Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you to this Assembly, it is my pleasure to introduce two gentlemen today, Mr. Speaker, that are no strangers to this Assembly. They’re both former colleagues, they’re both great friends, and it’s just a delight to have them with us today.

Seated behind the bar is former MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] from Lloydminster, former cabinet minister to this Legislative Assembly, Tim McMillan. And I ask all members to please give Tim a warm welcome to his Assembly.

Joining Tim, also somebody that needs no introduction to this Assembly, served many years as the MLA for Yorkton, many different portfolios as cabinet minister, Mr. Speaker, a good friend, Greg Ottenbreit. Please give Greg a warm welcome to his Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Mount Royal.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to join on behalf of the official opposition and join the Finance minister to welcome these two former members to their Assembly. It’s wonderful to see both Greg Ottenbreit here, as well as Tim McMillan.

I noted that when I saw Greg earlier that he looks younger. I don’t know what’s changed in his life, a little less stress or something. But it’s wonderful to have Greg here. He served for many years. We got to know him very well. He always wore his heart on his sleeve and he’s a wonderful person. It’s good to have you here, Greg.

And it’s also a pleasure to welcome Tim McMillan back to his Assembly, someone who served in this Assembly. A heck of a rugby player as well, back in the day. And someone that went on to provide all sorts of leadership in oil and gas, a very important sector in this province and in this country.

So I ask all members to join with me in welcoming Tim and Greg to their Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Lumsden-Morse.

Blaine McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, I would ask for an extended leave for introduction.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has requested leave for extended introduction. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Blaine McLeod: — Pleasure to be on my feet today, Mr. Speaker, to introduce a group that is seated in your gallery. The men’s basketball team, the Briercrest Clippers from the Briercrest College and Seminary.

And, Mr. Speaker, I am going to name them by name. And some of them are a little tough, but I’ve worked on it and so here we go. And I’m going to ask them to just raise their hand as I introduce you: Markus Glaspell; Kaden Clifton; Hunter Barnstable; Will Stianson; Riley Seaborn; Corbin Gengenbach; Zach Martens; Kaedyn Banilevic; Oroma Bongomin; Carson Irwin; Cooper Benjamin; Jude Shepherd-Hills and Owen Shepherd-Hills; Francis Dogani; Brandon Houndonougbo — I think I got it right; Trey Mckenzie-Hunte; Carter Waind; Joshua Fox; and Aden Fawcett; along with Head Coach Shane Sowden and Damon Berggren, assistant coach as well. And not with us today is Ryame Soanes and Andrew Quiring who both were manager and assistant.

Mr. Speaker, I want to say that all the Briercrest teams this year, both men and women, advanced to the playoffs in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference, and men’s basketball and hockey hosted the finals in both of their respective sports. Two teams played in the finals, and gold medals were won by this team represented here today.

Now I asked Coach Sowden who the team captain was, and I loved his response. He says, they’re all leaders. And so it was captain by committee on that team, and I think that shows in the success that they had in the playoffs this year.

And on top of the success in the playoffs, two coaches won Coach of the Year awards: Mr. Sowden, who’s seated with us here today, and also Natalie Mullan, who coached the women’s volleyball team. So tremendous year for them, and I look forward to a member’s statement outlining a little more of their success this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Stonebridge.

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the Sask NDP [New Democratic Party] caucus, as the shadow minister for Parks, Culture and Sport and as a former teacher who refereed more basketball than I coached, it’s a pleasure to have you here today. I was walking by some of you in the hallways and I was pretty confident you were either a volleyball team or a basketball team.

So congratulations to the Briercrest Clippers. To Shane and Damon, I know what goes into coaching and all the extra time you spend outside of your other obligations. And congratulations on winning the championship a month ago. It’s always a pleasure whenever we get a chance to beat up on the Albertans. So congratulations. Welcome to your Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Advanced Education.

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. I want to join the government member and the opposition member in welcoming the team and the leadership group from Briercrest to their Legislative Assembly.

Dr. Michael Pawelke. Dr. Pawelke gave a great speech this morning that members from both sides of the House were able to take in. It’s great to see him and the leadership team.

And I just want to speak for a second about the great institution that is Briercrest. It’s an institution that is part of our post-secondary advanced education family in Saskatchewan here. It’s well regarded both academically and athletically across the country. You know, their motto is “education that disciples.” And they certainly are able to do that and make us very proud in our province. So as minister, I’d like to welcome them and to ask all members to do the same.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Mount Royal.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for an extended introduction.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has requested leave for an extended introduction. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First off I have a few folks I want to introduce here today.

First off I want to join in the welcomes to the team from Briercrest. I want to give a specific shout-out to a constituent, Oroma Bongomin, who’s here today. I’ve been awfully lucky to get to know his dad, Ercoph, over the years. These are wonderful leaders in the community, and I know just an exceptional athlete there as well. I want to say hi to the Hills boys as well. Paul is also a friend, your dad. And I know he’s so incredibly proud of you guys as well.

So I ask all members to join with me in recognizing these leaders.

And while on my feet, Mr. Speaker, seated in the west gallery, wow, what a good-looking bright bunch up there. The future of this province is in good hands. It’s my pleasure to welcome the class from St. Pius here today. These are students, they look like grade 8s to me, but they’re grades 4, 5, and 6, they tell me. I had a brief chat with them as they came in here today, and I look forward to visiting later here as well.

Fifty students. I want to welcome their teachers Ms. Friesen and Mr. Alla and any of the chaperones that have joined them here today, Mr. Speaker. And I ask all members to provide a very warm welcome to this group from St. Pius.

And a little special shout-out. I need all folks to give me a hand here. To you and through you, seated in the west gallery, starting on defence, number 7, Luke Van Luven. Mr. Speaker, it’s my pleasure to welcome Luke Van Luven to his Assembly. This kid is rock solid, a force on the ice, an incredible, incredible talent. Incredible on defence, can get that puck to the other end as well, Mr. Speaker, real fast.

And he’s an incredible kid off the ice, a rock as well, Mr. Speaker. An awesome kid, an amazing student, a caring and hard-working guy, a good friend of William’s as well — my son — a big Canucks guy. And I want to welcome him. I can attest as well, this kid knows how to catch big fish, Mr. Speaker.

And through him I want to give just a special shout-out to his dad, Coach Shea Van Luven. Mr. Speaker, his dad epitomizes the best in coaching excellence. The talent, the care, the commitment, the heart and the soul that that guy brings to the rink and to his teams is nothing short of extraordinary. You’re simply not going to find a finer coach around. Had the pleasure again this year of being on his squad, having William learn from him. We’ve been with him in the past as well. And not only does he coach that U‑11 [under 11] squad, Mr. Speaker, he also coaches the Martin hockey students, provides exceptional care to that program as well.

And he also coaches the Adam Herold camps, Mr. Speaker, those camps that were set up to remember Adam Herold who was lost in the Humboldt Broncos tragedy. And Shea and that team and that foundation and those camps, they go out across largely rural Saskatchewan and extend incredible coaching and hockey development to so many. So thank you to Shea. Thank you to mom Danielle, who’s a big part of that team’s organization as well. They run it like a finely tuned machine. But I ask all members to join with me in providing a very warm welcome to number 7, Luke Van Luven.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Remote and Rural Health.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, it is my pleasure to take this opportunity to introduce a constituent of mine, Brian Crossman, who is seated in your gallery.

Brian and I go way back. When his daughters were younger, I actually had the opportunity to babysit them. So Brian is now a partner in Independent Well Servicing in Estevan and has been a great advocate for the oil and gas industry in Saskatchewan as well as Canada, Mr. Speaker, so much so that he has taken up being a writer. For those interested he has some very good articles that have been published in Pipeline Online, and I highly recommend them to everybody in the House to take a look at.

And he’s much more than a successful businessman. Brian and his wife, Val, have been very instrumental over the past couple of years helping Ukrainians settle in our community. They arrange housing, supplies, get them acquainted with Estevan as well as working to help them get jobs in the community. So please join me in welcoming Brian to this his Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to pop up for a second. On behalf of the opposition, just add my welcome to the minister’s to Brian, who I don’t know nearly as well as the member opposite, but I have had the privilege of getting to know a little bit over the past, God, four or five years, mostly though his staunch advocacy for the community of Estevan, the energy industry in Saskatchewan as a whole.

I’ve really appreciated the relationship that we’ve been able to build and your contributions not just to your community but also to the important journalistic work that you do, again for your community but also for the province of Saskatchewan as a whole.

So on behalf of the official opposition, we’d just like to extend our thanks and our welcome to Brian to this his Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

David Chan: — I request leave for an extended introduction.

Speaker Goudy: — Member has requested leave for an extended introduction. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

[13:45]

David Chan: — Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I’d also like to add my greetings and introduce our former member for Yorkton, Greg Ottenbreit. Don’t let looks fool you; he’s still an old man.

Just to tell you a little story about Greg, you know, he really mentored me in this process. He was incredible support through the journey of the campaign. And everyone sitting in this Chamber knows how much stress that can be, how much of a learning curve that is. And Greg, you know, was there every step of the way for me.

