Hon. Terry Jenson: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to you and through you, I’d like to welcome and introduce some individuals from the Saskatoon Tribal Council this afternoon.

Up in the west gallery in the very back row, I’m pleased to introduce Tribal Chief Mark Arcand, Mona Mcleod, Saraih-Dawn Matthews, and Shantelle Watson. And I’m also going to take a few minutes to individually acknowledge them and some of their accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, it’s an honour to introduce Tribal Chief Mark Arcand of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, who is currently serving his third term as tribal chief of the Saskatoon Tribal Council. Chief Arcand’s leadership has been instrumental in addressing homelessness, expanding youth programs, and building strong partnerships with government and community, including leading the creation of the STC [Saskatoon Tribal Council] Emergency Wellness Centre to support individuals who are facing homelessness in Saskatoon.

Mr. Speaker, Mona Mcleod, a support worker with STC’s sawêyihtotân outreach team. Mona’s journey from addiction to homelessness to recovery is a testament of personal strength and power of community support. Today she helps others facing similar struggles and is here today with her daughters Katasha and Denisha.

Mr. Speaker, Saraih-Dawn Matthews is a program manager for STC’s sawêyihtotân program. Saraih-Dawn brings a wealth of lived experience and compassion to her leadership role, focusing on providing culturally safe care and support for individuals facing mental health, addiction, and housing challenges.

Shantelle Watson is the chief executive officer of STC with over 25 years of leadership experience. Shantelle has been instrumental in building educational, technological, and economic opportunities for First Nations communities.

Mr. Speaker, these individuals do extremely important work in Saskatoon and for Saskatoon, and I look forward to highlighting more of this in an upcoming member’s statement. Please join me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

And, Mr. Speaker, while I’m on my feet, I’d like to welcome and introduce some guests in your gallery this afternoon, representing the Square One Community, an organization dedicated to supporting those experiencing homelessness in Moose Jaw. Della Ferguson is board Chair and has dedicated 38 years to the human service sector and is a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness. She has been instrumental in the development of the Square One Community and is a founding board member.

Maxton Eckstein is general manager and has 10 years of experience in social services, specializing in supporting individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. He has played a key role in establishing Square One’s supportive housing program and currently chairs the social housing advisory committee.

Tori Gibson is an intensive case manager and has extensive experience working with the chronically homeless population, having previously worked with Regina’s New Beginnings shelter and Creative Options Regina. She provides essential housing and support services to Moose Jaw’s most vulnerable.

Tiara Wolff is also an intensive case manager and is a recent addition to Square One’s team. She brings valuable experience from Regina’s Street Culture Project and Phoenix Residential homes program where she supported individuals facing homelessness.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members join me in welcoming these dedicated individuals to their Legislative Assembly today.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to join the member opposite in welcoming Tribal Chief Mark Arcand and some of his leadership here to the Legislative Assembly. I’ve seen Mark throughout the years.

He might have remembered me a little bit shorter than I am now at some of our winter games and summer games. From my understanding, he might have seen me on the hockey ice and the track and field in some clothes much smaller than I have to wear today. I haven’t kept up with my hockey and my track.

But I know we’ve seen each other throughout the community. And I want to thank him and his team here for their leadership in bringing culture and community together and making sure that folks have access to services throughout Saskatoon. And I just ask that they join our team on this side and welcome them to this, their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to our friends from Square One. Square One is an important association in my home riding of Moose Jaw Wakamow. I would like to thank Della Ferguson and Max Eckstein for identifying a gap in our community, putting a plan together under an organization to address it. I would like to thank Tori Gibson and Tiara Wolff for their important work as intensive caseworkers, working with those in need to help them live a better quality of life.

Together we can make Moose Jaw stronger and an even better place to live. I ask you to join me in welcoming our friends from Square One.

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

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the official opposition, I would also like to welcome the folks from Square One from Moose Jaw and just highlight the important work that they do in the field of housing and homelessness, and just again welcome them to the Assembly today.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of the Environment.

Hon. Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 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. Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, first of all I want to thank my colleagues for allowing me an extended introduction. Today we are joined by a fabulous group of students from Ituna School. So this is the grade 8 class, Mr. Speaker. They are joined by their teacher Mrs. Morvik and their parent chaperone Mrs. Keisig.

There is many new members in the Chamber, Mr. Speaker, so I’m just going to start from the beginning. My father attended Ituna School, I attended Ituna School, and both of my daughters graduated from Ituna School. So it’s a very special school to me. They have always been able to attract incredible, talented teachers to work in there and have done a fantastic job shaping the next generation of students from that school.

I reached out to the principal, Mr. Speaker, and asked the principal for a great school project: to ask the students to find their local MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] and send a message to him and why they should be recognized on the floor of the Legislative Assembly. Had fantastic answers, very creative and very interesting.

First of all we have to recognize Sophia Kiemele. She is going to volleyball championships right away and she guarantees that they’re going to win a gold medal if she gets recognized on the floor of this Chamber.

We also have Thaya Jankoski, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to be quick. She needs to be recognized because she loves coming to our house for Halloween but I’m never at home to see her, so she’s going to have the opportunity to see me here today. And her brother loves our dog Margo, so that’s always great to see.

And we have to save the best for last, Mr. Speaker. Sadie Keisig, she needs to be recognized because that there, Mr. Speaker, well that’s my cousin.

So anyway to you and through you, Mr. Speaker, welcome these grade 8 students to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to have a couple young cool guys that have joined us here today up in your Assembly, Mr. Speaker. And it’s my honour to introduce two guys that have made this community and this province a better place. Two good friends up there, Mr. Speaker.

One of them has been a friend to all of us, and that’s Mark Docherty, who’s served his province and served in this Assembly as Speaker of course, as minister, as MLA, Mr. Speaker. And Doc did a lot of good for the community outside of that as well, Mr. Speaker — years of really exceptional service and leadership to many of the most marginalized and at risk throughout this province, has led some really innovative programs, is a very good person, a servant of this province. And it’s my privilege to welcome him to the Assembly.

He’s a fellow Campion grad, same rugby team that we were a part of. He was an incredible athlete back in the day, Mr. Speaker, ran Ironmans, incredible athlete, an incredible rugby player as well. But certainly has always worked to make his province a better place. I ask all members to join with me in giving Mark Docherty a very warm welcome.

Seated beside him, Mr. Speaker, is a good friend of Mark’s and a good friend to many as well, someone I’ve been lucky to get to know. But together these two once owned The Venue. It was a music institution in this community back in the day, Mr. Speaker. They were the owners, Mr. Speaker.

But before I go on about that, Bob Vancise too has had a full career as a teacher, continues to teach at Winston Knoll here in the community, and alongside of that has worked at Paul Dojack Youth Centre and worked with the most vulnerable as well. Him and Mark have sort of been kindred spirits in both their service in the community and also their love of music, Mr. Speaker. So I want to thank Bob for that service.

But I want to identify he’s a pretty cool guy as well, Mr. Speaker. And we sat with you, Mr. Speaker, and had a little lunch here today, ate some salami and some pickles and told some stories and listened to some Tragically Hip in the Speaker’s office here today. The Speaker wanted to know what this music we were talking about was all about.

But back in the day, before The Hip were anything, Bob Vancise brought them to Regina, Saskatchewan — their first time here — to play at The Venue. They released Up to Here the next year, so this was 1988. And he continued to book The Hip at that venue and built a very deep and lasting relationship with Gord Downie and the band as well, but very close relationship with Gord Downie.

In fact he talked about the booking. First time he had them here, he booked them for $467, I think Doc told me, at The Venue. And that went on to be thousands as it went, booked them multiple times. Also booked like the Odds, the Skydiggers, Barenaked Ladies, and many more, but maintained that friendship with Downie all the way through. Any time Downie was coming through Saskatchewan, he’d have dinner with Vancise’s family. They’d have a whole lot of fun together, I know, Mr. Speaker.

Vancise is also well known for hitting the stage for two songs — I believe “American Exit” and “Trickle Down” — back in the day at The Venue. So we have a bit of a legendary guy in the Chamber here, Mr. Speaker.

I want to ask all of the members of this Assembly to give Bob Vancise a very warm welcome to his Assembly, to thank him for his service to young people and to our community, and for all the ways that he’s enriched our community through music and building that vibrant community as well, Mr. Speaker. I ask all to join with me in giving a warm welcome to my friend Bob Vancise.

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I too would like to join in in welcoming Mark Docherty back to his Legislative Assembly.

Having the opportunity to work with him for a few years and maybe take a couple of road trips on some of our legislative work, we had many hours to sit and talk together in the vehicle and he was a wealth of information for me. And I just want to extend my gratitude for that. Welcome him back to his Legislative Assembly today.

And of course a first opportunity to meet Bob, but welcome to your Legislative Assembly as well. Everybody please join me in welcoming these gentlemen here today.

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

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I will join my colleagues and members opposite, to welcome our ex-Speaker Mark Docherty who was in my constituency from Regina Coronation Park.

I will tell you that Mark served our community, our constituency, in a very nice way. He supported a lot of separate, small schools for funding. And we had a lot of issues; as a new immigrant when you’re settling up you’re going to get a variety of issues. And Mark was always up to the front to listen to the people and helping out to his community.

[13:45]

Not only that one, so I will say that when I was meeting with him at many events and I was asking questions from him, that Mark, I can see you at each and every community event; you are doing a great job. And his answer was that, Noor, if you are a public person, public representative, you have to be always within community. Which is a great lesson that I learned from him, and I will try my best to follow his footprint.

And I will request all members to join me to welcome Mark Docherty for his services and welcome him to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to introduce, seated in the west gallery, 32 students from Langenburg Central School. Now, Mr. Speaker, I have not done my homework like the Minister of Environment here, so I’m aware that they’re accompanied by their teachers Laura Sveinbjornson, Kristine Neustaeter, and Kasen Garnett, and parent chaperone Bobbi Jo Weber.

Now a few of you may remember, Laura is a recent graduate of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Institute on Parliamentary Democracy here a couple of weeks ago, played a very influential role here. I am looking forward to having a very engaging conversation I’m sure with these students from Langenburg Central School. I would certainly ask all members to welcome them to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to join in with the members in welcoming Mark Arcand to his Legislative Assembly and the team from the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and congratulate Tribal Chief Arcand on his re-election. As our senior member from Saskatoon here, we’ve appreciated the opportunity to have many conversations.

Appreciate all the work that’s happening with STC and the tour that we received, I think back in the fall, of STC Wellness Centre. So thank you so much for that and congratulations on your re-election, and I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming Chief Arcand to his Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Martensville-Blairmore.

Hon. Jamie Martens: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce the witty and charismatic Lisa Hoskins, which is my CA [constituency assistant]. She’s sitting in the gallery over there and she has worked in this building for many years. She worked here during the Devine era and then again later on in life as well as the protocol office, and was David Buckingham’s constituency assistant at some point, and then of course mine.

So I’m very, very happy to have met her and we share a lot of common goals and sarcasm. So it’s wonderful to have her in the House today. I ask all of you to welcome her here today. Thank you.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to join with my colleagues in the Legislative Assembly today to welcome Chief Mark Arcand and the other folks from the Saskatoon Tribal Council. My husband used to work for the Saskatoon Tribal Council, and I know all too well what an excellent organization it is and the wonderful services that they provide to people in Saskatoon. And I would just like to take this opportunity to thank them for their service to people in Saskatoon and welcome them to the Legislative Assembly today. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again with my colleagues and the members opposite, I want to make welcome to Tribal Chief Arcand and his group. The advocacy that Chief Arcand has done, not only in Saskatoon but with the other Nations in this province, throughout the province, is amazing, Mr. Speaker. So I want to say welcome to Mark and his group.

têniki. Merci. Miyo kîsikan’si. Thank you so much for the work that you’ve done.

And I want all members to say thank you to Mark and appreciate his work, because our colleagues here see the work that he has done throughout the years, Mr. Speaker. And so I just want to say welcome to your Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, I would just follow a number of members here today in welcoming people to their Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly, starting with our students from both Ituna and Langenburg, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for making the effort to come and see the proceedings here that have been happening for over a century.

I don’t know Bob Vancise, but it sounds like quite a lifetime of fun. But I do know the gentleman sitting to his right, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Mark Docherty, who sat in your chair, was a seatmate of mine for a period of time. And I think it’s very incumbent on myself on behalf of the government to thank Mark for his service to the community and his service as an elected public servant in the province of Saskatchewan as well.

Mr. Speaker, I want to make note as well of the folks that are here from Moose Jaw with Square One as well as the Saskatoon Tribal Council and the services that they’re providing in their communities as we work together across Canada to, you know, add to the supports that are in our communities for families, Mr. Speaker, families that may unfortunately have an individual that might be struggling with, you know, some type of mental health, maybe all too often addictions challenge.

And so from the community of Moose Jaw, Mr. Speaker, I want to say thank you to those that are involved with the Square One program. And I want to thank those that are involved in providing those services in Saskatoon as well.

I do have one issue though with Tribal Chief Mark Arcand and that is, as he well knows, Mr. Speaker — and the member from La Ronge had mentioned being on the ice — if you were on the ice with Mark, you would have met him as he looked down his elbow at your jaw, Mr. Speaker. If you’re younger than him, he would have been on the bench coaching, telling someone to look down their elbow at your jaw as well.

A very avid hockey player, Mr. Speaker, he still plays to this day, but a very avid advocate and works very hard at providing services for not just the Indigenous community in Saskatoon and their member communities, Mr. Speaker, but for everyone that needs it. So thank you, Mark, for your leadership with the Saskatoon Tribal Council. And thank you, everyone, for attending here today.

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

Carla Beck: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is an honour to join with the Premier and all of the members who have already risen to invite a number of guests to this their Legislative Assembly.

I want to say first to Tribal Chief Arcand and the folks from the Saskatoon Tribal Council, welcome and thank you for the incredible work that you do in your community providing services. I have never played hockey with Tribal Chief Arcand, but I certainly have watched him very thoughtfully talk about the issues that he sees in his community, and what they are very ably doing to address them in the best way that they can, Mr. Speaker. And I think that kind of leadership is incredibly important.

Speaking of someone whose leadership I’ve been able to see up close, former Speaker Docherty. Mr. Speaker, I know we sat on separate sides of the House, but we had opportunity to work together way back when. And if he says anything mean about me, he hired me twice. So that means we had a lot in common or he had bad judgment, Mr. Speaker.

In all seriousness, someone who cared deeply, cares deeply, whether it was the folks that he worked with and most importantly served at Dales House, the people that he served as the member for so many years in this community, that kind of leadership is incredibly important.

And I would say, you know, the leadership shown by the community-based organizations that we have here, this is the best of who we are, Mr. Speaker. And how incredibly proud I am that we have a bunch of young leaders who are here to witness this and think about their own ways that they want to become leaders in our province and give back. And I think they’ve got some fantastic role models with us here today.

With that I would invite all members to join me in welcoming these guests, these leaders to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — And I would also like to say welcome, Laura. It was good to have you back. She was a great part of the SSTI [Saskatchewan Social Sciences Teachers’ Institute on Parliamentary Democracy], whatever that stands for. We still haven’t decided.

And you know, we’ve got a member in the Speaker’s gallery that . . . I thought I was going to show him up one day. I figured, you know, I’m going to hot-dog it a bit. We were going to visit the Albanians and I thought, ah, we’re going to go visit the Albanians. And I lived in Albania, speak a little bit of Albanian, so I thought I’m going to, you know, hot-dog it with this member at an Albanian event.

And so I thought I’d be their welcome guest, that we’d hit it off. And I found out that you don’t upstand this man with groups of immigrants, with groups of volunteers, with just about any organization in the city of Regina that I’ve been to with this man as he’s taken me under his wing and along to. You learn from him. You don’t upstage him.

And, Mark Docherty, I want to thank you for your friendship and for all that you’ve done for me. When I saw how the Albanian community looked up to you and loved you and embraced you, I learned a lesson that it doesn’t take the language or knowing about their culture; it takes about time and it takes relationships that are built over time. And so thank you for all that you’ve taught me in this building.

I think I once was standing at the wrong chair, tried to give a member statement, and you taught me a lesson that we could all learn without having to be the one to stand up — you have to be in your chair to speak and be recognized by the Speaker. And so you taught many things in life to me, but most of all how to be a good friend and how to represent your constituency well. So bless you in your future.

And your friend here, Bob, good to meet you. Had a great time learning a little bit about culture with you and the member from Regina here as well. So you two, welcome to your Legislative Assembly. And please, all, welcome them to this place. And with that we’ll move to presenting petitions.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon University-Sutherland.

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition to open up vacant Sask Housing units for occupancy.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that both the Provincial Auditor and the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association have observed approximately 3,000 Sask Housing units are currently vacant across Saskatchewan, including about 129 units in Prince Albert, 218 in Saskatoon, and 700 in Regina; that some of these units require renovation, but the Sask Party government has cut the maintenance and renovation budget approximately 40 per cent; that thousands of people in Saskatchewan are unhoused. According to the provincial point-in-time counts, these numbers are growing year over year.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will say the prayer that reads as follows:

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

The petition has been signed by residents of Regina. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Volunteers Show Community Pride at Harbour Landing Cleanup Day

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday, May 3rd, I had the pleasure of participating in the Harbour Landing Community Association cleanup day. Environmental stewardship is a cause I care deeply about, and I was proud to join with the volunteers to help tidy up our neighbourhood.

Mr. Speaker, it was a beautiful day out on Saturday, and it was heartwarming to see so many families stop by the Harbour Landing School parking lot to pick up gloves and garbage bags before heading out to clean the streets and parks. Mr. Speaker, this speaks volumes about the pride that people of Regina Pasqua take in their community. And in conversations I had with the constituents that day, it was clear that they are excited for more shared community spaces to enjoy once the new joint-use school is completed.

[14:00]

I want to commend Rene and the entire Harbour Landing Community Association for planning a successful event. I look forward to working with them more in the future. I ask all members of the Assembly to join me in thanking the Harbour Landing Community Association and all the volunteers — like my CA Andrea, my brother Lahora Brar, Bahadar Toor, and my two grandsons named Gurnoor and Mahtab — for all the work that they do to make our community a better place. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Carrot River Valley.

Partnership with Saskatoon Tribal Council Helps Address Housing Needs

Terri Bromm: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of partnerships in addressing the need for safe shelter. We are committed to continuing our work with all levels of government and community partners.

One of our trusted partners is Saskatoon Tribal Council. Operating under a continuum of care model, STC offers outreach, emergency shelter, and supportive housing. The Emergency Wellness Centre provides 24‑hour enhanced shelter, including meals, case management, as well as cultural, mental health, addictions, and housing supports. Since 2021 the EWC [Emergency Wellness Centre] has referred 384 individuals and 173 families to housing.

sawêyihtotân is an outreach project that uses a holistic, inclusive approach based on Indigenous values and teachings. This supports people with street and hospital outreach, daily health home-based check-ins, transportation, and meal delivery. This year alone close to 3,000 individuals have benefited from the outreach program, and 250 have been housed through transitional and supportive housing programs. Kotawān provides 55 supportive housing units with on-site support services based on individual needs to help tenants maintain stable housing.

Our government values its partnership with STC. It is partnerships like these that demonstrate the impact to make positive change. Thank you.

