NDP promises to cancel Executive Air program for premier, cabinet

NDP leader Cam Broten wants the provincial government to shut down its executive air program.

The fleet of three airplanes has been flying the premier and cabinet ministers around the province since 1965.

Broten said selling two of the airplanes would generate $4 million for general revenues. The party would retrofit the third plane into an air ambulance to be used in northern Saskatchewan.

"I've been to the far north," said Broten. "And I've heard efforts there locally to fundraise to have a plane stationed in the north, so it can respond more quickly to help people. That is a far better use for a government airplane than simply shuttling around the premier and cabinet ministers in luxury."

The NDP singled out economy ministerBill Boyd's use of the air service.

According to the party, Boyd used the service 279 times to pick him up or drop him off at his home town of Eston, Sask., or nearby Kindersley between October 2011 and June 2015.

The party said he also used the serviceto fly to different locations in the province, mainly to Regina.

"The gravy plane for politicians must end, and Iwill end it," said Broten.

In 2014, Alberta sold its fleet of government planes for $6.1 million.

However, the Saskatchewan Party said the NDP frequently used the flight programwhen it was in office. The party also believes the service saves money that would be spent on charter air services and driving.

"We get great value from having a minister that is willing to travel, willing to go on trade missions to other places," said education ministerDon Morgan.