But my very first introduction to caucus in person, as I was standing up to introduce myself, Greg says to me, when you introduce yourself, here’s what I want to say: “Yorkton’s finally happy they have a good MLA,” introducing myself. So you know, he’s got a great sense of humour but he has left an indelible mark on Yorkton. He’s served for 17 years. You know, he’s opened the doors wide for me. I always like to say, he opened the doors very wide and at the same time he left some remarkably large shoes to fill. So I don’t know whether to thank you for that or what, but please join me in welcoming Hon. Greg Ottenbreit to his Legislative Assembly.

And while I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, there is someone else in your gallery that I would like to mention, someone that I know from my childhood growing up. I don’t know if he’s a pastor anymore, but he was certainly in the town of Kamloops, BC [British Columbia] where I was growing up. He served the community of Kamloops and he was always passionate about raising up the next generation. And you know, he had an impact on my life and so I’m going to call him by the title that I know him by. Please, everyone, join me in welcoming Pastor Tim Schindel to his Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Acres.

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to join with the member from Regina Mount Royal in welcoming the group from St. Pius. But I want to single out one special person up there, my niece Poppy, who is here with her class. And she’s not going to be happy I’m doing this but that’s okay. I don’t have everyone like . . . Sorry, Poppy, it’s not as good an introduction as he got but . . .

[Interjections]

Jared Clarke: — Oh, man. Oh, I feel like I just want to . . . Poppy is a great . . . And they’re all doing it now too. This is great. The order is being lost in this building, Mr. Speaker.

Poppy is a great dancer. She’s a great artist. I’m looking forward to her FadaDance recital in May. And I want to just say how great of a sister I think she is to her new little brother and sister and of course her older brother too.

But I would like all members in the Assembly to join me in welcoming Poppy to her Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Well I just wanted to make one introduction as well of a group that’s here, but I want to start off at the back of the room there with Greg Ottenbreit. He introduced an individual to a lot of us in this Chamber today, and some of us got to know him since Greg has left. But Greg Ottenbreit was a person who introduced me first to Fred Hill. And Fred Hill has done a lot of good things in the building and served us very well as chaplain to many of us. And he introduced us to Tim Schindel and this whole Leading Influence organization.

And some of the staff from Leading Influence are here today. We appreciate having you. They put on a breakfast this morning for us all. Probably half of this Chamber showed up for breakfast, many from both sides of the House. And one of the things that President Michael Pawelke from Briercrest brought out very clearly was that the future leaders need to have competency and build their life and their leadership on character. And so this young group that are seated in the Speaker’s gallery, I want to commend them for their pursuit of mentorship and learning from their elders and the leaders around them. They asked some great questions. They’ve been pursuing excellence of character and competency.

And I think, as the member mentioned for the classroom in the west gallery, we see that there’s a bright future for Canada’s future. And so I just want to welcome Leading Influence and all of the members, the servants there and the kids, the future leaders of this country to their Legislative Assembly. So welcome.

Yes, where are we at? Oh, it’s an intro. Well there we go. I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My apologies for being back on my feet, but as I turned around to beam at the member for Walsh Acres, I saw sitting in the gallery Mr. Jason White, who’s here in the legislature today I believe from Melfort, proud resident of Melfort and Vice-Chair of the Canadian Propane Association. Just does incredible advocacy work both in his community and on behalf of his industry.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with him and the folks from CPA [Canadian Propane Association] a few times. And I just wanted to take a moment and recognize Jason both for the work that he does with CanGas on behalf of the prairies overall as well as the work that he does at home in Melfort and with the Canadian Propane Association. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I’d like all members to join me in welcoming Jason to this, his Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I’ve been spoofed, eh. Well I didn’t even notice you up there, Jason. He was supposed to be here tomorrow morning, but that’s the way Melfort rolls. So welcome, Jason.

And I just want to say one thing about Jason and I that we have in common, not only graduating in 1989 together but we both married up. Melissa and Tannis, friends that work together in the education system, two friends that are very thankful to be a part of a great community, and married well. Welcome here, Jason.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Chief Mistawasis.

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly calling to improve standards of eligibility for LTC, long-term care. We the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to our attention the following: wait times to be admitted for LTC can be several months long, resulting in some seniors to stay in the hospital for lengthy periods, remain at home without adequate care. Families with seniors on wait-lists may be forced to engage in private home care even if they can’t afford it long term.

And if I may interject, it’s about 10 years ago that I did this one year after the other with both my parents. And it is a difficult challenge. And in spite of our great privilege, it’s a very challenging place. So many other families who have engaged in private home care as a stopgap measure while on wait-lists have been denied long-term care placements on the grounds that they can afford to continue paying for private home care.

We, in the prayer read as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to work directly with seniors, long-term care homes to improve the standards of eligibility for people seeking admittance to long care.

The signatories today are from Regina. I do so submit.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour today to rise from my chair and present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan calling for the recognition of the Timber Bay residential school as a provincially run residential school, release of the school records, a formal apology, and compensation for the survivors.

The undersigned residents of Canada wish to bring to our attention the following: that survivors of the Timber Bay residential school have been denied the Indian residential school settlements that other sites received on the basis that the school was run by the province of Saskatchewan rather than operated by the federal government.

The province of Saskatchewan oversaw approximately 2,000 children attend the school in Timber Bay, which operated between 1952 and 1994. Timber Bay residential school is the only residential school in Canada with an open RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] investigation surrounding historical crimes.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to recognize the Timber Bay school as a provincially run residential school, release the school records to the survivors, offer the students of this school a formal apology, and compensate the survivors.

The signatories of this petition reside in La Ronge. I do so present.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition calling on the government to reverse the ban on third-party sex ed providers in public schools. These citizens wish to bring to our attention that banning third-party providers of sexual health education will mean that fewer kids get access to evidence-based sex education, which we need, given that Saskatchewan has the highest rates of teen pregnancy, STIs [sexually transmitted infection], and HIV [human immunodeficiency virus] transmission in the country, and the highest rates of sexual assault and domestic violence in the country.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately reverse its policy decision to ban third-party sexual health educators in Saskatchewan schools and listen to experts and stakeholders in developing comprehensive sex education curriculum for all publicly funded schools.

This is signed by individuals from Regina today, Mr. Speaker. I do so present.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Southeast.

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling for mandatory intimate partner violence education.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: IPV [intimate partner violence] costs are paid by the government for items like criminal and civil justice systems and health care systems. Annual estimated losses to employers from IPV are over 77 million in Canada. Workplace orientation would include all genders from all walks of life and all areas of the province.

And with that, I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately mandate education on intimate partner violence be included in the orientation process for all new employees across all workplaces in the province.

The undersigned residents reside in Saskatoon and Osler. I do so present.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present our petition calling for opening up vacant housing units for occupancy in Saskatchewan.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to our attention that both the Provincial Auditor and the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association have observed approximately 3,000 Sask Housing units are currently vacant across Saskatchewan, including about 129 units in Prince Albert, 280 in Saskatoon, and 700 in Regina; that the vast majority of unhoused people in Saskatchewan are Indigenous, a legacy of colonialism; that homelessness has tremendous costs, a human cost paid by unhoused people and a dollar cost paid by taxpayers.

According to one estimate, every $10 invested towards housing and support of chronically homeless individuals results in a savings of $21.72 related to health care, social support, housing, and the involvement in the justice system.

We, in the prayer reads as follows, and I will read the prayer:

We call upon the Government of Saskatchewan to renovate Sask Housing units that require renovation, make units available and affordable, and ensure that all currently vacant Sask Housing units are occupied as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, the signators reside in Regina. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Southeast.

World Autism Awareness Day

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today, April 2nd marks World Autism Awareness Day, the beginning of World Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, promoting inclusion, and advocating for meaningful support for individuals living with autism.

The theme for this year’s Autism Awareness Day is focused on celebrating differences. Even with this focus there remains misconception, stigma, and discrimination which creates unnecessary barriers to education, employment, and full participation in society.

By recognizing World Autism Awareness Day, we reaffirm our commitment to understanding, listening, and working together with those individuals on the autism spectrum to build a stronger and well-informed system of support and better policies.

[14:00]

By including those that live with autism in our most important conversations — giving them a platform to have their voices heard, their needs met through education and policy — we as a province can create a safe and supportive community.

I encourage each of us to take a moment this month to learn something new about autism, to listen to the experience of those affected, and to share the knowledge with our friends, families, and community. With greater understanding and stronger support systems, we can build a more inclusive, welcoming, and accessible society for all.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Kelvington-Wadena.

Appreciation for Oncology Nurses

Chris Beaudry: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday was Oncology Nursing Day in Canada, a day that has been celebrated for the past 22 years and recognizes the important work being done by nurses providing cancer care and treatment.

Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way, whether it’s personal or through family or friends. We know this is a stressful and uncertain time for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. Mr. Speaker, oncology nurses are often the first line of communication during cancer treatment. They bring comfort and compassion as well as much-needed specialized treatment.

