Sean Wilson: — Mr. Speaker, seated up in your gallery with her mom, Marlene is Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association. One of my very first trips into the legislature was with her in 2011. I can tell you right now I would not be down here without her help.

She’s been the president of the Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association since 2008. So that’s 17 years committed to that association, and eight and a half chairmen. I know how hard I was to deal with, and I can’t imagine the other seven and a half she had to deal with.

The best part about this right now is that she’s stuck up there and she’s not allowed to talk. So, Mr. Speaker, I would invite all the members to welcome someone who’s like a sister to me — an older sister, a much, much older sister — to her Legislative Assembly.

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

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also want to join the member from Canora-Pelly — I managed to remember that one — in welcoming Shantel Lipp here as well from the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association.

Shantel has been a tremendous help for me to not just understand her industry, her association, and all the members of her association and the good work that they do in this province, for the very important work that they do to build our roads and our bridges and our infrastructure. So vital, not just to connect the communities that we have and the people we have in this province to each other but also to provide those opportunities for investment and for growth and for jobs and investment.

So I want to thank her again for all the great information she’s given me and brought me up to speed on this portfolio that I have, and I definitely want to invite all members of the legislature in welcoming her to her Legislative Assembly today.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Highways.

Hon. David Marit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleague in introducing Shantel to the legislature, and her mother, Marlene, who I’ve had the pleasure of meeting on a few occasions.

So our relationship — Shantel and my relationship — goes back to one of my first days on SARM [Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities]. And Shantel at that time was working for SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association]. And so we got to know each other then. And then obviously she moved over to the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association.

And my role at SARM when I became president, we did a lot of work together on working with her members and working with the rural municipalities and establishing kind of a website for the contractors who are on the SARM website so RMs [rural municipality] knew who they could go to, get to for roadwork and things like that. And we’ve had some good discussions around it.

And I mentioned it last night in estimates as well, Mr. Speaker, the relationship that this government has with the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association and its members. Their members are really, truly one of a kind in this country, where they’re dedicated to their communities and dedicated to the roadwork in this province. And it shows in our contract awards, when over 90 per cent of the work we do is Saskatchewan contractors in all aspects of procurement.

So I want to take this opportunity to welcome Shantel and her mother, Marlene, to this their Legislative Assembly.

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

Chris Beaudry: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, Mr. Speaker, seated in the west gallery, I would like to introduce the grade 8 class from the Northern Skies Christian School from Porcupine Plain.

These amazing young students are here today with their teacher Lindsay Reimer; parent chaperones Ryan and Marla Penner, Eric and Rachel Toews, Bruce and Mary Anne Toews, and Tom and Brenda Warkentin.

Northern Skies Christian School is a K to 9 [kindergarten to grade 9] independent school who serves the northeast area of our constituency. I’d like to welcome the students, the chaperones, and Ms. Reimer to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to beg the House’s indulgence and also just pop up and welcome Shantel and Marlene to their legislature.

I’ve gotten to know Charlene, I think decently . . . Or pardon me, I’ve gotten to know Shantel, not Charlene — sorry, Shantel — quite well over the past four years. I really appreciated the relationship. She’s an absolutely terrifying woman. She is so capable. She serves her members so incredibly well. I’ve really valued the relationship that we’ve been able to build.

And I just wanted to note that Shantel was the first one to tell me that the member from Canora-Pelly was an okay guy and that I would probably like him. So he’s got a real champion out there in industry as well. And I will say for the record, Mr. Speaker, Shantel Lipp has never steered me wrong. So let that be a warning to the member from Canora-Pelly.

But with that, Mr. Speaker, I’d just like to ask the Assembly one more time to welcome Shantel and Marlene to this, their legislature.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Weyburn-Bengough.

Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I’m very happy to introduce a good friend of mine, Drew Brady, along with his two young boys, Foster and Abel, to the legislature.

Mr. Speaker, Drew comes from a family of philanthropists. And I have been lucky enough to attend numerous charity golf events with Drew, including last summer at the Duke Golf Classic in memory of the late Derek Meyers, and he is always a very, very generous sponsor and supporter at these events.

Mr. Speaker, I also have to mention how much I have appreciated Drew’s personal support over the years during my professional life. I have consulted with Drew on many different business and personal matters, and I would say the advice provided has been reciprocal.

But when it came to the decision to enter politics, Drew was there to discuss the decision and provided his support. And after I gave my first speech in reply to the Speech from the Throne, I received a text from Drew. And I won’t read it all, but it ended with this: “I’m so proud of you, man.”

Mr. Speaker, I just want to take this opportunity to thank Drew for his friendship and his philanthropy, and I hope all members will help me welcome him and his boys to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to introduce today some special guests on the floor of the Assembly. I would like to introduce Randy and Tracy Hughes of Moose Jaw and Stuart and Denise Hughes of Crooked Lake. And they have travelled to the legislature today to share their story of difficulties with housing and in the hopes of maybe getting some answers. Please join me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas Park.

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for leave to make an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I have many individuals seated in your gallery. They come from the amazing organization called the Ignite Adult Learning Corporation, based out of my riding in the city of Regina. Overall they’ve been operational for 30 years.

There’s too many for me to name, so I just ask if you could give a wave if you represent this type of person. There are current students here from Ignite — give a wave, there you go. Thank you. Some former students from Ignite. We have board members from Ignite, staff of Ignite, and I think there’s some community supporters here as well.

Mr. Speaker, as I said this organization’s been operational for 30 years. It’s the only place where Regina’s most vulnerable residents can get a grade 12 diploma, learn new skills, and start building a new life. They provide much-needed wraparound supports for their students so that they can get back on their feet.

They’ve had many, many years of success stories. Many of their students have gone on to post-secondary. Others have started businesses and now work in fields helping the struggling young people that they once were, Mr. Speaker.

I and several other members have had the absolute honour of attending their grad ceremonies each and every year, and I will say they are some of the best events I get the opportunity to go to. And hearing their valedictorian speak each year and expressing their stories is absolutely the most inspiring and humbling stories that I get hear. These people are absolutely incredible folks. They fight, and their success is a testament to that.

Unfortunately, because of budget cuts at the provincial level they have announced that they’re closing their doors in September. They’re hoping that some advocacy can reverse that decision, Mr. Speaker. And I ask all members to join me in welcoming these amazing people to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I just want to join the member opposite on behalf of the provincial government to recognize and invite the students both present and former, the board members, and staff from Ignite. Thank you for being here today, and thanks to the member opposite for the introduction.

And on behalf of the provincial government we too would like to welcome you to this, your Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Coronation Park.

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will say that the school over here, Ignite school, I will join the minister and my colleague. They are doing an incredible job. I’ve been a driver educator, working in many schools. Kids that they were having challenges in their life, they used to go for some alternate school — Cornwall Alternative School, Ignite school. And I say that Ignite school, I heard a lot from the students that they have given them a really good platform in their life.

Many of my students, ex-students, they make their way to university for higher education, and some of them got a really good job. And some immigrants that come and they can’t get education in adult schools or somewhere else, they make their way towards Ignite school. And I will say that they are doing an incredible job. Thank you for all your hard work. And I will say that spending money on this kind of educational institution, it is not the cost. It is the best investment ever.

With that I will say all the members to join me to give them a warm welcome to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I also have a few introductions this afternoon. I’m pleased to introduce two guests seated in the Speaker’s gallery who are here for the Celebration of Poetry event in the Legislative Library this afternoon at 3:30. And I apologize that I’ll have to miss that, but I look forward to connecting and spending time together.

Peace Akintade, Saskatchewan’s 11th Poet Laureate, is an African Canadian interdisciplinary poet, visual and textile artist, and playwright residing in Saskatoon. Originally from Yorubaland — I hope I have that right — Nigeria, Peace explores the intersectionality of the artist’s community from an explorer’s perspective, dipping her fingers into poetry, dance, literary pursuits, and performance art.