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

Saskatchewan Offers a Wealth of Options for Summer Tourism

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to share my great privilege, pride, promise of being the shadow cabinet minister for tourism of this amazing and diverse province.

You know, I lived down east for 15 years and often had to listen to people describe how they’d driven through Saskatchewan or flown over Saskatchewan, which most often resulted in my vociferous efforts to help them learn that, yes, Saskatchewan offers the beauty of the prairies but also the magnificent northern lakes, Canadian Shield, and so many other jewels of geography.

But of course it’s more than that; it’s the people. The rich range of experiences, adventure, activity. We’re friendly, maybe even more friendly than Maritimers. Decades ago I spent five summers as a fishing guide at Wollaston Lake, and if that’s not training for a now shadow cabinet minister of tourism, what might be?

Of course there’s also years in the Southwest, summers working in the Department of Highways, more intimately building grain bins and enjoying a family original cabin for decades at Cypress Hills park.

Now summer is arriving. I have a new car. I am so motivated to get out and explore so much more that the province offers: the smaller centres’ summer festivals, Swift Current pioneer days to bring back memories of being in the marching band. I am thrilled to be part of the effort in promoting and celebrating this amazing province, and I encourage all to join me. Thank you.

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

Melfort Mustangs Win Canterra Seeds Cup

Michael Weger: — Mr. Speaker, organized sports — and hockey in particular — teach you life lessons. One lesson is the ability to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. In a display of grace today, I will be highlighting the amazing hockey season that your Melfort Mustangs have had.

For the 2024‑25 season, the Melfort Mustangs were guided by SJHL [Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League] Coach of the Year, Trevor Blevins, as they responded with a 46‑8‑0‑2 record and a first-place finish in the Sherwood division. On April 27th your Melfort Mustangs clinched the SJHL Canterra Seeds Cup with a win in the fifth game of the series over my Weyburn Red Wings, making the Mustangs the first SJHL team to win back-to-back championships since Blevins and the Mustangs did it in 2015 and ’16.

The Weyburn Red Wings, Mr. Speaker, also had a great season. Their Viterra division-leading 35 regular season wins were the most for the team in the last nine years, and their appearance in the finals was the first since 2012.

This past Sunday I attended the Red Wings awards banquet, where Coach of the Year finalist Cody Mapes delivered an emotional speech to his team and their supporters as he highlighted how they “chased a feeling” deep into the playoffs.

Well now it is up to your Melfort Mustangs to keep chasing the feeling as they represent the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League at the Centennial Cup Junior A national championship from May 8th to 18th. On your behalf and on behalf of all members of this legislature, I would like to wish the Mustangs all the best as they represent our great province over the next couple weeks.

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

Saskatoon Basketball Player Leads Briercrest College to Men’s National Championship

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my honour to recognize a young leader from Saskatoon Eastview who had a big year on the basketball court leading to incredible team and individual achievements.

Jude Shepherd-Hills just wrapped up his final year at Briercrest College and during his senior season with the Clippers, he led the men’s team to their first-ever ACAC [Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference] Championship. Just days later, Jude was recognized nationally as the 2025 Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Men’s Basketball Player of the Year.

As the league noted, “Jude embodies everything the CCAA is looking for in a player of the year: excellence on the court, leadership within his team, and a commitment to both athletic and academic success.”

Beyond the court, Jude is an honour roll student in the classroom. He mentors younger teammates and youth in Saskatoon, including his younger brother Owen, who one day might just surpass Jude as the all-time leading rebounder at Briercrest.

I had the honour of teaching both Jude and Owen when they were in grade 9. I know the family well, although I take no credit for their success, but I know they’ve both got incredible things ahead for them as young leaders in our province.

I’d like to invite all members of this House to help me congratulate Jude on his incredible senior season and to wish him well as he enters training camp with the Saskatchewan Rattlers and pursues a professional career. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mental Health Week Encourages All to Shed Masks and Support Mental Wellness

Chris Beaudry: — Mr. Speaker, this week from May 5th to 11th, we observe the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Mental Health Week. The CMHA [Canadian Mental Health Association] has chosen the theme Unmasking Mental Health to encourage us to recognize and address the important responsibilities we all share in supporting mental wellness within our communities.

Mental health challenges are a reality for many Canadians. However managing these challenges often comes with the need to mask our true feelings, leading to isolation and suffering. Here in Saskatchewan we must take on the responsibility to create environments where an individual does not feel the need to hide behind a mask.

The CMHA plays a vital role in empowering individuals to face these challenges head-on. They provide vital resources, education, and advocacy that equip people with the tools they need to understand and manage their mental health better. Through workshops and community engagement, CMHA encourages individuals to take ownership of their mental health, fostering a sense of agency and resilience.

As we recognize Mental Health Week, let us commit to our responsibilities not only to ourselves but to one another. This means listening to those who struggle, advocating for mental health resources, and supporting initiatives through organizations like the CMHA. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Batoche.

Opposition’s Out-of-Province Election Expenses

Darlene Rowden: — Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to report to the Saskatchewan legislature that the Leader of the Opposition had a very successful trip to Alberta. She was in Calgary on very important business to thank all of her campaign workers.

Mr. Speaker, according to Elections Saskatchewan, 70 per cent of all the NDP’s [New Democratic Party] election expenses were spent outside the province of Saskatchewan. From Brandon to Winnipeg to Vancouver, the Leader of the Opposition spent money everywhere except right here in the province.

Mr. Speaker, there was one particular province that was near and dear to the leader’s heart or should I say, wallet — Alberta. The Leader of the Opposition’s provincial campaign director was from Calgary; her videographer, Lethbridge; her day planner, Calgary; her war room director, Edmonton; her local campaign manager, Calgary. Even hairspray and scarves for the NDP campaign were purchased from Alberta. With all the money and time the leader has invested in Alberta, it’s no wonder she keeps pretending to be the Alberta Opposition Leader.

Will the Leader of the Opposition remember she’s in Saskatchewan? Or will she keep asking questions about the Alberta Premier? We are about to find out.

QUESTION PERIOD

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition Leader.

Support for National Unity

Carla Beck: — Oh, Mr. Speaker, the member’s got me. The member’s got me. I just got back from two jam-packed days meeting with energy leaders in Calgary. And, Mr. Speaker, every single one of those leaders said that we are at a critical time, a time where we can get things done, and where we need to get things done — more pipelines, more rail lines, more power lines.

But, Mr. Speaker, you know what they also said? They said that talk of separation is bad for business at any time, but especially now. It kills jobs and it kills investment.

So will the Premier stand in his place right now and tell investors and tell workers, tell Saskatchewan people that he is opposed to any vote on Saskatchewan leaving Canada?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, the party that wants everyone to stop talking about separation certainly can’t stop talking about separation.

Mr. Speaker, in this province for about 40 years now there has been legislation in place that allows people to have a voice between elections through petitioning for a referendum. Mr. Speaker, every four years, as we know, people across Canada and this province, they have a voice to elect the party that they would like to govern them for the next four years. Mr. Speaker, that has taken place.

The legislation is in place in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. If there are the required number of people that sign the petition for that event to happen, Mr. Speaker, in this province, the people of Saskatchewan will have a voice under this government. They will not be silenced, as the members opposite would like to see.

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

Carla Beck: — Neither will they be led by any clarity by that Premier, Mr. Speaker, about the damage the talk of separation is going to do to our province. Mr. Speaker, five days to find his feet. Words are not actions.

And here’s the thing: people are worried. They’re concerned about that Premier’s ability to do what he says, especially when we look at the people that he’s surrounded himself with. Mr. Speaker, those who are leading the charge for separation in this province have said that his member for Yorkton is “one of us.” They also take credit for getting the member for Martensville-Blairmore elected.

To the Premier: how many members of that government support tearing this country apart?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, yesterday I saw Donald Trump take credit for electing Mark Carney. People can take credit for whatever they think, Mr. Speaker.

The fact of the matter is, in each of those cases, in each of those constituencies, whether it be Martensville-Blairmore or Yorkton, is those Saskatchewan Party members won the election because they had more votes than the NDP or any other party, Mr. Speaker. The reason they had more votes is because they are part of a party that stands up for Saskatchewan families’, communities’, industries’ interests at every opportunity and has over the last 10 years; unlike the NDP, Mr. Speaker, who have supported those very Liberal policies that have caused that anger and have caused that frustration that we are seeing in many parts of Canada, Mr. Speaker.

And so the NDP opposition’s solution to that, Mr. Speaker, is to silence those individuals by taking away, by taking away their opportunity to have a voice in between elections, Mr. Speaker. What we’ve seen over the course of this session is an NDP opposition that repeatedly stands up and says, we need to silence the voters, Mr. Speaker, because they don’t agree with us; we need to condemn those very voters because they don’t . . .

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

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, I can speak for myself. And I can get on my feet and say clearly that I will never vote to separate from this province, and I’ll tell you the same thing about every one of these members, Mr. Speaker. But I am not sure that that Premier can say the same for his team, for his cabinet, Mr. Speaker.

[14:15]

Later today I’m going to introduce a bill to keep Saskatchewan in Canada. He’s got a chance to put his rhetoric into action, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to ask him to lead by example. Will he allow a free vote on my legislation so we can see once and for all who actually over there wants to keep Saskatchewan in Canada?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Should the silence-Saskatchewan-people bill ever get to a vote on the floor of this Assembly, it can certainly be a free vote, Mr. Speaker. The fact of the matter is this a government that is not interested in silencing Saskatchewan voters. This is a government that is not interested in condemning people, Mr. Speaker, whether it be the Premier of Alberta, the president of the United States.

And this is also a government, Mr. Speaker, that is not interested in banning the services that are being provided to Saskatchewan people from corner to corner, from community to community across this province. That’s what we’ve heard about this session from the opposition party is their ambition to silence, Mr. Speaker, to condemn people, and ultimately to ban services.

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

National Unity and Economic Development

Aleana Young: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. If that Premier cares so very much about free speech, let’s have a free vote. But, Mr. Speaker, that Premier will not allow his members to have a free vote on whether or not we support Canada. And what a shame, because I know how all 27 members on this side of the House would vote.

And now, Mr. Speaker, earlier this morning I was happy to attend a meeting, along with my colleagues, with our friends the United Steelworkers. And there, Mr. Speaker, president Scott Lunny made it clear that talk of separatism is going to act as a barrier to getting more pipelines, more rail lines, more power lines built.

So, Mr. Speaker, with the United Steelworkers front of mind for members opposite, will the Premier tell the separatist members of his own caucus and those who helped elect them that there will not be a vote on separating from Canada?

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I can tell the members of this House how proud I am, how hard this government has worked to attract investment to this province — at historic levels, Mr. Speaker, at levels never before seen in this province.

Our GDP [gross domestic product] has grown in this province to $80 billion. The last year of the NDP government, Mr. Speaker, what was it? It was $17 billion, Mr. Speaker. That is a direct result of the work that this government has put into international engagement — fully opposed by the NDP. Advocating for pipeline construction, Mr. Speaker — fully opposed by the NDP. And fighting against the carbon tax every step of the way — fully supported by the NDP.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The question was about investment in Saskatchewan, about jobs for steelworkers in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. But every day, every day it’s just more chaos and concern from the Sask Party government.

Weeks ago we had the member from Humboldt-Watrous stand and say hateful, bigoted things in this House, and all the while we’ve learned that members from Yorkton and Martensville-Blairmore have been actively working with self-identified folks looking to organize to separate from Canada.

The Premier is clearly losing control of his team after having lost . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to ask the member . . . There are so many accusations going back and forth on what members are standing for on both sides of the House. I’m going to ask that we all refrain from making comments concerning whether someone is a separatist or not. That is not debate for government business, so I’m going to ask that questions and answers focus on the business of the government.

So please restate your question, member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The role of any government should be about protecting this province, protecting the economy. We cannot do that if investment in jobs and people will flee if there are forces out there organizing, pushing for support for Saskatchewan to leave Canada. Is this the calibre of leadership that people in Saskatchewan can expect?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Let’s look at where Saskatchewan is on the job creation front, Mr. Speaker. On GDP, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of CIC spoke about the situation just a few minutes ago, Mr. Speaker. We are at or near the front in every leading economic indicator in this country because of the focus we put on economic development, Mr. Speaker.

I will agree with one thing. I don’t very often agree with the members opposite. I will agree with them on one thing: discussion about separatism isn’t good for business, Mr. Speaker. Isn’t it ironic that the only members in this House that want to discuss that issue are the members opposite that are trying to muzzle people, Mr. Speaker?

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I joined the Leader of the Opposition for the last two days in Calgary meeting with Canada’s energy leaders, having meaningful conversations about the future of oil and gas in this province. In every meeting our leader’s message of pipelines, rail lines, and power lines was crystal clear and well received. And their message was crystal clear that separatism is bad for business.

The Sask Party government’s record of getting pipelines built is one of failure, but hope springs eternal that they might get the job done at some point. But you know what would make getting a pipeline built even harder? New international borders to our east and west drawn by separatists. Flirting with separatism makes it harder to get pipelines built. What doesn’t the Sask Party understand about that?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry at that question. For crying out loud, Mr. Speaker, for years this government has looked for markets overseas to help our business community. Every trade mission that any minister on this side of the House or the Premier went on was criticized by members opposite. It was called a junket and a waste of money. Now suddenly they want to . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please. Let’s have decorum. Let’s have listening to questions and answers.

Minister of Finance, please.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, now suddenly they’ve found the value in opening other markets instead of relying on just one customer, Mr. Speaker. What a unique idea they suddenly stumbled on.

For crying out loud, Mr. Speaker, this is ridiculous. Their stance, they try to avoid it now, but their stance on the carbon tax and on pipelines for many years, Mr. Speaker, is a matter of documentation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It was particularly lovely to see so many people in Calgary that I’ve actually worked with across the oil and gas industry.

Mr. Speaker, the Sask Party isn’t focused on the future; they’re focused on legitimizing a fringe separatist wing as the Premier faces a leadership review. We have the most innovative oil and gas companies in the world operating in our province. But like every industry, they need stability and predictability if they’re going to choose to invest here. A referendum on separatism would drive investment out of Saskatchewan, killing jobs and shutting down production.

Will this Sask Party government show leadership, provide certainty for our oil and gas sector, and say that separatism is a non-starter in Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, I’ve had the privilege over the years to meet many, many times with leaders in the oil and gas industry, and they know which government and which parties support their industry, Mr. Speaker. That is a matter of public record.

Mr. Speaker, again I would just point out the irony that the people who are saying talk of separatism is bad — which I agree with, Mr. Speaker — are the only ones talking about it. Here’s a great idea, Mr. Speaker. If they don’t want to talk about it, stop.

Mr. Speaker, the Premier’s made it abundantly clear. He’s answered questions in the House. I’ve answered questions in this House . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I don’t know who needs to use their mouths to listen, and it just seems like it’s going on and on. So please, let’s have listening for the questions and listening for the answers. Next question, please.

I recognize the member from Saskatoon Silverspring.

National Unity and Provision of RCMP Services

Hugh Gordon: — Mr. Speaker, the Sask Party government’s weak response to separatism is concerning. I used to serve and protect Canadians as a member of the RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police], and I wore that uniform with pride. It was an honour and a privilege to wear the red serge, and it is beyond disrespectful that this Sask Party government is so dismissive of the oath that these officers have taken to protect not just this province but this . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Okay, I am going to ask the member to apologize and withdraw that any member is disrespecting our RCMP officers in this province.

Hugh Gordon: — I apologize and withdraw it.

Mr. Speaker, how does the Premier plan to replace all the amazing work done by the RCMP if he won’t stand up against separating from Canada?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And we certainly agree that there is some fantastic work being done across this province by our RCMP members. Mr. Speaker, that is exactly why our government committed to fund the full annex of RCMP officers that we are allotted under the national agreement, Mr. Speaker. That’s another 250 RCMP officers that we are prepared to fund provided we get them from Ottawa, Mr. Speaker.

In the meantime we will fund an additional 100 municipal police officers. We will fund 70 marshals, Mr. Speaker, to add boots to the ground to make sure that we have safe communities for our citizens. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Hugh Gordon: — And that takes us to the heart of the matter now, doesn’t it, Mr. Speaker? Mr. Speaker, the RCMP are part of our national identity. But if Saskatchewan separates, there would be no RCMP in Saskatchewan and there’d be no Depot Division in Regina. Separation is a threat to all RCMP officers and their jobs, and it’s a bad deal for Saskatchewan.

Canada is the greatest country in the world, and my love for Canada is not conditional. Every member in this Assembly should be able to say the same. Why can’t the Premier?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Policing and Corrections.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and the Premier and the Deputy Premier and just about every other member on this side of the House who has answered questions recently has made this very clear, Mr. Speaker. We have made that very clear, Mr. Speaker. We are not interested in separation, Mr. Speaker, but we’re also not interested in the status quo.

And in the same respect, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to RCMP officers, we’re not interested in the status quo there either. We want more, Mr. Speaker, and that’s why we’re advocating for more. We have former RCMP officers on this side of the House as well, and we have great relationships with Assistant Commissioner Blackmore, who is currently recruiting more RCMP officers, Mr. Speaker. We are very interested in adding more of the great service that our RCMP officers provide across this province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

National Unity and Support for Treaty Rights

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, the Premier says he’s entertaining talk of separatism because he knows . . . he wants to respect the people of this province. He should start by respecting the First Nations and treaties the Crown has signed with them, Mr. Speaker.

Indigenous leadership in this province has been clear. Separating from Canada is a violation of First Nations’ inherent and treaty rights. Does the Premier understand he’s threatening the rights of every Indigenous person in this province by entertaining the talk of separatism?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As we have said many times, Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House we are not interested in separation from Canada. We are interested in a strong and united Canada, and being a meaningful contributor and taken seriously as a member of a strong and united Canada, Mr. Speaker. That is what the premise of this government is, and that’s what it will continue to be. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, this isn’t a matter of opinion. It is the law and it is against him and against those separatists, Mr. Speaker. He doesn’t have the right to change the terms of those treaties. This government doesn’t have the right to change those treaties whatsoever, Mr. Speaker. Danielle Smith, Donald Trump absolutely do not have the right to change the terms of those treaties, Mr. Speaker.

Will the Premier, Mr. Speaker — and I’m asking the Premier — finally stop taking cues from Danielle Smith and threatening our treaty and inherent rights?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And again, Mr. Speaker, nobody on this side of the House is threatening treaty rights. We take treaty rights very seriously. We take the duty-to-consult very seriously, Mr. Speaker. All of this line of questioning is a straw man argument created by the opposition, Mr. Speaker. They continue to throw out the straw man and then attack the straw man, Mr. Speaker.

[14:30]

Nobody on this side of the House is talking about separation. The only talk is coming from that side of the House, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, there are 74 First Nations in this province, Mr. Speaker. The Sask Party has no respect for the treaty inherent rights, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I would ask the member to apologize and withdraw that statement and move on to another question.

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, I apologize for that.

Mr. Speaker, they brought forward their separatist white paper, the direct reference to the Trudeau white paper that proposed erasing First Nations people from Canada. They plowed through the Sask-first Act, Mr. Speaker, plowed through the first Act with zero consultation to the people that were going to be affected by it the most. It’s all part of a pattern, Mr. Speaker.