Oncology nurses explain what is happening and provide overwhelming support for patients, their family, and friends. They take the time to explain to patients how a treatment will take place, what it does, and walk them through potential outcomes. They bring much-needed empathy and a high degree of expertise as they carry out their part in helping people through their cancer journeys.

Mr. Speaker, oncology nurses help people navigate this difficult journey. They see a patient’s lows, and they share the joy when treatment is successful. Oncology nurses cannot be thanked enough for the work they do daily, but I ask the House to join me in offering them our sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for the work they do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Westview.

Filipino-Canadian Organization Contributes to Ethnocultural Community

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise in the legislature today to recognize the Filipino-Canadian Association of Saskatchewan or FILCAS.

Established in 1973, FILCAS is a non-profit umbrella organization that provides a number of services to the Filipino-Canadian residents of Saskatchewan and works at building a stronger Filipino community in the province. Among their many services, FILCAS provides assistance to Filipino newcomers and organizes events that promote and preserve Filipino culture.

I had the opportunity this past December to attend the Winter Gala event hosted by FILCAS, where their board recognized their many volunteers and supporters. In January, I also attended the second annual Champions for Change Gala in Saskatoon, hosted by the People Bridge Advocacy. This event recognized numerous individuals and organizations for their contributions to the ethnocultural community in Saskatoon. And I was pleased to see co-presidents of FILCAS Janine Lazaro and Jenelyn Santos Ong were recognized as the Female Leader Champions of the Year.

I wish to congratulate Janine and Jenelyn on this well-deserved award and thank the members of FILCAS for all the work they do for Filipino Canadians in Saskatchewan. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Canora-Pelly.

Sturgis Student Wins National Award for Poetry Honouring Veterans

Sean Wilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Legion National Foundation along with the assistance of the Royal Canadian Legion and our local schools across Canada encourage students to honour Canada’s veterans by remembering them through art and writing.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Jake Soltys who is currently a grade 12 senior student at Sturgis Composite School. Jake was awarded the most prestigious award of first place through the annual National Youth Remembrance Contest. His entry in the senior poetry category, titled “A Tribute to the Brave,” won him and a guest an all-expense-paid trip to Ottawa and an opportunity to represent the youth of Canada at the national Remembrance Day ceremony held at the National War Memorial.

The trip took place November 9th to 12th and the itinerary included a tour of the Senate of Canada building, Speaker’s office, House of Commons, Canadian War Museum, and the National Arts Centre. This is the first time in the history of the school that a youth advanced through all the levels and was honoured with the first place win, according to a local Legion representative.

Not only was the trip to Ottawa the honour, but Jake also won a $1,000 cash prize. His poem will be displayed at the National War Museum for one year and a plaque commemorating his achievement will be placed at the school. I ask all members to congratulate Jake on his achievement. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Silverspring.

Call for Economic Leadership in Face of Tariffs

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Trump tariffs are threatening businesses, livelihoods, and futures. People in my riding are rightly worried about their jobs, the businesses they own and they work at, their kids, their neighbours, and how they’re going to manage through this difficult time.

And yet there is no relief forthcoming from this Sask Party government, no plan to address the economic crisis under way other than hoping against all hope that one day the president of the United States will come to his senses and reverse course. Until that day comes, Mr. Speaker, the people in my riding of Saskatoon Silverspring need a provincial government who will pave a way forward to support local businesses, our industries, and our economy in this time of need. It’s high time that the people of Saskatchewan have a government that fights back as hard as they do by shopping local, avoiding American products, and refusing to do business with American companies.

Mr. Speaker, they don’t understand how their Premier and their government can remain so silent on the greatest economic crisis to hit this province since the Great Depression. Now is the time for this government to show real leadership. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Kindersley-Biggar.

Saskatchewan’s Education System Produces Aerospace Visionary

Kim Gartner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I want to speak about an exceptional individual that is a product of our school system.

Chantelle Baier grew up on the family farm just south of the community of Macklin. After learning to learn and graduating from Macklin School, Chantelle pursued a passion in science. As the visionary CEO [chief executive officer] of the first woman-owned space company, 4Space, Chantelle wishes to expand on research and development areas that provide sustainable solutions from space with a focus for earth.

4Space is currently working on several lunar missions, co-operating with governmental space agencies and the private space sector. On February 4th of this year, Chantelle’s company had four payloads on the Blue Origin lunar gravity mission. The project led by 4Space sponsored science payloads in combination with payloads for commercial application.

A previous project in 2024 had Chantelle’s company design a special art cube to hold, transport, and protect artist Jeff Koons’s Moon Phases project, the first lunar art gallery.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan’s education system produces some of the most brilliant minds anywhere in the world. Let’s not forget to celebrate the successes of our education system and students like Chantelle Baier that shoot for the stars.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Lumsden-Morse.

Briercrest Men’s Basketball Team Wins Conference Championship

Blaine McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Briercrest College men’s basketball team recently finished a successful season, capturing the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference basketball championship, which earned them a trip to the national championship in Montreal, where they finished fifth.

The ACAC [Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference] championship was the first gold medal for the men’s program at Briercrest since joining in 1996. In the regular season the team finished with a 19 and 1 record and earned the right to host this year’s conference championship. The only Saskatchewan-based school in the conference did an unbelievable job hosting the event, winning the gold medal against the defending national champions.

Many team plus individual accolades were celebrated throughout the season, highlighted by a pre-season win versus the University of Saskatchewan. And players Jude, Francis, and Oroma were named to the all-conference teams. And Jude was also named Player of the Year by both conferences.

An unbelievable season with many memories started way back in August with the second annual father-son retreat. The theme was Psalm 37:4, “Delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” And Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you.”

Briercrest’s basketball program uses the game of basketball to equip men to be committed husbands and engaged fathers in light of eternity. Next season the team looks to continue its strong play on the provincial and national stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let’s congratulate them.

QUESTION PERIOD

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Government Response to Tariffs

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, the Sask Party government has been missing in action on tariffs for months. Their response has been weak and meek every step of the way. And now later today Donald Trump is set to impose tariffs that will do real damage to people and our economy. Why has the Sask Party done nothing to protect Saskatchewan people from this existential threat to our province?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Just simply not the case, Mr. Speaker. The members opposite said this yesterday as well. They said that we haven’t done anything, said there hasn’t been a plan, Mr. Speaker. Actually there has been a plan, and I’ll get more into that later, but, Mr. Speaker, we’ve taken a number of actions.

The best way we can deal with this, Mr. Speaker, is make sure that the people of Saskatchewan, if they’re affected by tariffs, if it increases the cost of living, that they have affordability measures in place, Mr. Speaker. And the most noticeable one was yesterday, Mr. Speaker, was carbon tax freedom day in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, we’ve also in the plan that I’ll . . . Like I’ll wrap up in a minute, Mr. Speaker. We had supported the removal of the carbon tax. That’s happening, Mr. Speaker. We support vital infrastructure projects, Mr. Speaker. That’s happening. Mr. Speaker. We are working hard on other trading partners around the world so we’re not so reliant on one customer, Mr. Speaker.

The Premier’s been a champion of this. We’ve opened trade offices. He’s on a trade mission right now, Mr. Speaker. And the plan that the members seem to have forgot about, Mr. Speaker, I’ll table it in the House. It was voted on in the Assembly two weeks ago. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump’s tariffs have been heading toward our province like a slow-moving freight train for months. The Sask Party has had months to act. They’ve had months to make a contingency, and they’ve done nothing at all. They’ve been weak and meek all along, and it’s Saskatchewan people who are going to pay the price. “Wait and see” isn’t good enough for Saskatchewan people. So why is it good enough for that Finance minister?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, this seems very repetitive in the House, Mr. Speaker, but the fact of the matter is, is that that just isn’t the case. Mr. Speaker, what’s been happening, we’re extremely concerned about the impact that tariffs are going to have, Mr. Speaker. It’s a ridiculous thing, this trade war, Mr. Speaker, instigated by the president of the United States. Nobody’s going to win by this. It’s going to damage both economies.

So the best thing we can do for the province of Saskatchewan is make sure we’re prepared from a position of strength so we can help our citizens absorb this, Mr. Speaker. That’s why there’s so many affordability measures in the budget, the budget that’s going to help the budget of every family in this province, of every business in this province, of every municipality in this province, Mr. Speaker. That’s what we’re doing to prepare for this.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina University.

Impact of Tariffs on Industry

Sally Housser: — Thank you. Mr. Speaker, “wait and see” is not good enough for Saskatchewan people, but that’s been the Sask Party’s only plan. And the Energy minister confirmed as much at committee on Monday night. I asked what analysis had been done on what the impacts of tariffs on our natural resource sector would be. The answer, and I quote, “I can’t speculate on it. There are no tariffs at this point . . . There’s no impacts at this time on the industries.”

Mr. Speaker, industries are impacted. Even before today’s announcement, businesses are already having to consider layoffs and what the future holds. The Sask Party has no plan, no contingency, and they haven’t done any analysis on what this means for our energy and mining industries. How can the government justify the fact they’ve done zero work on this file?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Energy and Resources.