Her goal is to introduce the power of traditional African Yoruba oral literature, storytelling, and performance art to Saskatchewan and beyond, and to make poetry and spoken word accessible to the public. Peace is a recipient of the RBC Sask Emerging Artists award and a Platinum Jubilee Queen’s medal. Peace is currently shortlisted for the Metatron Press international poetry prize.

Dash Reimer is an artist and educator based out of Treaty 6 territory in Saskatoon. While he calls the Prairies his home now, he was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Mongolia and in Libya. He is Saskatchewan’s fifth Youth Poet Laureate, with over a decade of professional experience in the arts. He makes his living within the worlds of words, of poetry, and hip hop, performing on stages across Turtle Island, North Africa, South Africa, and Türkiye. Dash has been lucky to have been able to perform in front of crowds of thousands, premiere original plays at fringe festivals, share stages with spoken word greats like Buddy Wakefield, use his Arabic to work with acclaimed Tunisian jazz musicians, and more.

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He is currently touring his original spoken word loop pedal show, entitled you’ve seen this show before. I encourage all members to attend the Celebration of Poetry event in the library this afternoon if you’re able to attend, and please join me in welcoming these two poets and artists to their Legislative Assembly.

I recognize the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join you today on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan to welcome Peace and Dash, two very talented, talented individuals in the arts program, to their Legislative Assembly. And I do hope to be able to join you later to hear what you have to say in your presentation. So on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, welcome to your Legislative Assembly.

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With you and with the member opposite, on behalf of the official opposition, I would also like to welcome our Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate, Peace and Dash. I’ve had the honour to watch Peace perform on several occasions at different events in Saskatoon, from Lugo at the Remai Modern to the Saskatoon Fringe Festival. And as the past Chair of Nuit Blanche Saskatoon, we’ve had the good fortune of having Peace be part of our festival on multiple occasions.

Dash Reimer was also one of the artists that was featured in Nuit Blanche. And I believe one year we inadvertently posted him next to a stinky garbage dumpster, but he was a class act about it all. He’s one of my constituents, a resident of Pleasant Hill, and I know he cares very deeply about his community. I last saw him at a smudge walk to honour the victims of cold weather, lives lost from cold weather here in Saskatoon.

So we in Saskatchewan are so fortunate to have Peace and Dash as our Poet and Youth Poet laureates. Please join me again in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling for the Government of Saskatchewan to fix the crisis in health care. The undersigned residents would like to bring to our attention the following: that emergency rooms across our province are shutting down due to staff shortages; that Saskatchewan has the longest wait times of knee and hip replacement surgeries; that it’s unacceptable that women in this province are being forced to travel out of province for routine breast diagnoses care; and that Saskatchewan people deserve to have adequate and accessible health care where and when they need it.

With that, I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately address the short-staffing crisis in health care and work with health care workers on solutions to improve patient care.

The signatories to this petition reside in Prince Albert. I do so submit.

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today to present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan to renew the federal-provincial child care agreement.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following. The federal government renewed its $10‑a-day child care agreement with 11 provinces and territories until 2031. Saskatchewan is one of two provinces that have not reviewed the agreement. Child care operators, parents, and agreements have all voiced their concern. They know that affordable and accessible child care is critical for families, our economy, for jobs, and for our future. Licensed child care centres have contributed to the local economy to provide local jobs, opportunities for professional development, and by allowing parents to join or rejoin the workforce. And without access to affordable and accessible child care, families will be forced to leave the workforce, which will have impacts on our economy and our communities.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately renew the federal-provincial child care agreement to save jobs, help families, and boost our economy.

The undersigned for this petition reside in Regina. I do so present.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present this petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to pass The Sikh Heritage Month Act.

The undersigned residents of this petition wish to bring to your attention the following: that Sikhism is the fourth-largest religious group in Canada, making up 2 per cent of the country’s population; that Sikh people have lived in Saskatchewan since 1957; that Sikh people across the province contribute to Saskatchewan’s culture, economy, and community; that April is the month of the Sikh spring festival of Vaisakhi and is commonly recognized as Sikh Heritage Month; and that the Sikh community must currently reapply every year to have April recognized as Sikh Heritage Month.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will 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 pass The Sikh Heritage Month Act.

The signatories to this petition reside in Martensville and Saskatoon. Mr. Speaker, I do so present. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m on my feet to present a petition calling on the government to overhaul standards of eligibility to long-term care in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, our long-term care system is in crisis. Seniors applying for long-term care in Saskatchewan say eligibility criteria are subjective and unclear. The wait times for long-term care are often several months long. Families with seniors on care home wait-lists are often forced to pay out of pocket for home care or to go to private, for-profit options that are often beyond their means. Families who have engaged these services are at times then denied long-term care home on the basis that they have other options. And home care in Saskatchewan can cost upwards of $75 an hour, well beyond the means of the average Saskatchewan family, Mr. Speaker. We are clearly, on this front, failing the seniors that built this province.

I’ll read the prayer:

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

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

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Voice of the North Showcase Celebrates Indigenous Talent

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to be able to speak a little bit about the Voice of the North showcase held in Prince Albert in February at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre. This annual event has brought together thousands of northerners to celebrate Indigenous talent from throughout Saskatchewan and different parts of Canada since 1993, and has become a prominent part of the Prince Albert Winter Festival.

Mr. Speaker, I want to give special recognition to two people with a deep connection to my riding of Athabasca: the late Bernice Sayese, also known as Mama Bear to many, who helped them get the music program started as a way to highlight northern Indigenous musicians and artists; and second, Sheryl Kimbley, who has also married into the beautiful community of Beauval, who continues the legacy every year to offer northern artists a platform and to show off their skills, talent, and music.

I want to congratulate all artists, musicians, organizers, and volunteers — all part of the Voice of the North family — on their 32 years of successfully hosting the remarkable event that the North could be proud of. I’m also happy to hear, Mr. Speaker, that this upcoming year will mark the return of the Northern Spirits showcase, hosted by Musqua Entertainment, which for many years showcased talents of young Indigenous artists from throughout northern Saskatchewan.

So I’ll ask my colleagues and everybody in the Assembly in congratulating Musqua Entertainment and the Voice of the North family for their amazing work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Wadena Playoff Draft Supports Local Communities

Chris Beaudry: — Mr. Speaker, a spring tradition is under way. Annual NHL [National Hockey League] playoff hockey drafts have begun, and these events are long-awaited by those who attend them and the groups that host them. These are a great gathering to kick off the NHL playoffs, but also a great chance to visit with friends and neighbours before spring seeding.

Most of these playoff drafts end with an auction Calcutta. Teams bid anywhere from 400 to $4,000 per team. The funds raised from the Calcutta and draft go to amazing causes. In Saint-Front, the funds keep the lights on in the curling rink. In Wynyard the funds go to the Blues fastball team. In Porcupine Plain the money raised, funnily enough, supports the Blues senior hockey team. In Rose Valley, every dollar raised is going towards their new playground. And in Wadena, they’ll be donating the profits to the Weneeda Park Lodge.

Mr. Speaker, did you know that when the Wadena playoff draft began in the 1980‑81 season it’s been a success ever since? It’s had as many as 30 teams and averages 20 teams per year. They had a record-breaking year two years ago, raising $42,000. This year they raised $30,850. For those who have never attended one of these great events, there’s still time to sign up. Thank you.

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

WinterShines Festival Highlights Creativity and Community

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to celebrate the vibrant culture and community spirit showcased at the WinterShines festival in Saskatoon this past February. This annual event, which was held this year in the Riversdale neighbourhood of Saskatoon, is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Saskatchewanians, embracing the beauty of winter through art, food, and outdoor activities.

