The provincial NDP announced a new plan on Wednesday to provide subsidized long-term housing, furnishings and refundable tax credits for the province's elderly.

In a campaign promise made by NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter and opposition health program critic Judy Junor, Wednesday in Saskatoon, there will be new assisted living units for seniors, fresh care home beds and a $1,000 refundable tax credit.

"Our commitments mean positive change where you benefit," said Lingenfelter.

Junor says they would also replace 750 care home beds in areas around the province, with a commitment of 30 beds in La Ronge.

Lastly, there would be a tax credit for seniors living in private special care homes.

Lingenfelter says the program's cost will be revealed in a platform document once the campaign gears up.

Skeptical government

Health Minister Don McMorris scoffed at the NDP accouncement, warning Saskatchewan potash and oil industries that they would be paying for the plan with royalties.

"When they were in government for 16 years they closed an estimated 1,200 long-term care beds."

"Now they're coming to the saviour and they're going to open up 750?" asked McMorris.

"Let's be serious."

Edited by News Talk Radio's Jared Knoll.