Will the Premier — and I’m asking the Premier, Mr. Speaker — admit that the Sask Party does not care about our treaty inherent rights?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you very much. And I welcome the question from the member from Athabasca, and I encourage him after question period to go out and ask Tribal Chief Arcand with respect to the partnerships that this government has with the Saskatoon Tribal Council, whether it be on providing supports in the city of Saskatoon or whether it be providing supports and partnerships in Saskatoon Tribal Council member communities, Mr. Speaker.

I would point the member from Athabasca to the community of Whitecap where we have jointly funded, Mr. Speaker, jointly funded a virtual care facility with Dr. Mendez, who is running and operating that virtual care facility, Mr. Speaker, a service that the members opposite openly have moved to ban here in the province, ban that service from not only the Indigenous communities that are receiving that virtual health care, but communities like Gravelbourg here in the province, Mr. Speaker.

You add to that the announcement just this past week with Meadow Lake Tribal Council on renewable wind and energy in this province, Mr. Speaker. You look at the One Sky partnership project in Prince Albert, Mr. Speaker. When it comes to reconciliation, economic reconciliation, or working alongside our Indigenous people and our Indigenous communities, Mr. Speaker, this government is very proud to stand on the record that we have.

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

Impact of Tariffs and Support for Film Industry

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This just in: in the latest round of devastating tariff announcements the Sask Party has failed to plan for, Donald Trump is considering a 100 per cent tariff on films produced in countries outside the United States, countries like Canada. I hope the minister doesn’t need me to tell her that this would devastate Saskatchewan’s film industry. What will that minister do to fight this industry-killing tariff?

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are proud to support the strong and growing film industry here in Saskatchewan. At this point no details have been provided on how these tariffs would be implemented, or on which products that they would be placed upon. Creative Saskatchewan has met with other jurisdictions in Canada to discuss the impacts of this decision.

At this time we still do not have any details on this implementation process. We will continue to work with the creative sector, support a film industry in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan remains attractive to the film industry with diverse landscapes and skilled labour. We will continue to be a place where producers and investors choose to film. Thank you.

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

Measures to Prevent Spread of Measles

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority] is warning people in Rosthern about an exposure to measles after there have already been 12 cases in Saskatchewan this year. Measles is highly contagious and extremely dangerous, especially to children. It kills between 1 and 3 children per 1,000 infected, and it causes permanent brain damage to several more.

Fortunately there is protection against it. We had once eradicated measles, and we can do it again through vaccinations. The measles vaccine is safe, it’s effective, and it’s free. This exposure happened in the Premier’s own riding. Will he advise his constituents to vaccinate themselves and their kids today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, we have been clear right from the beginning of the fall season that while measles is a highly contagious disease, Mr. Speaker, it is preventable through vaccination.

You know, Mr. Speaker, before this fall the last measles case that we had in this province was back in 2019. I have been very clear with stakeholders, community leaders, First Nations and Métis leaders around the province, Mr. Speaker, as well as the public, that vaccination is the best defence against measles.

I had Vice-Chief David Pratt from the FSIN [Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations] in my office this week, Mr. Speaker. We spoke about how we’re going to encourage everybody in this province to consider the vaccination for their children to keep them safe from measles, Mr. Speaker. I can tell you that the Saskatchewan Health Authority has increased advertising in community publications right around the province to make sure the public is aware of the risk and aware of the vaccination options. Thank you very much.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 604 — The Referendum and Plebiscite (Keep Saskatchewan in Canada) Amendment Act

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

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 604, The Referendum and Plebiscite (Keep Saskatchewan in Canada) Amendment Act be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Leader of the Opposition that Bill No. 604, The Referendum and Plebiscite (Keep Saskatchewan in Canada) Amendment Act be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be read a second time? I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — At the next sitting of this Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Bill No. 22 — The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur la Cour du Banc du Roi

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025, bilingual, be now introduced and read for a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Justice that Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025 be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be read a second time? I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, I request leave to consider all stages of Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025, bilingual, immediately.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister has requested leave to consider all stages of Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025 immediately. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave has been granted. The minister may proceed to move second reading.

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 22 — The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur la Cour du Banc du Roi

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025, bilingual, be now read a second time.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister has moved second reading of Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025. Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion moved by the Minister of Justice that Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — To which committee shall this bill be committed? I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, I designate that Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025, bilingual, be committed to the Committee of the Whole on Bills and the said bill be considered in Committee of the Whole on Bills immediately.

Speaker Goudy: — This bill stands committed to the Committee of the Whole on Bills.

Deputy Clerk: — Committee of the Whole on Bills.

Speaker Goudy: — I do now leave the Chair for the Assembly to go into Committee of the Whole on Bills.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON BILLS

Bill No. 22 — The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur la Cour du Banc du Roi

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — The item of business before the committee is Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025. Clause 1, short title, is that agreed?

[Clauses 1 to 3 inclusive agreed to.]

Deputy Chair Beaudry — His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, enacts as follows: Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025. I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the committee report the bill without amendment.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — It has been moved that the committee report Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025 without amendment. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried. I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Chair, I move that the committee rise, report progress, and ask for leave to sit again.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — It has been moved by the minister that the committee rise, report progress, and ask for leave to sit again. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried.

[The Speaker resumed the Chair.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Chair of Committees.

Chris Beaudry: — Mr. Speaker, I am instructed by the committee to report Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025 without amendment.

Speaker Goudy: — The Minister of Justice may proceed to move third reading.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 22 — The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur la Cour du Banc du Roi

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the bill be now read a third time and passed under its title.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 22, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2025 be now read the third time and passed under its title. 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.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this committee sit again? I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Next sitting, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Chair of the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies

Doug Steele: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m instructed by the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies to report Bill No. 14, The Power Corporation Amendment Act, 2025 without amendment.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be considered in the Committee of the Whole on Bills? I recognize the Minister Responsible for SaskPower.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on this bill and that the bill be now read the third time.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister has requested leave to waive consideration in the Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 14, The Power Corporation Amendment Act, 2025 and that the bill be now read the third time. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister may proceed to move the third reading.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 14 — The Power Corporation Amendment Act, 2025

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the minister that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title. 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.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Chair of the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies

Doug Steele: — Mr. Speaker, I am instructed by the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies to report Bill No. 15, The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Amendment Act, 2025, a bilingual bill, without amendment.

[14:45]

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be considered in Committee of the Whole on Bills? I recognize the Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Mr. Speaker, I request leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on this bill and that the bill be now read the third time.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister has requested leave to waive consideration in the Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 15, The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Amendment Act, 2025 and that the bill be now read the third time. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister may proceed to move third reading.

THIRD READINGS

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Mr. Speaker, I move that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the minister that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title. 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.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

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

Standing Committee on Human Services

Michael Weger: — Mr. Speaker, I am instructed by the Standing Committee on Human Services to report Bill No. 18, The Regulated Health Professions Act without amendment.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be considered in the Committee of the Whole on Bills? I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on this bill and that the bill be now read a third time.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister has requested leave to waive consideration in the Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 18, The Regulated Health Professions Act and that the bill be now read the third time. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister may proceed to move third reading.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 18 — The Regulated Health Professions Act

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the bill now be read the third time and passed under its title.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the minister that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title. 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.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

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

Standing Committee on Human Services

Michael Weger: — Mr. Speaker, I am instructed by the Standing Committee on Human Services to report Bill No. 19, The Regulated Health Professions Consequential Amendments Act, 2025, a bilingual bill, without amendment.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be considered in Committee of the Whole on Bills? I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on this bill and that the bill now be read a third time.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister has requested leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 19, The Regulated Health Professions Consequential Amendments Act, 2025 and that the bill be now read the third time. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister may proceed to move third reading.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 19 — The Regulated Health Professions Consequential Amendments Act, 2025/Loi de 2025 corrélative de la loi intitulée The Regulated Health Professions Act

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — I move that the bill now be read a third time and passed under its title.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the minister that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title. 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.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Martensville-Blairmore.

Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice

Hon. Jamie Martens: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am instructed by the Standing Committee of Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice to report Bill No. 7, The Court of Appeal (Residency) Amendment Act, 2024, the bilingual bill, with amendment.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be considered in Committee of the Whole on Bills? I recognize the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on this bill and that the bill and its amendments be now read a third time.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister has requested leave to waive consideration in the Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 7, The Court of Appeal (Residency) Amendment Act, 2024 with amendment and that the bill be now read the third time. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall the amendments be read the first time? I recognize the Minister of Justice.

FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF AMENDMENTS

Bill No. 7 — The Court of Appeal (Residency) Amendment Act, 2024/Loi modificative de 2024 sur la Cour d’appel (résidence)

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, I move that the amendments be now read for a first and second time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the minister that the amendments be now read the first and second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First and second reading of the amendments.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister may proceed to move third reading.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 7 — The Court of Appeal (Residency) Amendment Act, 2024/Loi modificative de 2024 sur la Cour d’appel (résidence)

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the bill be now read a third time and passed under its title.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the minister that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title. 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.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

Deputy Clerk: — Committee of Finance.

Speaker Goudy: — I do now leave the Chair for the Committee of Finance.

COMMITTEE OF FINANCE

General Revenue Fund

Executive Council
Vote 10

Subvote (EX01)

[15:15]

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — The business before the committee are the estimates for Executive Council. The first item of business are the main estimates for Executive Council, vote 10, found on page 47 of the Government of Saskatchewan Estimates books.

Before we begin, I would like to advise the Committee of Finance of the process. First I will invite the Premier to introduce his officials, followed by calling the estimates. Then the Premier can make his opening remarks. Will the Premier now introduce his officials.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. And thank you to all the members for attending this year’s I guess finalization of our budget estimates, Mr. Speaker, for the balanced budget that was delivered on the floor of this Assembly just over a month ago now if I recall.

I have a number of officials with me here today. I’m honoured for them to join me, Mr. Speaker. Just back here is Mr. Myron Soloduk. He’s the executive director of corporate services with Executive Council. In front of Myron is my deputy minister, Mr. Speaker, and someone whose work I appreciate so very much as I do her very cheery, gracious disposition that she approaches the Premier with each and every day, Mr. Speaker. But it’s Raynelle Wilson. And this province is very, very well served by having Raynelle Wilson as the head of our public service.

Mr. Speaker, to Raynelle’s right, to my left is my chief of staff, Jared Dunlop. Behind Jared is Ashley Wass. Now Ashley’s last name has been a point of contention mainly because I have been unable to pronounce it for years, Mr. Speaker. I got it wrong one year, calling her Ashley “k-nize-lee.” The next year I think I got it correct as I called her Ashley Knisley. And now she went and got married, Mr. Speaker, and is Ashley Wass. So if she just would have done that a few years earlier we would have never had these challenges, Mr. Speaker. But Ashley is a very valuable member of our team.

To my right . . . Before I get to that, behind Ashley is Sean Wilson. Sean Wilson is the director of House and business research, Mr. Speaker. And I failed to mention what Ashley does, and I ask her every day, what is it exactly you do around here? Mr. Speaker, she’s the executive director of issues management, of which she informed me this morning, when there’s a problem she fixes it.

So it’s a very straightforward flat org chart in the Premier’s office, Mr. Speaker, which is a conversation that I and the gentleman to my right have often. Reg Downs is the special advisor to the Premier, Mr. Speaker.

He was the special advisor to the former premier, very much been a part of this government, part of this party, Mr. Speaker, for literally decades now. And we’re very thankful for what Reg has given back, from my perspective not only to the Saskatchewan Party but has provided in guidance to the Saskatchewan government and ultimately to the people of Saskatchewan, of which we are going to have the opportunity to debate for the next three hours or so. So thank you, Mr. Chair.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Executive Council, vote 10, subvote (EX01), central management and services. The Premier may proceed with his opening marks.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you again, Mr. Chair. With respect to this year’s budget, Mr. Speaker — and I’ve spoken to this a number of times — when we go back to just under a year ago, we were in the midst of a provincial campaign, Mr. Speaker. We since then have had a campaign in the USA [United States of America] as well as a federal campaign here in Canada.

Canadian people I think have seen enough campaigns for a period of time. I know I certainly have, Mr. Speaker. But in that particular campaign we had ran on a commitment to affordability in this province. It was a commitment to ensure that, and a realization that Saskatchewan is the most affordable place in Canada to live, Mr. Chair, and we wanted it to remain that way.

And so we had put forward a number of metrics, Mr. Chair, that were going to ensure that Saskatchewan continued to be the most affordable place in Canada for a family or for an individual to live, understanding that all Canadians, including those in this province, are experiencing costs-of-living pressures unlike maybe what we’ve seen in recent history. And that’s true across the nation. It’s true in Saskatchewan, but fortunately we have the economy and a government that is committed to ensuring that affordability remains paramount as a commitment of this government.

Thankfully, Mr. Chair, as in the Speech from the Throne and ultimately the budget, we were able to deliver on every one of those commitments that we had made in that campaign, every one of those affordability commitments. And that isn’t the case across Canada, and we’ll get to that over the course of the next few hours, Mr. Chair. We are and always have been a government and a party in this province that when we make a commitment to the voters and to the people who we represent, we make every effort possible to ensure that we are able to deliver on the commitments that we make.

Mr. Chair, when it comes to increasing affordability in Saskatchewan, I’ll just highlight a number of the commitments that were made. It started for our students, post-secondary students, with an increase to the grad retention program, a 20 per cent increase from 20,000 to 24,000. There’s a low-income tax credit that was increased by 20 per cent over the course of the next four years, and we started on that course in this particular budget.

We reduced the income tax that people in this province are paying, removing a further 54,000 people off the income tax roll altogether. This is the most significant income tax reduction that Saskatchewan families and individuals have experienced since 2008, when we removed 108,000 people off the provincial tax rolls altogether.

There’s a first-time homebuyers tax credit to ensure that those people that are living and working, those young people that may be finishing post-secondary education or coming out of their grade 12 education and entering the workforce, have an opportunity to buy a home. And this is increasingly a challenging opportunity across Canada and around the world.

We’ve increased the personal care home benefit, Mr. Chair, for, you know, those parents and grandparents of ours that require that added level of care. That’s up by $1,000 a month. I think that’s just over a 30 per cent increase to that program.

Those living with autism will have an increase to the individualized funding that we had started a number of years ago and provided to families where they have a child that is living with autism.

There’s increases to the disability tax credit, the caregiver tax credit, and increases to the SAID [Saskatchewan assured income for disability] program again, which was brought in under this government, Mr. Chair.

And I think the most significant increase was removing the carbon tax off every home heating bill in the province of Saskatchewan, whether that be electricity or natural gas, mirroring the federal government’s move on their home heating carbon tax abatement, which largely benefited those in Atlantic Canada.

As we found our way through the campaign and election night, Mr. Chair, and I said this — full disclosure — we were hopeful that we would have won more seats, Mr. Chair. And with that we listened very carefully to the people of this province. And I think that’s important, to allow Saskatchewan people to have a voice and to listen to what they are saying and, where you can as a government, represent the wishes.

So we expanded, in the Speech from the Throne, very much expanded I think, to quite a degree beyond that affordability campaign that we had ran. We made commitments around accessing a health care professional in this province. We had made commitments around accessing a surgery in a timely manner in this province, Mr. Chair. And this budget is delivering the funding, a $485 million increase in funding to ensure that that is going to be the case in the months and years ahead.

Mr. Chair, we heard very succinctly and clearly from Saskatchewan people that we need to work alongside our school divisions and our educators to ensure that our children have access to the top-tier education in the nation. That’s why you have seen as well in this budget funding to expand the specialized support classrooms — specialized support classrooms that are going to help us improve our K to 3 [kindergarten to grade 3] outcomes of our students who are also our children and our grandchildren, Mr. Chair. And that’s why you’ve seen yet again this year, on top of last year, a significant increase in the education budget.

Last but not least, and we’d embarked on this effort prior to the campaign; however I think you saw us bring together multiple departments in government or ministries in a very holistic way to address community safety. It’s our firm belief, Mr. Chair, that families will be able to go out after supper and go to the park and feel safe wherever they might live in the province.

We all know and are aware of the poisonous drugs that have made their way into our province and our communities and our nation, Mr. Chair. And there has been much talk of that as that was related to the first round of tariffs that the president of the United States had brought forward.

We have been addressing that with a very focused two-level approach. The first is recovery, intensive recovery supports for Saskatchewan people that might need it, and not the 28‑day alcohol program that we often have seen over the last number of years. And we have about 450 or 500 of those seats that remain in the province. But our goal is to build a 500‑seat capacity in this province of that intensive rehabilitation or those intensive recovery beds, which fits into our recovery-oriented system of care. And, Mr. Chair, that is our focus, is to provide that recovery opportunity for all that need it in the province.

Then provide access for people. As a former minister of Rural and Remote Health and the current Minister of Rural and Remote Health have often said, and the former former minister of Rural and Remote Health and Mental Health and Addictions has said, is we do need to meet people where they are. And we need to provide them an access point to those beds. The urgent care centre on north Albert Street here has and is an access point to that mental health and those addictions supports for people when they need it.

Mr. Chair, you saw a pilot program in Saskatoon and Regina with respect to complex-needs shelters that are there that are providing not only security for those that may be a danger to themselves, to someone else, but are also providing health care supports to ensure that those that may be in an intoxicated state from the poisonous drugs that are in our communities, Mr. Chair, that they will have the health care that they require at that point in time.

And last but certainly not least, in those complex-needs shelters is addiction referral services, people that are providing the options for those that may be at the lowest point in their life — just been arrested, maybe having, you know, close to an overdose that particular day — to allow them and to provide them with the referral services so that they know what addictions recovery services are available to them.

And I’m happy to say that . . . And the number has moved a little bit in those complex-needs shelters, Mr. Chair, but it’s between 85 and 95 per cent of those individuals are self-referring to some type of addictions services. And so when an individual is at maybe the very lowest point, lowest day of their life, been arrested, maybe close to an overdose, and received treatment from a health care individual in a complex-needs shelter for that, and the first thing that they say upon their release is, “I would like to go to someone to help me with this challenge that I have,” well it’s incumbent on the government to provide that support and to provide that opportunity to a recovery bed.

And thankfully we have the economy that we do that we’re able to make those investments. And this will be a government that is going to continue to work, and work very hard, to provide that recovery capacity and provide those access points for Saskatchewan people to find the recovery that they need.

Alongside recovery is enforcement. It was up today in question period with respect to, you know, this government’s commitment to enhancing the numbers, increasing the numbers of police officers that are working in our communities. And the RCMP commitment that we have made since 2011 has been to increase our RCMP forces by 185 individuals. With that has come the warrant enforcement and suppression team, the crime reduction team, the SCAN [safer communities and neighbourhoods] teams that are offering, I think, an improved and great service in many communities across the province.

[15:30]

Add to that a further commitment just recently of another 185 RCMP officers coming into our communities to keep our communities safe. Add to that 100 municipal officers into those seven communities that have their own municipal police service. And then add to that 70 Saskatchewan marshals, which will be there to support our municipal officers should they need 10 or 20 or 30 officers in a short period of time, will be there to support our RCMP enforcement officers, each and every one of them, as well as the service proper, Mr. Chair, in any community that they serve across this province.