It was inspiring to see so many people come together to celebrate our province’s unique winter identity, proving that even in the coldest months, our communities remain warm and welcoming. The WinterShines festival not only highlights Saskatoon’s artistic talent but also supports local businesses and fosters a sense of pride in our province. It reminds us that winter is not something to endure but something to celebrate.

I want to extend my gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, and participants who made this event possible. Their dedication ensures that Saskatoon remains a hub of cultural vitality. I encourage all members to experience the magic of WinterShines in the future and to take pride in the creativity and community spirit that define our great province.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Moosomin-Montmartre.

Farmers & Friends Bonspiel Is an Outstanding Fundraiser

Kevin Weedmark: — Mr. Speaker, I may have mentioned in this Assembly once or twice that my area is known for its amazing fundraising efforts. And today I want to recognize the Whitewood Farmers & Friends Bonspiel, which is the largest annual fundraiser in the beautiful community of Whitewood. Mr. Speaker, this is not your typical bonspiel. It features 76 teams curling on nine sheets of ice, and this year attracted four-time Scotties champions, the Kerri Einarson rink.

In 2022 the bonspiel committee gave away $80,000 to 28 groups. In 2023 it was 105,000 to 40 groups. Last year, 118,000 to 50 groups, and this year it raised an amazing $171,000. That brings the total raised by the Farmers & Friends Bonspiel since 2016 to $891,000.

And these funds are distributed to great causes across southeast Saskatchewan. Last year funds were distributed across the region, including the Bird’s Point rec committee; the Broadview, Carlyle, Ituna, Preeceville, Whitewood, and Langenburg curling clubs; the Grayson daycare; Kipling Minor Ball; Maryfield rec board; McAuley community group; Moosomin Food Share, Rocanville Recreation, Wiggles and Giggles day care, and that’s just to name a few.

Mr. Speaker, an event like this does not happen without an incredible effort by a lot of people. I want to congratulate the organizers of the Whitewood Farmers & Friends Bonspiel for their outstanding record of fundraising. Thank you.

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

Women of Influence Breakfast Supports Female Athletes

April ChiefCalf: — Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise in the Assembly today to highlight an event I attended this past February in Saskatoon. The second annual Huskie Athletics Women of Influence Breakfast was an inspiring event that raised money for female athletes at the University of Saskatchewan while also celebrating their academic and athletic achievements.

[14:00]

The keynote speaker was Paige Crozon, who shared her story of balancing the roles of mother and athlete. Originally from Humboldt, Paige was a junior Huskie who has gone on to play for Canada in the women’s 3x3 basketball in the Olympics in Paris in 2024.

Mr. Speaker, the Huskie Women of Influence Breakfast was attended by over 700 people and raised more than $100,000 to support women athletes at the University of Saskatchewan. Over the course of the morning I had the opportunity to meet several athletes who shared with me their appreciation of the support they had received to pursue their academic and athletic dreams.

The message “See her. Be her” was repeated throughout the event because and I quote, “When women and girls see themselves in sport they are more likely to start or continue playing.”

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the organizers, contributors, and supporters of this event for investing in equal opportunity for sports, and convey my best wishes to all of the athletes and coaches. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Weyburn-Bengough.

Poetry Is in the House

Michael Weger: — Mr. Speaker, as you mentioned, there will be A Celebration of Poetry reading at 3:30 today.

My presence right here may not allow me to be there,

So I wrote my own poem which I will now share.

I will challenge some members of the House to do the same,

While mindful that rules prevent me from using their name.

Of all the members’ statements I hope this isn’t the worst,

And with that, the member from Canora-Pelly is up first.

Your poem can be about road building or your favourite pinball game,

But if you forget to mention Buchanan, that will be quite the shame.

Cypress Hills can describe Saskatchewan’s only forest of lodgepole pines,

And Kelvington-Wadena gets to muse about one of the largest potash mines.

Moosomin-Montmartre can write about the communities to the east on Highway 1,

While Martensville-Blairmore describes Sutherland Speedway where everyone has fun.

Cutknife-Turtleford will tell about pastures, livestock in the cowboy way,

And Dakota-Arm River can rave about that great Kenaston hockey play.

White City-Qu’Appelle and Lumsden-Morse need to avoid being too verbose,

As they describe how they basically represent Regina, since they are so close.

All of the ministers could write about how the Saskatchewan government is a great employer,

And the Premier will likely just shake his head and laugh at this embarrassing lawyer.

Lucky for the rest of you this is a 90‑second spot,

A politician maybe, but a Poet Laureate I’m not.

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

Municipalities Benefit from Revenue Sharing

Kim Gartner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan is an incredibly diverse province, every city, town, and rural municipality having their own opportunities and priorities. But one thing that all Saskatchewan municipalities have in common is they all benefit from strong, steady, municipal revenue sharing.

Mr. Speaker, in this year’s budget our government is delivering a record $361.6 million in municipal revenue sharing to Saskatchewan municipalities, a 6.3 per cent increase from last year. This funding can be used for any project or program that the municipality chooses, and we’ve heard loud and clear what our municipal stakeholders think of this program.

Murray Gray, the mayor of Moosomin, said, “This model that they’re using is fantastic, how you can count on it every year, and going forward you know you’re going to get it.”

Jeff Richards, mayor of Weyburn, said, “We’re really happy that this government has maintained a focus on maintaining that formula. We really like it.”

And Ryan Husband, mayor of Outlook, said, “I was pleased to see the increases to the municipal revenue-sharing program, as that provides unencumbered dollars that we can use to better our community.”

Mr. Speaker, as these municipal leaders do the work of navigating the challenges and opportunities facing their local communities, our government is proud to stand right there with them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

QUESTION PERIOD

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Affordability and Government Response to Tariffs

Carla Beck: — Yesterday the White House renewed threats to Canadian sovereignty, suggesting we would “benefit greatly” from being the 51st state. Well that’s not going to happen, Mr. Speaker.

But it is clear that we’re not getting off the Donald Trump roller coaster any time soon. Now the Premier and the Sask Party want to tell us that everything is just fine. But the reality is, what I hear from job creators and industry leaders is that this chaos has already cost investments and cost jobs.

They’re also concerned that the province has no plan. There’s nothing in the budget to support or protect these losses. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Premier is, why? Why is he sitting on his hands while the Saskatchewan economy suffers?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, Canada will never be the 51st state or be part of the United States of America. What I would say in the case of Saskatchewan, we want to be an equal partner in the nation of Canada. We want to ensure that Saskatchewan can continue to attract investment into the resources that we are developing here, creating jobs for Saskatchewan people so our children can stay here with true careers, Mr. Speaker, and so that we can attract people to live in the province of Saskatchewan.

And I would say this with respect to the coming election at the end of this month, is what an opportunity for whoever is successful in that election to set aside their political ideology, Mr. Speaker. And what an opportunity to put all Canadians first, regardless of the region of the nation where you live. To put all Canadians first regardless of how you are creating wealth in the particular industry that you are working in, Mr. Speaker, of which I would argue many if not all are producing the most sustainable products that you can find on earth.

So as we find our way through the next number of weeks, Mr. Speaker, as we choose as Canadians a political party to govern us for the next four years, I encourage Canadians to look at the policies that are there by whoever that individual is. What an opportunity they have to put all Canadians first, Mr. Speaker, and to unite this nation under their leadership.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Well, Mr. Speaker, in the meantime he’s still the Premier of this province. And there’s still no plan, Mr. Speaker, all while news for the people of this province gets worse.

