Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to take a moment to introduce some guests in the west gallery who I haven’t had an opportunity to meet yet, but I understand one of my fellow legislative colleagues will be getting up to provide an introduction as well. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to warmly welcome executive director Lucille Gilliland and assistant director Taylor Brake of the Southwest Day Care and Learning Centre to their Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I understand that this summer that they’re celebrating 50 years of operating and delivering excellent child care and early learning to the community of Moose Jaw. Mr. Speaker, I just want to be able to, while I have this brief opportunity on my feet, to thank them for the good work they are doing, to reassure them and reaffirm this government’s commitment to signing the child care deal with the federal government and the work that’s happened on that. And we’ll make sure that that gets done, Mr. Speaker.

And finally to also just recognize that this month is Early Childhood Education Month in Saskatchewan. May 14th is ECE, Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day, Mr. Speaker. There are thousands of dedicated professionals in this area providing amazing support to families right across this province.

And, Mr. Speaker, the government has been listening to child care workers. And as an example of that, we’re happy to be able to announce we’ll be providing ECEs [early childhood educator] with more opportunity for additional training by facilitating two days per licensing year for professional development. And that’s something that the sector has been asking for, and we’re happy to be able to collaborate with them.

So, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the government and as the Minister of Education, I just want to welcome Lucille and Taylor and the group from Southwest Day Care and Learning Centre for being here today at their Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to join my minister opposite in welcoming Lucille and Taylor to their legislature for all the wonderful work they’ve been doing at the Southwest Day Care Centre. Thank you very much, and we appreciate your work and we look forward to child care having its day in the sun soon.

Let us all join and welcome these lovely ladies and all the work that they do.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Moose Jaw Wakamow.

Megan Patterson: — I request an extended introduction, please.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to just take some minutes to welcome Lucille Gilliland and Taylor Brake from Southwest early childhood learning centre in Moose Jaw.

So Lucille has been the executive director for over 30 years. And she’s had a substantial impact on early childhood education in our city, the province, the country, and she’s also taken the programs on social skills that they’ve developed to other countries as well.

She has been the recipient of many awards, including the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence, not once but twice, both provincially and federally; the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for service to the child care sector; the Royal Canadian Air Force 100 Years pin; as well as a lifetime achievement award from the PRISM [perseverance, role model, influential, successful, mentor] Awards in Moose Jaw.

She has continued learning in education for years and has a B.A. [Bachelor of Arts] in human and social development, a B.A. in child and youth care, as well as a certificate in early childhood administration — being the first graduate of that program in Saskatchewan and in Canada — from the University of Guelph.

So I just wanted to mention that Taylor Brake is with her, and Taylor’s been the assistant director for three years. She has her ECE and got that training actually in Ontario. She received a leadership skills certificate, an Autism Spectrum Disorder Certificate, and will be one of the first graduates of the Early Childhood Administration Advanced Certificate with Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She has a passion for early learning and has been an advocate for the field through letters and other pursuits.

I want to thank them for the important, impactful work that they do. And please join me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to welcome the following guests to their Legislative Assembly: Rob Kraushaar from the Regina Street Team; Melissa Naytowhow and Patricia Hall from the Persons Living with AIDS Network in Saskatoon; Chris Moyah and his team; Patricia Whitebear and her granddaughter; and Sharon Okeeweehow. I also want to welcome Alyssa and Jen Nordick, Amelia Gillies and Maryellen Gibson to their Legislative Assembly.

These folks do a lot of work and have done a lot of work with very little. They help the people that are most vulnerable in mental health, addictions, and they often work collaboratively with no funds. So the work that they do here in the grassroots community organizations cannot be understated. They are dedicated front-line mental health workers who work tirelessly and to help the most vulnerable.

I also forgot to welcome my nephew Shilo and also my other friend, good friend Lorne.

But while I’m on my feet I also want to welcome two of my CAs [constituency assistant] that share a half-time position each. That’s Cameron Robinson and Kate Greyeyes. I appreciate all the work that you do, and boy, I keep you busy. And I just want to say thank you for being so nimble and for being up for the task to help me and to just be there. And thank you for taking care of our guests.

And for the community folks that came out from all across the province, thank you for showing up on this day of action for Mental Health Awareness Week. Gichi-miigwech.

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I’d like to join the member opposite, through you and to you, in welcoming these individuals to their Legislative Assembly — Rob, Melissa, Patricia, Chris, Patricia, Sharon, Alyssa, Jen, Amelia, Maryellen, Shilo, and Lorne, and of course all of the community members, Mr. Speaker.

Mental health and addictions is a very important topic that we talk about in this House every day. And the people that are out there working to help support those individuals, I extend my greatest gratitude to them and the individuals that have joined us here today, and hopefully having productive conversations on how we can make things better going forward, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Welcome everybody to their Legislative Assembly today.

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

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, it is an honour to rise in this Chamber and welcome a great group of steelworkers to their Legislative Assembly. This morning my colleagues had the opportunity to meet with the United Steelworkers group here in the province.

I want to introduce them here to you today. We have Scott Lunny, District 3 director; Mike Duhra, assistant to the director; Josh Moraes, District 3 legislative and public policy staff representative; Patrick Veinot, District 3 staff representative; Malik Umar Draz, USW [United Steelworkers] Local 2014; Todd Hewlin, USW Local 7689; Mike Day, USW Local 5890; Steve Olson, USW 5890; Paul Chevrier, USW Local 5917; and Chuck Deg from USW Local 5917, Mr. Speaker.

USW is one of the largest private sector unions in North America. They touch almost every sector of our economy, and the work that they do is absolutely crucial in supporting their members every single day.

