Ryan Meili was in Moose Jaw Monday, pulling up in something that hasn't been seen on Saskatchewan roads since 2017; an old STC [Saskatchewan Transportation Company] bus.  Meili said he and his campaign team were actually pulled over on the way to Moose Jaw by the RCMP who were wondering what someone was doing driving an old STC bus.

At the event, Meili said - if elected - the NDP would bring back the STC which provided necessary transportation for many across the province.

"In 2016 the SaskParty was very clear that the STC was safe and not for sale. Only a year later it was gone, leaving people stranded all over Saskatchewan. Seniors unable to get to the city for appointments, farmers losing days in the field as they wait for parts, it's made life harder for everyone in Saskatchewan."

Meili went on to say that it's tough for residents to trust the SaskParty when they say that there will be no cuts in the coming months or years if they are re-elected and that looking at their track record is all the evidence people need.

"We saw the SaskParty cut the hearing aid program, 20 healthcare workers laid off in the Regina-Qu'Appelle healthcare region, 70 positions eliminated in Saskatoon. They cut $54 million from our classrooms and $25 million from universities. They sold off STC months after saying they wouldn't, they sold 40 liquor stores, two gas plants, and they had over 40 meetings trying to sell off SaskTel and SGI."

Moose Jaw resident and former STC user Betty Michalski also spoke at the event, speaking on how the loss of the STC has caused her to miss doctor appointments and visits with family.

"What makes me really angry when I hear the SaskParty use the word 'strong'. Strong for who? Certainly not for seniors. I used the STC to go to Saskatoon, I could go visit my grandkids in Lloydminster, I could go to Vancouver and visit my sister. All of these options have been taken away from me. The other thing that makes me angry is privatization. Every time I turn around, they're privatizing something else. People lose their bloody jobs, that really infuriates me."

The provincial election is under a week away, with election day taking place on October 26. Advance polls are now open until Saturday.