Saskatchewan NDP promises no small business tax if party elected

NORTH BATTLEFORD, Sask. - The Saskatchewan New Democrats say they'll eliminate the small business tax if they win the Nov. 7 provincial election.

Speaking in North Battleford, NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter (LING'-ehn-felt-ehr) said getting rid of the two per cent tax would help create jobs.

He said small businesses employ one-third of all people working in Saskatchewan.

Losing the tax would cost the government $64 million a year.

Lingenfelter says the NDP would also work with community business owners to provide on-the-job training to fill a shortfall in trades and skilled workers.

The program would also include a northern economic strategy to expand business opportunities in forestry, mining, tourism and aquaculture.