I also want to say a huge thank you for the tremendous support that USW has provided myself and my colleagues, both in the Saskatoon Meewasin by-election and more recently in our 2024 provincial election. Without your help we wouldn’t see so many folks elected on this side of the Chamber, supporting labour in our province. Mr. Speaker, they represent folks in our taxi industry. They represent folks at Evraz steel, at our refineries. Mr. Speaker, such crucial industries in our province.

And so I just want to reiterate again, I want to welcome you all to your Legislative Assembly. I’m so pleased that you were able to meet with our caucus this morning. I know I am very excited to be speaking tomorrow at the breakfast and will be meeting again with you tomorrow. And so with that, Mr. Speaker, I’m just so pleased to be on my feet welcoming this group from United Steelworkers to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Trade and Export.

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for extended leave.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would certainly like to welcome Scott Lunny, the director of United Steelworkers District 3, and a number of his colleagues here today in their legislature, representing many, many of our key sectors that we have in the province — from potash to uranium mining, steel, manufacturing, construction, forestry, transportation industries. These are all industries that really help keep our province’s economy growing.

They met with the Deputy Premier, the Minister of SaskBuilds, myself, where certainly we talked tariffs. We talked about exploring the many opportunities that our province is going to have and is going to provide them significantly more opportunities for employment into the future. And we talked about how to attract more skilled tradespeople to this ever-increasing economy that we’ve got going on in the province, Mr. Speaker.

And we certainly do thank them for their representation, and we look forward to more engagement. And I ask all members to welcome our United Steelworkers to their Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, sorry, I have many guests here today. Yes, I’d also like to welcome Concrete Saskatchewan. And seated in your gallery we have three members. We have Nicole Campbell, the owner of Yorkton Concrete. We have Logan Rathgeber, principal of N&R Concrete in Melville. And we have Trey Guckert from Koncrete Construction Group in southwest Saskatchewan.

And I know we’re going to have a member reception later today. I know they’re meeting with various ministers and ministries today. And looking forward to the opportunities to talk about laying the foundation to, again, the growing economy that we have in this province. And certainly would like all members to welcome Concrete Saskatchewan to their Legislative Assembly.

At a local level, Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce, seated in the east gallery, eight students from Countryside School in Saltcoats. Please give us a wave there. There we are. They’re accompanied by their teacher Raelene Bieganek, and parent chaperones Cam and Amanda Penner, Gordon and Tricia Wohlgemuth, and Elaine Bartel.

And I am certainly looking forward to the engaging conversations and many questions that we’re going to have after question period today, Mr. Speaker. I’d like all members to welcome Saltcoats school to their Legislative Assembly. I’m done.

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

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to join the minister opposite in welcoming Ryan, Colin, and Mike from Concrete Saskatchewan to their Legislative Assembly. We had a great chat with them earlier today with my colleagues from Saskatoon Nutana and from Regina South Albert to listen about what they do and how they do it, and the vital contribution that they provide to the province of Saskatchewan.

[13:45]

So I would join with members opposite and all members of the legislature welcoming these three fine gentlemen to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, seated in your gallery, it is my pleasure to introduce several correctional services employees from across Saskatchewan largely filling your gallery up there, Mr. Speaker.

Today is Correctional Services Appreciation Day in Saskatchewan. Every year we commemorate this day to acknowledge the efforts of Saskatchewan correctional services employees and thank them for their contributions and dedication to building safer communities across our province. Working in corrections can be a challenging career, Mr. Speaker, but these employees fulfill their duties with vigilance and compassion and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence in all that they do.

To help celebrate this day, Mr. Speaker, I had the honour of meeting several of these employees this morning for lunch, and presenting the Minister’s Award for Excellence to the team at Paul Dojack Youth Centre for their work on researching and implementing the EQ2 training and support program for direct care staff working with at-risk youth.

This award is presented annually to recognize employees and teams for innovation and excellence in corrections.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in thanking all of the correctional services staff for everything that they do to help keep our communities safe. And I ask the members to join me in welcoming these members of the correctional services community to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to join with the minister opposite in welcoming members of the correctional services community to their Legislative Assembly. Very exciting news to hear about the award and the good work that is being done at the Paul Dojack Youth Centre. I know that the work that you do is tough work. It’s meaningful work. And we’re very appreciative on this side of what you do.

So I just want to join with the minister opposite on behalf of the official opposition welcoming you to this, the Legislative Assembly, and thanking you for the work that you do each and every day.

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

Sean Wilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you I would like to introduce three individuals from my constituency, specifically Preeceville. And they are Mayor Darin Newton; CAO [Chief Administrative Officer] Lorelei Karcha — they’re up at the very top; give them a wave — Lorelei Karcha; and a fresh, new out-of-the-box councillor, Ashley Ward. Please welcome them to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to introduce a good buddy, a good friend of mine, Mr. Clay DeBray, who’s sitting up in the east gallery, Mr. Speaker.

Clay travelled all the way up from Meadow Lake this morning. He’s originally from Batoche, Duck Lake, and ties into Beardy’s and Okemasis First Nation. Was an avid hockey player, a great hockey player. I’d asked him this morning if he had played overseas. He said, well I made a stop for coffee in Switzerland at one point and then played in Australia.

It’s great to have Clay here. He also runs a successful business up in Flying Dust First Nation — Snipe & Celly pro shop. And he’s been involved with minor sports for a long time, so it’s great to have him here.

I want to ask all members to welcome Clay to his Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to join with the member opposite in welcoming Clay DeBray to the legislature. As I’ve said before, not often we have folks who are visiting from Meadow Lake here at the Assembly. So I want to join with the member in welcoming Clay, who runs Snipe & Celly and also served on city council, actually alongside my dad on city council. So welcome Clay to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. He’s made such a long trek that I’m going to introduce him as well and just pile on to the introduction of Clay DeBray. We’re going to have a member’s statement about him in a little bit as well. He’s done some really incredible work in building out the Every Child Matters hockey stick to teach about residential schools throughout hockey across Canada. Incredible success.

