SGEU wants audit of defunct Saskatchewan Transportation Company

A public-sector union in Saskatchewan wants the province to take stock of where things stand a year after the government shut down its bus service.

The Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) was shuttered by the Saskatchewan Party government in an austerity budget brought in to help fight what was a $1.3-billion deficit.

The government said it was costing too much to keep the money-losing Crown bus service on the road and suggested private companies would step in.

The Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union (SGEU) says it’s more than a year later and thousands of people are still in need of public transportation.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

President Bob Bymoen said despite government assurances, people in isolated areas are forced to rely on family and friends or take taxis to get to medical appointments.

Premier Scott Moe says the government hasn’t stopped looking for ways to provide bus transportation, but has no plans to bring in a provincially funded service.

“We’re continually working with any private-sector partners that may have the opportunity to provide services here in the province of Saskatchewan, and there are some that are providing that service,” Moe said Thursday.

The union would like what it calls a financial and social audit of the costs involved in shutting the company and associated with alternate transportation for patients, freight and blood services.

“The people of Saskatchewan deserve to have full disclosure on the implications of shutting down such a vital service as the STC,” Bymoen said in a news release.

“The ideology of the Sask. Party to rely on private companies to help residents maintain mobility around this province has been an utter failure,” he said.

“The people of Saskatchewan deserve a public transportation company so that everyone in this province can access services, visit family and friends and receive proper health care regardless of location.”

The union also pointed out that the government has yet to release agreements with purchasers of the bus company’s assets.