Sask. Party leadership hopeful Rob Clarke proposes hiking PST to 7%

SaskatchewanParty leadership candidate Rob Clarke says he'd raise the provincial sales tax to seven per cent on construction materials to create a $100 million stimulus packagethat willcreatejobs, if he is elected leader of the party.

Energy is very important, especially in the energy industry.- Rob Clarke

The formerConservative MP and Mountie laid out his proposalon stage during the most recent leadership debate in Weyburn, Sask., on Thursday.

Candidates wereasked what the provincial government should do to deal with unemployment in southern parts of the province, where many workers look for jobs in the resource sector.

"Energy is very important, especially in the energy industry," Clarke stated.

He said none of the candidates have a plan to generate job growth.

"The result of this package is a net $100 million stimulus package. This will keep our PST at second lowest in Canada (after Alberta). It will allow us to drive prosperity and create jobs."

He clarified on Friday the PST hike would only be applied to construction materials.

To the same question, the other candidates explained they wouldattract angel investors, support pipelinesand look to diversify the economy and maintain exports.

This spring, the government increased the PST from five to six per cent and expanded the tax to include construction services.

The party will elect a new leaderon Jan. 27, 2018.