Hon. Colleen Young: — Mr. Speaker, as has already been mentioned, the Government of Saskatchewan is strongly opposed to the imposition of any tariffs by the Government of the United States as well as any countervailing duties or export taxes imposed by the Government of Canada.

Saskatchewan’s resource industries are integral to the economy of the United States and represent commodities that cannot be easily replaced with increased United States domestic production or imports from other countries. We have taken many steps to support our industries throughout the year. We will continue to do that, and we did that yesterday by removing the carbon tax off of all industrial producers.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina University.

[14:15]

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are thousands of good jobs at stake in our energy and mining sectors, but “wait and see” is all we’ve heard from this government. Mr. Speaker, they’ve tried nothing, and they’re all out of ideas. Again, a direct quote from the minister:

If there are impacts, I guess we’ll have to wait and see what that might look like . . . But I am not going to predict the future and I’m not going to speculate . . .

Mr. Speaker, we’re not asking the minister to get out the crystal ball. We’re asking for her to do her job. Will the minister provide the House with some kind, any kind of idea of what these tariffs mean for energy jobs and the province’s bottom line?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Energy and Resources.

Hon. Colleen Young: — Mr. Speaker, we are very supportive of our industries and resource industries in this province. We are backing them every step of the way.

To be able to speculate on what those tariffs mean for those industries would be wrong on our part at all. The proposed timing of any tariffs on this valuable and important Sask commodities and resources in this country and in this province are very detrimental to these industries.

But we are there for them every step of the way, and that’s why we created affordability programs. That’s why we removed the carbon tax completely off of everything in this province.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Impact of Tariffs on Workers

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Tariffs are bad for the province because they are bad for workers. The Sask Party’s budget has no plan and no contingency to protect Saskatchewan workers, and their threadbare analysis — just a few paragraphs in that budget — doesn’t mention jobs at all.

Mr. Speaker, simple question for this Sask Party government: how many jobs could be lost due to Donald Trump’s tariffs that are set to come this afternoon?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, obviously we don’t know the impact until we know what tariffs President Trump puts on. Mr. Speaker, what we are doing however is we are positioning our businesses to be in the best possible position to weather those tariffs, whether it’s Evraz with the announcement by the Crown Investments Corp. minister a week or so ago and the purchase there, or whether it’s the carbon tax removal that makes sure our businesses have a competitive advantage across the country, Mr. Speaker.

On top of that, workers are also families, Mr. Speaker. The affordability measures I mentioned earlier today help everybody in this province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Mr. Speaker, the Sask Party government simply does not care about working people in this province. They completely ignored . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I’ll actually ask the member to withdraw his statement and apologize.

Nathaniel Teed: — I withdraw and apologize, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much.

They completely ignored workers in their so-called analysis of the impact tariffs could have on our economy.

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to ask you again. You can’t say that they’re ignoring the people of the province. Please frame the question in an honourable way.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. There was no mention of workers in the analysis that this Sask Party did on the threat of tariffs in Saskatchewan.

So, Mr. Speaker, we know that the tariff threat is real, but the Sask Party’s tariff response has been meek and weak since the beginning. Again, can somebody over there on that side of the House tell me how many jobs will be lost due to Trump’s tariffs? And if they can’t, what the heck have they been doing all this time?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC [Crown Investments Corporation].

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And this government has been taking action to support workers who are directly impacted by tariffs right now — Evraz, who are facing a 25 per cent tariff. That’s why this government came forward with a plan working with the company, working with the USW [United Steelworkers] to have a procurement in place to keep those individuals working.

But the long-term solution, for example at Evraz, what is it? It’s about getting pipelines and infrastructure built, Mr. Speaker. And we heard some really disturbing news yesterday from Mark Carney, the current Prime Minister, Mr. Speaker, who committed to no more pipelines, keeping C‑69 in place. This raises a very real question. Who are we going to be supporting in this province to make sure that we can get pipelines built?

They have a very clear question to answer. Who will they be voting for? Only one federal leader is supporting new pipeline development in this province. That’s Pierre Poilievre. Are they supporting Mark Carney or Jagmeet Singh?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Mount Royal.

Impact of Tariffs on Agriculture

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, that minister and that government has been selling out the workers at Evraz for years, Mr. Speaker, sending contracts and money elsewhere. And of course we’ll stand up against that carbon tax, and of course we’ll stand up for pipelines in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

This government, it’s clear, has no plan for jobs, no plan as well for agricultural producers in this province. Tariffs from China are already hitting producers hard. Trump tariffs will provide a very significant negative impact on agriculture and our provincial economy. The Sask Party and the fed government need to pull out all the stops to get those tariffs dropped, and until they are, both levels of government need to step up with a plan to backstop to protect producers who have so much at stake.

What’s the Sask Party’s plan to step up and to have the backs of the producers of this province?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Of course we’ve put forward a significant plan on how we’re going to address tariffs. A big part of that, Mr. Speaker, is making sure that we can get infrastructure built in this country to get our energy commodity, agricultural commodities to tidewater.

With regard to energy, that means one thing, Mr. Speaker. That means pipelines. There is one federal party in this race that are advocating for pipelines to be built to make sure that hundreds of people can continue to work at Evraz. That’s the Conservative Party, Mr. Speaker.

They need to answer this question because it is a real one: who will they be supporting? Will they be supporting Pierre Poilievre? I think not. Will they be supporting Mark Carney or Jagmeet Singh and a vote against this province?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Mount Royal.

Trent Wotherspoon: — What a pathetic and weak response from that minister. Asked a question . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I think you knew I’d stand up on that one. I think you can apologize. “Pathetic and weak” is not parliamentary language.

Trent Wotherspoon: — I withdraw and apologize.

Mr. Speaker, the question was asked about agricultural producers. They’re taking a hit right now. Not a single response focused on those producers across this province, Mr. Speaker. No plan. No answer. They haven’t even incorporated any analysis of tariffs into this budget, or their impacts.

Let’s take the livestock sector. There was no answer on the crop side from the minister there. Our beef industry is fully integrated with the US [United States]. If cattle and feed can’t move, it would be a disaster for this industry.

What does the Minister of Agriculture have to say to all the livestock and beef producers who have so much at risk? What’s the Sask Party’s plan to protect our beef and livestock sector?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. Daryl Harrison: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a livestock producer myself, I’m keenly aware of the implications of tariffs. I want to say this government has and will continue to be there for our producers. We have been engaging and been responsive to the recent challenges by removing the industrial carbon tax. Producers will see hundreds of dollars in savings this year alone. Industry agrees with this initiative.

And I quote the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association: “We fully support the provincial government’s declaration of Saskatchewan as the first province in Canada to be carbon tax free.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Provincial Budget and Response to Tariffs

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. What a welcome opportunity for agreement because we also support the removal of the carbon tax. But if this was the plan for that government, why didn’t they put it in their budget? Because, Mr. Speaker, even this government’s Trump-loving friends in Alberta figured out that they should be planning for the devastating impacts of a trade war.

The Alberta government’s projections note that up to 90,000 jobs could be lost over three years as a result of Donald Trump’s tariffs. Their deficit could grow to $3.5 billion, and unemployment could surge to nearly 8 per cent. But when we asked the Sask Party Finance minister to produce the same numbers, he didn’t seem to have a clue.

How many Saskatchewan jobs are at risk and how big could the deficit grow? How high could unemployment surge?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Obviously that’s going to depend on what the president of the United States announces today, how long those tariffs will be on — all those things, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the member mentioned, she said that we have agreement on removal of the carbon tax, for the first time actually, Mr. Speaker. But the members opposite voted for that the other day, which was great.

But, Mr. Speaker, here’s the other thing they voted for recently, Mr. Speaker, is the eight-point plan to deal with the tariffs. And yet they stand in the House today and say there’s no plan. Mr. Speaker, I tabled it; I’d welcome them to read it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Mr. Speaker, I’d respectfully suggest that the Finance minister keep up. Put down the phone, stop the Instagram internet stalking, and pay attention because Alberta, BC, Manitoba, Nova . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I’m sorry, did you use the word “stalking”? I would ask the member to apologize for that type of language.

Aleana Young: — I withdraw and apologize.

Speaker Goudy: — Thank you.

Aleana Young: — Mr. Speaker, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, BC — they all have plans. And day after day we hear from that Finance minister no answer. Today of all days, you’d think we would get one. But maybe, Mr. Speaker, it’s time for a new Finance minister because I’m not sure what he’s actually doing all day.

Small businesses are out speaking to local media and have been for weeks, saying that they’re feeling the effect of tariffs and the threat of more tariffs. People are already living this, Mr. Speaker. Costs are rising. Consumers and families are hurting. And yet the minister is sitting on his hands and touting a wait-and-see approach. People in this province are already suffering. There’s no supports for businesses, no supports for workers, and no plan. There’s nothing.