New data, Mr. Speaker, yesterday indicates that inflationary costs, inflationary costs on food in this province rose more between the months of February and March of this year than at any time in the last 50 years. Saskatchewan people already report the highest levels of financial insecurity in the country, Mr. Speaker, and now they’re getting hammered at the grocery store again, all while this government tells people how great they have it.

Mr. Speaker, why is the government waiting until next year to offer any relief while Saskatchewan people are struggling right now?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — The tariff relief plan that was introduced and voted on unanimously by all members of this Legislative Assembly, Mr. Speaker. And that plan, it included pulling forward procurement with our Crown utilities to support the steel industry in this province which is being impacted by tariffs coming from the United States of America today, Mr. Speaker.

Also I would say, it’s this government that has very much engaged globally, on behalf of the industries that are creating wealth in Saskatchewan, since 2007. We didn’t need Donald Trump to be elected in the United States of America for us to understand the importance of diversifying trade not only away from the United States of America, Mr. Speaker, but diversifying that trade to protect the industries that we have. For the last 18 years that has been a focus of this government, as opposed to the opposition, which have been engaged on it just a little more than 18 days now, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, with respect to the inflationary costs, we saw a campaign that was ran where members on this side ran on affordability for Saskatchewan residents, Mr. Speaker; backed that up in words in the Speech from the Throne, Mr. Speaker; and I would say, invested in that very affordability for Saskatchewan families in the most recent budget that was introduced and passed on the floor of this Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Actions Taken to Address Member’s Comments

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, we’re hearing nothing new from the Premier.

Another question. The member for Humboldt-Watrous used her position of privilege to spread hate in this Assembly. She called someone a terrorist simply because they’re Sikh. Over the weekend I celebrated Vaisakhi with members of the community here in Regina and in Saskatoon. And while people were very happy to mark this important occasion together, they also expressed profound hurt over what was said right here in this Assembly.

Many members of the community asked me a question. Mr. Speaker, I’m going to ask that question to the Premier right now: why is that member still in his caucus?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, I’ve answered this question a number of times here, in Ottawa, in Saskatoon most recently, as well with the media. Those comments, as inappropriate and as inaccurate as they were, they were apologized for by that member on the floor of this Assembly, apologized for publicly, Mr. Speaker.

This government most certainly has always and continues to be supportive of all who choose to make a Saskatchewan community home, Mr. Speaker. We have a very robust — I would say one of the most robust — immigration efforts in the nation of Canada, bringing people in to live here from many, many countries around the world.

I agree with many of the members opposite when we talk about the motto of our province, “from many peoples, strength.” Most certainly that is the motto of Saskatchewan. That’s how our province was built, by people moving here. Whether it be generations ago or whether you be a first-generation Canadian living in Saskatchewan, you are welcome by this government, Mr. Speaker.

In the case of these comments, they were very, very inappropriate, Mr. Speaker. They’ve been apologized for, Mr. Speaker, and with respect to the duties of that member, many of those duties have been removed.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, that motto is important, but it’s also important that our actions and our words live up to that provincial motto. Now the Premier, the Premier just said he removed that member from some of her duties, but he kept the member from Humboldt-Watrous on the Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice Committee, Mr. Speaker. That’s the very committee that oversees the work of the Human Rights Commission. It’s the very committee responsible for legislation promoting diversity and multiculturalism.

Now, Mr. Speaker, if the Premier is too scared to kick that member out of his caucus, will he remove her from that important committee?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, with respect to the member, she’s been removed from a number of her duties, virtually all of the duties that she had. With respect to that committee, they are not responsible for the Human Rights Commission. They are not responsible for legislation, Mr. Speaker.

As we know, committees purview legislation that comes through this Assembly, and then it comes back to the floor of this Assembly where each of us are responsible for voting on behalf of our constituents, wherever we may represent across the province, Mr. Speaker. That’s the way laws and legislation are passed. That’s the way this place has operated for over 100 years. That’s the way it operates today.

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

Accessible Accommodation for Moose Jaw Housing Authority Tenant

April ChiefCalf: — Mr. Speaker, today we are joined by Mr. Randy Hughes. Randy is a stage IV cancer survivor. He is legally blind and requires mobility devices such as a wheelchair and motorized scooter to get around.

Recently Randy was notified that Moose Jaw Housing Authority is kicking him out of his current home. They say, “He is over-housed.” Randy has done nothing wrong, and the Sask Party government is still removing him from his home.

To the minister: how is it acceptable to kick Randy out because he is “over-housed”?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Social Services.

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to Randy, thank you for coming to your legislature today. I appreciate you being here.

With this particular incident, I’m not entirely aware of all the details, but what I can tell you is this: when it comes to individuals that have disabilities and accessibility needs, this is something that we take extremely seriously within our housing portfolio, Mr. Speaker.

I’d be more than happy to meet with Randy following question period this afternoon to learn a little bit more about his situation and put together the pieces with the local housing authority as well as the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the minister. I would like to set the record straight. Randy was given two options: move to the fourth floor of High Park Towers or start house hunting in the private sector. And the apartment they have offered him doesn’t even fit his mobility devices.

[14:15]

How on earth is this acceptable to the Sask Party government?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Social Services.

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And as I previously indicated, I’d be more than happy to sit down with Randy and discuss the details of this particular case. Again we take accessibility and we take disabilities extremely seriously, and we want to make sure that we’re doing everything we can to ensure these individuals are housed in a safe and secure place. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Mr. Speaker, the place they’re trying to relocate Randy into isn’t accessible. It’s on the fourth floor and it’s not big enough to accommodate his scooter. Randy has done nothing wrong. He has not broken any rules and yet the Sask Party government is kicking him out of a perfectly good home, causing him a tremendous amount of stress.

Why would the minister throw a legally blind and disabled cancer survivor out of his home?

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to mention to the member, mentioning, making personal remarks towards the minister — that that was his actions — is out of line, and I’m going to ask to move to the next question. Next question, please. If she would like to rephrase the question, please.

April ChiefCalf: — Just a reminder that the minister does oversee the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation that is responsible for throwing a legally blind and disabled survivor of cancer out of his home. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Social Services.

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I’ll be more than happy to sit down with the individual that’s here today to discuss those details of what’s happening.

And yes, I do take this portfolio extremely seriously, Mr. Speaker, and I continue to have outreach with members of the disability community all the time. So again I’ll be more than happy to sit down and learn more about the details so we can come to a resolution that works for everybody. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member for Regina Douglas Park.

Funding for Adult Learning Centre

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, the Sask Party’s failing people who need housing and they’re failing to make the investments needed to get people a good education and into good jobs.

We’re joined today by dozens of people from Ignite Adult Learning. For years their program has worked directly with folks living on the margins, getting them a good education and into good jobs, but this Sask Party government cut their funding. Will the Deputy Premier reverse this cut today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, there’s been a number of changes in programming in the workforce development training area because of some cuts from funding from the federal government. But in this instance, Mr. Speaker, with Ignite — who I understand from ministry officials has been a tremendous partner — I think there’s some miscommunication here.

Ministry officials advise me that they were prepared to have discussions to renew the agreement with Ignite — which I think expires, I believe, in June of this year — and were informed that Ignite had decided to wind down their operations. If that’s not the case, Mr. Speaker, I’d be happy to have senior officials from the ministry . . . I’d be happy to arrange a meeting with them, with officials from Ignite, and discuss a contract moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas Park.

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, the money offered to this program by this government was a significant reduction to the point that they had no choice but to close their doors in September. This falls on the Sask Party government. Ignite is based in my riding and I’ve had the privilege to attend their graduation ceremonies. I’ve heard the inspiring stories of people who are able to get off the streets, beat their addictions, get into the classroom, and get a good job.