Mr. Chair, this is certainly a commitment to increasing the enforcement and keeping our communities safe, getting the drugs out of the hands of the drug dealers, getting the drug dealers out of our communities, and offering a recovery opportunity to everyone that needs it.

Mr. Chair, none of that is possible — those are four points that I think broadly were covered in this budget and the focus of this government moving forward through this calendar year and this fiscal year — that is possible if you don’t have a strong and growing economy.

And we can be so very thankful in this province that we always seem to be one, two, or three with respect to the metrics, the measurable metrics on the Saskatchewan economy alongside other provinces in Canada. I think just recently our GDP growth was 3.4 per cent year over year. Mr. Chair, that was just below Prince Edward Island, and Prince Edward Island is not the largest province in the nation, Mr. Chair.

So we can be very proud of this province, that we are, you know, the second-fastest-growing economy in the nation this past year. It shows in the number of jobs. It shows in the number of people that are here — 1.25 million people that now call Saskatchewan home.

But the metric that I watch very carefully is what I refer to as our export value, which is the source of essentially all of the wealth in our communities. Largely how we create wealth in this province is we grow stuff, we produce stuff — food, fuel, and fertilizer — and we ship it to 160 countries. In 2007 that export value was about $17 billion. In 2018 it had grown to about $31 and a half billion. And the last three years running, it’s in that 45 to $50 billion.

Now you add to that the next 3, 5, and 10 years, and this is what makes me very excited about where this province is going. You add to that a new potash mine, the largest one in the world. You add to that a new OSB [oriented strand board] plant. You add to that at least one, possibly two, new uranium mines in the province. You add to that a net zero copper mine that’ll be operating in this province.

You add to that a canola crush facility just outside the city of Regina. You add to that the doubling of the Richardson facility, the doubling in production and value of the Louis Dreyfus facility at Yorkton, among many, many other investments that have been made in the oil and gas industry, have been made in the mining sector, have been made in the agricultural value-added sector, and the protein fractionation industry.

It really is an exciting time when you look at that 45 to $50 billion that we’ve been able to acquire, and I say Saskatchewan people have been able to grow to. That is going to be 55 and 60 and $65 billion into the very near future. And that is an exciting time. Not for a washed up old soul like me, Mr. Chair, but for the youth. For the youth that are looking to build a career and to have a family and to raise that family in a community where they were raised in this province, Mr. Chair, or to stay right here at home in Saskatchewan, which hasn’t always been the case for Saskatchewan people.

And so very thankful for this government to play a small role in the policy development that is attracting that investment. That investment thereby is creating those jobs that is driving the economy in this province. I’m very proud to be part of a government that plays a very small role in listening to Saskatchewan people, always listening to the voice of Saskatchewan people, and making those investments that are important to the people and the families that live in this great province, Mr. Speaker.

As I said, as we go through our budget deliberations, these last three hours of budget deliberations, the focus of those investments as it pertains to this budget have been with respect to ensuring that Saskatchewan remains the most affordable place in Canada to live; ensuring that Saskatchewan families and residents have the opportunity to have access to a health care provider; ensuring they have timely access to a surgery; ensuring that our students, in particular in the K to 3 space, have every opportunity for a positive outcome; Mr. Chair, last but not least, providing those recovery opportunities and the enforcement that is required to keep our communities safe so that people actually want to live in a Saskatchewan community.

So with that, Mr. Chair, I turn it over to you. And I look forward to the questions from likely the Leader of the Opposition for the next bit.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank the Premier and his officials and all members of the Committee of the Whole. We’re looking forward to the debate, the questions here today, getting some answers to those questions, Mr. Chair. There’s no doubt that this has been a chaotic time, a difficult time on so many levels — tariffs, threat of tariffs, elections, geopolitical concerns.

But there’s also something that is equally clear at this time, Mr. Chair, and that is that there’s a lot of opportunity in front of us, that this is a province that is rich in resources. It’s a proud history of making it through difficult challenges, but mostly a province that is rich in terms of the people who live here, how much they care about this province and about this country, Mr. Speaker.

And I know that I have a whole team of MLAs here who also care deeply about this province, about this country, and who are very much focused on that bright future that we all want for our kids in this province.

Mr. Chair, I think that there’s been a lot of concern this spring about the Premier’s focus, that he might be distracted by things like talk of separatism, Mr. Chair, that what we have in front of us is a budget that simply doesn’t reflect the reality that we see in this province right now, a budget that doesn’t reflect the threats of tariffs or even the reality of tariffs and the impact of the chaos that we’ve seen in this province.

There’s a concern that there’s more focus and there has been more focus on messaging about a balanced budget than there has been in actually planning, making sure that this province is in a position to be able to weather the threats that we see around us, and that we’re in a position to be able to make the investments that are so desperately needed at this time.

There are concerns. The Premier noted some of them. I’m hoping to get some answers from him today. And I’m hopeful that the Premier and I are going to have a good debate today, Mr. Chair, because certainly people in this province want to hear the answers. They want to see all members of this Assembly not focus on spin, not focus on talking points.

The Premier has said it himself. This isn’t about words; this is about action. We’re hoping to get some of those answers today and I look forward to the debate. Thank you.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I open the floor to questions. I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Mr. Chair, one of the things that we’ve heard consistently from the Premier is that the Chinese tariffs — tariffs on peas, perhaps most notably on canola, pork — are the biggest economic threat to this province. And there’s certainly no doubt that the impact of these tariffs have been a source of incredible concern, have already had impact on producers here in this province, something that has been signalled not recently, but going back to last year.

What we’re looking for, Mr. Chair, is detailed assessment of the impact of these tariffs on this province. We’re looking for particulars. How many jobs have been lost, could be lost? What’s the economic loss impact of these tariffs that remain in place?

We will continue to work to have them removed, but we’ve already heard from producers in this province that this has been a devastating blow in a series of difficult blows. One of our most important crops, has been for over a decade in this province, something that producers in this province rely on to give them the returns that they need.

What we’re looking for is the modelling, the scenarios that the Premier has done, his government has done. And please walk us through all of those details. We’re looking for specific figures on jobs and overall impact to the GDP in this province.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, with respect to jobs, it is a little bit of a difficult number to track given the private nature of the industries that are operating in the canola industry and the various direct and indirect employment that it does provide. But I would maybe just start with respect to the value of the industry — and I spoke in my opening comments about the source of our wealth being that export value — 45 to 50 billion the last number of years. And 17 billion in 2007. And here’s a relative number: the ag exports in this province this past year, past couple of years, is about 20 billion. In fact last year there were 20.2 billion.

And that’s by, yes, producing more canola and other products, but also by increasing the value of the products that we’re selling. And one of the areas where we are increasing that value is canola oil and canola meal, which the Leader of the Opposition is rightfully asking this question about because of the 100 per cent tariff by the country of China on Canadian canola oil and canola meal — as well as peas, pork, and seafood products — which came up on our first ministers’ call as recently as this morning.

[15:45]

So I’ll walk through the past year. And what happened was the Canadian government had made a decision to put a 100 per cent tariff on Chinese EVs [electric vehicle], Mr. Chair. The response from China, as all too often is . . . We see this in China and India and other nations. When there is a rift or a disagreement between our nation of Canada and the nation of China, it all too often is Canadian agriculture that bears the brunt of any counter-tariffs. And all too often, I think when you consider about half of the value of crop agriculture in Canada is coming from this province, it’s all too often Saskatchewan that is bearing the brunt of those tariffs.

And we have had issues, tariff-related issues and non-tariff-related phytosanitary issues, etc., with China in years gone by, even during my time, short period of time being in this particular position. We’ve also had similar challenges with India. So as I get into a USA tariff conversation, and the situation we find ourselves with China today, this isn’t our first time. However I would say this is a more extensive and expansive tariff, and it’s to a much larger degree.

So last year the previous Ag minister, when this decision was made around Chinese EVs and the Canadian tariff on those cars, the Ag minister at the time very quickly wrote the federal Ag minister and said, “This is going to precipitate a response. We’re very concerned about what that response will be.” And his concerns came to fruition a number of months later.

I, myself, have written to the federal government on a couple of occasions. I’ve met with, as has the Minister of Trade and Development met with the Canadian ambassador to China, as well as the Chinese ambassador to Canada. I think I will be meeting with the Chinese ambassador to Canada in the not-too-distant future again. The Minister of Trade and Export, as well as other ministers, have met with a number of consuls from China as well, Mr. Chair.

In addition to that, I very publicly and in direct conversations with Prime Minister Carney — when he was a new prime minister, prior to the election writ — had raised the fact that I’d asked him to reach out to President Xi in China to start the discussions moving forward. We found ourselves in a national writ campaign. We know the results of that election. We’ll likely get to indirectly talk of those in the next bit, Mr. Chair.

But I’ve also spoken with the Prime Minister since his successful re-election in the most recent federal election, and he has advised me that our government is reaching out to the Chinese government on this very topic. At the end of the day, at the sub-national level we can use our contacts to educate and advocate, and we’ve done this in the US [United States]. It’s a little bit different on how you might do that in a country like China, but it does need to be the Prime Minister and the national government that opens up these conversations with President Xi and his government.

Mr. Chair, I mentioned at the outset $20.2 billion is our ag exports. Our exports to China, in total, are about $4.4 billion. We would be quite likely the largest Saskatchewan province when it comes to the value of products that are finding their way to China. Certainly the largest per capita, but I think we might be the largest by volume as well, Mr. Chair. And of that $4.4 billion of Saskatchewan export value that goes to China, 3.7 is canola — seed, meal, and oil.

From my understanding, seed is still finding its way to that market as well as other markets around the world. We have three forms of products, which is the advantage of climbing the value chain. I’ve talked with, as have the ministers talked with a number of ag exporters, ingredient exporters here in the province. And we are finding our way with various products, not only into China but into other markets as well that are then finding their way into, you know, backfilling some of the markets that are left open.

So this is not an ideal situation. It certainly isn’t. And you know, my immediate ask is, you know, remove the EV tariffs on Chinese EVs that are coming into this country. However as a Canadian, I understand that that isn’t as simple as it might sound. And as a Canadian, you know, we’ll work alongside the federal government as long as they are doing their level best to represent Saskatchewan farmers and the Saskatchewan folks that work in the canola crush industry.

And so we’re doing just that, engaging on all fronts, whether it be through the ambassadors of various countries, whether it be through our own federal government, or whether it be through the industry contacts we have, to have these tariffs removed sooner rather than later.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Thank you, Mr. Chair. I certainly understand the timeline and the situation here. Back last year around August we saw these concerns starting to be raised. We saw calls by the official opposition federally to mirror the United States’ policy on 100 per cent tariff on Chinese vehicles, and certainly understood — as many did — that to do that was likely to put a target on our producers here in this province.

Like the Premier, I wrote a letter too. I wrote a letter to all of the federal leaders outlining a number of concerns, but one of them explicitly was concerns about those tariffs, and certainly have done that again since.

The question though, Mr. Chair, that I think is really important because I did hear some global numbers in terms of the value of exports to China and the value globally of all of our canola exports to China. But specifically what I’m asking about, and this is where I’d like some clear answers — again to get to the veracity of the budget numbers that we saw in front of us; remember this has been a known concern for some time — is what is the dollar number when it comes to the impact of these tariffs on GDP, on revenue for the government? And is that reflected in the budget that we see in front of us?

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Chair, just to correct one of my statements. In the last answer, I talked about $4.4 billion being the total exports to China, which is true. I then said 3.7 billion was canola products. It’s 2.7 billion, pardon me, is canola products. There’s 3.7 billion of ag products. And then I’m assuming the rest, 3.7 to 4.4, would be potash and other items as well.

When it comes to the impacts of the tariffs that China has placed, thankfully through industry — through industry utilizing some of the contacts that we as a government have worked alongside industry to open up in other countries, backfilling some of the markets, as I said, sending some different products, such as seed versus oil and meal, into China, meal that I think is also, in fairness, being moved into the US which is the other significant market for meal — we haven’t experienced, you know, the wrath of . . . [inaudible] . . . that one would have feared as of yet.

However in saying that, there’s some additional elements, I think, to the conversation around canola seed with some anti-dumping tribunals that have been decided on in China and that the concern is great. And it appears that the Prime Minister is going to be engaging as soon as he is able with President Xi and the Government of China. That’s the path through this, is to engage nation to nation. I mean that’s the path that we certainly will support.

We had done some analysis with respect to the US tariffs which had came in at about 25 per cent. But we do about $30 billion in exports to the US; as I said about 4.4 to China. Different mix, of course, but somewhat proportional. And the 25 per cent tariff, if it was fully annualized in the US would be an $8.2 billion hit to the value of our exports. That’s significant when I mentioned earlier that we’re in that 45 to $50 billion of export value today; 15, 16 years ago we were in that $17 billion. So it’s a very significant amount.

It would reduce the GDP in the province by about $5 billion, $4.9 billion. That’s almost a 6 per cent decrease in the GDP. We’re not used to saying decrease in this province, but this would be an ultimate decrease if that 25 per cent tariff was annualized over a full 365 days. And it would reduce revenues to the provincial budget by $1.4 billion. That would be a fully annualized 25 per cent tariff across the board on every product that we export, the $29.4 billion of products that we export to the USA for the entirety of a year. Thankfully none of that has come to fruition.

In fact through our last industry round table that we had, and I suspect energy leaders would have said the same in Calgary — that the Leader of the Opposition has met with recently — that we haven’t been experiencing, not only the 25 per cent tariff largely on the products that we ship to the US but not even the 10 per cent tariff that we had worked through our advocating and educating members of the Trump administration and the federal government of all levels in the US on.

Largely in fact the vast majority — not all but the vast majority — of products that are heading to the US are not experiencing either of those tariffs.

Where we do have some tariff pressure from the US is in the steel and aluminum, largely steel for Saskatchewan, people that work in the steel industry in Saskatchewan, of which I think some were here today. We spoke about how we’ve advised the Crown utilities to pull forward some of their procurement plans that they have, and I think they pulled forward . . . Is it 3 or 10 years of procurement? Three?

An Hon. Member: — It was 10.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Ten years of procurement to ensure that we’re providing that steady hand in that industry, the steel industry, to keep people employed there through quite an uncertain time at the moment. And this is, you know, an opportunity for us to have the Crown utilities really working for industries that are employing people in the province of Saskatchewan.

I’ve said often as well, as we find our way through our relationship with our largest trading partner, which is the United States of America, that we will find a path there. And I think in light of yesterday’s meeting between the Prime Minister and the president, that path isn’t certain as of yet. But I think it’s in a much more positive space than maybe it was just a couple of months ago.

[16:00]

Our most urgent and pressing negotiation and engagement that has to happen has to be between the new Prime Minister that we have in this nation, Prime Minister Carney and his government, and the federal government . . . President Xi and his government in China. I have discussed with Prime Minister Carney since the election results and since his re-election what opportunities that the province might have in supporting the federal government in that work. And he’s also discussed some of the initiatives that the government’s undertaking.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Mr. Chair, I did hear somewhere in that answer, despite the fact that we’ve been asking for a very long time, there perhaps was some modelling annualizing threats of tariffs. I didn’t hear an annualized number on the Chinese tariffs, but I now did hear some numbers, Mr. Chair, around an annualized number on the 25 per cent threatened tariffs.

It’s not just the imposition of the tariffs that is having economic impact, though. We’ve seen, for example, citing in part economic uncertainty, the announcement of the indefinite pause on two canola crush plants in this province, Mr. Chair, something that . . . You know, rightfully the announcement of those plants was met with a lot of excitement. A lot of jobs potential, value-add potential in our province, something that we do need to be putting forward and making happen for the people of this province. But this is another one of those impacts of the chaos and the threat of tariffs that we see from south of the border.

I’m going to go back to the steel tariffs because this isn’t theoretical or hypothetical. We do have tariffs on steel. And I’m glad members opposite . . . They didn’t get the same welcome the last time those members were here in the Assembly asking good questions about the fact that their members on the pipe side of that point had been out of work, hundreds of members right here in Regina who’d been out of work on the pipe side for years. Now we have a 25 per cent tariff on steel. The steel-side guys who ship everything down to the US, they’ve got a lot of concerns, a lot of economic uncertainty.

And you know, this isn’t — as I said, Mr. Chair — a hypothetical at this point. And I wonder, the question I’m going to ask the Premier is, is the assessment on the economic impact, particularly when it comes to those jobs and the GDP impact of the steel tariffs here on the people of this province . . . I think highlighting all of this is the concern this government — and you heard the Premier say this earlier — continues to pretend that we have a balanced budget. So I’m looking forward to some details to show that the Premier has more than that spin in his assessment and the planning that went into preparing this budget.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Chair, with respect to not only Evraz but more broadly the steel industry across Saskatchewan, Canada, and North America, which is extremely integrated . . . And I’ve been to Washington a number of times, you know, speaking just to how integrated it is across the 49th parallel.

Pardon me. Just a clarification with respect to the modelling stats around the US tariffs and the cost to the exports, the GDP in Saskatchewan. I read that actually from page 45 of the budget, and so that’s where it can be found, Mr. Chair.

But to the steel industry, as I said, the 25 per cent tariff that the steel industry has applied is the most significant tariff, I think, that is actively impacting an industry today. However the most significant tariff that could impact the canola industry, very quickly, would be that Chinese tariff on canola oil and meal, and that’s one that we’re working very feverishly with the federal government and anyone we can to have lifted.

But back to the steel situation. I had mentioned we had pulled forward significant years of procurement in the provincial government, in the provincial Crown utilities actually, to purchase 10 000 tonnes of steel from Evraz. That will and is helping protect 400 jobs at Evraz steel, and that’s using the strength of our economy and the Crown utilities that we have to protect Saskatchewan jobs and Saskatchewan industries and all the indirect jobs that . . . And I think we can agree there’s many, many hundreds if not thousands of indirect jobs in other steel manufacturers across the province, in the transportation of bringing in the old cars and such that are recycled at this plant in Regina.

But ultimately at the end of the day . . . And this is a question I’ve been asked over the last number of months, you know, in the face of the threatened US tariffs on Canada and virtually every other country around the world, the Chinese tariffs — we’re having some conversations with India, Mr. Chair, moving forward as well — is, you know, what are you going to do, or the federal government going to do, to support industries?

And you know, when you look at where Saskatchewan is today with a $50 billion, roughly, export value and a $20 billion budget which includes the investments in health care and education, investments into giving those a hand up in our communities, corrections, policing, enforcement — all of that — what’s left of that budget, even if you allocated all that was left over after those vital services that our communities need, you aren’t going to purchase your way through a significant tariff battle. You’re going to have to use in a very innovative way the strength of the economy that you have to find your way through that.

And that’s what we’ve done with this Crown procurement and pulling that forward a number of years, is use the strength of purchasing power that we have through the Crowns, product that we’re going to purchase anyway, pull that forward to support and protect those Canadian jobs.

Ultimately at the end of the day, when you look back over the past number of years and you look ahead over the next few years and you look at what Evraz in particular does, is they build pipe for Crown utilities, yes, but for the energy industry as well, significant amounts of pipe for the North American energy industry. And so we have, where we can, facilitated opportunities with that industry on projects that are happening, but we have also been relentless in our advocacy for any and all energy transportation projects wherever they may go.