This is a person and a family that lives and breathes hockey and lives and breathes community, that looks for every way to serve. If you look at his past stats when he played, he had goals, he had assists, he had quite a few penalty minutes. In the community it’s been a whole bunch of assists, making such a difference in the lives of so many.

He’s also stepped up and run provincially in the past. Just an incredible provincial candidate in 2011 in Rosthern-Shellbrook, in 2016 in Batoche. A heart-and-soul guy that believes in the promise of this province. It’s my pleasure to welcome him.

I want to give a shout-out as well to his son Easton DeBray, who’s headed off to compete in the Centennial Cup in Calgary. And he’s playing with the Kam River Fighting Walleye, Mr. Speaker. I don’t think there’s a better name in sport, Mr. Speaker. We wish Easton and his team real well out there.

I ask all to welcome Clay.

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave for an extended introduction.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister’s requested leave for an extended introduction. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, it is my great pleasure to introduce three guests seated in your gallery. Joining us today is Perry Martin, vice-president of government relations at Loblaw’s Shoppers Drug Mart; Veena Bhullar, director of government and stakeholders relations at Shoppers; and Bernadet Hamill, our own executive director of the Status of Women office.

Mr. Speaker, I was very pleased to be introduced to Perry and Veena today, as they have been such wonderful partners on the agreement between the Status of Women office and Shoppers. Thank you to this agreement, we have been able to provide 12 million free menstrual products to women and girls in our province. This program has been such a wonderful support to have in places like schools, transition houses, and shelters. Thanks to this program, products have been provided to those who need them in a manner that supports dignity and easy access.

So today I would like to thank Loblaw’s Shoppers Drug Mart for their corporate generosity and to thank Perry, Veena, and Bernadet for all their work on developing and making this a successful program. I ask all members to please join me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to join with the minister opposite in welcoming Veena, Perry, and Bernadet to their Legislative Assembly.

I think it was recently that the term “period poverty” was coined, Mr. Speaker, and that was the first time I’d heard that. And I hear that it’s a real thing, especially with the rising cost of living. It’s one of the first things to go from any households, particularly for women who are living more marginalized existences. So this is a very good initiative. And I just want to thank them for being here today and bringing attention to this. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

David Chan: — Request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

David Chan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, it’s my pleasure to welcome and introduce 27 grade 11 and 12 students from Yorkton Regional High School joining us today in the west gallery. You guys can give us a wave. They’re here with their teacher, Mr. Perry Ostapowich, and this is the 37th group that he’s brought to the legislature, so I thank him for that.

Now a few of the students have written me ahead of time and asked me to give them a shout-out so I’m going to do that, and I’d ask you to just give us a little wave. So shout-out to Emily Bui, Tristan Todosichuk, Drayke Smith, Naomi Goeree, and Christopher Stevens.

Emily Bui is daughter of Pandora Chu and Henry Bui; Tristan Todosichuk, he didn’t tell me anything about himself so I take it he’s his own man; Drayke Smith is the son of Andrew MacKinnon and Tymon Smith; Naomi is the daughter and protegé of Jolanda Hamelink and Ko Goeree; and Christopher Stevens, he’s from Sapotaweyak Cree Nation and he introduced himself to me as a cowboy. So where are you Chris? Give us a wave. And I understand he has a few rodeos under his belt.

Now, Mr. Speaker, there are also a few students I happen to know personally, so I’m going to do my best to embarrass at least one of them. So first is Trey Brass. If you could give us a wave, Trey. Trey is a young man who’s destined to be a leader like his father, Rodney Brass, who I know quite well. I worked with him for quite a number of years on Kahkewistahaw First Nation, and I have nothing but good to say about Rodney. He’s a dedicated, outstanding addictions counsellor who consistently shows up for the clients that he serves. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say, “I’m sober because of Rodney Brass,” and that’s Trey’s dad.

Next is Kaliah Papequash. She is an incredible, amazing, strong, talented young woman. She knows her mind. And I know her to always be the one who’s laughing with friends and just having a good time, and also getting into a little trouble here and there. Even after her family lost everything to a fire a few years back, she still manages to bring joy to others, and that just says what kind of a person she is.

And last but not least, I would ask the Assembly to turn your eyes to Mary Keshane. Mary, if you could give us a wave. I know how much this will mortify her. My wife and I have known Mary since she was 12. I’ve watched her grow from this sweet young girl to now just getting so cheeky. Sincerely, Mr. Speaker, Mary is an incredible young lady. And no matter how tall or how good she gets at volleyball, I want to remind her that I can still take her down.

And I’ll finish by saying what I’ve said to them, to these two, many times when they’ve been over to our place. It’s a promise from scripture that belongs to them. “For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. To give you hope and a future.”

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members to join me in welcoming these students to this, their Legislative Assembly.

And while I’m on my feet, if I could take one more minute here. I’d like to also welcome Nicole Campbell, who’s from my constituency. She is the owner of Yorkton Concrete, and I just want to say that she is such an integral member of Yorkton. She is so involved in community. She’s incredibly generous, supporting so many of the events and causes around our community. And I’d like to welcome her to this, her Legislative Assembly.

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

Chris Beaudry: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to introduce the 23 students from the grade 8 class from Wadena Composite School. They’re here today with their teachers Ms. Angela Fielding, Ona Murias, and Maria Wagner. And they’re seated in the west gallery.

I’m happy to meet with these amazing future leaders after question period, and I have brought along chocolate today so I don’t need to borrow any from the member from Humboldt.

