has awarded nearly 90 per cent of all procurements to Saskatchewan companies.

When Saskatchewan companies bid on the contract, that number jumps to 95 per cent.

"It's a phenomenal number," Marit said.

Marit said that over the past five years, 99 per cent of procurements have gone to Canadian companies.

In a news release, the province said its Crown Corporations also prioritize Saskatchewan. In the first three quarters of 2024-2025 fiscal year, the Crowns awarded 75 pr cent, or $1.2 billion, of procurement contracts to provincial suppliers.

Only about three per cent of the procurements awarded in that time came from the United States. 

Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan will ensure $43 million worth of VLTs and slot machines being procured in 2025-2026 will not be sourced from the United States, the province said. 

SaskPower has also accelerated the procurement of 10,000 tons of steel from Evraz in the coming months.