And this is part of some of the challenging environment that we see in, I would say, the Prairie provinces largely, but in Saskatchewan is what concerns myself, is policies that have come from our federal government. And I’ll use energy transportation, pipelines as an example.

We have seen the Northern Gateway pipeline was cancelled. We’ve seen the Energy East pipeline was deemed to have no . . . Well Bill C‑69 was introduced and the proponent walked away and the federal government said there’s no proponent for that project. Well obviously not, Mr. Chair, because you changed the rules to which they can actually build that project by. And we saw KXL [Keystone XL] as well on-again, off-again depending on who’s in power in Ottawa and who’s in power in Washington.

The one that we did see built at an inflated cost, a larger cost than what was initially anticipated, was built by the federal government because they had introduced, I would say largely, Bill C‑69 which is an unworkable and untenable bill for the energy industry, the mining industry, and many other investments that are being attracted into not only Saskatchewan but across Canada. That’s the only project that has been built in the last bit.

And there is room, I think, today for more. I think Northern Gateway needs to come back into the conversation, Energy East potentially. If Eastern Canadians are looking for that project, we’d be happy to engage on that project. But ultimately you’re going to see more capacity heading south as well. They are our largest trading partner. That’s where our 10 to $15 billion dollars of oil goes each and every year from this province and will continue to go for years into the future.

You know, I would point out there’s a renewed vigour . . . And I commend them for finding a way on the pipeline topic. But simply all the members on that side of the House haven’t always been and probably aren’t today, in some cases, supportive of actually getting pipelines built in this province. There’s been statements made on the floor of this Assembly, Mr. Chair, that most certainly don’t speak to supporting the construction of pipelines and thereby, I would say, most certainly don’t speak to supporting the workers just north of the city at Evraz steel as well.

And I quote one from the member from Elphinstone: “Any political agenda that takes climate change seriously doesn’t have space for the KM Trans Mountain Expansion and most regular people understand this intuitively.” Mr. Chair, what I would say . . . I don’t laugh at the 400 Evraz jobs, Mr. Chair, many thousands more indirect jobs that are there, Mr. Chair. And I don’t laugh at the oil field jobs and the production jobs, Mr. Chair, that have been in an extremely challenged environment the last number of years due to decisions just like this and egress challenges that they most certainly have had.

And so the path forward . . . And again I say this to commend the Leader of the Opposition for their policy change in supporting getting our Saskatchewan products to not only the American market but getting some of the opportunity to provide it to other markets at even a higher price. Here’s why: I think actually any credible climate change policy should include Saskatchewan products, including the oil that is produced here.

We have just south of here, to my knowledge the only net zero oil company operating in the Weyburn-Midale oil field using enhanced oil recovery, using the carbon dioxide off of our Boundary dam 3 coal-fired plant. That isn’t enough carbon for them so they’re buying more from the gasification plant in the US. There’s an opportunity to use technology, Mr. Chair, to not only increase the production but to increase that production in a sustainable way, more sustainable than anywhere else on earth.

Some of the investments that are being made by companies like Strathcona, Cenovus up in the North Battleford to Lloydminster area, are pretty exciting as well and the thermal projects I’m speaking to that have reduced methane emissions since 2015 — not a long period of time — by some 65 per cent and investing literally billions of dollars a year in new projects in that area.

[16:15]

And I saw a couple of them just a couple of weeks ago when I was up in that area with my family, Mr. Chair, a couple of new ones that are coming on. There is no other industry that I’m aware of that can stand up and say, we have reduced our methane emissions by 65 per cent since 2015 — that’s less than a decade, about a decade — reduced their methane emissions by that very significant amount.

Just back quickly then to, you know, how we’ve prepared for this by not only introducing a balanced budget on the floor of this Assembly but introducing the only balanced budget in the nation of Canada. And within that balanced budget we’ve kept every election commitment that we made. Not every province can say that. First of all no other province can say they balanced the budget, and not every province can say that they kept their commitments.

And we’ll start with British Columbia, going west to east. They have a just about $11 billion deficit, and reduced a number of their commitments that they had made in their most recent election in the name of handling the Trump tariffs, President Trump’s tariffs. Alberta, a $5 billion deficit; Manitoba, 800 million, Mr. Chair. Ontario, they haven’t tabled their budget yet. It’s been a deficit situation for a number of years now. Quebec, 13.6 billion — that’s after receiving their equalization cheque. New Brunswick has just over a half-a-billion-dollar deficit. Nova Scotia, $900 million deficit. Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island haven’t tabled their budgets as of this information being provided.

So very proud to be in Saskatchewan where we have a balanced budget, kept the commitments that we made to the Saskatchewan voters. Puts us in a very strong position to manage not only the challenges coming this next year but beyond.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Well, Mr. Chair, there’s a lot to unpack in that. First of all I’ll address the Premier’s comment about that modelling thing on page 49 of the budget, Mr. Chair. It’s in the budget but it’s not actually in the budget. And I think that’s the problem, Mr. Chair, and really lays bare the farce that they continue to uphold that is that this is a balanced budget.

Mr. Chair, let me just say clearly: I’ve sat here since 2016; I’ve supported pipelines the whole time and those important unionized workers who make that pipe, Mr. Chair.

And I’ll also say this: I’ve seen enough budgets, enough so-called balanced budgets turn out to not be so balanced by the time we end up around to the next year. Sometimes it only takes the first quarter, Mr. Chair, to blow a big hole in it, sometimes the first week or couple of days. I think last year — certainly not in an era like we have right now — we saw a billion-dollar swing in their budget. So colour me skeptical, Mr. Chair, when it comes to their numbers on that side.

I’m glad that the Premier finally has seen fit to sign on and support our hire Saskatchewan plan. I think that’s fantastic news. But in there is an admission that they had the ability to do this the whole time, Mr. Chair; that we could have been looking at those contracts for steel; that we could have made sure that there was work, putting those hard-working folks up at Evraz to work this whole time. But they chose not to, Mr. Chair.

So maybe what I’m going to come around to, because the Premier is using a lot of stats there and I know, you know, you want to put your best foot forward here. But maybe it’s not a surprise as to why, despite many claims and press releases and speeches about balanced budget, we rarely see them from this government. But also their claims about job creation in this province, when you hold them up to the light, particularly the record of that Premier, don’t really, Mr. Chair, hold up that well.

What we see, and I said I would hold the Premier to account when it comes to his record on job creation, doesn’t hold up that well. Doesn’t hold up well to other governments. Doesn’t hold up well to the last premier of this province, Mr. Chair. In fact under that Premier’s time as the Premier of this province we have the, not second-to, but the lowest full-time job growth under this Premier’s watch. I wonder if the Premier has any insight as to why that’s the case?

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Chair, I would just say, back to page 45 of the budget with the statistics I’d put out of the impact of what a full 25 per cent annualized over 365 days, an entire fiscal year, the impact it would be to our GDP, our exports, and ultimately to the provincial revenue line item in the budget.

I’d also point out that, with the exception of steel, of which we’re managing by pulling that Crown utility procurement forward, they haven’t happened yet. That might be the reason they’re not in the budget, Mr. Chair.

What we saw yesterday — and we’re hopeful that the relationship is improving between . . . the previous relationship that we had between our outgoing prime minister and the new president of the United States — it seems to be improving, and judging by the first ministers’ call we had this morning, I think that seems to be the case. And we are hopeful and we’ll do what we can for that to continue into the future using the various contacts that we have.

So that hasn’t been realized as of this point, Mr. Chair, which is largely the reason that you don’t see it included in the actual line items of the budget. But it has been modelled as to what that impact would be to provide that information to Saskatchewan residents. And I, you know, I take with note, and I can understand why that might not have been understood by the members opposite, because during the most recent campaign, they had happened to reverse their revenue and expense numbers, Mr. Chair, to come to a balanced situation. And so a little different way to get there, but all the power to them. It didn’t fool the Saskatchewan people certainly, Mr. Chair.

But on to the question with respect to jobs. Since 2018, you know, I talked about the source of our wealth being that export value. Seventeen billion dollars was our export value in ’07, 31 in 2018, and 45 to 50 today, and going up years into the future now with the investments that we see in this province. Jobs, 2018 till recently, Mr. Chair, were up just over 50,000 — 52,000. Pretty challenging time for, you know, two, two and a half years in that space I would say, not just in Saskatchewan but across Canada.

Largely we’re leading the nation in this metric, whether it be the increase in jobs year over year or whether it be the low unemployment rate that we have in the province. In fact on April the 4th of this past year, the Government of Saskatchewan had put out a press release, which I will just quote the first paragraph:

Statistics Canada’s [they’re a pretty reliable source — their] latest labour force numbers show continued growth in Saskatchewan with 19,800 jobs added year-over-year in March, leading the nation with a 3.4 per cent job growth rate.

That’s the same growth rate as our GDP growth rate, actually. 3.4 per cent GDP growth rate as well, Mr. Chair. So, “3.4 per cent job growth rate.” I get sidetracked with these positive economic stats, and I apologize. “Saskatchewan also had the lowest unemployment rate among [all] provinces at 4.9 per cent, well below the national average of 6.7 per cent.”

These are, you know, due not solely, but in a large part, economic statistics like this, the 3.4 per cent GDP growth rate year over year, the 3.4 per cent job growth rate year over year. They continue to increase in our export value year over year over year. They are due to policies that are attracting investment, global investment, to this province, policies that are then being put in place by the provincial government that are, I’d say, inspiring and providing the opportunity for people to stay here and to move here, to live in a Saskatchewan community.

And that’s largely the focus of the balanced budget and the investments that were made in that budget this very spring, Mr. Chair. And it’s going to largely direct the focus of this government, not only over the course of the next year, but that growth focus is going to continue to be the north star for this government on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan that we represent for as long as they provide us with the honour of being seated to the right of the Speaker.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Mr. Chair, the question was about asking the Premier if he had any insight as to why he happened to preside over the worst full-time job creation record from 2018 to 2024, but perhaps mystery solved, Mr. Chair. And I would just note that COVID happened across the country. This is across-the-country comparison over that time period.

But in the interest of time I’m going to move on. And I’m going to go back to a question because we talked a little bit about this but I didn’t hear an answer from the Premier on this particular issue. I think we’ve got some agreement about the need to scrap the EV tariffs, that this is something that has reasonably, foreseeably, caused a counter-tariff on many items, but particularly canola when it comes to this province.

I’ve said clearly that I made the case to all of those federal leaders. I had opportunity to ask the Agriculture minister this in committee earlier. That included the leader, I think — Pierre Poilievre — who was calling for these tariffs in the first place. I made the case clear to all three of those leaders, did so publicly. What I really do wonder, Mr. Chair, did the Premier or members of his cabinet make that case clear to Pierre Poilievre?

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Chair, not only Mr. Poilievre but to the former prime minister, Prime Minister Trudeau was difficult to deal with. You know, I’ll make no bones about it. And I don’t know if he didn’t understand the perspective that we brought on certain conversations or if he wasn’t interested in the actual impacts of some of the policy decisions that was being made.

I probably made one error in this space, and you know, I didn’t contact Jagmeet Singh. I didn’t think he mattered really in the scope of things. However, you know, looking back, I likely should have because it was Jagmeet Singh that provided Justin Trudeau with a majority government the last four years. Canadians didn’t provide him with that; Jagmeet Singh and the NDP did.

[16:30]

And I made an error. And I hereby, you know, would apologize to the people of Saskatchewan. The next time that the NDP — and that might be as soon as the first vote in the House — provide the Liberal government with a majority, an ongoing majority, I won’t make that mistake again. I will contact not only Prime Minister Carney, which I’ve done already; contact the Leader of the Official Opposition, which is Pierre Poilievre.

But I’ll also contact whoever . . . and I think they have a new leader now, the NDP, who have found their place in political history of thinking they provide the balance of power, which doesn’t always end well for the minority partner in that agreement. And I think we saw that with about a 7 per cent popularity vote across the nation by the NDP in the most recent election.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Uh-oh, Mr. Chair, now I’ve done it. We’re trying to focus on the future here, and now I’ve got the Premier back in his old talking points there.

But I’m going to mention something. The Premier made sort of a passing comment about equalization. A lot of new members in this Assembly. Maybe some things that aren’t known to all members, I won’t make assumptions, and certainly those at home. There was a time that we had a court case for a fairer deal when it came to equalization, something we agree with. I think something that’s incredibly important when we look at the kind of investment that we’re going to need to build that infrastructure to make sure that we’re in a good place in this province going into the future.

Mr. Chair, what some might not know the reason why that court case was dropped. Someone who I think members opposite are certainly very familiar with — I honestly don’t remember if he’s on the payroll anymore or not — over there as a consultant, but there was a decision made when Prime Minister Harper was in power. I think it was a pinkie swear promise that this would all get sorted if we just dropped that court case. That didn’t happen, Mr. Chair.

So I’m focusing on the future. The past is the past. I do want to ask the Premier this question. What is he prepared to do, what’s he going to do to ensure that this province gets a fair deal on equalization this time so that the people of this province won’t be ripped off by Ottawa anymore?

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Chair, my understanding — I wasn’t here when that occurred — was the advice that was provided to the government was that wasn’t going to be a successful challenge.

Ask what we are doing today with respect to what we view as an unfair equalization program — which has changed to some degree under various stripes of government, admittedly, over the last number of years — is just this past year we’ve intervened and joined Newfoundland in their challenge of the equalization formula. Mr. Chair, this came after, I’d say, significant discussions that I’d had with then premier Andrew Furey. And we look forward to intervening in that case successfully and changing the discussion around how we equalize not only payments but services across the nation of Canada. And I think it’s high time that we can agree on that discussion needs to happen.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Imagine where they’d be if they didn’t drop it.

But, Mr. Chair, I’m going to ask one really, really important question. We’ve discussed — the member from Batoche mentioned, the Premier’s mentioned — I was in Calgary the last number of days having a lot of conversations with workers, with industry groups, with constituents about this time that we find ourselves in right now. I think I mentioned it in my opening statements. There are a lot of challenges. I think we’ve canvassed many of them today already; threats coming from a number of different directions.

It’s incredibly important right now that we control what we can control because the other part of this is that we do have — as I’ve said, if there’s a silver lining — we have as close to a consensus in this country as most of us can remember in our lifetimes about some of the things that need to happen: the investments in trade-enabling infrastructure; making sure that we expand port capacity and reliability of those ports; that we reduce interprovincial trade barriers and make sure that we’ve got the free flow of goods east to west to the north; expanding markets. We are proud of what we produce, mine, grow in this province, what we export, and how we produce those goods. So I think there’s a fair amount of consensus there.

I’ve even got the minister for — I got this wrong last time — the member for Meadow Lake standing up for good old union jobs at Evraz, which is fantastic, Mr. Chair. But the other part of that right now . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . I’ll let him get himself on the record, and then we’ll go. So the member from Meadow Lake really wishes he could ask some questions. Soon, soon you’ll be able to do that, member from Meadow Lake.

But here we go. The question I want to ask, this was also very clear. As much as we have a consensus right now, there’s also a danger. The number one thing that we need to do — and the Premier has talked about this — is not, not engage in just words. There is an imperative right now that we get things done. That we show good will, show that there has been a reset to show the stability that we need to attract investment. And also to show Canadians that a whole bunch of leaders across this country learned their lesson in this last election, that we understand that some things like the unity of this country, the future of this country can be bright, but it’s not going to be bright if we continue to bicker and don’t focus on the future.

Without fail, in all of those conversations, all of those meetings, this was also clear — stability matters right now. The last thing that we need is to handle with kid gloves those who are musing or working to rip our country apart. This is a time for leadership. Absolutely people should have their voice. People should be able to express that. But leaders also have a responsibility to say clearly this is wrong headed; this is going to hurt us and not help us.

So my question is about the bill I introduced earlier today, a bill that would double that threshold, that would signal clearly — to the people of this province, to investors, to those who are seeking to expand their investment in our province — that you don’t have to worry about separatism in this province. That we have leaders at all levels who understand the importance of providing that stability, of signalling very clearly that we will remain as part of Canada. That we need a reset, but talk of separatism is not on the table.

My question to the Premier: is he prepared to pass that bill and send that important signal to those who are watching us very closely right now?

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — This has always been a government that has been focused on stability and certainty attracting that investment to create those jobs, to expand our economy, to expand the opportunity for our children to have that chance to have a job in maybe the community where they were raised, but certainly in the province of Saskatchewan. And my generation didn’t quite have that chance, Mr. Chair.

I would say that that certainty has very much been at the centre of our focus on how do we grow that opportunity in Saskatchewan. That’s why we had taken a number of policy positions, whether it be with respect to opposing the carbon tax, whether it be with respect to always advocating for pipeline infrastructure. Yes, we agree with the quality of rail service that we have for the industries that we have. We also agree with getting some of that oil product off the rail so that we can open up additional capacity for our potash mining and ag industry here in the province, Mr. Chair.

We’ve been against policies like the clean electricity regulations, which are unattainable. It would cost Saskatchewan residents an additional $18 billion. Against policies that have been enacted and layered on time and time again that are impacting the investment environment in this province. And we welcome, we welcome, the new-found realization — I think precipitated by the election and the threat of tariffs by President Trump in the United States — we welcome the new-found support for many of these policies by many Canadians that previously may have supported parties like the NDP and the Liberal Party, Mr. Chair, but even officially the NDP Party here in this province.

With respect to the bill, I won’t speak for everyone on this side. But I know how I’ll be voting on that particular bill, and it won’t be in support of doubling the threshold for people’s voice to be heard in this province. That is something simply that I don’t support fundamentally. And I think many Saskatchewan people would agree with not supporting a bill that is essentially going to double the threshold on silencing them and silencing their views, silencing their voice in the four years between the time when there’s an election, when they have a choice on who is going to represent them. And that is ultimately what this bill does.

We had for 40 years a piece of referendum legislation in place in this province that has 15 per cent of the voters would sign it, would trigger a plebiscite. Mr. Chair, what’s being suggested in this bill is that that increases to 30 per cent — increasing that threshold significantly; doubling it, 100 per cent increase — effectively removing the voice of Saskatchewan people.

And so I won’t be supporting that bill. I doubt whether anyone on this side is going to be supportive of that bill for good reason, not because I tell them but because their constituents would say, no, I don’t think that’s a very good idea, Mr. Chair.

And I would say this when it comes to leadership. Leadership is not about instilling your ideological wishes and policies on the people that you serve. Leadership is listening. Listening to those individuals — listening to parents across this province, listening to people that are working in the oil industry, listening to people that have been impacted by the policies that have been supported by the NDP every step of the way.

And I would hope, Mr. Chair, I would hope after the most recent visit to Alberta, where we heard there was many meetings with energy leaders like Naheed Nenshi or David Eby or Rachel Notley — your true energy leaders in the nation of Canada — that there’s a realization by the Leader of the Opposition and other members that were in attendance, Mr. Chair, that the policies that have been supported by the NDP, the policies that have achieved them about a 7 per cent national support in the most recent election, just simply aren’t the policies of Canadians. And they simply aren’t the policies that are going to ensure that in this province we can continue to grow and expand and be a vibrant contributor to a strong, united nation of Canada.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Mr. Chair, I guess I’ve got him into his feels and into his old talking points now. But let’s be clear about this because the Premier tried to characterize that bill as something it simply is not. That bill is not any attempt to silence people. People are welcome to have their views. It certainly doesn’t do what the premier in Alberta just did, was really pave the way to reduce that threshold by half in their province. What it does is acknowledge the gravity of the question of separating from this country . . . Well the minister, Mr. Chair, wants to chirp from his seat.