I’d ask all the members to help me welcome Ms. Fielding, Murias, and Wagner and the grade 8 class from Wadena to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s wonderful to see so many Saskatchewan leaders and amazing Saskatchewan people in the gallery today. I want to join with the member opposite from Canora-Pelly and welcome the good folks from Preeceville, the mayor and CFO [chief financial officer] and councillor. Welcome to your Legislative Assembly on behalf of the official opposition.

As municipal affairs shadow minister I’d like to welcome you to the legislature here. And I hope to make it up to Preeceville this summer and perhaps meet with you folks to discuss issues and concerns in the community.

And while I’m up on my feet, Mr. Speaker, I also want to join in welcoming the folks from steel. I really appreciate having you here today. I’m looking forward to meeting with you again tomorrow.

So with that I ask all members to join me in welcoming all of these fine Saskatchewan people to their Legislative Assembly.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in the Assembly today to present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan calling for recognition of the Timber Bay residential school as a provincially ran residential school, release of school records, and a formal apology, and compensation to the survivors.

We, the undersigned residents of Canada, wish to bring to your attention the following: survivors of the Timber Bay residential school have been denied the Indian residential school settlements that other sites received on a basis that the school was run by the province of Saskatchewan rather than operated by the federal government. Timber Bay residential school is the only residential school in Canada with an open RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] investigation surrounding historical crimes. The province of Saskatchewan oversaw approximately 2,000 children attend the school in Timber Bay, which has operated from 1952 to 1994.

I’ll read the prayer:

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

[14:00]

The undersigned residents are from La Ronge. I do present. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling for the Government of Saskatchewan to renew the federal-provincial child care agreement. We, 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. 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. 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 read 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.

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

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Regina Wascana Plains.

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling on the government to address the issue of IPV, intimate partner violence, in the province. These residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring attention to the following. Saskatchewan has the highest rate per capita of intimate partner violence, or IPV, also known as domestic violence, in Canada. The economic impact of IPV in Canada is estimated at over $7 billion per year. A large portion of tangible IPV costs are paid by the government for items like the criminal and civil justice system and health care system. 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. Employers and employees need to know the signs of IPV and where to call for help. Education is key to changing the rates of IPV.

The prayer reads as follows:

We respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan mandate education on intimate partner violence be included in the orientation process for all new employees across all workplaces in the province.

Mr. Speaker, the signatories today reside in Saskatoon. 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 calling for the repeal of Bill 137.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that queer and trans youth are at a higher risk of homelessness, self-harm, and suicide when denied access to safe and inclusive learning environments; that Bill 137, the education amendment Act of 2023, directs educators to non-consensually out two-spirit, trans, and nonbinary students under the age of 16 to their parents; and that Bill 137 is in direct contravention of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as it relates to gender identity and expression; and that by explicitly invoking the notwithstanding clause under Bill 137, the government is overriding children’s rights.

With that, I will 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 repeal Bill 137 and ensure that all 2SLGBTQI+ students are supported and protected in accordance with The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.

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

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that there is currently no timeline for the completion and opening of the second joint-use school in Regina’s Harbour Landing; that Harbour Landing School and St. Kateri Tekakwitha School in Regina are over capacity in their first year of operation; that the building codes and the fire safety regulation Act may be breached if fewer than 10 per cent of the students are absent on any given day; that essential resources like the library have had their size reduced to accommodate temporary classrooms; that all children have a right to a well-rounded education in a safe environment.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately provide the support needed to complete and open the second joint-use school in Harbour Landing area as soon as possible.

This petition has been signed by the residents of Regina. I do so present. Thank you.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Yorkton DreamCentre Offers Hope and Healing on Its 10th Anniversary

David Chan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize a remarkable milestone in the heart of our community. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Yorkton DreamCentre and the faithful leadership of Pastor Kevin and Rachelle Sawatsky.

For a decade, the DreamCentre has been a place of refuge, joy, and spiritual nourishment for many in Yorkton. Whether through Wednesday night soup-and-bun meals, Saturday DreamLand family play, or Sunday worship services, the Sawatskys and their team have consistently poured out love in practical, compassionate, and meaningful ways.

Their ministry has not only served physical needs but has brought hope and healing to many who are hurting, lost, or simply looking for connection and care. The Yorkton DreamCentre has shown the love of Christ in the truest sense — one meal, one family, one heart at a time.

Mr. Speaker, I had the honour of bringing greetings on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan at their recent anniversary celebration. Today I rise in this House to say thank you. Thank you, Pastor Kevin and Rachelle. Thank you, DreamCentre family. Your work matters and Yorkton is better because of you. Congratulations on 10 faithful years.

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

Mental Health Week a Reminder to Unmask for Connection, Healing, and Hope

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Canadian Mental Health Week. May 5th to 11th aims to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and promote mental well-being. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week is Unmasking for Connection, Healing, and Hope.

Mr. Speaker, we all have four dimensions of ourselves — mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. When the mental dimension of ourselves is negatively impacted, it also impacts the other three dimensions.

Mr. Speaker, there are many dedicated professionals working in the mental health field. Working in the mental health field is extremely taxing on one’s own mental, emotional, spiritual, and emotional health. However, I am grateful we have those dedicated and committed professionals helping vulnerable people heal.

Healing is a difficult journey, Mr. Speaker. And it is absolutely impossible to do it alone. It is important that we continue advocating for meaningful mental health supports so that people can have a better chance of sustained good mental health and well-being.

I invite all members to join me in thanking the many folks out there who work tirelessly to provide meaningful support to those impacted by mental health. Miigwech.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Highways.

Willow Bunch Volunteer Fire Department Wins Resilient Communities Award

Hon. David Marit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The rural municipality of Willow Bunch’s volunteer fire department has been recognized with a national award for going above and beyond in their level of service. The small fire department was given the Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award in the Resilient Communities category. This is an incredible feat for a volunteer fire department that covers a town of 299 people and a rural municipality of 285 residents.