So my question to that minister is simple and straightforward: what in the world is he waiting for?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I can tell the House we are incredibly proud of our Finance minister and the plan that he’s put forward, a plan that has positioned us extremely well to deal with whatever is going to be coming through a balanced budget, which is putting us in the strongest position of any jurisdiction in the country to respond to tariffs.

But we have a really vital decision in front of us here, Mr. Speaker, about the carbon tax, for example, which the member referenced. There are two federal parties that are going to keep that carbon tax in place. And in fact, Mr. Speaker, those two federal parties are going to increase that carbon tax. That is the party led by Mark Carney and that is the NDP led by Jagmeet Singh. There’s one party that will get rid of the industrial carbon tax, Mr. Speaker.

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Please, again. We need to listen when answers are being given and listen when questions are being posed. Thank you.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Here’s the question they need to answer. They owe this answer to the people of this province. Will they be supporting Mark Carney or Jagmeet Singh or Pierre Poilievre? And I’m pretty sure it’s not Pierre Poilievre, Mr. Speaker. They owe this answer to the people of this province.

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to mention to the member from Saskatoon Meewasin . . . Thank you. I recognize the member from Saskatoon Stonebridge.

Government Procurement and US Contracts

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I asked the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport why we were relying on an American company to run our parks regulation system, which is due for its annual launch next week. We could be supporting the tech sector right here in Saskatchewan, and instead this government wants to prop up Texas. These are good jobs that could be based in Saskatchewan. Instead they’re in San Antonio.

Yesterday no one over there had a good answer on why, but it’s 24 hours later and I’m feeling hopeful these members will do the right thing. Will the minister stop using an American company to run our parks as soon as possible? Yes or no?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

[14:30]

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Aspira is the software used by our Sask Parks reservation system, and it’s been in place since 2021. The contract was awarded through a fair and a competitive process based on preset criteria for evaluation. There are only two companies in North America who are capable of providing the volumes that we require in Saskatchewan. This system has the capacity to manage up to 7,000 transactions a day.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people love camping, and with summer just around the corner we do not want or we will not disrupt our booking system. Our priority is stability.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Stonebridge.

Darcy Warrington: — I didn’t hear the response that delivers for you and Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday it was suggested by the government side that the only company able to run parks registration in Saskatchewan was based in Texas.

But that just isn’t the case. We phoned BC Parks, for example, and lo and behold their province actually runs their own parks system. This is also the case in other jurisdictions in Eastern Canada. Canadian jobs, Canadian software, Canadian technology — imagine that.

A BC Parks representative confirmed all this during a two-minute phone call, plus additional research. This Saskatchewan cabinet has had months to investigate Saskatchewan ministries that can invest in Saskatchewan people and companies.

Why is the Minister of Parks and Culture and Sport unwilling to send the Texas company in change of our parks packing and actually do something to support jobs here in Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The people of Saskatchewan are our priority. As I said, with summer just around the corner we are not disrupting our booking system. The people of Saskatchewan love camping, and we will see that they have a wonderful camping experience this summer too.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Acres.

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan boasts some of the most beautiful parks, lakes, and land for camping, hunting, and fishing, but if you or I want to do any of those things, any of the pastimes that are near and dear to our Canadian culture, you have to book it through an American company — a company that employs American workers, who is making a profit off of what it means to be Canadian.

The Minister for SaskBuilds said yesterday to the media that there might not be any Canadian companies that can provide this service. Does he really believe that there is no Canadian company that’s up to the job?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, we are working to reduce procurement from American companies, and it’s a very small amount already, Mr. Speaker. But sometimes it just doesn’t make sense, right?

Mr. Speaker, our two economies are so intertwined. That’s why this whole tariff war is ridiculous, Mr. Speaker. But sometimes it just simply doesn’t make sense, and the members opposite know that, Mr. Speaker. Every evening their leader tweets out their messages for the day, Mr. Speaker, on X. Mr. Speaker, well they don’t like that, but the fact of the matter, Mr. Speaker, is that Twitter is not a Canadian company. It’s an American company.

Mr. Speaker, there’s nothing wrong with that. There’s nothing wrong with what they’re doing, Mr. Speaker, except they’re saying do one thing, and then they do another. Mr. Speaker.

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, a company called NationBuilder does their website, Mr. Speaker. And when you go on, and you want to do a donation or something, Mr. Speaker, it’s Apple Pay. Both American companies, Mr. Speaker.

Again, I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with that. Our economies are so intertwined, Mr. Speaker, that this whole tariff thing makes no sense. And the problem, Mr. Speaker, they’re saying on one hand we should do one thing, yet they do another.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Mental Health and Addictions Supports for Northerners

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, people in the North are struggling without mental health and addictions supports that they need. There are too many people living with trauma that can’t get the help that they need. There are too many people that can’t get into treatment for their addictions, and the costs are real. We are losing people every day. Children are losing parents to overdose and suicide. We’re losing our young people. They’re left alone to grow up without a mother or their father. These deaths have to stop, Mr. Speaker.

When will the Sask Party government finally act and make sure that the people in northern Saskatchewan will have the mental health and addictions services that they need?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every loss of life due to suicide is a tragedy. And I do extend my condolences to those who have lost a loved one under these circumstances, Mr. Speaker.

We are taking action to address suicide through the Pillars for Life suicide prevention plan. This is in addition to numerous initiatives across government under Saskatchewan’s action plan for mental health and addictions, Mr. Speaker.

We support the Roots of Hope suicide prevention initiative which is actually funded in the communities of Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge, Meadow Lake, Prince Albert, and North Battleford, Mr. Speaker, northern communities.

And this initiative is actually led by the community with knowledge of culture, so Indigenous-led for Indigenous people, Mr. Speaker. And we will continue to support those efforts. We have the suicide crisis line 988, Mr. Speaker, that anybody can call from across the province. We have our HealthLine 811, Mr. Speaker. We really truly do want to help with any issues that people are having, Mr. Speaker.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 3

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 3 — The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Amendment Act, 2024 be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood.

Keith Jorgenson: — Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to start very briefly. Today is World Autism Day. My youngest is autistic and he’s home sick. He claims, he claims he’s watching the legislature right now, so I just wanted to give a shout-out to him. He really is a gift. He views the world in a way that I do not, and he is absolutely incapable of malice. He’s a wonderful young man.

Mr. Speaker, it’s a pleasure to stand on my feet for the first time to debate a bill in this grand building. You know, I got kind of the image as I was thinking about doing this of riding a bike as a kid and kind of going, you know, “Mom, no hands” because I’m speaking for the first time without a speech.

So, Mr. Speaker, I’m going to make some comments about Bill 3 and Bill 6 kind of at the same time, as I feel they’re trying to address a very similar problem. One of the questions I have is around who is going to be enforcing these Acts? And also, Mr. Speaker, have the individuals who are going to be enforcing these Acts been consulted about their enforcement?

Mr. Speaker, I taught for many years. And when I look at these bills I frankly kind of feel like I’m watching a student do a math question, and they get halfway through the math question and you know they’re not going to get the answer right.

Mr. Speaker, I understand personally in my bones the reason why this legislation has been introduced. You know, I own a business in Saskatoon core. We see surging vacancy rates, blight spreading, the symptoms of crime everywhere. And we also see business organizations listing these very things as being the chief barrier to their success.

One of my criticisms of this government always is their inability to see the interconnectivity of things, right. So I’m going to give kind of a bit of an odd comparison between Chicken Little and aliens, Mr. Speaker. We heard a speech earlier where somebody was referring to the members on this side of the House as being Chicken Little and being alarmist. And I think it’s very interesting when we, you know, get accused of talking about the sky falling when we literally have the roofs falling on people. So we have pictures of a roof almost falling on a kid’s head in a school and this Act, Act 3, that talks about collapsing buildings and derelict buildings.

You know, I mentioned aliens. My brothers and I used to have this funny little thought experiment that we would do over a few beers. And we would imagine if you found one or two items, whether it be an alien or somebody from another country found one or two items, and they judged us based solely upon those items, Mr. Speaker. So I would ascertain that if somebody from another country or an alien came and they judged Saskatchewan solely based upon Bill 3 and 6, what would they think of Saskatchewan? Would they think we were prosperous? Would they think that the government was doing a great job? I would ascertain not.

You know, Mr. Speaker, we are 18 years into this government. And this government is passing legislation to address bear spray and gang houses, and everything supposedly is just going great. And we’re asked to trust the wise old owl. But you know, I would say if our stores are selling more bear spray than they are bug spray, maybe it’s time for that wise old owl to retire, Mr. Speaker.

With that I move to adjourn debate, Mr. Speaker, on the bill.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 4

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jim Reiter that Bill No. 4 — The Workers’ Compensation Amendment Act, 2024 be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Acres.

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise today to enter into debate on Bill No. 4, The Workers’ Compensation Amendment Act, 2024. Of course this bill is extending coverage to wildland firefighters, those non-residents of Saskatchewan doing work outside of Saskatchewan for Saskatchewan employers.

