The provincial NDP says the Sask Party government cut funding for northern highways by nearly $16-million in the last budget during a time when more money is needed to provide permanent road repairs.

Topping the list is Highway 123 leading to Cumberland House, about five hours northeast of Saskatoon, not far from the Manitoba border. It is the only road leading into and out of the community and it has been impassable at times this spring, especially when it rains. The situation was so bad that the community declared a local state of emergency last week.

Cumberland NDP MLA Doyle Vermette has invited Premier Scott Moe to join him on a drive to Cumberland House, so he can view the state of Highway 123 in person.  As a temporary measure, the NDP says the government should pay for airlifts of food and people when the road becomes impassable in wet conditions.