After the Deputy Premier’s ministry cut their funding, Ignite asked the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Social Services, and the Ministry of Justice for money, which is what that Deputy Premier’s ministry asked them to do. All of those siloed ministries said Ignite doesn’t fit their narrow criteria.

With this cut, more people will be trapped in lives of addiction, poverty, and crime. To the Minister of Justice: why is the Sask Party cutting this program that reduces crime?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, as I said, I believe there was some miscommunication. I’m happy to direct senior officials from this ministry to meet with Ignite officials to have a discussion on levels of funding. Mr. Speaker, I think it’s important that they have those discussions as soon as possible.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Douglas Park.

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, cutting Ignite’s funding makes no sense. The Sask Party isn’t focused on the future. They should be doubling down on successful programs like Ignite that drive down crime and create jobs for people.

Ignite helped Tanya McNeice get a new start on life. She now owns her own business. Here’s what she had to say:

I’m a recovering addict and used to be on social assistance. Ignite’s model of wraparound supports enabled me to succeed and set my kids and grandkids up for success. Ignite’s students give back so much to their communities. For the good of our province, the Sask Party must reverse its decision to close Ignite today.

Mr. Speaker, these people do not want to talk to officials today. They want to talk to ministers. Let’s break down some silos today.

Will the government, the Ministry of Justice, will the Minister of Education, and the Deputy Premier meet with this organization today and explain why they’ve cut their funding?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, as I’ve said, there’s no quarrel with the good work that Ignite’s done. My understanding from ministry officials, as the member opposite said, they’ve done tremendous work. I think there’s been some miscommunication between officials and ministry and that organization. I will happily arrange for them to meet as soon as possible, have a discussion if a contract can be renewed going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Capacity in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, I guess that’s a no, which is disappointing.

We continue to receive devastating reports of the challenges in Regina’s NICU [neonatal intensive care unit]. While it’s good to hear a senior SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority] official visited the floor yesterday, the minister ought to consider a visit himself to discuss with front-line staff.

You know, it’s important to take stock of how we got here. A desperate nurse went public, a leak. The minister’s initial instinct was to deflect, downplay, and outright deny the account of that nurse. After days of pressure, the revelation of 44 complaints just from this year, three reports that back up exactly what that nurse said from last week, the minister promised to staff up the NICU.

But that announcement has been light on details. So what exactly is the plan? When will more staff be brought in, and how much support can the team on the NICU actually expect to receive?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, those concerns have been heard by this government. That’s why I said yesterday on the floor of this Assembly that I have directed the SHA to increase baseline staffing levels at the NICU at the Regina General Hospital. This will add roughly somewhere between 18 and 20 FTE [full-time equivalent] in that specific unit, Mr. Speaker.

The chief operating officer from the Saskatchewan Health Authority was here at the legislature yesterday speaking to media. He said that we’ll be posting these jobs over the next few days and weeks, Mr. Speaker, and working to ensure that those positions can be there.

Mr. Speaker, in regards to capacity, as of this morning, there’s one bed available at the Regina General NICU, seven spaces available at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, and six available beds at P.A. [Prince Albert] Victoria Hospital in their NICU, Mr. Speaker. We’ll continue to ensure that there’s capacity around the province to deal with our youngest patients. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That minister didn’t initially acknowledge the crisis. We learned about it through a leak. That minister didn’t initially act on the crisis until he was forced.

Just yesterday him and his entire team voted against a motion for transparency: daily reporting until this situation is under control. And frankly I’m worried what that communicates about his confidence that this is actually a fix. Pulling from other areas of our overrun health system to staff up the NICU until this scandal dies down is not a solution.

So again what is the plan? Eighteen to twenty FTEs. When? And where will this staff be brought in from?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, the jobs will be posted by the Saskatchewan Health Authority as other positions are posted by them on the job board. It’ll be available to registered nurses and other available staff.

Mr. Speaker, this government has heard the concerns. This government has directed the Saskatchewan Health Authority to take action.

But it’s important, Mr. Speaker, that when we are talking about young, vulnerable patients, that accurate information is brought forward. That is not what . . . I had the opportunity yesterday to correct some inaccurate information that was brought forward by the members opposite.

Mr. Speaker, the expectant mothers of this province can be assured there is capacity in the system and our trusted and trained health care workers will be there for them in their time of need.

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

Child Care Agreement with Federal Government

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Now yesterday parents, grandparents, child care workers, kids, they came out to their legislature and they came to share the message that child care matters.

Now my favourite sign that I saw yesterday said, “Early childhood education creates all other careers.” And I couldn’t agree more, Mr. Speaker. Now the minister didn’t show up to speak, but our team was there. And families want to see action. They want to see a deal.

Why didn’t the Sask Party government sign a deal before the election was called? This would lock in the security that centres and families need. Will the minister guarantee that no centres will close because of his failure to get a deal done?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I’ve said multiple times before, this government — including this morning at SUMA, by the way, where there was a question from the floor from a councillor from Sedley who happens to work in the NDP [New Democratic Party] caucus office, by the way — the government is going to sign this deal, sign the child care deal on behalf of the families and child care operators and communities of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

This has been a very good program but we realized, recognized based on the feedback that we’ve had from families, from operators . . . I had a chance yesterday morning to have a meeting, a virtual meeting with one of the groups, met on Friday with a number of child care operators from across southwest Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. We’re going to make sure that this is a long-term sustainable deal that creates more spaces for families right across this province and supports Saskatchewan communities, Mr. Speaker.

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

Eligibility for Long-Term Care

Matt Love: — Mr. Speaker, today Fred Sandeski is being kicked out from the Weyburn Special Care Home. The Saskatchewan Health Authority told Fred that he must return home despite concerns about the level of care that he’ll receive there.

Fred lives with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, blindness, epilepsy, diabetes, celiac disease, and congenital heart failure. His wife says that she is unable to provide the around-the-clock care that Fred requires, particularly because she is also receiving medical treatment of her own.

Mr. Speaker, will that minister commit to keeping Fred in long-term care today?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Sandeski first approached our office in December of 2024. I’ve worked directly with him. The member from Weyburn-Bengough has been talking with him consistently. Mr. Sandeski’s concerns and requests have changed over time. And I understand that he is now requesting to stay in long-term care, Mr. Speaker.

Any admission to long-term care is based on the individual’s assessed needs using a Resident Assessment Instrument, a standardized assessment tool used across Canada and internationally. And this is done by professionals, Mr. Speaker. It’s not done by politicians. And I’ve been advised by officials that Mr. Sandeski was assessed twice and does not qualify. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[14:30]

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Chair of the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Standing Committee on the Economy

James Thorsteinson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am instructed by the Standing Committee on the Economy to report that it has considered certain estimates and to present its first report for the thirtieth legislature which includes the ’25‑26 estimates and the ’24‑25 supplementary estimates no. 2. I move:

That the first report of the Standing Committee on the Economy for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Chair:

That the first report of the Standing Committee on the Economy for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

Speaker Goudy: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

WRITTEN QUESTIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government Whip.

Sean Wilson: — I wish to order question no. 3.

Speaker Goudy: — Question no. 3 is ordered.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

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 Pasqua.

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to debate for the Bill No. 4, The Workers’ Compensation Amendment Act, 2024. Bill summary — compensation coverage is extended to wildland firefighters; non-residents of Saskatchewan doing work outside Saskatchewan for Saskatchewan employers; compensation can be withheld for a worker in prison outside Saskatchewan; board members whose terms have expired can finish taking part in any hearing ongoing since before their term expired; appeal decisions must be published in a format in keeping with the regulation.

Mr. Speaker, someone had . . . [inaudible] . . . said, accidents don’t exist theirself. There is some cause behind it. If you remove that cause, accident won’t exist. But still, there is the possibility of a human error, so in this bill, I would like to suggest some points. We love firefighters, fully support expanding coverage. Wildfires are becoming more common and more dangerous, and these heroes deserve to be looked after.