We’re happy to see this bill coming forward, Mr. Speaker. You know, firefighters do amazing work in our province. And then it’s dangerous work and it exposes these amazing folks to carcinogens as they do what is needed to protect community, to protect industry, to protect, you know, the wild spaces of this province. And so absolutely we want to see these changes in the legislation so that those workers can be taken care of in the event that they, you know, develop cancer.

I do want to take a moment to note here, you know, every person in this province deserves to work in a safe environment. And making sure that we are taking care of firefighters is really important. Also seeing, you know, increases in wildfires again linked to climate change and increasing drought, increasing sizes of fires, and frequency of fires. And so we’re going to be calling on firefighters more and more into the future as these fires continue across the province.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 4. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 5

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jim Reiter that Bill No. 5 — The Saskatchewan Employment Amendment Act, 2024 be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, it’s my pleasure to rise and to enter into debate on Bill No. 5, The Saskatchewan Employment Amendment Act, 2024. Take a look at . . . Obviously the bill speaks to the employment amendment Act — employers can’t take, withhold or deduct from, or make employees return tips.

I’ve been taking a look at the summary based on this bill, Mr. Speaker, that sick notes are only required for employees who are sick for more than five consecutive days, or sick for two or more consecutive days at least twice in a year. They have the right to maternity leave extended from pregnancy lost at 13 weeks before the due date.

[14:45]

I also noticed, Mr. Speaker, that there’s a written notice that is only required for mass firings, layoffs for 25‑plus people at a time and not the 10‑plus, Mr. Speaker. Changes to the requirements for work schedule notice and meal breaks only need written consent of the employee. I was quite glad to see the improvement on these sick notes, but the threshold of two days twice in the year is too low and will discourage full rest and recovery, Mr. Speaker. That’s bad for workers in the health care system.

Glad to see that we’re aligning with most of Canada with these protecting tips. Extremely concerned to see that relaxing of the group, the termination notice through this threshold, Mr. Speaker. We’re in an economic crisis, and now is not the time to make it easier to fire people, Mr. Speaker.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I would move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 5, The Saskatchewan Employment Amendment Act, 2024, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 6

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 6 — The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood.

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you, thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I mentioned when I was talking about Bill 3, you know, I think there’s some concern and some questions around the enforcement of this bill as well as consultation of the individuals who will be tasked with enforcement.

You know, Mr. Speaker, I again personally understand the reason why this Act has been introduced. And, Mr. Speaker, I’ve several times been in a space that was bear sprayed. I know people who have been attacked by machetes. I know people who’ve been intimidated by machetes. But again, Mr. Speaker, I question the government’s ability to see the interconnectivity of this with other things that are going on in our province.

You know, Mr. Speaker, I won’t on this bill talk about aliens but I would mention sheep, and not the sheep on my farm but the concept of lost sheep. Mr. Speaker, I don’t necessarily talk about my faith a whole bunch, but certainly I spent most of my life working with young people who were involved in, you know, in conflict with the law. It was something that my personal faith called me to do.

I think sometimes when people talk about the concept of lost sheep, I think we think about it as, you know, somebody’s personal sacrifice. They’re going off selflessly. But I think there’s a deep wisdom in that concept, the idea that as a society, as a flock, we’re all in this together, Mr. Speaker. The success of all of us in society depends on each of our success.

And, Mr. Speaker, I would point out that, you know, in Saskatoon if we have 5 or 10,000 people addicted to drugs, we will never have a safe community, regardless of whether or not we pass this Act. And if we have 1,500 people living on the streets, as the most recent homeless count suggests, we will never have a safe community. And if we have hundreds of 12‑year-old boys carrying around machetes and bear spray in Saskatoon, we will never have a safe community.

I think until we address the reason why we think we need Bill 3 and Bill 6, we’re not going to have a safe community. But also, Mr. Speaker, because these are connected to thousands of costs that we as a society and a province bear, that we will never have a balanced budget until we address the reason why we think we need Bill 3 and Bill 6.

The last thing I want to say is this bill also does absolutely nothing to address the Sask Party’s revolving-door justice system, their catch-and-release justice system, Mr. Speaker. And I will mention . . . I’m glad I got you to laugh, member opposite. I’ll mention two stories from my business, one involving honey and one involving Justin Bieber. And the two stories are not linked to each other, I promise.

We had a gentleman who came into our bakery and opened several jars of honey and poured them on the floor and proceeded to lick the honey off the floor. It’s hard to do business with that, Mr. Speaker. We also had a woman come in who claimed she was Justin Bieber and started throwing everything around in the bakery at all of our staff.

On both occasions we called the police, but the police are often powerless. I would agree that we need more police officers, but as well as needing more police officers we need somewhere for the police officers to take people who are in conflict with the law and people who are delusional. I think a little-known fact is the very first thing that this government did when they came to power is cancel building a remand centre in Saskatoon. We needed those cells, Mr. Speaker.

You know, you can take away the bear spray from a 12‑year-old boy, but until you address the reason why the 12‑year-old boy is carrying bear spray around in Saskatoon, we will never have a safe community. Oh, and with that, Mr. Speaker, I adjourn debate on Bill 6.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 7

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 7 — The Court of Appeal (Residency) Amendment Act, 2024/Loi modificative de 2024 sur la Cour d’appel (résidence) be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise today and enter into debate on Bill No. 7, The Court of Appeal (Residency) Amendment Act, 2024.

I see that Humboldt is off the list of northern centres, and the judges alongside the Chief Justice are bumped up from six to seven judges, and that the Chief Justice may permit any given judge to reside in Saskatoon instead of Regina. We’d be curious to know why a judge would be permitted to reside in Saskatoon, and also if there’s any informal maximum as to how many can take up that offer.

This will be quite a transition for the people in and around Humboldt, which is where I’m from. Some may now struggle to access the important services here, and one needs to consider what the near future will bring with the influx of a lot of workers and support people for that major mine project with BHP Billiton in the near future.

So those are some concerns that we hope that we’ll be able to address when we do these discussions. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 7.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 8

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Everett Hindley that Bill No. 8 — The Child Care (New Facilities) Amendment Act, 2024/Loi modificative de 2024 sur les garderies d’enfants (nouveaux établissements) be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina University.

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today to enter into debate on Bill No. 8, The Child Care (New Facilities) Amendment Act.

A bit of a summary of the bill, of course. Some of the main things is expanding the size of child care home limits from 12 to 16. You know, people are looking for spaces, but what we’ve seen is workers in this industry already really stretched to their limit, and worry that this increase might contribute to that burnout that we’re hearing about a little bit more.

You know, one thing when we’re talking about child care in this province and the thing that we’ve heard so consistently, the NDP on this side of the House, is the need for the government to sign on to the federal $10‑a-day child care strategy. And I’ve heard the response from the government numerous times to say, “We’re still consulting. We’re still consulting. We need to hear from more people.” And I would love to know who the people they’re consulting with are that are saying, “Don’t sign this,” because we haven’t heard from a single one. And even, you know, the minister has said that this actually isn’t signed until . . . It doesn’t expire until next year.

But the thing is, like anybody, parents want certainty and businesses want certainty. A lot of these child care centres are businesses as well, Mr. Speaker. And if you don’t know if this program is going to exist next year or not, to make a business plan on how you’re going to pay your mortgage, how people are going to be registered, you can’t make a plan. And that is what is causing so much anxiety both in parents and in child care workers across the province right now. I mean removing that anxiety is the reason why almost every other province in this country has signed on to this. If you’re planning on doing it, if you want to give parents certainty, if you want to give child care homes certainty, why wouldn’t you sign it right now?

And again still looking for the government to produce a single person who’s saying, “You know what? Let’s not sign on to this right now. Let’s wait and see.” Because we certainly haven’t heard that on our side of the House.

One thing I do see that’s positive in this bill: having a board of directors with the majority of members being parents of the students who are enrolled in the child care facility. I think having that parent involvement in any facility, any organization, is excellent, and a little more of that kind of hands-on parent effect on the education.

But ultimately what we need to see more of in addition to this Act here is just getting it done, getting the certainty, and signing on to the federal child care Act. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I would move to adjourn debate on the bill.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 9

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jeremy Harrison that Bill No. 9 — The Traffic Safety Amendment Act, 2024 be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Pleasure once again to rise and enter into debate to Bill No. 9, The Traffic Safety Amendment Act of 2024. Mr. Speaker, obviously this bill speaks to adding regulation and making authority to allow other forms of document delivery that are in person or by mail.

And it’s totally understood, Mr. Speaker, that sometimes, you know, the mail just doesn’t arrive when it’s supposed to. It’s something that we see first-hand and in different parts of this province. Whether it be from the North or in the far South, sometimes we don’t get the mail when we need it, Mr. Speaker.

And I’d assume that this will allow for electric methods of delivery which we support obviously, Mr. Speaker. It makes sense to be able to do that so that way people would be able to get the documentation that they do need, Mr. Speaker. That lengthy Canada Post strike was just a big reminder of, you know, something that could possibly be able . . . that can happen here, Mr. Speaker. And you know, it’s not always the option, so I think about these electric methods of delivery would be great.

