CONTENTS
FIRST
SESSION — THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE
of
the
Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan
DEBATES
AND PROCEEDINGS
(HANSARD)
N.S. Vol. 66 No. 41A Wednesday,
October 22, 2025, 10:00
[Prayers]
Speaker Goudy: — I am advised that Her Honour is here for
prorogation. Please rise for the entrance of Her Honour.
[At 10:02 Her
Honour the Lieutenant Governor entered the Chamber and took her seat upon the
Throne. Her Honour then delivered the following speech.]
PROROGATION
Her
Honour: — Pray be
seated.
Mr.
Speaker, members of the Legislative Assembly, people of Saskatchewan.
The
Speech from the Throne that opened this First Session of the Thirtieth
Legislature presents to the people of Saskatchewan a vision to keep our
province strong, resilient, and prosperous. Over the past year, the Government
of Saskatchewan has remained steadfast in fulfilling the promises made during
the 2024 election, navigating challenges while seizing opportunities to deliver
for all Saskatchewan residents.
Even
in the face of economic uncertainties, there is optimism. Saskatchewan
continues to grow as a vibrant and welcoming province. Our population is
increasing, young people are choosing to stay and raise their families here,
and our workforce remains strong and innovative. Saskatchewan continues to
create jobs at rates above the national average, a testament to the resilience
and industrious spirit of our people.
To
secure Saskatchewan’s future, my government has taken deliberate actions to
ensure economic stability, maintain responsible fiscal management, and provide
essential services to those who need them most. Difficult decisions were made
in order to uphold the long-term prosperity of our province, and these
decisions reflect a commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent
stewardship of public resources.
Over
the past year, the Government of Saskatchewan has delivered on its commitment
to make life more affordable, enhance public services, and strengthen
communities across the province. Notable accomplishments include:
Affordability Measures:
· Implementation of the Saskatchewan
Affordability Act, which raises personal, spousal, and child exemptions;
increases the seniors supplement by $500 annually for four years; expands tax
credits for low-income families, persons with disabilities, caregivers, and
home renovations.
· Extension of the SaskEnergy
Carbon Tax exemption on home heating for residential customers through 2025.
· Introduction of the Fertility Treatment
Tax Credit, assisting individuals and couples with the costs associated with
fertility care.
· Doubling the Active Families Benefit and
raising the income eligibility to $120,000 to support children’s sports, arts,
cultural, and recreational activities.
· Increased benefits under the Personal
Care Home Benefit, assisting over 2,000 low-income seniors.
· Expansion of the Graduate Retention
Program and enhancement of the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship for
post-secondary students staying and studying in the province.
· Reduction of all education property tax
mill rates to absorb assessment increases, providing over $100 million in
savings to property owners.
· Reinstatement of the Home Renovation Tax
Credit and enhancement of the First-Time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit.
· Increases to the Disability Tax Credit,
Disability Tax Credit supplement for children under 18, and the Caregiver Tax
Credit by 25 percent, in addition to indexation.
· Small Business Tax Rate remains
permanently at one percent, saving small businesses over $50 million
annually.
· Introduction of the Small and Medium
Enterprise Investment Tax Credit and the Class 1 Truck Driver Training
Rebate Program to support business growth and skills development.
Health and Education Investments:
· Commitment to 450,000 surgeries over the
next four years and continued expansion of urgent care centres across the
province.
· Expansion of specialized support
classrooms and development of 12,000 new childcare spaces.
· Completion and operation of the Regina
Breast Health Centre, co-locating essential services to streamline care and
reduce wait times.
· Expansion of the Rural and Remote
Recruitment Incentive (RRRI) program to 70 communities, offering up to $50,000
for a three-year return-of-service to address staffing shortages in
high-priority health occupations.
· Recruitment campaigns targeting
physicians from the United States to practice in Saskatchewan.
Public Safety and Community Support:
· Amendments to the Safe Public Spaces
(Street Weapons) Act, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and hypodermic
needles, enhancing police powers to protect communities.
· Regulatory amendments under the Trespass
to Property Act, allowing immediate enforcement against public intoxication and
drug use in public or business spaces.
· Legislative amendments to the
Construction Codes Act, enabling municipalities to safely dispose of structures
while providing training opportunities for local volunteer fire departments.
· Negotiated agreements with the Teachers’
Bargaining Committee to provide certainty for teachers, students, and families.
These
measures demonstrate a dedicated effort to balance economic growth, fiscal
responsibility, public safety, and community well-being. Saskatchewan continues
to invest in the future of its residents, fostering an environment that
encourages innovation, supports families, and strengthens communities.
Members
of the Legislative Assembly, it is my duty to discharge you from further
attendance of this session of the Legislature. In closing, I wish to thank all
members for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to serving the people
of Saskatchewan.
Hon. Jamie
Martens: — Mr. Speaker
and members of the Legislative Assembly, it is the will and pleasure of Her
Honour the Lieutenant Governor that this Legislative Assembly be prorogued
until later today, the 22nd day of October 2025 at 2 p.m. This Legislative
Assembly is accordingly prorogued.
[At 10:12 Her
Honour retired from the Chamber.]
Published
under the authority of the Hon. Todd Goudy, Speaker
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