Every single person in this province deserves to work in a safe environment. And when the worst happens and they are hurt or killed, they and their loved ones deserve to be taken care of. We hope to continue seeing improvement to safety standards so Workers’ Compensation is not an issue. This reminds me of a constituent who had trouble accessing their benefits.

And with this I would like to request you to adjourn the debate. 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 Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to enter into debate on Bill No. 5, The Saskatchewan Employment Act, 2024. Now of course the first thing I noticed about this bill is the changes that it brings in terms of barring employers from withholding tips for servers.

And of course this has been a long-standing issue. I understand that the official opposition has done some advocacy around this, and that this had been rectified in a number of other jurisdictions across the country. And of course we’re very happy on this side to see this change being brought about under this legislation. As of when this bill is proclaimed into force, the employers can’t take, withhold, deduct from, or make employees return tips.

I also understand that there are some other positive changes under this bill, and far be it for me not to give kudos to the Sask Party government when they do something positive, Mr. Speaker.

Another thing that is good under this Act is the changes to sick notes requirements for employees who are sick for more than five consecutive days, who are sick for two or more consecutive days at least twice in a year. I understand that there is a protection period for absence due to serious illness or injury that has been expanded from 12 weeks to 27 weeks. This is good to see.

I think when we think about these kinds of changes under employment and labour standards, Mr. Speaker, often they are actually good for all parties involved. You want a workforce that is healthy and well rested, and you want people to enjoy the opportunity to get there. We saw that with the pandemic. The cost that can come, I think, with people feeling that economic stress and the desperation, and then going to work while ill as a result. There are many unseen costs associated with that, Mr. Speaker.

I understand bereavement leave has been extended to cover death of any person prescribed in regulations plus — and I’m just seeing this now — pregnancy loss, Mr. Speaker. So it’s expanding the definition, I believe, of who can qualify for bereavement and expanding that to pregnancy loss.

And I think it was a few years ago, Mr. Speaker, there was a lot of research being done around mental health issues in terms of people who had lost pregnancies prior to giving birth. And there was a time of much change in workplaces in terms of finally acknowledging the toll that that can take on women especially, but parents and families. It can be truly devastating and feel very much like losing a child, Mr. Speaker. So these are good to see.

I understand that the right to maternity leave is extended from pregnancy loss 13 weeks before due date to 20 weeks before due date. So again that period where coverage is extended has been expanded, which is good to see.

And the bill also introduces compassionate care for violence victims now, long-term leave options up to 16 continuous weeks. Obviously this is a very necessary, unfortunately a very necessary mechanism here in Saskatchewan, where unfortunately we have the worst interpersonal violence rates in the country. And it was truly shocking to see that number shoot up again, 15 per cent I believe, which my colleague, the member from Douglas Park, the Opposition House Leader, raised in question period yesterday.

So there you have it, Mr. Speaker. I feel like I’ve canvassed the good. There are some areas of this legislation that we’re quite concerned about. And I know that the member from Saskatoon Meewasin, our shadow minister for Labour, has been engaging with stakeholders right across the province. And I look forward to the work that he continues to do and the questions that he will have in committee.

But a huge area of concern for us is the written notice is now only going to be required for mass firings, layoffs of 25 people or more at a time, as opposed to what it used to be, which was 10.

We are in the middle of great economic instability. We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. It just keeps piling on, Mr. Speaker. We just heard from our leader this morning that the highest month-to-month inflation in terms of the cost of groceries took place between February and March of this year, which was the highest in 50 years, Mr. Speaker. It seems like there’s no ceiling, there’s no end in sight to the ways in which costs are increasing. Wages are not keeping up with costs — housing, groceries, rent.

You know, we see the people of Saskatchewan with higher levels of economic anxiety and insecurity than anywhere else in the country, according to recent polling, Mr. Speaker. This is not the time to make it easier to mass fire people. We are staring down a trade war with the United States. A deranged and dangerous man is calling the shots to the south and can make decisions that are truly devastating to the workers and industries, and has made decisions that have been so far very harmful to industry and workers in this province.

Again not the time to make it easier to do mass firings, Mr. Speaker. If anything we should be putting in place security mechanisms for workers. We should be finding ways to support them through this very challenging time. Very shocking to see this change under this legislation. I can’t imagine that anyone is out there banging down this government’s door saying, well geez, we just really think it should, you know, in terms of public policy to meet the moment, you should make it easier for employers to do mass firings of workers.

It’s going to be interesting to hear the government’s justification for this change, and I know that the member from Saskatoon Meewasin will be holding their feet to the fire.

I think, Mr. Speaker, given that I’m not the critic on this bill, I have canvassed, I think, some of the highlights and lowlights. There are other changes under the bill, but I believe those are the issues that I had a song in my heart to address.

I understand there is one other concerning issue around how the bill defines a workday basically. But I know that the opposition shadow minister for Labour is digging into that, and he will have many questions for the government on that front. So with that I’m pleased to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 5, The Saskatchewan Employment Act, 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. 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 Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. It’s a honour to be on my feet again today to enter into adjourned debates. I know when I first got up here in this session I mentioned it was one of my favourite things. I don’t know why I enjoy it. But we get to hear so many things from my colleagues, and we get to put some things on the record, important remarks on the record about important bills that are being looked at in this province. And so I’m honoured to be on my feet here to talk about Bill 14, The Power Corporation Amendment Act.

And, Mr. Speaker, this is an Act that we see the following. It’s allowing SaskPower to increase its borrowing limit, the ceiling, from 10 billion to 14 billion. What we’re also seeing is that this Act is providing some explicit language that SaskPower and its subsidiaries are agents of the Crown. Their profits are property of the Crown. And it also lays out some more explicit language about how SaskPower can lend and advance money to its subsidiaries and of course, demand repayment of that lending when needed, Mr. Speaker.

You know, this is an important bill before this House. SaskPower is an immensely important Crown corporation, one of the jewels in our crown of Crown corporations one might say, Mr. Speaker.

You know, I know that our SaskPower Crown corporation is the envy of many. You know, it wasn’t even just too many months ago that our neighbour, a premier to the west, our good friend Premier Danielle Smith was envying up our SaskPower Crown corporations. Why? Because this government was able to use it to remove the carbon tax, and she wanted to do it too.

You know, we were leagues ahead in this province. So it’s really interesting, Mr. Speaker, when you see folks from all sides of the political spectrum come to understand the importance of having something like SaskPower managed for the public, by the public, overseen by the people in this room, not here to be raking in profits from the people of Saskatchewan but ensuring that they have power when they turn the lights on in their house, you know.

[14:45]

So I come to this conversation just, you know, recognizing the importance, and just the importance of getting legislation for those Crowns right. For the sake of our province, for the sake of people right now, but also for the sake of folks who will be reaping the decisions of this decision that we see right before us for many generations to come. We have to be setting this Crown corporation up for success — success in doing the important work it’s doing. So I know that our shadow minister responsible for SaskPower has and will continue to engage with stakeholders. I think that this file is in very capable hands, Mr. Speaker. But I’ll be really quick. I want to put a few comments on the record before I sit down.

You know, firstly we’re amidst a tariff war. We’re in it. We’re on the roller coaster. And electricity and power generation has never been more important for jurisdictions in our country. You know, this is why the Sask Party government needs to start heeding our call, work alongside us as we call for tariff-proofing infrastructure to get our energy to markets from coast to coast to coast.

You know, we just saw yesterday again our neighbour to the east, Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, cancelling 500 megawatts to the United States, instead directing those megawatts to our east-west corridor but especially up north. They were able to provide Nunavut with, I think it was 50 megawatts of power from that. You know what? That’s fantastic.

