Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’m pleased to welcome a number of public safety personnel who have joined us in your gallery here today, Mr. Speaker.

We have members from a variety of fire services, police services. We have Chief Marshal Rob Cameron. We have EMS [emergency medical services]. We have SPSA [Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency], Mr. Speaker. All of these individuals we owe an extraordinary debt of gratitude to. These are the individuals who are keeping our community safe and keeping our province secure. And so it gives me great pleasure, Mr. Speaker, to rise today and introduce this group.

Mr. Speaker, I will be speaking later to the introduction of the Saskatchewan Memorial Emblem that all of these folks are here to advocate for. And I’m very, very proud to be able to speak to that later this morning, Mr. Speaker.

I also want to single out, if I could, one individual — Dave Reed who is up there on the left. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Reed has been a strong advocate for recognition of fallen service members, and that’s exactly what the Saskatchewan Memorial Emblem will honour. And so I want to take this minute to ask all of my friends in the Chamber to please join me in welcoming all of our public safety personnel to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour today to join with the minister in welcoming this amazing group of first responders to their Legislative Assembly.

As has been mentioned, they have all together been advocates for a fallen first responder medal, had originally been invited to the legislature today to witness the introduction of the fallen first responder medal petition that was happening today. And now they’re here for an even better occasion — to celebrate the government’s announcement for a fallen first responder emblem. I’m very happy to have them all join with us today.

I do want to take the opportunity to put their names on the record. I think we may have lost a couple; several of them are actually on call right now and had to step away. Of course serving and protecting 24‑7, Mr. Speaker.

Please give a wave if you are here and your name is called out. Of course as has been mentioned by the minister, David Reed is here along with his wife, Danielle Reed. David has been a tireless advocate for the fallen first responder medal and for all of us to ensure that we are recognizing all first responders for making the ultimate sacrifice.

We also have joined with us today Ken Curtis and Candace Curtis-Curle. They are the family members of Robbie Curtis, who is an individual who did make the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf and died, Mr. Speaker. He was an EMS paramedic and died in 2018, I believe.

Also joined with us today is Roger Walbaum, Bart Holt, Gillian Morrison, Glen Perchie, Mikael Ziola, Tim Berg, Richard Fraser, Rob Switzer, Mathieu Theriault, Sorina Rosescu, Jesse Wlock, Christian Mucha, Charles Olsen, Jay Yaciw, Nathan Vircavs, Nick Koch, Asha Dzisah, and Patrick Foster. Apologies if I pronounced any of those wrong.

But we have representation today from fire, volunteer fire, police, and EMS. And so happy and grateful to have you here today, first of all so we can thank all of you for all of the work that you do on our behalf each and every day — you and all of the members that you represent — as well as to celebrate what is a very important and a very special day for Saskatchewan.

I ask all members to join me, once again, in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, Mr. Speaker, I also would just like to acknowledge one individual up in the gallery. She’s sort of seated behind the clock so I can’t quite see her too well, but it’s Sorina Rosescu. She used to be a resident of my constituency; she now resides in Regina. But her mother’s been a personal assistant of mine for many years, and their family all good friends of mine.

And Sorina had actually passed on Mr. Reed’s materials to me quite some time ago, and I think it’s because she knew I sit behind the Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety. But I also thank her for her advocacy on this as well and ask everyone to welcome her to her legislature today.

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

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you and to all members, it’s my pleasure to welcome Jason Hicks to his Legislative Assembly.

Jason is the president of COPE [Canadian Office and Professional Employees Union] 397. COPE 397 represents all of our NDP [New Democratic Party] caucus office staff along with our constituency assistants, and represents the great workers at SGI [Saskatchewan Government Insurance] as well.

Jason, of course you all might remember, was my constituency assistant until he was called on to serve as the president of his union and then subsequently won that election to continue as the president of COPE 397.

And so I just want to say thank you to Jason for all the work that you do leading this important union and the workers that you represent, and we always appreciate the relationship. We’re stronger together.

So, Mr. Speaker, I’d ask that all members welcome Jason Hicks to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I request leave, the extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I am pleased to introduce Dr. Raghdan Al-Saad — CEO [chief executive officer] and co-founder of BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate, a Saskatchewan-based biotechnology platform — who is sitting in the east gallery along with my CA [constituency assistant] Andrea.