The RM [rural municipality] of Willow Bunch’s volunteer fire department is made up of 12 members, including Fire Chief Keith deRonde, Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Pruden, Captain Curtis Heatcoat, Lieutenant Merlin Cochrane, Allan Mondor, Andre Cayer, Jacob Broeder, Parker Beauchesne, Tiffany Beauchesne, Mitch Rondeau, Kody Spagrud, and Tyler Mcavena.

In 2022 the Fire Service Minimum Standards Guide was released, which outlined minimum levels of equipment, training, personnel, and fire services frameworks for departments to follow. Willow Bunch fire department has gone above and beyond these standards.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members of the Assembly to join me in thanking the Willow Bunch fire department for their exceptional work that provides top-tier fire protection for their community that truly exemplifies Saskatchewan spirit. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Former Addict Advocates for Others in Crisis

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an absolute honour to be on my feet to commend and recognize Chris Moyah. Chris Moyah is a registered band member from Thunderchild First Nation and grew up in James Smith Cree Nation with grandparents.

Just over a decade ago with some assistance from Str8 Up and its founder, Father André Poilièvre, Chris was able to separate himself from being involved with gangs in Saskatoon. He’s been recovering and sober for over 12 years. He also credits his positive life changes to reconnecting with Elders and his First Nations culture.

Since April 28th, a day that holds special importance to him as it was the day his first child was born years ago, he has been advocating for others experiencing a housing crisis or a mental health and addictions crisis. He’s currently walking 10 kilometres or so a day on most days from Saskatoon to the legislature here in Regina. He’s made it past Blackstrap and is frequently joined by friends, family, and other community advocates as he raises awareness for challenges too many people are facing in our community and province.

It should also be noted that Chris has involved himself in so many other meaningful and important organizations and causes in our province, and he also aims to bring attention to the need for significant increases and changes to SIS [Saskatchewan income support] and SAID [Saskatchewan assured income for disability]. He is a model for First Nations youth and others on their journey towards recovery and their path towards a prosperous and healthy life.

Please join me in commending the great work of Chris Moyah.

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

Moosomin Walk for Alzheimer’s Honours Phyllis Thorn

Kevin Weedmark: — Mr. Speaker, May 24th will be the second annual Moosomin Walk for Alzheimer’s. The first walk last year was planned by a few local people, and one of the inspirations was Phyllis Thorn, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and who lived at Cobblestone House in Moosomin.

Before the first Moosomin walk, a very talented young reporter, Ashley Bochek, spoke to Bill Thorn about the impact that Alzheimer’s disease had on a family with a loved one living with the disease, and the impact of watching the disease steal Phyllis’s memories. Ashley produced an in-depth, heart-wrenching article that detailed the devasting impacts of Alzheimer’s and touched a lot of people very deeply.

One person, Mr. Speaker, was so deeply impacted that he personally donated $100,000 toward that first walk. With that and other donations, that first walk last year raised a total of $140,000 for the Alzheimer Society.

Mr. Speaker, sadly, Phyllis lost her battle with the disease, and she passed away this winter. But her memory will inspire many of the participants in the 2025 Alzheimer’s walk. On May 24th the Alzheimer Society will hold five walks in Saskatchewan: in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Swift Current, and in Moosomin.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage everyone to support the 2025 Walk for Alzheimer’s across the province, raising vital funds for the Alzheimer Society, which provides such important support to people and families living with Alzheimer’s. Thank you.

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

Unique Hockey Stick Honours Residential School Survivors

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to celebrate a remarkable community leader, Clay Debray of Meadow Lake, and the hockey stick he’s created that’s leaving a legacy.

Clay DeBray, a proud Métis and past councillor in Meadow Lake, runs the Snipe & Celly pro shop on Flying Dust First Nation. He and his family live and breathe hockey.

Clay created the Every Child Matters stick to teach about the generations of Indigenous children who were forced into Canada’s residential school system. The stick features five symbols: a teddy bear, a teardrop, four shades of hands, an Indigenous-drawn turtle with medicine wheel, a traditional Métis sash, and an orange eagle feather on the blade. He put the eagle feather on the blade, he tells me, because when it’s raised in the air in celebration after a goal, it’s closest to the Creator.

Clay worked with Elder Eugene Arcand to design this beautiful stick. It’s been used at all levels of hockey across Canada, including the Hockey Hall of Fame, Hockey Canada, the CHL [Canada Hockey League], SJHL [Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League], SIJHL [Superior International Junior Hockey League], the women’s Canada versus US [United States] series, the Esso Cup national U18 [under 18] women’s championship, the NHL [National Hockey League], CHL Top Prospects Game, TSN [The Sports Network], and numerous broadcasters as well.

I ask all members to join with me to celebrate and thank Clay DeBray for creating this stick, for the teaching and impact it’s provided, and for the lasting legacy that it will leave. Thank you.

[14:15]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Batoche.

MacDowall Spring Fling Fundraiser Supports the Community

Darlene Rowden: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the seventh annual Spring Fling fundraiser hosted by the MacDowall & District Lions Club in my home community.

It all gets kicked off with a fried chicken, mashed potato and gravy supper. Folks gather around tables, catch up, and share a few laughs. Then it’s on to the auctions. Items are all donated by generous community members and businesses. Gravel, fence posts, lumber, garden supplies — every Saskatchewan rural person’s dream is up for grabs. Bidding gets a little heated, but it’s all in good fun, and there is plenty of friendly teasing across the room, Mr. Speaker. When the auctions wrap up and dishes are done, the music starts and the dance floor fills. Young, old, and everyone in between dance well into the night.

All of the money raised goes right back into the community, supporting the upkeep of our local Lions hall. A big thank you to the Lions and all the volunteers who made it happen again this year.