We are in the midst of a trade war, and the United States needs to realize that we are their friends. We are here. We’ve been friends for how many years now? Hundreds of years. But when the going gets tough, we can play ball, Mr. Speaker. And so, you know, we’re seeing that work. We’ve been calling for that work, calling for those power lines. We need to get our energy, we need to get our resources to market. That’s why we’ve also been calling for investments in pipeline infrastructure, east and west, so that we can get our resources to markets. We need to increase our investments in rail, including shortline, to ensure that we’re moving our resources as efficiently as possible from coast to coast.

And our leader has said it time and time again in rooms across this province. We have long seen our landlocked status as an issue to be solved, Mr. Speaker. But you know what? We’re looking at that kind of, as a province, as a glass-half-empty analysis. We should be looking at it from the glass-half-full analysis. And that’s exactly how she views it, Mr. Speaker. We could and should be an energy superpower in this country. We sit in the heart of this country. We have the wind, the sun, the uranium to power the world, Mr. Speaker. We have it all. We’re ready to do it. And that’s why we have committed to working alongside this government to ensure that we can tariff-proof our energy economy, our electricity economy. Let’s do that work right now, Mr. Speaker.

So I’m calling on the Government of Saskatchewan here in this legislature to meet the moment. This is our wake-up call. We have to respond, through this fantastic Crown corporation, to strengthen our sovereignty in this mighty country that we call Canada.

So, Mr. Speaker, I think I’ve left enough comments on the record here for this bill. I know that our shadow minister is taking a very close look at this bill, is speaking to stakeholders, is engaging with those folks, going to make sure that these borrowing increases work for the people of Saskatchewan. And so, Mr. Speaker, with that, I will 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 Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A pleasure to enter debate on Bill No. 15, The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Amendment Act, 2025, Mr. Speaker.

A fairly straightforward bill. I know it’s been canvassed by a few others in this legislature. But as my colleague, as my deskmate, the member from Saskatoon Meewasin said, adjourned debates are great. I know I said that like a few thousand times a week ago in here, Mr. Speaker, but it is a real opportunity for us to enter into debate on the government’s legislative agenda to share some feedback, some thoughts and consideration, information we’ve gleaned from stakeholders. And it’s also, you know, it’s just a nice opportunity to hear the critical thinking and the good work of your colleagues in this critical legislative process in which we all engage.

But as I said, this bill itself is pretty straightforward, making a couple changes to SLGA’s [Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority] ability to charge interest on late payments for alcohol, moving that ceiling from $10,000 to $25,000. I know the minister noted that we have one of the lowest thresholds already in Canada for that maximum penalty, so of course the bill is looking to move that.

That amendment itself is fairly straightforward, as I said, Mr. Speaker. But you know, I did want to put a couple comments on the record just in regards to SLGA legislation overall. This is something, this is feedback I hear again and again from stakeholders in the small-business community of a great appreciation for the employees and the work that gets done at this incredibly valuable Crown, but also have lots of ideas and some challenges from time to time with pieces of this legislation that they feel are maybe a little out of step with other jurisdictions — perhaps, dare I say, a little bit antiquated. This is something I’m sure anyone who has talked to a small-business owner about the SLGA legislation has heard.

So I guess my comment on that would just be, when we look at opening up these pieces of legislation, looking at a public policy reason to do so, sometimes it feels in this place, you know, only five years into it we make a little tweak here and a little tweak there, and we end up with these kind of behemoth, amended pieces of legislation that actually haven’t been fully refreshed sometimes in 20, 30, 40, 50 years. And you know, this in particular, Mr. Speaker, I’d just put the comment on the record that I hope the minister in her role here is considering some of those other pieces of regulatory advancement that I think a lot of folks would look for.

You know, I just think that the liquor laws in different jurisdictions in Canada are kind of wild. It’s interesting how different they are, Mr. Speaker. I grew up in Quebec . . . And now before the crack research team on the other side thinks I’m calling for this, I’m not. I’m just reflecting on the differences. In Quebec you can buy, you know, beer and wine at a gas station, any corner store, depanneur, but you can’t buy hard liquor after 9 p.m., which I think is interesting. But of course, I don’t know if anything good happens if you buy a bottle of vodka after 9 p.m., Mr. Speaker. Food for thought, I suppose. But very different than the system that we have here.

Of course, who’d have seen this government move to privatized liquor sales in the province a few years back, which was obviously something we opposed on this side of the legislature, Mr. Speaker, for a variety of reasons — jobs, revenues to the Crown. But also I want to say I found the argument that it was a money-losing endeavour just a little strange. If you’re operating a monopoly and you can’t make money selling booze when you’re the only folks doing it, seems like you might be kind of bad at business. But I digress, Mr. Speaker.

When they look at this legislation, other opportunities, I know I’ve heard feedback on patios, on corkage, on off-sale for restaurants. I know this is something that was brought in during the pandemic, then brought back. These are all things that I hear from small-business owners that they’d like to see the minister and her officials really take a look at when it comes to that legislation.

I think the last thing that I’d say on this bill, when we look at raising the threshold for that penalty, I appreciate, you know, in the minister’s comments she noted we do have one of the lowest ceilings for that in the country. And you know, of course people need to pay their bills, and that’s something I think we all agree on.

But I hear this from time to time from concerned business owners, especially coming out of the pandemic, folks who’d had a really hard time, small-business owners in particular, hospitality-sector businesses who’d fallen behind on their PST [provincial sales tax] payments and then were having a hard time even making the interest payments, and were just, you know, falling further and further behind into that cycle of debt. And it was really becoming a challenge for them to stay operational, everyone I spoke to — you know, good, credible folks, good operators just trying not to fall farther behind.

I recognize in this bill that $25,000 is the ceiling. You know, it’s not going to continue to climb. But I think when we see so many small businesses in this province that have gone through a pandemic, gone through so much up-and-down consumer confidence, now looking at tariffs, so many challenges, I think it’s incumbent on all of us to just make sure that, you know, we’re not further hurting. Of course people should pay their bills, but hopefully we’re not going to penalize folks who have fallen behind and are trying to get back on their feet, whether as individuals or in this case the small businesses.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I think I’ve taken us on a winding tour of liquor laws in Quebec, changes made throughout the pandemic, the privatization of liquor sales, and PST interest payments. But an important piece of legislation. I know the critic’s going to give it its due course in committee with extensive feedback from stakeholders, especially those in the hospitality sector. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I’ll move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 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. 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 Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again honoured to be on my feet here for some adjourned debates, just getting into the swing of things here on this end of the House. Honoured to be on my feet again to speak to this important bill, Bill 18, the regulated health professionals Act, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the minister for his remarks at second reading to understand this piece of legislation better.

Mr. Speaker, from what I’m garnering from this legislation, is that this is a bill to bring 21 individual Acts, regulating 28 health professionals, governed by 26 regulatory bodies, under a single overarching Act. And as my colleague mentioned, you know, sometimes we go in and we change these individual Acts, little bits here, little bits there, but we don’t do that whole refresh. This seems to be the case here for regulating health professionals here in the province of Saskatchewan.

And so I think we both welcome that work . . . You know, there’s always work to do to see what the plans of the government are, see who they’ve consulted, what they intend with these Acts, Mr. Speaker. And so I guess that’s our job on this side of the House is to analyze that legislation.

You know, sometimes I do wish that we would hear more from the members opposite during our adjourned debates processes. And for all the new members on the government side, do you know that you can enter into adjourned debates? You know, it’s pretty fun. Hopefully we make it look good. We’d love to hear what you have to say on all of these bills.