You know what? What I’ll say to the member from North Battleford, you know what? Take that message to the industry leaders who are trying to attract investment to this province and see what that means to them, what that kind of upheaval and lack of stability means when we’re trying to attract investment to this province. And if the Premier wants a list of those who I met with, I would be very happy to provide that to him.

I’m going to move on — as much fun as this is, Mr. Chair — because something that the Premier said in the preamble was about focusing on affordability, focusing on affordability for families. It’s a good talking point. I think it gets head nods, that we should care about people’s ability to pay their bills, people’s ability to feed their kids in this province.

[16:45]

Unfortunately like many of the other answers, there are a number of facts that suggest maybe the Premier and this government isn’t doing such a great job on that. Recently we had a report tabled in this Assembly by the Children’s Advocate that outlined the fact that the issue of parents who don’t have enough money to support their kids, to feed their kids has tripled, tripled over the last year, Mr. Chair.

Now we’ve been propositional. Take the PST [provincial sales tax] off of children’s clothing. Take it off of the food items that this government expanded it to. Do something to provide affordability relief because let me tell you what. If you have double the number of parents who can’t feed their kids in your province, you’re doing something wrong. What’s his plan to make sure that we can address this issue?

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Just quickly on the previous question, and then I want to read in some of the affordability initiatives that are here, Mr. Chair. I’ll just get to that in a minute.

But just a comment on the 30 per cent threshold that’s being suggested by the opposition. On the threshold — 30 per cent of the entirety of the number of electorate in the province, Mr. Speaker. That’s quite a criteria to hit. Even 15 per cent, I think, is a significant criteria to hit. We’ve seen no such moves in this province on lowering that, as was alluded to, as the province of Alberta has moved forward. I don’t know that it’s passed yet, but it has moved forward.

But here’s an example of just how significant that 30 per cent of the electorate — not of the folks that showed up to vote in the last election but of the entirety of the electorate — the NDP hasn’t achieved that in 20 years in this province. So by those same metrics they would also be silenced and nobody should listen to them.

And I don’t know that this bill will pass because, as I said, I certainly won’t be supporting it in any way. But they might think of a friendly amendment to their own bill so that they can find their own voice, Mr. Chair, and have that listened to by Saskatchewan people.

But on to the question with respect to affordability, Mr. Chair. And I would just start this by saying that the minister and this government takes the recommendations not just of the Children’s Advocate but of all of our independent officers very seriously, Mr. Chair. And we work very hard to achieve alongside the recommendations that are made, but alongside also maybe community-based organizations or families of those that are impacted by those policy decisions, those funding decisions, and by the recommendations, achieving the recommendations that the independent officers put forward, Mr. Chair. We try to find a resolution to that and find, really, a striving for a better province and a better living environment in all of our communities than even we have today.

So with respect to affordability . . . And we ran an entire election on this, and we did okay in that election, Mr. Chair. Well with respect to families, we lowered the personal income tax. We indexed for a family of four, for example, we indexed that personal income tax, able to save $3,400 over the next four years.

We have actually the second-lowest utility bundle in Canada, so again our Crown utilities not only pulling forward procurement to salvage jobs and to save jobs in a challenged, tariff-fuelled environment today, they’re also offering the lowest utility bundle in the nation of Canada.

We reduced the education property tax. I remember, you know, years ago this was long asked for by multiple meetings — SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] meetings, SARM [Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities] meetings — oft refused by the NDP government for 16 years. And it wasn’t until I believe 2008 that it was actually fixed.

I think the Deputy Premier actually was involved as the Legislative Secretary at that time, and so I’m dating him back to the beginning of his career, Mr. Chair, but in some of that work in not only fixing the education property tax but introducing the municipal revenue-sharing program, the only program of its kind today. And that was reduced again this year.

We doubled the active families benefit and increased the income threshold to $300 per child. There’s a children’s drug plan that was introduced by our government, was increased. The first-time homebuyers tax credit: it increased from $10,000 to $15,000. The SSI [secondary suite incentive] grant, the PST rebate on new home construction — any homes over $46,000, which is many of them, if not all of them. The home renovation tax credit, Mr. Chair, was brought in. Families can claim up to $4,000 a year.

The $10‑a-day child care program. We were the third province to sign on to that program, Mr. Chair, which will expire next spring, of which we are actively working with the federal government. Today it’s been mentioned, and once they have a minister, we will work with them on renewing that program. But we’ll be renewing it with some of the parameters and some of the asks that our child care providers and parents have had over the last number of years, operating the program that we have.

There’s the insulin pump program, the continuous and flash glucose monitor program, the autism individualized funding I mentioned before, access to fertility treatments, prescription drugs, low-income tax credits for families. That benefit is going to increase from $800 to $1,050 for a single parent with one child, and it’ll increase from $1,110 to $1,470 for a family of four.

All in all, two and a half billion dollars each and every year, Mr. Chair, that is included in this budget in affordability measures for Saskatchewan people and Saskatchewan families in this year’s balanced budget. That remains, and that’s something we’re very proud of. And we’re proud to be a part of a government that has not only introduced that two and a half billion dollars of affordability measures and maintained it each and every year due to the strength of our economy, but to increase it, delivering on each and every campaign commitment that we made to the people that we serve.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — You know, Mr. Chair, a question and a concern brought to the floor of this Assembly by one of the independent officers that the Premier says he takes seriously, a concern about people in this province. A tripling of the numbers, at least reported numbers, of people who can’t feed their kids. It’s a heck of a look to take a stroll down memory lane and give yourself, you know, a pat on the back and a cheer about that.

I was sincerely looking for a little bit of contrition, to an understanding that this is a serious issue. You know, as much as those tax breaks, the tax credits, might be welcomed, there are very few stores that I’m aware of where people can exchange those promises or those tax credits at tax time to feed their kids. That was what the question was about. But anyway, I’m going to move on to something else.

Admittedly there was a federal election in the middle of this announcement, and the question I’m asking today, but this is around AgriStability and proposed changes. Looking at the . . . The minister from Meadow Lake is about to tell me how much of an expert he is in ag.

But I’m going to ask the question because, Mr. Chair, it’s a question that producers in this province, APAS [Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan] and many others, want to know. There was an offer — again, admitting and full recognition that this happened before with a new minister, and there’s been an election in between — but proposed changes, changes that are frankly long overdue when it comes to AgStability.

My question to the Premier is about progress towards getting that deal. And what the province is prepared or required to put up in terms of their investment to see those changes, that assurance, that improvement to that program for producers in this province.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Chair, I’ll give a little bit of information on some of the discussion with respect to AgriStability. It came from the federal government. But I will add the caveat that it’s dated as of now, dated to a prime minister and an ag minister ago and an election ago and even a number of months beyond that. But some changes that were made to the AgriStability program in the not-too-distant past was changing the reference margin, increasing the reference margin of 70 to 80 per cent. Mr. Chair, that resulted in — I have it here — about $16 million in additional payouts to Saskatchewan farmers.

In fact, you know, in certain areas of the province the last three years haven’t been that good. In many areas of the province it’s been all right. But in certain areas they’ve had a few years of difficulty with respect to weather. We’ve seen that in the bottom line in some of the provincial budgets. Not that it’s the provincial budget paying farmers, but we’re accessing that fund and it needs to be accounted for. That is funded by the federal-provincial government as well as our producers.

So there was a proposal that was put forward some months ago by the federal government . . . maybe I’ll say the previous federal government, but it’s somewhat the same federal government but the previous prime minister, Mr. Chair, and the previous Ag minister, to move that reference margin further to 90 per cent, understanding that it’s something we would look at and we did start to look at, because this is a cost-shared program — 60 per cent federal, 40 per cent is provincial. And then there’s a producer portion as well.

[17:00]

The contact has been made with the federal government in the lead-up to the writ, to the call of the election. And we understand at that point in time the governing party was going through a leadership election. And the reach out has occurred even since then, and it will again when we have a cabinet appointment under the new Prime Minister. But the information that we’d received in the lead-up to the writ from the federal government was essentially there’s no direction being provided on moving the reference margin from 80 to 90 per cent. And certainly there has been no funding that has been authorized to even have those conversations with the provinces.

And so I think we eagerly anticipate this would be a file that we’d pick up on very quickly after a cabinet appointment. And hopefully a new Ag minister is briefed on his file, and this particular AgriStability proposed change as well, so we can move forward with the federal government. And I would say this: we’ll always move forward in the best interests of the producers in this province.

And when it comes to the business risk management programs, whether it be AgriStability, AgriInvest, or the crop insurance programs that we have, they’ve been greatly enhanced over the last decade and a half under this government. And they need to be, because the value per acre of products that we’re growing is substantially higher today than it was 10, 15, and 20 years ago. And so the insurance product that is available has also needed to increase alongside the value of our production, again going back to my initial statements about the value of our export wealth in this province.

That’s in stark contrast to prior to ’07. There’s years . . . And I remember the former member from Melville-Saltcoats, a founding member of this party with . . . I don’t know. Very booming voices that come out of Melville and Saltcoats, Mr. Chair. You know, I can remember him standing in this House as Ag minister and talking about how the NDP didn’t fund their portion of the crop insurance program for a number of years. Thankfully, Mr. Chair, and I think in fairness, everyone is in favour of funding that program today. We’ll pick up where we left off with the federal government when they have some direction with a new leadership at the helm of the Liberal Party and at the helm of the federal government.

But always our primary goal is not for farmers, yes, to have access to business risk management programs, which are essentially insurance programs for them, but it’s always our goal for them to be able to access markets, markets around the world, the highest value markets. Because we have some of the highest value, highest quality, most sustainable product that you can find on earth when it comes to the food and ingredients that we’re producing. We want to make sure that they have access to those markets wherever they might be. And we work very hard on that.

And that has been a focus of this government in opening up trade offices. The members opposite prior to election of President Trump didn’t like those trade offices. They like them a lot more now, Mr. Chair. But we’re always working to advocate those relationships on behalf of the industries that are exporting those products to over 160 countries all around the world.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Thank you, Mr. Chair. Really quite a simple question about progress towards that deal, if the province was going to sign on. I hear that there’s some willingness and want to do that, which I’m glad to hear because producers in this province want to know that as well.

Also embedded in there was a bit of a question about whether there was allocation in this budget to cover some of those costs. I’m going to assume not, but I also am going to assume they’re going to tell me that that budget is balanced. But I’ve made my peace with that, Mr. Chair.

I’m going to move on to another important question. We’ve heard the Premier acknowledge the importance of independent officers of this Assembly and note his respect. And I believe him that that is a respect that he holds, as we all hold as members here. These are incredibly important roles, independent roles on behalf of the people that we all serve in this province.

I’m going to go to something that the Provincial Auditor noted in her report that found that the Sask Party government simply isn’t doing enough to investigate, to prevent illegal foreign farm landownership. The question that I want to ask: since that finding has come to light a number of recommendations were made. Has the government undertaken any of those recommendations? Have they made progress towards them? And if they haven’t, Mr. Chair, given the respect and importance of this issue, upholding the law of this province, why haven’t they done that?

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you, Mr. Chair. And I really appreciate this question because I think this is an important question. And I think there’s always room for the government to be working in this space of not only just farm landownership, but foreign landownership in the province.

I think we have a solid foundation in this province when it comes to who owns the land in the province. For example, you’re not allowed if you’re not a Canadian citizen to own more than 10 acres. It prohibits things like pension plans, large trusts from owning large tracts of land in the province. And the security board can request at any time statutory declarations with respect to a number of things, like your citizenship, who’s funding the land, Mr. Chair.

I talked earlier about the value of our exports, the value per acre of agriculture products. As we see agriculture grow and prosper to many degrees across this province, as we see the interest in foreign investment into the mining sector, you know, various other ag value-added sectors, Mr. Chair, it’s incumbent on us to always be looking at the ownership rules for land that we have.

For example, when a potash mine . . . And we’ve had a couple in the last number of years that have built new potash mines here in the province. When they come in and want to build a new mine, they need to buy more than 10 acres of land, and so they need an exemption from the Ministry of Agriculture. When a uranium mine starts up, they need an exemption if they’re going to purchase and own more than 10 acres of land here in the province.

So when a foreign entity comes in, we need to be . . . So those ones get exemptions I think because of the massive number of, you know, many hundreds if not thousands of people they’re going to employ. They’re going to add to, you know, our provincial wealth and the opportunities, the GDP and that export wealth in the province. I don’t think anyone would argue those investments deserve an exemption under the laws that we have.

However it’s there to prevent, you know, large investment funds, in particular investment funds that may be non-Canadian with the investors they have, or out-of-nation non-Canadians from investing, wealthy non-Canadians investing in large tracts of farm land, tying that land up so that our youth, our Saskatchewan people, don’t have the opportunity to farm. And we see the value of farm land increasing and increasing significantly.

So the auditor’s recommendations were made with the most recent report, and I don’t have that report in front of me. I am assured by the Minister of Agriculture that the ministry is working very hard, not only with the ag industry but with the auditor, on achieving answers and achieving the recommendations as they were set out.

The audit that was performed did not find any confirmed instances of unauthorized foreign ownership. However in saying that, I would say there’s three instances that were mentioned by the auditor.

And so for example, and I don’t know the details of each of these instances but for example, a Canadian may have non-Canadian children that inherit the land when the Canadian individual passes away, for example. And that would be a place where the Farm Land Security Board would weigh in and ask that owner that inherited the land and say, you’re not a Canadian and you would need to divest that property. And there would be set terms with respect to how that works.

That’s one example as to why the Farm Land Security Board is working with these three individuals. And I don’t know the details of each, but that is the number that they’re working on here today.

My suggestion, advice, and the work that we will continue to do — and I think the commitment that we would make to not just agricultural producers, landowners, but to all Saskatchewan residents — is this is a space, farm landownership is a space that, yes, we are on a solid footing with the work that the Farm Land Security Board does in enforcing the legislation that we have. But we should always be looking at how we can enhance that legislation to protect the ownership rights that we have, not only as people that live and work and build our communities here in the province, but ensure that it is only Canadians that are owning land, whether it be farm land or for other reasons here in the province.

And the only exemptions that are provided are in the greater-good interest of the community where those investments are being made, the greater good, the interests of the province. And as I always say, what’s good for a Saskatchewan community and good for the province of Saskatchewan certainly is good for the nation of Canada.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Mr. Chair, I’m glad that the Premier is going to give the suggestion and the advice to, I hope I heard him say, ensure that we have the oversight. Remember, this isn’t about changing necessarily laws; this is about enforcing the laws that we have. That was the concern.

He has the ability to do that. Sometimes we get votes passed on the floor of this Assembly, and I’m proud of the member from Regina Pasqua for doing that. But the government has this ability, in all sincerity, that we look forward to further progress on those changes.

[17:15]

But something that the Premier mentioned around value-added ag leads into my next question. Certainly we hear a lot of talk at the national level about the auto industry and how integrated it is with the United States, which is absolutely the case. But for cattle producers, for ranchers, that is also very integrated and we hear this all the time.

And you know, one of the things we could do, and one of many things we could do, to support those producers is ensuring that they have options when they’re going to sell their animals — value-added processing here at home and expanding the meat-packing industry on large and small scale. Something that’s really, really hard to do right now, Mr. Chair, in part because we essentially have a duopoly that really suppresses the price of those cattle in Canada and often move to suppress start-ups who look to enter that space.

It’s our producers who have fewer options — and with the uncertainty at the border, have even fewer options right now — that suffer. They often find themselves in a depressed cattle-price situation certainly with that uncertainty. And we hear this time and again. I know the minister has as well and I know he cares about this. How do we improve those options for producers? How do we sell more of what we grow here in this province? The best beef in the entire world. I think we can all agree on that.

My question is, what is the Premier going to do to deal with this anti-competitive behaviour by the meat processors, the large meat processors? And when will we see a plan to support local meat processing, large and small, across Saskatchewan?

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you, Mr. Chair. It’s been a relatively positive year, in particular in cattle livestock production this year, and I would say a long time coming as there’s been many, you know, skinny years with respect to the cattle pricing that we’ve seen.

Maybe I’ll start with a few of the programs that the government has put forward. I actually remember one of these that I did some work on when I was the Legislative Secretary to the Ag minister at the time. It was the late Lyle Stewart, a great representative on the floor of this Assembly and for the folks of Lumsden-Morse.

But first was what’s known as the SLIM [Saskatchewan lean improvements in manufacturing] program. It’s the Saskatchewan lean improvement program. It is a program actually that provides funding for existing processing facilities to upgrade their equipment to be as efficient as possible for expansions that they may have. And that is our goal, is to expansion, again to climb the value chain, whether it be in crop agriculture or animal agriculture. And that’s why the SLIM program has been brought into effect.

There’s another program, and this is one I had done some work on as the Legislative Secretary years ago. It was known as the SVAI [Saskatchewan value-added agriculture incentive] program or the value-added ag investment program. That program provides for new or existing investment. I believe it’s a 15 per cent tax credit on up to $400 million of investment; 400 to $600 million, that climbs to 30 per cent; and anything over 600 million is a 40 per cent capital tax incentive moving forward. And that really is there to incentivize investment in all value-added agricultural investments including in the livestock sector.

We’ve seen some of this investment be capitalized on. I’d say most recently, a few years ago, I was in Moose Jaw at Donald’s Fine Foods, a place at full capacity now. It employs 200 people. They made a $60 million investment, made use of these particular programs in that investment. It’s the largest investment in the history of the company. And they had moved into what was a shuttered cattle livestock plant and converted it to a pork processing facility in Moose Jaw. And so we’re thankful for that investment from the family operating Donald’s Fine Foods and very much thankful for the 200 or so jobs that are there.

We had some focus and provided some focus in the ministry to continue working with the industry on adding value to ag products in Saskatchewan — again whether it’s crop products or whether it’s meat products or livestock products — around some of the targets that we had wanted to achieve by 2030 in our plan for growth.

Now these targets were worked . . . We worked with the industry to set these targets. And these targets then drive some of the aforementioned investment incentives that we have in place. And these targets, I think, in fairness are helping us make some decisions around some folks that at times need to go above that 10‑acre landownership that we talked about earlier in the case to create something like 200 jobs in the meat-packing industry.

So the first target we had was to double the meat processing and animal feed value revenue to more than a billion dollars in the province. We achieved that goal in 2023‑24 fiscal year, achieved $1.3 billion actually in that particular year. A second target that we had in that plan for growth was to increase crop production to 45 million metric tons — we’re getting close to achieving that — but then to achieve livestock cash receipts of $3 billion in the province. And that goal was achieved and actually went by it significantly in 2023, with $3.54 billion.

And it’ll be interesting to see what that number is this year as we see, you know, finally some fair cattle prices, I think. And I’ve talked to a number of ranchers across the province that are happy to finally see what I think is a fair price, and I hope it stays here into perpetuity and finds its way up from this point in time.