MacDowall’s slogan is “Small dot on the map, big heart.” And I think that says it all, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — So just quick before question period, I’m just going to read a couple . . . just rules and some procedural points here, just to remind us. We all need a reminder at times. Just that we must not impute bad motives or motives different from those acknowledged by a member or make a personal charge against a member.

And then something, a little bit, to protect the citizens outside of the Chamber:

Members are discouraged from referring by name to persons who are not Members of Parliament and who do not enjoy parliamentary immunity, except in extraordinary circumstances when the national interest calls for this. The Speaker has ruled that members have a responsibility to protect the innocent not only from outright slander, but from . . . [a] slur directly or indirectly implied, and has suggested that members avoid as much as possible mentioning by name people from outside the House who are unable to reply in their own defence.

So with that we’ll go to question period.

QUESTION PERIOD

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Opposition Leader.

National Unity and Relationship with Federal Government

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Premier’s MAGA [Make America Great Again]-loving pal Danielle Smith made it very obvious that there will be a referendum on Alberta leaving Canada sometime in 2026. This is brutal for our economy, for jobs, and for our future. We should be focused on building Canada up, not tearing it down. I’m talking about more rail lines, more pipelines, and more power lines.

Will the Premier commit once and for all that we will protect our economy and will not hold a vote on Saskatchewan leaving Canada?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again what we see is the opposition putting forward this straw man argument, Mr. Speaker, that there are only two choices as we move forward in this province: the choice of separation or the choice of the status quo.

And as I have said many times — I think we also, in fairness, heard the Premier of Alberta say something similar yesterday, Mr. Speaker — we are not in favour of either of those choices. We believe very much that there is an opportunity for Saskatchewan to grow and prosper in a strong, united Confederation, strong, united nation of Canada, Mr. Speaker.

And that is the dialogue and the discussion that we have struck up with the new Prime Minister, Mr. Speaker, existing party but the new Prime Minister of Canada.

What we see opposite is members opposite asking and quite likely moving on, Mr. Speaker, putting in place a policy or even suggesting legislation that would take people’s voices away.

Mr. Speaker, in this province and in this nation every four years you have an opportunity to make a choice, a choice on which party is going to govern you provincially or federally. In between those four years, citizens can have a voice through various pieces of referendum legislation across the nation, Mr. Speaker.

What we see across the way, Mr. Speaker, is an opposition party that has backed the federal Liberal government in the decisions that have frustrated and angered Saskatchewan residents, and now their solution is actually to take . . . Their solution, the opposition NDP’s [New Democratic Party] solution is to take the voice of Saskatchewan people away.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Opposition Leader.

Vicki Mowat: — I guess that’s a no, Mr. Speaker. Once again the Premier refuses to clearly denounce separatism. Over and over this has happened in this House, and over and over this has happened in the media, Mr. Speaker. He refuses to stand up for Saskatchewan within a united Canada. He refuses to protect our economy, to protect jobs, and to build our future. I wonder if that’s because the Premier knows that he has a bunch of separatists in his own caucus.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — That’s quite an allegation, Mr. Speaker. It’s quite an allegation accusing another hon. member that has been elected by their constituents. It’s quite an allegation, I think as well, of the members opposite of volunteers that are encouraging people to get involved in the democratic process, Mr. Speaker, who I would remind the members opposite — although they may not agree with them — that they also are Canadians. They are proud Canadians and proud people from the province of Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask the members of this province, what do you think is more Canadian? Encouraging people to get involved in nomination processes, to get involved in the election process, to get involved in our democracy? Or a party that is vying to be the government, Mr. Speaker, committing to taking away the voice of Saskatchewan residents and Canadians?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Opposition Leader.

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, obviously everyone deserves to have a voice on the future of this province, and stoking separatism is not Canadian. The head of Unified Grassroots, who is currently running an online petition calling for a referendum to break up Canada, called the Sask Party member from Yorkton “one of us.” That’s right. They also took credit for pouring resources into his campaign, for getting him elected into this House.

Will the Premier publicly denounce the radical separatist views of Unified Grassroots and call . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to ask that you move on to the next question. We are getting into the area of politics. There is both sides accusing one another. This is government business to be debated. Talking about helping out with elections and all of the rest . . . Please let’s move on to the next question.

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, will the Premier call on the member from Yorkton to denounce these views?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, “denounce,” “condemn” have been calls from the members opposite for days now on the floor of this Assembly and in front of this building. Will you denounce this person? Will you condemn that person? Will you condemn this person? When in actuality what the opposition NDP mean is, will you silence Canadians? That’s what they mean, Mr. Speaker. Silence Canadians that are angered and frustrated . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I am going to ask for decorum in the Chamber. That we would listen when the questions are being asked, and that we would listen when the answers are being given. Thank you.

Hon. Scott Moe: — We find ourselves in quite a situation in this nation and in this province, Mr. Speaker, where for 10 years now, for 10 years now you have seen the NDP prop up and support the decisions by the Liberal government that have infuriated and frustrated not only people from this province but many from across Canada. Which we saw in a very divisive federal election just this last week, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, now you see the NDP’s solution to people that are voicing their objections to those policies — that they supported every step of the way — people that are angered by those policies, those Liberal policies that were supported by the NDP opposition every step of the way. Their solution is to introduce and pass legislation in this Assembly that would silence those very Canadians, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, thankfully that isn’t going to happen. Every four years Saskatchewan residents and Canadians have a choice, and in between those four years, Mr. Speaker, through the referendum legislation that we have in this province they’ll have an opportunity for a voice.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This shouldn’t be so confusing. In fact what we’re asking is for that Premier and that government to be straight with the people of Saskatchewan.

This is a critical moment, Mr. Speaker. This is a critical moment. We should be building rail lines; we should be building pipelines; we should be building power lines. But instead, Mr. Speaker, we’ve got the Sask . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I am going to ask for the government side to listen to the questions, please.