Sometimes . . . Apologies, Mr. Speaker. I’ll continue to direct it to the Chair. And I would ask, through you and to you, to all members opposite, you know, join us. But sometimes, I guess, some of the members over there say the darndest things, and so sometimes maybe that’s why we just let us speak on these bills, and so let us put our foot in it first, as you might say. So I’ll digress, Mr. Speaker. I’ll come back to this bill.

You know, again we’re told that this will enable improved regulatory standards for health care professionals when it comes to registration, governance, complaints, discipline, public accountabilities, representation, bylaw making, Mr. Speaker. We’re told this will bring us in line with other Canadian jurisdictions, which is important in this moment of upset that we’re seeing where we need to be focusing east-west in Canada, you know, getting our regulations in line with other provinces.

You know, it shouldn’t be that difficult for someone who works in a health care field in Alberta or Newfoundland to show up in Saskatchewan and work in a health care field, Mr. Speaker. So we hope that’s what we’re seeing here.

You know, we also see remarks from the minister that this will increase accountability to the public. This is so important — ensure public safety. This is top of mind. We also have languages around changes to scopes of practice, that this is to encourage interdisciplinary and collaborative models of care. Fantastic, Mr. Speaker. This sounds great. It looks good on paper.

We know that health regulators are important. We know that they do such important work for health care workers that they serve — health care workers being the backbone of our health care system, being the backbone of our province.

[15:00]

And I would be remiss while I am on my feet not to say just how valued those health care workers are in our province. I want to say thank you to all the health care workers in our province. You know, many of us — all of us — will engage with the health care system. All of us have family members who are or will be engaging with the health care system. You know, those folks, no matter what position they hold, they’re doing that fantastic work, and so we want to make sure they’re valued.

I think that the worries that I will express today, you know, hearkens back to the track record of this government on engaging with health care workers, with listening and respecting health care workers. You know, that has been quite low, at least from our view, our side of the House here, Mr. Speaker. Just yesterday on the floor of this Chamber we saw issues around neonatal care raised, and we saw a Health minister call into question a statement by a front-line health care worker — health care workers who are raising the alarms in maternal care right now in this province.

They continue to champion the most “ambitious” health care human resource strategy, which I would note is only something that these members say, Mr. Speaker. You know, we don’t hear that language on the ground. We don’t hear that from health care workers, Mr. Speaker.

We know that there has been a lot of talk, as I mentioned, about breaking down trade barriers, but also about breaking down barriers for Canadians to work in other provinces. And so during my time as shadow Labour minister, I have had the pleasure and privilege of joining my shadow colleagues, our shadow Health ministers, in meetings with our four main health care unions in the last little while.

We’ve met with SUN [Saskatchewan Union of Nurses], we’ve met with SGEU [Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union], we’ve met with SEIU-West [Service Employees International Union-West], and we’ve met with CUPE [Canadian Union of Public Employees] Saskatchewan. And we’ve heard the concerns about what we are seeing when it looks at regulations as it pertains to health care workers moving from one province to another, Mr. Speaker.

We’ve heard that this cannot be a race to the bottom when it comes to health care regulations. Rising water must raise all ships, Mr. Speaker. We should not compromise the safety of patients to ensure someone can drive across a provincial border to get a job. Instead we should make sure that all these provinces have regulations in line with each other so that folks can work and we can ensure patient safety.

You know, Mr. Speaker, what we also heard in those meetings with health care providers and health care workers is that they want respect. They want respect from this government. They want to be part of the solution. They want respect from a government that continues to drag its heels when it comes to collective bargaining. Some health care workers have gone three years, Mr. Speaker, without a contract. That means three years without wage increases, Mr. Speaker. It’s just unconscionable. They want to see a government that is focusing on them.

They’re also calling on the government to address short-staffing crisis in health care system, violence in the workplace, reliance on contract nurses, endless overtime, and no opportunities to take holidays for these folks because of all of those things I mentioned. Health care workers deserve our respect.

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to highlight very real concerns that we have about this legislation. That is around, how long is this actually going to take to implement? Because we’ve seen, you know, four years ago The Massage Therapy Act was passed in this House in 2021. That legislation still hasn’t been put into effect. Massage therapists, valued health care professionals in their own right, have worked for over a decade to see regulated professional status, and this government continues to drag its feet even after it passed its own legislation.

So this begs a lot of questions. We have this piece of legislation before us in the House. I know our shadow minister of Health will be asking, how long is it going to take to implement this legislation? How long is it going to take to implement legislation passed in 2021?

And so I will wind down here, Mr. Speaker. I know our shadow minister will be engaging with those stakeholders. I will be providing any and all assistance to that shadow minister team as shadow minister of Labour, and we will have more thoughts and questions on this bill in committee.

So at this time, Mr. Speaker, I’m ready to adjourn debate on Bill No. 18, the regulated health professionals 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. 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 Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again on my feet to speak to the twin bill in this, Bill 18 and 19. I spoke to the regulated health professionals Act. On my feet speaking to the regulated health professionals consequential amendment Act, Mr. Speaker. I will ask all members to refer to my remarks for Bill No. 18. Again reiterate that we’ll be continuing to work and engage stakeholders.

And so at this time I am pleased to adjourn debate on Bill No. 19, the consequential amendment portion of this 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. 21

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Eric Schmalz that Bill No. 21 — The Construction Codes (Derelict Buildings) Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to enter into debate with respect to Bill No. 21, The Construction Codes (Derelict Buildings) Amendment Act, 2025. What this bill aims to do, as I understand, is to deal with derelict buildings in communities across the province and to authorize the ability to burn that building while working within the regulations. I think we need greater clarity as to what those regulations are.

Certainly the challenge in all too many communities and towns all across this province are derelict buildings, Mr. Speaker. And this is an issue that we’ve seen really grow with prevalence in communities across our province under this current government. You see it through the economic trends and numbers and the jobs numbers. Particularly in rural Saskatchewan the economic record of that Sask Party government is a very poor one, Mr. Speaker.

And sadly we see far too many towns that are being left behind, Mr. Speaker, far too many towns without the attention and economic opportunity that they deserve, the services that they need and count on, Mr. Speaker, and of course that which stems from that. We see derelict buildings in communities, small communities across our province and some larger ones as well, but many towns and villages across rural Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

So I guess I would urge this government . . . Certainly we need policies as to how to deal with those derelict buildings. You know, whether it be fire or whether it’s other options for disposal, certainly we should be consulting those that might be directly involved there, such as the firefighters, to make sure that we have the safety provisions in place.

Certainly this official opposition has worked incredibly hard over the years to stand as an ally with the firefighters of this province to improve protections for firefighters and to extend coverage. Because sadly those firefighters that are out there on the front lines serving and protecting, they often risk it all and they’re subjected to toxins, Mr. Speaker, that often take their own lives.

We see that with the cancers that they’re subjected to, Mr. Speaker. And we’ve pushed hard over the years for better protections for firefighters and of course the cancer coverage expansions that we’ve been able to move through this Assembly. And we’ll continue to stand with firefighters. Certainly they should be a direct part of the consultation on this front, as should those in health.

But back to where I started on this, Mr. Speaker, we need to of course deal with derelict buildings in an appropriate way and deal with them in a way that works for communities and towns across the province, but we need to really get our focus on making sure that we’re building opportunity in every last town and village in this province and every last region of this province, Mr. Speaker.

As I say, the economic record of this Sask Party government in rural Saskatchewan and as it relates to so many towns and villages is very poor, Mr. Speaker, and we see those impacts on too many main streets with too many empty buildings, and with far too many young people not being able to find the opportunity that they so deserve within their respective rural communities, Mr. Speaker. So that’s where an important focus really needs to be placed on this front.

With that being said, I’ll move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 21, The Construction Codes (Derelict Buildings) Amendment Act, 2025.

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. 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. This Assembly now stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:10.]

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

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