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Saskatchewan NDP Distancing Itself From New Federal Leadership
Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck rejects federal leader Avi Lewis’s anti-fossil fuel stance, citing risks to 40,000 jobs and $13.6 billion in annual economic activity.
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck is distancing her party from newly elected federal leader Avi Lewis, stating she will not meet with him unless he reverses his opposition to fossil fuel development.
In a letter issued Saturday, Beck criticized Lewis's platform as "ideological and unrealistic," warning that his policies jeopardize 40,000 jobs and $13.6 billion in annual economic activity in Saskatchewan.
Lewis won the federal leadership Sunday with 56 per cent of the vote and previously posted a video stating he is "unequivocally opposed to any new fossil fuel development," declaring, "This shall not pass."
Beck argues these positions contradict Lewis's affordability focus and violate values established by NDP founder Tommy Douglas, emphasizing that resource industries fund universal health care and social supports.
While Beck remains open to dialogue if Lewis changes his stance, his campaign has not responded to requests for comment as the standoff over fossil fuel policy continues.
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