So a couple of targets that the government had put forward in our plan for growth. Two out of three of those targets are already achieved, so we may have to reset those targets alongside our ranchers and the packing industry and the value-added ag industry. And a couple of incentives that are being provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and, more formally, the Government of Saskatchewan.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Mr. Chair, I’m going to ask a question to address something that I think we can all agree impacts people right across this province. When we look at the rates of mental health and addictions in our province, we need to do better, simply.

And, Mr. Chair, I’ll acknowledge that these solutions are not simple. And they don’t belong to any party; they don’t belong to any one ministry. This has to be a whole-of-the-province approach to seeing effective intervention on something that, I think, we all should be able to agree can’t continue to happen in our province. Because right now in our province, we are losing young people. We are losing people of all ages to suicide, to overdose, to some of the most difficult lives that any of us could imagine living — houseless in communities, sleeping rough right through the wintertime, Mr. Chair — to the extent that we’ve actually seen a decrease in life expectancy in this province.

You know, often when you’re a parent, you think of, you know, what do you want most for your kids. I think we all mostly want the same things. You want your kids to be happy. You want them to be healthy. You want them to have a better life than you did. And generation after generation in this country we’ve made good on that promise. We’ve seen improved quality of life. We’ve seen increased life expectancy. But, Mr. Chair, we’re not seeing that right now.

And I will acknowledge this is an issue across the country. It’s an issue that’s struggled with in many, many places. But that doesn’t absolve us of responsibility as legislatures here in this province to do everything we can to turn those numbers around. Where my frustration comes in, Mr. Chair, is the fact that we slow-walked watching this epidemic of poison reach us when we should have learned the lessons that other jurisdictions were screaming at us.

You know, I was first elected in 2016 — and some of my colleagues were here, looking the wrong direction perhaps — when that was the case. And I’ve talked about this on the floor of the Assembly before. We had a meeting with the then chief of police in Saskatoon, looking at very real crime numbers, shocking crime numbers, for not just Saskatoon but surrounding areas. Property crime, violent crime. We have the highest crime severity in Canada on many measures. This isn’t the province that we grew up in.

My frustration stems from this. At that point we knew we had to get this poison off our streets. We knew we had to have a path for folks who were reaching up their hand already struggling with addiction. But that didn’t happen. It didn’t happen for so many years. And it didn’t happen, Mr. Chair. We can’t go back and fix that, but we do know that this is not a solution that’s going to be found by siloed thinking, and we know that every day that we don’t find that solution we’re going to lose more people. We’re going to see the safety of our communities be impacted. We’re going to see small businesses impacted in our downtowns. This has become a whole-of-Saskatchewan problem.

[17:30]

And there’s no doubt that we need more police, more boots on the ground, especially if we are not going to learn the lessons and change some of the policies that have led us here in the first place. We will never have enough police until we address some of the systemic issues that are driving this mental health and addictions crisis in our province.

We support having more police. Everyone wants to feel safe in their community and in their homes. I don’t ever want to think about my parents on the farm waiting for 40 minutes for a call when they’re in danger longer. But until we have a rethink and start addressing both the root causes of crime, mental health and addictions, listen to those voices on the front lines, listen to those in communities, change some of the terrible policies like the changes to the SIS [Saskatchewan income support] program that everyone told this government was going to have exactly the impact that it has had, until we all work together — not give ourselves platitudes and pats on the back and say we’ve got the most important and ambitious this and that, and actually start measuring ourselves by how well we are turning those very important statistics around for people — we will have failed.

So simply put, let’s stop with the siloed thinking. Let’s stop with the self-congratulations and sound bites. And my question to the Premier is, when will we see a real, effective, measured plan to get tough not only on crime but the root causes of crime in this province?

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — I will begin with just very quickly what we are not going to do in the province. And I think in fairness we’re seeing provinces that have ventured down this path, like British Columbia, with respect to legalization, safe supply of hard drugs. It’s just simply not the path that we’re going to take in Saskatchewan and never will take as long as we have the honour to be the government.

Our goal is actually to eradicate those hard drugs from our communities, from our province, and we’ll do our level best to eradicate them from Canada if other provinces are going to work alongside of us. We’re not going to make them more available to kill family, community members, and friends of ours. We’re going to do our level best to ensure they are not available, Mr. Chair.

And I would say, really three spaces here. One is the recovery-oriented system of care. Two is enforcement. There is a third space — and this is one of the points that I had brought up on the first call that I had post-election with Prime Minister Carney, and we’ll be following up with some recommendations that we have — but is changes to the Criminal Code of Canada for repeat offenders, for property crime that is often fuelled by addictions, virtually always fuelled in some way by addictions, and for the actual trafficking of and moving those drugs in and out of our Canadian communities. So recovery, enforcement, Criminal Code of Canada.

First, when it comes to recovery, our commitment of what was a 150‑bed commitment, we achieved that. I think the last I heard, 264 is the bed count that we’re at, on our way to 500. When we hit 500 I quite likely would say that we will have to increase that target and keep building those beds. And that is unfortunate, because what that means is that people are going to be in those recovery beds. It means they need to be in those recovery beds. And that is a place that we want to make available to everyone that needs it in Saskatchewan. And so first you need the capacity. And we’re doing our level best to invest in that capacity, and it’s being built as quickly as people are available to staff and to provide the care that’s required in those beds.

Second to that is providing, and I talked about this a little bit in my opening comments, but to provide access to that system, to meet people where they are, which is various places. And I’ve talked to friends that . . . Listen, when it comes to mental health challenges and addictions, I don’t think there’s a family in here — and if there is, be blessed — that isn’t impacted in some way by a family member or a close friend, by mental health and addictions. It’s all too common today and it impacts so many families, if not virtually every family or friend group across this province, including mine. Mr. Chair, we need to provide access to those recovery beds, and we’re doing that in various ways. We’re doing that by actually bringing together the access system in the province so that when a bed is available there’s an individual that is going to be able to find their way to that bed.

Two, I mentioned in my opening comments the urgent care centre here which is part about relieving some of the pressures in our emergency rooms here in Regina, and the numbers show that it is doing that. But the other side and the second entrance to that urgent care facility is about mental health and addictions access. It’s about when someone may be having a mental health crisis or has entered unfortunately a life of addictions and is ready to make a change. And too often we see that individual arriving in the emergency room of one of our hospitals, and I would say nowhere better than this city right here can we agree that that is not the place for someone that is having a mental health crisis on any particular day of their life, or unfortunately has entered a life of addictions. That’s not the place for them to enter the health care system.

That urgent care centre is a place where they can take them by the hand and provide them with the professional health care services that they require. And that is the goal, and that is why we have taken what was a pilot project and we’re going to build another one in Regina. We’re going to open two in Saskatoon, one in Prince Albert, North Battleford, and Moose Jaw to serve the people of Saskatchewan not only in an urgent care — not emergent but urgent care — situation, but also to provide that access point for Saskatchewan residents that may require some health care treatment when it comes to mental health and addictions.

I think the next step and the next opportunity is to start to have a dialogue on how we can open up those access points in all of our primary health care facilities in the rural areas and urban areas of the province as well. To really open up the dialogue around, how are we accessing mental health care treatment? How are we accessing those recovery beds that we are building here in the province? But first we need the capacity, and second we need to open up the access points.

The other one I mentioned is the complex-needs shelter, and this is a place that the result is a little bit different than I had anticipated. And I spoke about this in the opening comments, but it warrants being repeated. In that shelter, people that are coming in are essentially under arrest. There is security in that shelter. There is health care supports in that shelter so that if someone is in potentially an overdose situation, they have the health care supports to do everything they can to keep them alive. That matters.

They also have addictions . . . I would say what matters equally as much is there’s addictions referral supports in there, and that’s where the conversation can start. And as I said, you know, an individual that may be at the very lowest point of their life, maybe for a multiple time, now has the guidance on . . . You can be released from this shelter at the 23‑hour mark in three different ways. The first is a family member comes and gets you. Second is a police officer comes and gets you and releases you, as you came in under arrest. And the third is you can self-refer to addictions services. And it’s 85 to 95 per cent of those individuals at that point, at that very low point in their life, are self-referring themselves to some type of addictions services. That’s something this government is proud of, is providing and making those services available. We need to do more of that.

When a Saskatchewan resident is reaching out at a very low point in their life, we need to do our level best to make those investments for those mental health services and supports or those addiction recovery beds to be available for that individual when they want to make that change. And that is what we are going to continue to embark on and continue to do.

Alongside that, we continue to make investments in law enforcement. This was a significant difference in the most recent campaign that we had ran. The members opposite ran on doorbell cameras, Mr. Chair, providing doorbell cameras for, I think, the entirety of the province. We had made a significant commitment to continue to invest in actual enforcement officers, police officers of various different enforcement agencies, to keep our communities safe.

Where I live, we are policed by the RCMP. Mr. Chair, here in Regina it’s the Regina Police Service, a municipal police force. As I said, we’ve added professional teams and added members over the course of the last 10 years into the warrant enforcement and suppression team, the crime reduction team, the PACT [police and crisis team] teams, many other professional teams, specialized teams that are offering services to Saskatchewan communities and Saskatchewan people, 180 officers into those teams.

In addition to that, a commitment for an additional 185 officers. This is what we’re waiting for the federal government to fund their 30 per cent portion of. In addition to that, 100 per cent, and I . . . This is actually an important point. When it comes to the 100 municipal officers, those are 100 per cent provincially funded. Unprecedented in the province for the province to step in and fund 100 per cent of the cost of municipal police officers, 100 of them across the province to keep our municipalities and keep Saskatchewan people safe.

Underlying and supporting the RCMP officers, and underlying and supporting those municipal police officers, is 70 additional Saskatchewan provincial marshals in the provincial marshals service. And they are there to add significant numbers in a short period of time into a community when they may be needed.

And you think of, you know, some of the challenges we’ve had, for example in the James Smith community, Mr. Chair, how quickly you could have the marshals in that community. You think of some of the challenges that we have in some of our urban centres. You could bring the marshals in in very short order and have a significant presence supporting the municipal police service, supporting the local RCMP service in that presence, preventing further challenges, Mr. Chair.

And so our commitment I think in this space to the police officers that are working, regardless of whether it be a municipal officer or an RCMP officer, is not only are we going to invest in you, we’re going to invest in another individual to work alongside you to support you in what you do. Our commitment to the people of this province, when it comes to enforcing the laws that are in their community, is that we are going to invest in ensuring that your community is safe.

What we have added to that, to that significant investment in recovery and enforcement, is additional consequences. For example, those that are going to move drugs around between our communities and make that poisonous substance, whether it be crystal meth or fentanyl, available to our family members, our community members, and friends of ours that unfortunately may be entered into a life of addictions, well they’re going to have an immediate $1 million fine now. And we’re going to take those drugs away from those people, and we’re going to take those people that are . . . We’re talking about eradication of those drugs from our communities. That’s the goal. That’s why these investments were made.

And that brings me to the third topic. The third topic is we are going to need changes to the Criminal Code of Canada. And I have raised this with the former prime minister and now the current Prime Minister. We need changes to the Criminal Code of Canada. And there were some made in the space of bail reform, but there needs to be more to keep our officers safe, to keep our Canadian community members safe. There needs to be changes with respect to the consequences when it comes to property crime. Because all too often, virtually always, property crime is the result of a life of addictions and supporting that life of addictions.

And there needs to be significant consequences for those individuals that are bringing these poisonous drugs into our nation and into our Canadian communities. We’re committed to that. We’re committed to the investment, and we’re also committed to working alongside this new Prime Minister and the federal government in ensuring the changes that need to be made to the Criminal Code of Canada are going to help us support Canadians and Saskatchewan residents in removing this poisonous substance from our communities.

All the while we invest in every recovery opportunity for our friends and for our family members that unfortunately may have had a mental health challenge and unfortunately have entered a life of addictions. We are focused on that recovery-oriented system of care today, and we will be years into the future.

I would say this as well, just in closing to this as the discussion finds its way in the next number of weeks. Our heart is with the Filipino community across Canada, and in particular in Vancouver where there have been many lives lost. And I won’t prejudge with respect to the situation with the individual there. But I will repeat some comments that were made by the mayor, Ken Sim, a mayor who also has invested heavily in the Vancouver Police Department upon his successful mayoral bid a couple of years ago. And he said something — and I won’t quote directly; I’ll go off memory — something along the lines of, “There are people that are living in our community that are incapable of directing their own health care.”

We are seeing in Alberta a bill being introduced with respect to compassionate intervention. You’re seeing that discussion start to happen in British Columbia, and I think you’re going to see that discussion, which will be the next discussion, in provinces across Canada. And it’s one that we most certainly are paying attention to, watching, in this province as we build out that recovery-oriented system of care capacity, the access points, but also increasing enforcement opportunities, supporting our police officers across this province with additional recruits in the years ahead.

[17:45]

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Mr. Chair, with all of the respect, I’m going to give the Premier some room here. I’m going to take him at his word. I think he wants to believe that what he’s said perhaps is accurate, an accurate reflection of what’s going on there. I think I’m being generous. And I understand. I understand that this issue, this impacts families certainly of those who sit in this legislature, families right across our province. And no one wants to see this happen that they’ll be the victim of crime or fall into addiction, struggle with mental health. None of us want to see that happen.

But, Mr. Chair, we just saw a . . . I lost track of how long that answer was, you know, defending the policies of this government, painting a picture that frankly is not based in the reality of those who are seeking help for themselves or their loved ones in this province. That’s not based in reality. And I would suggest — and I know the Premier’s not in the habit of taking any advice from members opposite — but on this one, don’t take our word for it. Be curious about how those great plans are actually working out on the front line. Because they’re not, Mr. Chair. They’re not. And you are not going to be able to build a plan without the input of those on the front line, those families who have lost loved ones and those who have been putting up their hand for over a decade saying, you’ve got a crisis on your hands in this province. I’m going to move on, Mr. Chair, but I hope the Premier takes me up on that advice.

Now something we haven’t canvassed that much today but I think is incredibly important. And there are a lot of issues. One of them is around mammograms. Again an announcement sort of after the fact. After we let the wait-lists for urgent mammograms and biopsies in this province run out of control, this government reached for a private solution out of province.

Most recently we heard that there were 515 Saskatchewan women who’ve had to go to Calgary for breast health care. That includes those urgent mammograms and those biopsies. And I’ll tell you what. I think we all understand that if you had the means to do so and you were facing a diagnosis like this, folks would do everything they can. But here’s two things. Not everyone can afford to take the time away or to pay out of pocket to go get that care. And here’s the most important thing: they bloody well shouldn’t have to.

So you know, I also spent some time very recently in Calgary, in Alberta. And they’re certainly talking about separatism there. But they’re also talking about private health care and contracts with private health care providers in Alberta right now. There are concerns about this system costing more than solutions in the public system, and there are very real concerns about allowing these contracts to continue. It’s decimating our ability to staff up in the public care system where most people want to be able to get their health care close to home without paying out of pocket. I digress.

Can the Premier update the numbers when it comes to the number of mammograms and biopsies performed out of province? And when will women in this province be able to get the care that they need here at home?

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you, Mr. Chair. Numbers are just a touch dated — they were provided in the House here the other day — but as of January 22nd, there’s 539 patients that have been referred, had the option to be referred to the clinic in Calgary. Of those, about 472 patients have already had their diagnostic procedure completed in Calgary, Mr. Chair. And there’s some travel costs that are provided to each of those individuals if they should choose to go to Calgary to have that diagnostic service provided.

We also saw in the most recent campaign — again delivered with funding in this budget — the ministry and the SHA, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, are working very hard alongside the physicians and all our health care workers to stand up and really have a fully functioning, operating breast health centre here in Regina. The reason that that is such a priority here in Regina is because of the success that it’s seeing in Saskatoon, the breast health centre there. And this will really, I think, alleviate and provide a much-needed — I was going to say valuable — but a much-needed and required service for largely women across, not just in the Regina area, but across the southern portion of our province.

And I can personally testify to the quality of service that is provided by the breast health centre in Saskatoon as I today, in this day, have someone very close to me that is utilizing those services, and I’m so very thankful that they are there. I’m also equally thankful that they are available now and will be increasingly available here in Regina for, you know, women across the southern portion of our province. Mr. Chair, that is a significant investment.

The Minister of Health and I, and some others, were talking some time ago about — and I think there was a physician that was part of that conversation with the Minister of Health as well — and the question came as to, you know, once the Regina breast health centre is up and operating, will you cease the opportunity for those publicly procured but privately delivered mammograms in Calgary? I don’t know if we will. This government very much is about providing an all-of-the-above service that we can, Mr. Chair.

And when it comes to accessing, as I said, a medical health professional in our post-election commitments, accessing surgeries, you need to have the diagnostics in order to access that surgery in a reasonable amount of time. And if we aren’t able to drastically reduce the wait-lists that we have through the investments made in the breast health centre here in Regina, my encouragement to the Minister of Health, the SHA — and we’d obviously take the advice of health care professionals as well — but would be to continue to procure that capacity on behalf of women that need that service, and continue to provide not only the option but provide the travel costs as well to Saskatchewan women. And I say that, as I say, this is again . . . You know, cancer is something that again has touched virtually every family in this province.

So I think this is a good question and a fair question. And not only, you know, it allows the government the opportunity to talk about the investments made in the breast health centre which I think are incredibly important, in particular when you consider the linkages, the genetic linkages and such with breast and ovarian cancer. But also the conversation around, you know, would the government, whoever they might be in years into the future, continue to add capacity of all options they have?

And so the question equally available for the members opposite to answer is, would they continue to use those options whether they be procuring additional — not either-or but additional — availability of scans for Saskatchewan women to keep our wait-list as low as possible when it comes to accessing mammograms? Or is that another health care service that they would look at banning here in the province?

And we certainly will not. We’ll be looking at all options that we have available to provide as rapid a service as we possibly can to the people of Saskatchewan, in particular women in Saskatchewan.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Just to leave time for final statements, I would ask if this can be the last question.

Carla Beck: — So many questions left, Mr. Chair. Okay.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.

Carla Beck: — Very informative walk through women’s breast care from the Premier, Mr. Chair. But this is, you know, seriously this is something that too many people in our province are impacted by.

The Premier suggests that it’s a good-news story that we’ve got women flying, driving, to Calgary; that we’re paying 10 times more for those mammograms as opposed to what we would pay in the public system; that women are often left without their supports, far away from home, when they get the worst diagnosis of their entire lives, Mr. Chair; and also that we are poaching valuable health care workers from our public system that would allow women to be able to receive that care and that diagnosis near home.

One of the things that is going to determine whether any of our needed expansion in health care is going to be successful is a real plan to staff up, to retain those valuable health care workers that we already have in our province, something that we’ve done a terrible job of. We’re losing more of those workers out of province than any other province.

It’s going to depend on this government’s ability to listen to those people who are on the front line, who you know what, not only can they save your life, they can save you money in the health care system and direct those supports to where they’re needed, not to contracts at 10 times what we should be paying.

And a real plan to ensure that we have a grow-your-own health strategy as my colleague, the deputy leader, has been calling for, a solution built with communities and health care providers, something they’ve been calling for, for years.