Dr. Al-Saad holds a Ph.D. [Doctor of Philosophy] in molecular pharmacology and drug discovery from the University of Nottingham in the UK [United Kingdom] and has over a decade of advanced scientific research experience alongside two decades of successful business management in the pharmacy sector. He has also served as a visiting professor at the University of Regina’s Research and Innovation Centre.

He’s joined today by his fellow co-founder, Dr. Asseel Shaker, BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate marketing and communication officer, who brings over 20 years of clinical experience and more than a decade in academia and research, holding a Ph.D. in medical psychology.

Through BOLG Biotechnology Open Lab Gate, they are working to strengthen Saskatchewan’s biotechnology ecosystem by helping people connect and find jobs in the biotech industry.

I had the honour of meeting with Dr. Al-Saad last month, with the member of Regina Coronation Park, to discuss his goal of making Saskatchewan Canada’s leading biotech-friendly province by fostering innovation and attracting global talent.

And with that, I would ask that all members please join me in welcoming Dr. Al-Saad and Dr. Shaker to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling on the government to create a memorial service medal.

Those who have signed this petition wish to bring to our attention the following: that emergency service personnel face dangerous and life-threatening situations regularly while carrying out their duties; that emergency service personnel are at risk of repeated exposure to trauma and workplace hazards and are at increased risk of death by suicide; that a memorial service medal would be a lasting symbol to represent the sacrifice that first responders make, and serve as a reminder that they are not alone; and this new medal will be the first of its kind in Canada and go a long way towards recognizing members in our emergency services who paid the ultimate price serving our communities.

I’d like to read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately create a memorial service medal recognizing first responders’ and their loved ones’ sacrifice serving our communities.

Mr. Speaker, we have hundreds of signatures that we’ll be submitting today from all across Saskatchewan, including Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, and Melville. I do so present.

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling for the Government of Saskatchewan to step up for Indigenous students in Saskatchewan.

The undersigned residents would like to bring to our attention the following: that the Saskatchewan government needs to take immediate action to stand up for Indigenous children and all vulnerable students by advocating for the full restoration of funding previously supported by Jordan’s principle.

Jordan’s principle was established to ensure that First Nations children have equitable access to the services they need, including supports in schools. The recent loss of this federal funding will leave a significant gap in Saskatchewan classrooms, especially for Indigenous students who rely on inclusive education supports to thrive. Funding cuts by the federal government have led to the layoff of 80 educational assistants from Saskatoon Public Schools, with more funding shortfalls expected in September.

Mr. Speaker, I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan stand up for Saskatchewan and advocate for the restoration of federal Jordan’s principle funding to support Indigenous students in schools; commit to sustainable, predictable, and equitable provincial funding for inclusive education across Saskatchewan; ensure education support workers have the resources and staff they need to keep classrooms safe and support every student’s learning journey.

Mr. Speaker, the signatories today reside in Meadow Lake and La Ronge. I do so present.

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

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly to increase the number of highway pullouts in Saskatchewan.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following. Highway pullouts are crucial for driver safety, allowing for drivers to safely stop for inspections, switching loads, or addressing emergencies without obstructing traffic flow. Under the National Safety Code standard 10, drivers must inspect their loads every 240 kilometres or three hours to prevent cargo from shifting or spilling. Without safe pullouts, these required checks put both truck drivers and other road users at risk. Previous commitments made by the Government of Saskatchewan to build more pullouts have not been fulfilled.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately increase the number of pullouts in the province so that operators can meet requirements safely.

Mr. Speaker, the signatories of this petition reside in Saskatoon. I do so present.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition to prohibit conversion therapy.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: conversion therapy used discredited and abusive practices which attempt to actively change sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; The Saskatchewan Human Rights Code names sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity as one of the prohibited grounds of discrimination; the practice of conversion therapy is seriously harmful to individuals and is opposed by the Canadian Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and American Psychiatric Association.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will read the prayer:

We respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to ban the practice of conversion therapy and prohibit transporting youth and young adults outside Saskatchewan for such purposes.

The undersigned are residents of Saskatoon. I do so present.

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition to implement rent control now.