And not everyone, Mr. Speaker, has the luxury of being able to make their way in person, especially for those that have to travel a little ways to . . . You know, I know in my area of Beauval, Mr. Speaker, sometimes people have to travel from other communities that could be an hour away — or an hour and a half depending, you know — to be able to receive some of the services that we can definitely get here in the South, Mr. Speaker.

So with The Traffic Safety Amendment Act these are important documents that sometimes people aren’t getting. And so you know, take a look again if we could possibly look at the electronic methods of delivery. This is something that’s important, Mr. Speaker.

So with that, you know, we do have a few things that probably should be discussed, Mr. Speaker. And with that, I’m just going to say again, I move to adjourn debate on this bill, Bill No. 9, The Traffic Safety Amendment Act of 2024, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 10

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 10 — The Miscellaneous Statutes (Public Registries Enhancement) Amendment Act, 2024 be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina University.

[15:00]

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise today to enter into debate on Bill No. 10, the really excitingly named The Miscellaneous Statutes (Public Registries Enhancement) Amendment Act.

But you know, oftentimes bills, their name doesn’t belie the importance of them. There’s some really interesting effects in this one, one being that it allows the registrar now to accept documents signed using a digital signature. And I think that’s great to see the force of our public service and bureaucracy moving into kind of a more modern age in that respect. I mean obviously you want to ensure that any digitally submitted signatures are secure.

But luckily here in Saskatchewan, we’ve got an amazing tech sector and so many growing tech companies here in the province. The kind of innovation hub we have here in Saskatchewan is so promising, and there’s so many young people who are really engaged in it, and a lot of work being done in all these new systems we have. And so that, Mr. Speaker, is why it continues to be surprising to me that we can’t find somebody in Saskatchewan, or at least somebody here in Canada, who is able to administer our parks booking system or our hunting and fishing licensing.

I’m sure if you talk to any one of the people at one of our burgeoning innovation hubs here in Regina or across the province, you could talk to somebody and find somebody who is able to bring that technology, bring that expertise, and work with the government on making a made-in-Saskatchewan solution so that we’re not sending all the bookings for our most precious Saskatchewan activities being done through the States.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill 10, The Miscellaneous Statutes (Public Registries Enhancement) Amendment Act.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 11

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 11 — The Miscellaneous Statutes (Public Registries Enhancement) Amendment Act, 2024 (No. 2)/Loi modificative diverse (amélioration des registres publics) de 2024 (n° 2) be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina University.

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, it’s a twofer on this bill here today. Another interesting effect of this bill, Bill 10 and 11 here, is it grants the registrar authority to verify the identities of people who are searching, submitting, or mentioned in registry documents, and allows the registrar to disclose that information to law enforcement bodies.

And obviously we want law enforcement officials to have the tools they need to be able to combat crime here in Saskatchewan. We’ve talked a lot about the problems with crime, particularly in our urban centres across the province. But as in any change in law, you want to be conscious of unintended consequences. We certainly wouldn’t want, if somebody was searching a registry for a purpose of whistle-blowing or gaining information that might be damaging to the government in some way, that this provision wasn’t then used to target an individual in any way, shape, or form specifically.

But in general, Mr. Speaker, we hope that these new authorities do provide a level of security and ultimately approve of a general modernization of these Acts as we’re seeing here today. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill 11, The Miscellaneous Statutes (Public Registries Enhancement) Amendment Act of 2024.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 13

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jim Reiter that Bill No. 13 — The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Silverspring.

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again it’s always a privilege and an honour to stand in the Assembly and speak to these important matters. Today I’ll be addressing The Income Tax Amendment Act, Bill No. 13 as tabled by the government.

I have a number of thoughts on it. And I know our shadow minister will have some further thoughts of it down the road, but a number of things did occur to me. I see that it addresses a number of exemptions for basic personal, spousal, dependent children, and senior tax credits, and a number of other tax measures that it seeks to address.

And of course on this side, you know, we are supportive of any measures that make life more affordable for the people of the province. One thing that of course, I think, needs to be pointed out with respect to this is, you know, if anyone’s run a business — as my wife has for many years or myself for a short while — or if anyone has prepared taxes, a tax cut today doesn’t end up in your pocket today. You’ve got to wait until the next year to see if that tax cut will materialize.

And given the situation we’re facing economically, the threat of tariffs, we know from a number of the stakeholders we have engaged with that they are feeling the stress and the impact of this situation right now. You know, they need that support now. They need a plan now.

And so, much like with my wife’s business, you know, the tax cut only helps if you earn a profit, and it only helps if your doors are still open. And if your doors aren’t open, the tax cut is meaningless to you. It’s also meaningless to you if you don’t have a job and are trying to make ends meet or trying to find a way to live in these trying times. So there are those concerns, Mr. Speaker.

As well with respect to the amendment, it talks of the Saskatchewan small- and medium-sized enterprise credit, which is a worthy venture, which by all accounts we would support because it would purport to assist made-in-Saskatchewan companies and the jobs that that supports. But again in these uncertain times I wonder, I ponder just how successful this initiative will be when so many companies in this province are facing such an uncertain road ahead. It’s very difficult for them to plan ahead. It’s very difficult for them to determine whether or not they’ll even be around in a year. So we’ll keep a watchful eye on that initiative, but I have doubts and I have concerns that it’s not going to be as effective as it could be had the government maybe taken some proactive steps to provide supports for those businesses and those workers in the province.

Finally I would say, Mr. Speaker, it also looks to provide a fertility credit up to $10,000 or 50 per cent of a fertility treatment, whichever is less. That is a bit of a concern in that the average round of IVF [in vitro fertilization] in the province is 15 to $20,000 and that just won’t cover that amount. And it seems it’s only going to be available for in-province treatment. So we didn’t know that, you know, the government was suddenly against sending women out of the province for this procedure and for this very important health care initiative.

So I guess with that, those are our general concerns that I have, that we will have, we’ll be keeping an eye on. We were hoping for more direct support to people, cuts to PST [provincial sales tax] on groceries and children’s clothing, suspension of the gas tax. We were hoping that we were going to see some more of those initiatives that would help support you whether you have an income or not. But with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill 13.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 14

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jeremy Harrison that Bill No. 14 — The Power Corporation Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Stonebridge.

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to discuss and debate Bill No. 14, The Power Corporation Amendment Act. There’s a few things of interest for me when I read over the summary. Some of it was already well-known and may not have been required for the amendment. SaskPower and its subsidiaries are agents of the Crown. Profits are property of the Crown. SaskPower can lend, advance money to its subsidiaries and demand repayment.

These things may have already been known, but of more significance is the increased lending that will be required by SaskPower, moving from 10 billion to 14 billion. Certainly it is important for us to examine how power generation is brought about in our province.

I spoke with a constituent during the campaign about his concerns maintaining baseload, and that’s about 2000 megawatts. And at some point we’re routinely going to be over 4000 megawatts of energy use in a single day. So how are we going to achieve these things? It needs to be a combination of natural gas, solar, wind, potentially even nuclear, so all parts of the equation.

I’m really looking forward to learning more about how we can achieve these goals over the next several years so I understand the issues surrounding the proposed limit increase. We don’t want to borrow more than is required, and as a matter of fact we already owe $38 million, so we need to be cognizant of this moving forward.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 14.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 15

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Alana Ross that Bill No. 15 — The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur la réglementation des boissons alcoolisées et des jeux de hasard be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Silverspring.

Hugh Gordon: — Once again, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s great to have an opportunity to make some comments and share some thoughts with respect to Bill No. 15, The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, 2025. A couple of points with respect to this amendment is that SLGA [Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority] will be able to charge interest on late payments for alcohol and even enforce every payment with the same powers as other Crowns. And although we believe SLGA is a very valuable Crown and we want to see them empowered to collect the debts that they’re owed just like everyone else, Mr. Speaker, you know, a number of liquor vendors are struggling right now, as are a number of other businesses in the hospitality sector.

I recall we had a . . . our caucus, some of our caucus members had a meeting with Mr. Jim Bence from Hospitality Saskatchewan to discuss the challenges they are facing in this province. And a number of their members, in the face of tariffs once again, the looming shadow of tariffs, potential hazards ahead economically and financially for these members of theirs and for many others that are not, but we are just concerned that, with the growing number of entities struggling to pay on time, that that is only going to go up.

And so we would hope, and we’re hopeful to look and see what the minister will have, the government will have to say with respect to actually working with our vendors in this province in a co‑operative fashion to ensure that they’re able to maintain their doors open while maintaining their obligations, their debt obligations to SLGA.

Another portion of that bill, Mr. Speaker, also increases the penalties from $10,000 to $25,000 if on-reserve gaming employees, regulators, suppliers, and directors don’t obey the terms of their registration, as per the amendment to section 147.07(1). I know our shadow minister with respect to this ministry will have more to say about it.

But in discussing this matter with him just prior, you know, we are wondering if this is actually a problem, if that is why that particular part of the alcohol and gaming regulations needs to be amended. Is this really an issue with respect to our First Nations gaming partners and operators?