Regina South Albert, please.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. By that Premier’s own admission, we have his own allies pushing separatism in Saskatchewan. But, Mr. Speaker, the member from Yorkton isn’t alone in this. The member from Martensville-Blairmore also appears to have benefited from the support of Unified Grassroots in the last election.

So my question to the Premier is a simple one: how many members of his caucus are agitating for separatism?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Shocking, Mr. Speaker, that there’s people across this province that are working and organizing for various nominations as well as general elections to elect the party that time and time again has shown to be the party that will defend Saskatchewan family, community, and industry interests. Versus the NDP who aligned with those very Liberal policies that have angered Saskatchewan residents for more than a decade now, Mr. Speaker.

Shockingly, Mr. Speaker, the member from Martensville-Blairmore was able to garnish about 60 per cent of the popular vote in that particular riding. So it appears that there’s a whole lot more people that voted for that member, Mr. Speaker, than not only voted for the NDP but more people than any one group could ultimately organize.

Speaker Goudy: — So I am just going to remind the members that things to do with elections and caucus policy are not government business to be questioned in the Chamber. So I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. No accountability, no answers, no transparency. We’ve seen what members opposite, what this government will do when they receive 17 emails on a topic, Mr. Speaker. And now, and now by their own admission there are thousands of their friends out there organizing to leave Canada. So I guess, Mr. Speaker, it’s just up to us to speculate.

So I know — I’ve seen it here, what, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 times — that this Premier won’t take a stand. He won’t show leadership in such a critical moment for this country. But I want to believe, Mr. Speaker, I want to believe that someone, anyone over there does believe in Canada.

So, Mr. Speaker, my question: will any member of cabinet stand up and say out loud that in a referendum their team would vote to stay in Canada?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — I can tell you what the founding principle of this party, and what I would vote for today and every day, Mr. Speaker, is for the constant improvement of Saskatchewan’s economic and social conditions within a strong, united Canada.

Let me tell you what myself and quite likely this government will not support: taking the voice away from Saskatchewan residents. Removing the voice from Canadian residents, Mr. Speaker, Canadian residents in this province that are angered, angered by policies that have been passed for a number of years now by a federal government propped up and supported every step of the way by the NDP. Now, Mr. Speaker . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I am going to ask the member from Regina Mount Royal to withdraw your comments to the Speaker, please.

Trent Wotherspoon: — I withdraw.

Speaker Goudy: — Thank you. Next question. Or, Premier, were you finished? Actually let’s move on to the next question. Next question, please. I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

[14:30]

Aleana Young: — You know, Mr. Speaker, we’ve heard it from this Premier before that the founding principles of his party were centred in a strong and united Canada. And yet, and yet . . .

[Applause]

Aleana Young: — Mr. Speaker, I know they love clapping for themselves. And yet, today we heard from the Premier in the media that he hasn’t thought about how he might vote in a referendum on whether or not to stay part of Canada. Doesn’t sound like much of a founding principle because, Mr. Speaker, united grassroots wants to tear Canada apart, and they’ve infiltrated that caucus. This is . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I am going to ask the member to make statements about what has been said, quotes from the media. But again, as I had read earlier, to impute bad motives or motives different from those acknowledged by the member is offside. And I believe that any citizen outside of this Chamber would expect the same protections.

So please, let’s make comments about statements that have been made, about quotes from the media, ask questions as you like; but let’s not impute motives to those who aren’t here to defend themselves please. Thank you.

Aleana Young: — Mr. Speaker, lack of clarity on separating from Canada is sad. It’s also bad for our economy. So, Mr. Speaker, a simple question, direct question to the Premier: will you commit here and now to publicly disclosing any and all communication between Unified Grassroots and his office, those of his ministers, and those of his MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly]? Yes or no?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, now that I’ve had the opportunity to comment on the founding principles of the members that sit on this side of the House, I think it’s incumbent on me to comment on the founding principles of the members that sit on that side of the House as well. A founding principle is that you are a member of the provincial NDP, you are a member of the federal NDP. They’re brothers in arms, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, what we have seen over the course of the past week is question after question on the floor of this Assembly. In fact this past week, the governing Saskatchewan Party has had zero media releases on separation; members opposite have had three, Mr. Speaker. Question after question of separation.

When the question around separation comes to the floor of this Assembly and comes to those members, it’s pretty simple. What we have seen in the past week or two, Mr. Speaker, is their federal leader has cut and run. He’s separated from the party, Mr. Speaker. We saw, now . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Okay, I ruled on behalf of both sides now. Let’s have less talk about the political parties and more talk about government policy and the business of government.

I recognize the member from Saskatoon Centre.

Mental Health Supports and Services

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, every time I ask the minister a question about mental health and addictions, we hear the same platitude by this minister — that every loss of life is a tragedy. Mr. Speaker, that hollow platitude with no action does not bring solace to the families that are mourning the loss of a loved one.

People of all ages from across the province are dying by suicide and drug overdose, with families left behind in perpetual grief with no mental health supports. Can the minister tell the people of this province why her government has not put dollars in mental health supports for families after loss?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Well, Mr. Speaker, it is not a hollow platitude, regardless of what that member opposite says. Every loss of life due to suicide is a tragedy, and I truly do extend my condolences to those who have lost a loved one under such difficult circumstances, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, mental health and addictions is a priority for this government. In this year’s budget alone, there are $624 million. That is a $53 million increase, or 9.2 per cent, over last year. Of that 624, 487 are for mental health services specifically, Mr. Speaker.

