Response recieved from Brad Wall

Before starting this petition I sent an email to Premier Brad Wall to express my concern over the closure of the HAP for all but low income users. The premier recently sent the following reply that I thought I would share: Thank you for your email of April 2, 2017, regarding the Hearing Aid Plan. I appreciate the time you have taken to share your story as someone who has experienced hearing loss; and I want you to know that this decision was not taken lightly. On March 22, 2017, the Government of Saskatchewan put forward a plan to meet the challenge Saskatchewan is facing. That challenge is this - the natural resource revenues that help pay for government services have declined by more than $1 billion a year and stayed there for three years. The challenge presented by this loss of revenue requires changes to both the way government generates revenue, and the way in which we control government spending. Some other governments have faced similar challenges and have decided not to make the tough choices to control and reduce government spending, and are simply continuing to run deficits indefinitely. We will not do that. Our 2017-2018 Budget outlines a clear plan and timetable to meet this challenge, returning the budget to balance in three years in a manner that ensures our economy remains competitive and strong. As you may know, coverage for hearing aid services will continue to be covered for low-income residents. I have asked the Honourable Jim Reiter, Minister of Health, to respond to you further. Thank you for taking the time to write. Brad Wall Premier -end- I plan to send the following in reply: Returning Saskatchewan’s budget to balance within 3 years is an admirable goal but that I do not agree with the SASK Party’s decision to do so by eliminating programs like the Hearing Aid Plan. I realise that the plan will remain in place for low-income users but this doesn’t help the thousands of hearing impaired people in the province that don’t qualify as low-income. I think this “solution” is both ill advised and short-sighted. Please realise what you are doing; you are balancing the budget on the backs of the disabled. Please reconsider this decision For those of you who wish to send your own message I’ve shared Mr. Wall’s email below. Please remember that vulgarity and threats will only weaken our position; keep emails polite. brad.wall@gov.sk.ca