And obviously, you know, we want to make sure that the government understands — and I hope that they do — just that importance of the money from SIGA [Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority Inc.] and from other First Nation gaming operators in the province. Those dollars are so vital to support their communities and a number of initiatives. It’s so vast. It’s housing. It’s maintenance. It’s roads. It’s sewers. It’s jobs. It’s employment. It’s training. It’s education. It’s a variety of things that those dollars go towards to support.

[15:15]

And so you know, we don’t want to see the government again being heavy-handed with those operators in our First Nation communities without, again, giving them an opportunity to address any insufficiencies and to also fulfill their debt obligations while respecting the importance of the flow of those dollars to those communities.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill 15.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 16

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jim Reiter that Bill No. 16 — The Provincial Sales Tax Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Stonebridge.

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to discuss and debate Bill No. 16, The Provincial Sales Tax Amendment Act of 2025. The bill, summarized, removes PST exemption on vape products. We stand in support with our colleagues when it comes to encouraging good health, when it comes to discouraging the use of vape products. Back in November of 2023 we voted with them in terms of raising the minimum age for purchase of such products.

As a teacher, you know, several years ago, maybe four to eight years ago we were seeing high school students routinely using vape products outside their schools, in many cases within their schools. I’ve had the misfortune as an elementary teacher in seeing kids as young as grade 8, grade 7, even grade 6 using these products. Walking into spaces throughout buildings and noticing that vape products have been used, it’s discouraging. And I’m encouraged by this sort of an initiative as a means to discourage the use in particular of children with these vape products.

Of course we would like to see other changes to the PST, making life more affordable on things like many groceries, children’s clothing, second-hand vehicles, and because of my portfolio, concert tickets, live productions — reducing those sorts of things, but supporting the use of this PST exemption on vape products.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 16.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 17

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Warren Kaeding that Bill No. 17 — The Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive (Patent Box) Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Again of course it’s my pleasure to be able to rise and enter into debate on Bill No. 17, the Saskatchewan commercial innovation incentive amendment Act of 2025, Mr. Speaker. Obviously a really important bill.

And you know, the bill speaks to the incentive that extended another two years, which is great, Mr. Speaker, and also speaks to the economic eligibility test as removed from the program and requirements. And I think that, you know, with this bill, this is also a time to offer incentives to Saskatchewan-based companies, Mr. Speaker, especially when we’re at the time where we’ve been speaking a lot regarding these tariffs and ways that it’s going to affect not only families but people in the workforce, Mr. Speaker.

And so it’s important for us to look deeply into this, especially, you know, that there’s people that are struggling and going to continue to struggle based on the thing. To help reduce the dependence on US companies is something. Also, you know, we had my colleagues earlier today speak regarding the tariffs, for example, and US-based companies.

And there’s a lot of things that we’re more than capable of being able to do here in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, and in our country. There’s a lot of people that are definitely suited to be able to take on the responsibility based on this, Mr. Speaker, you know, and it’s something that needs to have further discussion.

This is why we’ve been so disappointed at how sluggish the Premier’s response to these tariffs were, Mr. Speaker. You know, we’re going through a tariff crisis. It’s something that was introduced, you know, where we’ve been . . . [inaudible] . . . the clock here for the whole day, and people were getting anxiety over this for weeks and for months. This is something that . . . This conversation was, you know, it’s not new. It wasn’t something that we just started talking about here just a week or so ago, Mr. Speaker.

When it comes to this bill we have to be about protection of people of this province, Mr. Speaker. It’s really important for us to be able to do that. You know, so it’s important for us to do more supporting of our Saskatchewan people and stop pleasing Trump. You know, like this is something that’s really important, Mr. Speaker, especially when we’re talking about all of these tariffs.

And we fully support made-in-Saskatchewan innovation obviously, Mr. Speaker, something we’ve talked about and been debating about here over the past few weeks. We have, like I said, a lot of capable people here in our beautiful province of Saskatchewan, right from our beautiful North to the southern parts of this province, Mr. Speaker. We’d be interested to know why the economic eligibility test hasn’t been disbanded, for example, Mr. Speaker. Why hasn’t this been done yet?

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I’d move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 17, the Saskatchewan commercial innovation incentive amendment Act, 2025. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 18

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jeremy Cockrill that Bill No. 18 — The Regulated Health Professions Act be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise again and enter into debate on Bill No. 18, The Regulated Health Professions Act. This Act will address the rules on creating and running a health college — college of surgeons, registered nurses, pharmacists, and the like. I’m very proud to say that I belong to a regulated college, CRNS, the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan.

All colleges, as we know, are a corporation and must be run by a council, and that council’s job is to create at least two committees, a professional conduct committee and a discipline committee. They can take action against a registrant more than two years after they leave a college. And they make regulatory and administrative bylaws.

They also make some administrative bylaws that are entirely under the purview of the council. Regulatory bylaws must be approved, of course, by the minister, which would regard the conditions of licensing, conduct ethics and hearings and investigations, deal with specialties in their various areas, and maintain the registries.

They carry out audits of practices and they maintain an annual report and a college website. They also regulate the use of the title, such as “nurse” in my case under CRNS. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn the debate on Bill 18.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Agreed. Carried.

Bill No. 19

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jeremy Cockrill that Bill No. 19 — The Regulated Health Professions Consequential Amendments Act, 2025/Loi de 2025 corrélative de la loi intitulée The Regulated Health Professions Act be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just like K-tel, I’m going to double the offer today and we are going to be discussing Bill No. 19. This bill is The Regulated Health Professions Consequential Amendments Act, 2025, Loi de 2025 corrélative de la loi intitulée The Regulated Health Professions Act.

It is essentially a companion document to help the provisions of Bill No. 18. Some of those provisions in a regulated college are the ones where the college can waive any rules in a public health emergency which we saw during COVID. The registrants can share and run for their office as with any other health care worker.

They can conduct committee as investigative powers. They can suspend a registrant during investigation and recoup costs. The discipline committee can also expel or suspend, reprimand, fine, or place any conditions, and their appeals then are made to the courts. Anyone expelled from the registry may apply for reinstatement and two or more colleges can amalgamate with permission from the minister.

Some of the concerns we have is that there is a very difficult time right now for health care workers in this province. And it’s our responsibility to help with their good functioning and governance. We will be talking to our stakeholders about whether this is the way to achieve that.

It’s a pity that the government won’t take more direction to improve the conditions of health care workers, thereby improving retention or hiring more specialists or even striking up a task force to communicate directly with people in the front lines.

We are very proud of the current health colleges that we have. Just recently I was talking to someone from the College of Registered Nurses here in Saskatchewan and they were telling me how proud they are to be a nurse, and the importance of their calling and responsibility to give safe, compassionate, and competent care to the public.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill 19.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved a motion to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 20

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Warren Kaeding that Bill No. 20 — The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Investment Tax Credit Act be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Thanks again, Mr. Speaker. Obviously it is my pleasure again to rise in the Assembly to enter into debate to Bill No. 20, The Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Investment Tax Credit Act, Mr. Speaker. Obviously the bill speaks to eligible equity investments directly issued by business and investors.

You know, one of the things as I said previous, Mr. Speaker, we definitely support a lot of things that are here in our beautiful province of Saskatchewan. We strongly support the made-in-Saskatchewan, and want to encourage the investment, Mr. Speaker.

And obviously the bill also speaks to businesses must register and investors must invest by June 30th of 2028. If a business gets back their shares within the three years, they have to pay back to the Ministry of Finance.

And I remember having the conversation based around monies and the way that they’re allocated in our province, Mr. Speaker. And quite surprising, you know, just yesterday in having a conversation in committee with the First Nations and Métis Relations minister, and we spoke about these different monies.

And you know, what I noticed over the past couple of weeks is that the Sask Party government wasn’t really great at answering questions when it came to where the money was being allocated. And obviously we had some strong words that were said in the Assembly here when it came to the tariffs for example, Mr. Speaker. And why we spoke of, you know, stuff being done and made here in Saskatchewan is to support our Saskatchewan residents, support our Saskatchewan business owners.

[15:30]

You know, it’s important of course to be able to do that, Mr. Speaker, to show them that support that they need. They’ve all worked very hard. Our people work very hard. This is a beautiful province that we have. It’s the heart of Canada, our beautiful province, Mr. Speaker.

So I’m not sure with the out-of-province investors they could also claim this tax credit, and this was one of the conversations we also had last night. I knew we were kind of, you know, having these different conversations as to who can have these investments and wondering what that looked like for places like Lloydminster, for example, that has two provinces that separate the two — Flin Flon and Creighton. And so, you know, there was a lot of things that obviously have to . . . We still have some discussion to be made, Mr. Speaker.

So with that, I move to adjourn the debate on this bill, on Bill No. 20, the small and medium enterprise investment tax credit Act. Mr. Speaker, thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried. I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To facilitate the work of committees this evening, I move that this House do now adjourn.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that this Assembly do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried. The Assembly now stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:32.]

Published under the authority of the Hon. Todd Goudy, Speaker

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