You know, it’s not just the deputy leader, although she does know her stuff. And it’s not just our associate critics and our Rural and Remote Health critics that have been calling for this, and front-line health workers. This is something that the Provincial Auditor has called for, as well as something that’s promised in the health human resources plan, Mr. Chair, and that is the need to recruit, train, retain more First Nations and Métis health care providers in this province.

A real plan, not waving and giving platitudes to the most ambitious or whatever it is they say every time they wave that plan, but actually building a plan — this is important — with those communities. A real plan that is actually going to see more First Nations and Métis health care providers in our province.

[18:00]

We don’t see a plan so far, as I’ve said, Mr. Chair. The auditor has noted the lack of a plan as well. When are we going to see from that government an end to the platitudes and a real plan to develop, retain, recruit, train First Nations and Métis health care providers in this province so that people right across this province can get the care that they need close to home, when and where they need it? When will we see a plan, Mr. Chair?

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Just to update with some numbers on the referrals and the procedures completed in Calgary, as per the first question. The information I provided I believe was current as of January 22nd. This is updated information: there’s been 590 referrals, 550 procedures completed.

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to health care, investments in the health human resource plan that we have in this province, we’ve been really enacting and funding with well over $100 million in funding in the last few years. It’s really focused in four different areas — to train, to recruit, to retain, and to incentivize those hard to recruit — whether it be location or disciplines or specialities that we have.

Mr. Chair, when it comes to training, we talked prior to the election of the 850 additional seats that were provided to various advanced ed institutes, about $20 million in specific Indigenous funding that’s being provided to those institutes, Mr. Chair. And I think, in fairness, some commitments coming from the Saskatchewan Health Authority on the levels of hiring not just Saskatchewan-trained graduates but Indigenous-trained graduates here in the province. Dumont Technical Institute, for example, has a commitment from the Saskatchewan Health Authority over the next five years to hire 450 health care grads from that institute.

I think of some of the partnership work that we’re doing with SIIT [Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies] and today Saskatoon Tribal Council Chief Mark Arcand was here. And I think of first the Virtual Health Hub. Fortunately it won’t be banned under this government. That was one of the banned services suggested by the members opposite.

But that partnership with the federal government and Whitecap Dakota First Nation and Dr. Mendez, who is operating and really steering the health care portion service of that ship — providing service to a number of Indigenous communities as well as the community of Gravelbourg and has the potential to provide to many more communities — and has already through Dr. Mendez some, I think, some global partnerships on health care advancement, research, and such. And he’s an interesting and an innovative guy. If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet Dr. Mendez, he definitely thinks outside of the box.

That, alongside with the partnership that we have with Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation in the urgent care centre in Saskatoon, that is a tripartite partnership. And let me just say on a personal note a great thanks both with his representation and advocacy for SIIT but also that particular project on behalf of his home First Nation, but to the late Ray Ahenakew and his family, who certainly worked very hard and was very passionate and dedicated to that facility coming forward in partnership with Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation through Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments.

As I said earlier, that will have and really be a replica to some degree of what we see down here in Regina in the urgent care centre with the urgent care being provided to alleviate some of the pressures in our emergency rooms, but also with the access for mental health care and addictions services, Mr. Chair.

But in addition to that, there is a partnership with SIIT coming into that space as well to train, to offer training courses, and to offer practicums operating in that environment in the urgent care centre, training additional Indigenous people and providing them with jobs through the SHA, maybe not even just in that urgent care centre but providing them that practicum experience to work wherever we have an opportunity across the province.

So again, thinking a little bit outside of the box in the way of the partnerships that we are striking and forming, and in that case, thank you to the late Ray Ahenakew, really a mentor and an Indigenous Elder that I relied on for many years on his opinions, guidance, and phone calls when he thinks I may have made the wrong move or the wrong decision. He provided very sage but direct advice, Mr. Chair. But a couple of examples there.

More broadly to the health care system as a whole . . . This is a fair question because the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the recruitment agency of Saskatchewan, the Ministry of Health, and I would say more broadly all of us involved in our communities . . . And there’s local recruitment committees. I was Chair of one prior to being elected in 2011 in the community in the region where I live, Mr. Chair. We all have some significant work to do. This is a very fair question in an environment across Canada where it’s very competitive in attracting health care professionals into any province in Saskatchewan. So we have some work to do.

We are going to need 500 staff to staff the expansion of the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert — expansion of beds, expansion of services — largely for northern residents so they won’t have to go to Saskatoon but can access those services right closer to home in Prince Albert. We are going to have to staff the urgent care centres that we are talking about. And I mentioned all of the communities where those urgent care centres are going to be provided.

And as we look ahead . . . And it is working, I think. Earlier we were talking about the breast health centre in Regina. The minister’s informed me that it is 100 per cent staffed today and it’s up and operating. That’s a good thing for women throughout southern Saskatchewan. It’s a good thing for families. And I can say this as somewhat of an extension of one of those women. It’s a good thing for families, Mr. Chair, because it is certainly often people that we so much love that are undergoing, you know, the treatments that thankfully are available in this province.

So as we continue to look ahead with that health human resource plan and continue to expand the training seats that we have, building our own capacity within the province — I see a lot young folks here today — so that they have an opportunity if they want to work in health care, be it LPN [licensed practical nurse], RN [registered nurse], physician, specialist, whatever that might be, paramedic, advanced care paramedic, whatever that might be, they’ll have the opportunity to access that training and have the opportunity to have a job here in Saskatchewan upon the completion of that training.

We see the expansion of the nurse training program with the campus in downtown Prince Albert. We see the expansion of the nurse training program in all of our major institutes. We see the expansion of not only the training seats in the College of Medicine — I believe it’s at 105 if I’m not mistaken here today; that was 60 when we formed government — the expansion I would say equally important, maybe even more important, of the residency seats associated with the College of Medicine, Mr. Chair, which were again 60 in 2007 when we formed government because . . .

And the reason I know this is I was a volunteer working as the Chair of our recruitment agency locally, and so that’s where I met the likes of Max Hendricks, who was head of what was known as the Physician Recruitment Agency of Saskatchewan at the time. Went on to be saskdocs and now the provincial recruitment agency. But now our residency seats thankfully are not 60 — 140 I understand this coming year funded in this balanced budget that was presented on the floor of this Assembly.

Mr. Chair, when it comes to recruiting those folks . . . And I’ll start with physicians, but I want to get to nurses as well. 196 physicians have been recruited by the Saskatchewan Health Authority from April 1st, 2024 till March 31st, 2025 — 196 physicians. More work to do, but a significant number. Of those, 51 were family physicians recruited from the University of Saskatchewan’s residency program, and 31 other specialists, so 77 per cent of the entirety. And so we have some work to do there as well. I’d like to see that number up to 90 per cent or higher, as high as we can get it.

As well as the specialists, over half of the specialists that were in that program are being recruited to a community right here in Saskatchewan. Again room for improvement, but a far sight better than it has been in years gone by. So 196 physicians recruited in the past year.

And I have a nursing number here somewhere that I’ve already misplaced. Right here, Mr. Chair. 1,006 this last year, practising registered nurses, RNs, were brought in in 2024. That included 63 nurse practitioners. Mr. Chair, that’s who I see is a nurse practitioner.

Mr. Chair, over the last two years, 2,000 registered nurses been brought into the province. Mr. Chair, I think there is greater opportunity, when you look at the four points of the recruitment plan that we had put forward — in particular in training our youth who are our children and grandchildren and giving them the opportunity to not only train in Saskatchewan but have a career in a Saskatchewan community — that opportunity is greater today than it has ever been in the history of our province.

Now we have some work to do collectively, I would say all of us as community members, as members of this province — for sure the SHA, the Ministry of Health, the minister. Government has, you know, an additional responsibility of recruiting hundreds of health care workers over the next number of years to staff the infrastructure that we thankfully are able to build within this balanced budget that was provided to Saskatchewan people, on behalf of Saskatchewan people, on the floor of this Assembly. But thankfully, I would say as well we have a plan in place to do just that.

[18:15]

Mr. Chair, this is a far sight from when this government was elected. And I’m not going to go back and talk about the NDP of years ago. People can make their own decisions with respect to the record of that party when it comes to health care and the record of this government over the last 16 years and the investments that we have made — whether that be a hospital in Moose Jaw; whether that be a children’s hospital in Saskatoon; whether it be a hospital we see being built in Weyburn, Saskatchewan; or whether it be the investments we’re making in long-term care, notably in La Ronge is having a brand new long-term care facility. The fundraising group for the furnishings in that facility were down here on budget day, and we were happy to host them, Mr. Chair.

But continued investments in rural health care facilities, in access to health care professionals in both rural and urban environments, and using every tool available, every tool available in providing additional services and providing a better service to the people of Saskatchewan.

So much work to do; so fair question. This is a government that certainly is committed to doing it, and certainly is committed to doing it within the strong growing economy that we have. In fact I would say the only reason that we’re able to make that commitment, Mr. Chair, is because we have one of the strongest economies in the nation of Canada. And it’s through that economy that we’re making those very investments that we had the opportunity to talk about here today, investments in ensuring that our province that we know, love, and work in and live in remains the most affordable province in the nation of Canada. Ensuring that our province, Mr. Chair, people that live here, have access to a medical health care professional when they need it and they have access to a surgery should they need it.

People in this province and our children who are students in our schools have the very best opportunity for the highest outcomes, in particular in that K to 3 space, because we know the successes in post-grade 3 are greatly increased when you come out of grade 3 reading, writing, and adding at that level.

And I would say equally as important to any of those other investments is investing in the safety of our communities and the recovery unfortunately of our brothers and sisters, friends and family members that have in some way had a mental health challenge and all too often succumbed to a life living with addictions.

Mr. Chair, it is only through the strength of that Saskatchewan economy that is the north star of this government and the north star of everyone that sits on this side of the House, that we can continue to foster that investment environment so that we can make those investments that are so valuable to the people that we represent.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Seeing as we’ve reached the end of the question-and-answer period, I would ask the officials to leave so that we can begin voting on estimates.

Is subvote (EX01), central management and services in the amount of $6,357,000 agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried. Is subvote (EX03), communications office in the amount of $1,158,000 agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried. Is subvote (EX04), cabinet planning in the amount of $769,000 agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried. Is subvote (EX06), members of the Executive Council in the amount of $155,000. This is a statutory amount. No vote is required.

Is subvote (EX05), cabinet secretariat in the amount $541,000, agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried. Is subvote (EX08), House business and research in the . . . Oh sorry.

Is subvote (EX07), Premier’s office in the amount of $534,000, agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried. Is subvote (EX08), for the second time, House business and research in the amount of $273,000, agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried. Is subvote (EX10), intergovernmental affairs in the amount of $2,929,000, agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried. Is subvote (EX12), Lieutenant Governor’s office in the amount of $753,000, agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried.

Resolved that there be granted to His Majesty for the 12 months ending March 31st, 2026, the following sums for Executive Council: $13,314,000.

Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried. There being no further business before the committee, I would invite a member to move that the committee rise, report progress, and ask for leave to sit again. I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the committee rise, report progress, and ask for leave to sit again.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — It has been moved by the Government House Leader that the committee rise, report progress, and ask for leave to sit again. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Beaudry: — Carried.

[The Speaker resumed the Chair.]

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

Carla Beck: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just quickly, and I know the officials have left, but perhaps they’re still listening or maybe they’re watching a hockey game or something, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to say sincerely thank you. Thank you to the Chair, to the officials that were here today. And thank you to the Premier for the debate, for the answers or the approaches towards answers, but sincerely thank you for your service, and to all members for that.

I really want to say one thing clearly. I want to thank my colleagues here, Mr. Speaker. I apologized to them; I didn’t get to all of their questions today. That doesn’t mean they weren’t important, but it just means maybe I was getting longer answers than I expected, Mr. Speaker.

I also want to say thank you to the team, my team who didn’t join me in here today, but who were very instrumental not only in the work that I did today but the work that we do every day in this Assembly, Mr. Speaker. You couldn’t ask for a better, more hard-working crew. And although we have increased our numbers, I still see when the caucus staff come in to the Assembly, we’re still a bit outnumbered but we’re getting closer, Mr. Speaker.

There’ve been a lot of changes in the last bit, last six months. I’m going to move quickly here. A lot of things have changed; we have canvassed that well. But the people of Saskatchewan sent 27, 27 fantastic people to this Legislative Assembly, and, Mr. Speaker, we take our job seriously as the official opposition asking for answers on behalf of the people that we serve every day.

We’re not content. We’re not content with that election result, but we’re not content with the status quo in this province, Mr. Speaker. This is a team that will continue to ask the hard questions, continue to look for answers, continue to hold the government to account, Mr. Speaker. That’s a choice, whether they answer the questions or not.

I know what we’re focused on. This is a team focused on the future of this province, not content with talking points and flapping around self-congratulatory messages. Actually digging in and doing the work. We’ll continue to ask the hard questions, Mr. Speaker. We’re going to continue to do that.

Today we thank the members of this Assembly, committee, the officials for being here. We’re going to continue to focus on that bright future that we see for all people in this province. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — And the final statement from the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate just a couple of minutes to essentially say thank you to a number of folks.

And I’d start with all the building staff that work here not just today but every day. And I had the opportunity to make a brief introduction of Ralph, who was a fixture in this building for so many years. But there’s so many others that, you know, keep this building in the pristine condition that it is. It makes, I think, not only us proud that work in it but all Saskatchewan residents proud that we have a facility like this, a piece of infrastructure like this to debate, yes, policies of the province moving forward, but I think it’s really indicative of our province, who the people are, and where we’re going to.

To all the officials in this Assembly that allow us to do our work each and every day: very shortly we’re going to leave you alone for a few months, but not quite yet. But I do thank you for all of the work you do, whether it be on the floor of this Assembly, in committee. And the House leaders assured me that there’s additional work that happens beyond those two rooms, a lot of it, Mr. Chair. And I’m gracious and thankful for it.

The officials that joined us here today for our Executive Council estimates. Raynelle Wilson — our public service is led incredibly well by Raynelle, who is a very passionate yet compassionate person with all she does each and every day, most certainly with her approach to myself.

Myron Soloduk that joined us; Jared Dunlop, my chief of staff; Reg Downs, who has been a fixture in this building for many years and I would say an asset to the people of Saskatchewan with his very sharp policy mind.

Ashley Boha; Ashley Anderson — I have an office full of Ashleys now. We’re going to start renaming them shortly, Mr. Chair. And then of course our House business team led by Ashley Wass, who wrote this note and made sure that she got her own name in there, Mr. Chair. And I finally have her last name correct. But I really appreciate the work the entirety of the Ashleys provide on behalf of the people of the province.

And alongside Ashley is Sean Wilson, who is sitting at the back here; Paul Ripplinger; and Keenan Boutilier is back working with us, and we really appreciate him and the work that he had done for years previously. And I appreciate the fact that he’s back with us now.

There’s a number of staff members, they’ve left now but were watching . . . All but one have left. Two. Watching in the gallery. Didn’t get the memo. All the staff members that work on both sides of the House, in fairness, whether it be the caucus office staff or the ministerial office, thank you to each of them for what they do, and for their families in supporting them in that work.

[18:30]

I do want to say a thank you to all elected members. I’ll start with the opposition members. Thank you not only for what you do . . . Each of you were elected by your citizens and on behalf of your citizens. And I think in large, this province is served well by the elected members that we have here when you compare and contrast with, you know, some of the elected parliaments that we see happening in not just other areas of Canada but other areas of the world. And so I want to truly thank you for not only running in this last election, if it was your first, but thank you for the service that you provide.

And through you, I say thank you to your families. Nobody, regardless of where you sit on the floor of this Assembly, serves without the love and support of their family, and I through you would say thank you to yours.

To the Leader of the Opposition, I’ll do one quick slight, but I’ll include the member from Rosemont in this as well as the Deputy Premier. I’m fortunate tonight. My hockey team played last night and likely will play tomorrow night, but the Deputy Premier, the member from Rosemont, and the Opposition Leader have no such dilemma this season, Mr. Chair.

But I do want to thank the Leader of the Opposition and equally thank, through her, her family — children and husband, spouse, and you know, other family members that support the work that she does. That is some of the most important work in a democracy. The opposition certainly has a role in a functioning democracy, and Saskatchewan is served very well by this Leader of the Opposition that is here today. And so I thank her for her very dedicated service to the people of Saskatchewan, and I say that very sincerely.

I also want to thank all of the members on this side of the House. We’re probably biased with the teams that we have, and I certainly am, but I want to thank all of the members on this side of the House.

We have a number of new members, and I want to thank each of you for running in that election. I want to thank you for just how quickly you’ve been able to pick up and cut your teeth with what happens in this facility, in this building, in this system of governance that we have. It’s not all written down and there’s no manual. You’ve got to kind of sort through it as you find your way. And you certainly are doing all of that.

And I likewise want to, through you, thank your families. It isn’t without them. You don’t get to be here without them, and that’s all I can say is they are the support mechanisms behind all that happens on the floor of this Assembly.

Last but not least, I want to just say a special thanks to the folks that built the document that we were here to debate today: the budget. And so a number of ministry officials. And I had — I don’t know if it was a privilege, an opportunity, or a sentence — to sit on treasury board for a number of years. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all of the ministry officials that I know worked very hard in bringing the very best information, whether it be revenue projections, whether it be expense sittings that we go through ad nauseam really, with the various ministers and ministries. But thank all the Finance officials for the work that they do. I don’t think a Finance official has been on a holiday to Mexico in January for however long this province has been here and we’ve been going through that process, Mr. Chair.

Also our treasury board members, a number of members that sit on treasury board. You also don’t get to go on a winter holiday anywhere as well because you’re in conducting the business of formulating and bringing together not only this budget but doing your level best to keep whatever budget year we’re in on track as well.

And the leader and the glue and one of the individuals that, in my opinion, is one of the hardest working individuals in the Government of Saskatchewan — next to yourself, of course, Mr. Speaker — would be the Deputy Premier and the Minister of Finance in the Government of Saskatchewan. And I thank him not only for this budget — because it’s balanced; it’s easier to be thankful when it’s balanced — but I thank him for all of the work and the effort that he does not just as the Minister of Finance but as a minister of a number of other portfolios. He’s a real leader and a mentor for many in our caucus and in this building, Mr. Chair. Thank you, Minister, for what you do.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I would just close with a special thanks to you. I don’t think you particularly sought out or thought that you were going to be the referee of the Legislative Assembly here. There’s been some changes, I think, in the conduct of individuals on both sides of this House. And it’s not perfect, but I would say that — my opinion, which is worth nothing, Mr. Speaker — I would say the conduct that I see happening in the debate that’s happening across the floor of this Assembly is maybe better than it has been in years gone by. And much of that credit not only goes to the Leader of the Opposition, but much of that credit goes to you as well. And so I thank you.

And I thank your family for supporting you not just in being a member and a representative for the community and surrounding area of Melfort, but I thank them for supporting you in sitting in the chair that you’re sitting in. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Chair of Committees.

Chris Beaudry: — Mr. Speaker, I’m instructed by the committee to report progress and ask for leave to sit again.

Speaker Goudy: — And when shall the committee sit again? I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Next sitting.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting. And it now being past the ordinary time of adjournment, this House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 18:37.]

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

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