Nearly 240 dedicated mental health in-patient treatment beds are available in hospitals across Saskatchewan for patient with intensive mental health issues. And we have 75 transitional mental health beds that were added in previous budgets to help patients with intensive mental health issues transition out of hospital, Mr. Speaker.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Keep spinning that story because the people in this gallery have that lived experience of not getting the resources they need. Mr. Speaker, after 18 years . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I’m just going to ask that the decorum in the place, the respect for either side, improves today. So, Member, please don’t . . . Spinning — could you withdraw that?

Betty Nippi-Albright: — The fact of the matter is, Mr. Speaker, people are dying in this province. Mr. Speaker, after 18 years of cuts to mental health supports and services by this Sask Party government, our youth are in a mental health crisis.

For many youth they only get access to mental health treatment after they have been hospitalized. And while they may be receiving mental health supports during a stay at the hospital, that continuum of care ends the moment they walk out that door. What supports are available for youth and their caregivers once they return to their family homes?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have a strategy, the children and youth strategy that has 15 areas of focus. And it includes several examples of programs and services that prevent . . . the support and well-being of our youth, Mr. Speaker.

Some of the programs that youth can access before and after, if they happen to have to spend time in an in-patient bed, Mr. Speaker. We have rapid-access counselling specifically for children and youth. We have those 18 in-patient addiction treatment beds designed specifically for youth in our province. We have three new youth group homes for children and youth with chronic mental health addictions issues in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, and that’s for before and after. We have the mental health capacity building in schools. This is a program that has been expanded to 15 schools, and we’re still building on that program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, northern Saskatchewan communities are disproportionately impacted by a lack of mental health supports due to difficulties in filling jobs. We are hearing two-thirds of these positions are vacant in La Ronge while nearly 100 per cent are vacant in Sandy Bay.

Will the minister rise and pledge to increase funding, in addition to what has already been promised, to make in-person mental health supports and services available to all people across the entire province? Or will she wait until the cemeteries across this province are full?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The mental health supports are important right across this entire province. We have numerous supports that are available for individuals in the North. And those positions that she speaks about that are vacant at this point in time, we are trying to actively recruit for those positions and we have the funding in place for that. I think I’ve already mentioned the 9.2 per cent increase in this year’s budget, Mr. Speaker. I would not call that a cut, and I would not call that taking anything away.

Specifically in the North, Mr. Speaker, we have program called the Roots of Hope. It’s a suicide prevention plan. We have targeted funding for that in Buffalo Narrows, La Ronge, Meadow Lake. Mr. Speaker, as I already mentioned, we will continue to try and recruit individuals for those positions. We’re committed to the program that we have in place for mental health and addictions. Thank you.

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

Children’s Access to Speech-Language Pathology Services

Brittney Senger: — Mr. Speaker, today Breanne Arnold, Jessica Tiefenbach, and Sheree Reiger and their children join us in your gallery. These mothers are here to advocate for the children of Saskatchewan with permanent hearing loss. The SPARC [Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre] program provides a family-centred approach to listening and spoken language therapy and rehabilitation services for children with permanent hearing loss.

Breanne was informed her speech-language pathologist will only travel to Regina once a month, half the amount prior to the budget. Does the minister think it’s acceptable she only gets to see her speech-language pathologist once a month?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to welcome Breanne and Jessica to their legislature along with their children. Thank you for being here today. Mr. Speaker, you know, we are working always to improve the services available to children and their families right across the province.

Mr. Speaker, this year’s budget increases funding for the SLP [speech-language pathologist] staffing complement, specifically for hearing health within the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Again these services are split between Regina and Saskatoon as we work to staff up. Again, Mr. Speaker, we’re making this investment to enhance SLP and auditory rehab services available to the children of this province and their families. Thank you.

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

Brittney Senger: — Mr. Speaker, 12‑month-old Hadley currently gets to work with her speech-language pathologist once a month. It is essential that therapy takes place weekly to ensure recovery and rehabilitation, which Hadley was not even given prior to this reduction. Hadley received cochlear implants, but now she’s unable to receive the rehabilitation therapy required post-surgery.

This cut means Saskatchewan children with permanent hearing loss will not receive the critical care they need. The Sask Party government is setting our children up to fail. How can the minister defend this lack of support?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, as I said in my first answer, we’re working to improve the pediatric programs in all areas of pediatric health. My previous answer talks about the investment being made in this year’s budget to increase the SLP staffing complement. We know that there’s children around the province who need these services. We’re working diligently, Mr. Speaker, again to make sure these services are available to as many children as possible, as often as possible.

Again this is a government that cares about the children of this province, that wants to make sure that they have access to the services that they need, Mr. Speaker. This year’s budget is a step towards that. There’s always more work to do, Mr. Speaker, but this is a government that’s committed to doing that work. Thank you.

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

Brittney Senger: — Mr. Speaker, Breanne has been writing to the Minister of Health for over a month with no response. Parents in rural Saskatchewan can’t just drop everything and drive to Saskatoon or Regina. This reduction has created even larger barriers for children to access the support they need.

SPARC provides therapy, assessment, intensive rehabilitation, and assists parents in effectively working with their child to develop communication and so much more. Slashing funds to health care and making programs less accessible is the opposite of what the Sask Party government should be doing.

Will the minister meet with Breanne, Jessica, and Sheree after question period today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d be happy to meet with these folks after question period. Thank you.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

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

Standing Committee on House Services

Sean Wilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am instructed by the Standing Committee on House Services to report that it has considered certain estimates and to present its second report for the thirtieth legislature, which includes the 2025‑26 estimates and the 2024‑25 supplementary estimates no. 2.

I move:

That the second report of the Standing Committee on House Services for the thirtieth legislature now be concurred in.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the member for Canora-Pelly:

That the second report of the Standing Committee on House Services 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. I recognize the Government House Leader.

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

[14:45]

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: — This Assembly will resume tomorrow at 1:30.

[The Assembly adjourned at 14:46.]

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

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