[13:45]

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that Saskatchewan tenants are currently experiencing the highest level of rent increases in the country; that rent in Saskatchewan has risen by 4 per cent in the last year alone, far outpacing wage growth; that without rent control, landlords can implement unchecked rent hikes, making housing increasingly unaffordable and unstable; that with rent control, residents can budget more effectively, potentially putting them in a position to save for a down payment on their first home; that provinces such as British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island have already implemented rent control measures to protect tenants and maintain housing affordability.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to adopt fair and effective rent control legislation that limits annual rent increases, ensures housing stability, and protects tenants from being priced out of their homes.

The undersigned reside in Yorkton, Esterhazy, and Saskatoon. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Paramedic Advocates to Honour Lives of Fallen First Responders

Nicole Sarauer: — He doesn’t know I’m doing this, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my honour to rise today to recognize Canadian Armed Forces veteran and advanced care paramedic, David Reed.

Over the last two decades, David has tirelessly advocated for his fellow first responders. He developed honour protocols, formal dress codes, and funeral procedures for Saskatchewan’s paramedics to ensure their service is treated with dignity and respect. On top of that, David was the very first EMS aide-de-camp liaison to Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor, Her Honour Vaughn Solomon Schofield from 2013 to 2017.

Recently David has called on the province of Saskatchewan to create a memorial medal to honour first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty, or as a result of work-related trauma, including suicide. Mr. Speaker, too many first responders don’t make it home to their families at the end of the day. This medal will be a lasting symbol of Saskatchewan’s gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, something tangible that families can pass down generationally to honour their loved ones.

David’s dream was to make Saskatchewan a leader in recognizing first responders. Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members join me in recognizing David Reed for his service, his advocacy, and his unwavering commitment to honouring the lives of first responders in Saskatchewan. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Government Supports Post-Secondary Education with Multi-Year Funding Agreement

David Chan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government is giving our students their best start. We understand the transformative power of post-secondary education. It’s where dreams take shape, where skills are sharpened, and where opportunity begins. It is also the foundation of a strong, safe, and secure Saskatchewan, supporting a skilled workforce and a robust economy.

Yesterday, Mr. Speaker, our government announced an increase in funding for post-secondary education. Representatives from post-secondary institutions across the province came to the legislature to mark the signing of a new multi-year funding agreement with the province.

This agreement will provide approximately 250 million in additional funding to public post-secondary institutions over the next four years. This funding will be delivered through annual increases of 3 per cent, providing long-term stability and growth for our institutions.

And just as importantly, this agreement supports student affordability. It limits annual tuition increases to a range of zero to 3 per cent, lower than the previous 4 per cent, making education more accessible and predictable for Saskatchewan students.

Post-secondary leaders across our province have shown strong commitments to working with government in the best interests of the sector. We are proud to support them, and thank them for their collaboration and commitment to students. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Radon Action Month Highlights Testing to Protect Families

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to mark November as Radon Action Month and to highlight why this issue is especially important for Saskatchewan. Radon is an invisible, odourless, tasteless, radioactive gas. It seeps into homes and buildings from the ground and can accumulate to dangerous levels, especially during our long winters when windows and doors remain closed. Health Canada states radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking and the leading cause in non-smokers.

We have some of the highest radon risks in the country here in Saskatchewan. According to Health Canada’s cross-Canada survey, about 16 per cent of homes in this province have radon levels above the Canadian recommended guideline. In southern Saskatchewan the risk is even more acute. Recent community testing indicates one in three homes exceed the recommended level, and in Regina about half of buildings tested are over that threshold.

Radon Action Month is an opportunity to remind residents to test their homes for radon using affordable, easy-to-use test kits. I’ve done it in my own home, Mr. Speaker, and it is easy to do. If levels are high, mitigation is possible and often simpler and less costly than people might think.

Mr. Speaker, by raising awareness, expanding testing, and supporting mitigation, we can reduce lung cancer, protect families, and make all Saskatchewan homes safer. Thank you.

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

Swift Current Broncos Documentary Tells Story of Resilience and Community

Chris Beaudry: — Mr. Speaker, on Thanksgiving Monday, the member from Lumsden-Morse and I had the privilege of attending the screening of the documentary Sideways in Swift Current. This powerful film tells the story of the 1986 Swift Current Broncos bus crash — four young men lost, countless lives changed, and a community forever marked.

At the event, I had the opportunity to visit with survivor and former Bronco Bob Wilkie. Hearing his reflections I was reminded of the incredible power of sharing our stories. When we speak the truth and share our story, we do not just heal ourselves; we can be the catalyst for another person’s healing.

Sideways is more than a hockey film. It is a story of resilience, a story of community and the courage to keep going even when life is turned upside down. It is a reminder that the jerseys we cheer for represent real lives, real families, and real communities who walk together through both triumph and tragedy.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Sideways production team, the Swift Current Broncos, the city of Swift Current, and the families and survivors for preserving the history with such honesty and compassion. Today, November 4th, a stream of this film is available at sidewaysdocumentary.ca. May this film continue to inspire healing for all. Thank you.

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

Remembering Josh Whitecalf

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise with a heavy heart. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about a young man named Josh Whitecalf and a large elm tree near Mayfair school in Saskatoon.

On October 17th of this year, Josh lost his life to a drug overdose. I’ve lost track of the exact number, but he’d be something like the 44th or 45th former student that we’ve lost to the addictions crisis. I first taught Josh and then employed him. He was a good-hearted young man and easily one of the most likeable people that I’ve met. If he had been born in different circumstances, Mr. Speaker, life would have been so different.

But now back to the elm tree. This is the site where the first of my students died. Josh and his friends made a makeshift memorial at that tree to that young man. With Josh’s passing, that entire circle of friends is gone, Mr. Speaker. They’re all dead, every single one of them, including three brothers, leaving some 20 orphans — 20 of them. Now I’d like everyone here to imagine a child, a nephew, a niece has died, but then also imagine that every single one of their friends has died too.

Now please don’t tell me that this is normal, Mr. Speaker, and that this government is doing everything that they can to keep young people in this province alive.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Swift Current.

Remembering Cecile Blanke

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this month, Saskatchewan and the Métis community lost a respected Elder. Cecile Blanke spent much of her life growing up in and around Lac Pelletier, where she learned to milk cows, grow a huge garden, can fruits and vegetables, and care for her growing family.

Mr. Speaker, I understand that Cecile could sew just about anything for her family. Wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses, and graduation gowns were highlights. Many of the girls in the family were dressed in her creations right until they left home.

Mr. Speaker, Cecile moved to Swift Current, which is where I had the opportunity to meet her on several occasions. She wrote a book about her life, entitled Lac Pelletier: My Métis Home. She was particularly well regarded for sharing her knowledge, and much of Cecile’s time was spent maintaining relationships and teaching classes in Swift Current and surrounding area. Cree lessons, beadwork, and sewing were just some of the things that Cecile would teach. When she retired in 2000, she would spend even more time in schools giving talks and opening events in Michif, her first language.

She was recognized as an Elder in the Métis community and received many awards for her ongoing work, including Citizen of the Year, Order of the Métis Nation, Everett Baker Award from the Saskatchewan History and Folklore Society, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and as the MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] for Swift Current, thank you to Cecile and our condolences to her family. And, Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all members of the Assembly join me in recognizing the life and work of Cecile Blanke.

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

Rams and Huskies Set for Hardy Cup Rematch

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a great time of year if you’re a fan of amateur football in Saskatchewan. This weekend will once again see the Hardy Cup take place at Griffiths Stadium in Saskatoon. The Saskatchewan Huskies will take on their archrival, the Regina Rams, on Saturday at 2 p.m. This matchup will be a repeat of last year’s championship that saw the Regina Rams beat the Huskies to advance to the Mitchell Bowl.

The Huskies, under head coach Scott Flory, earned the right to host the game by easily defeating the UBC [University of British Columbia] Thunderbirds 26 to 7. The Rams, led by Mark McConkey, advanced by narrowly defeating the Manitoba Bisons 32 to 29 in a thrilling overtime win.

The Huskies will be looking to win their 22nd Hardy Cup and the Rams their third title. The winner of the Hardy Cup will advance to and host the national semifinal next weekend. Winning at home next weekend will result in a berth to the Vanier Cup, which will be held at Mosaic Stadium right here in Regina, so there’s certainly a lot on the line for both teams this weekend.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the Assembly to congratulate our wonderful post-secondary football programs for making it this far and recognize Saturday as a great showcase for the best province in Canada for football.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Cost of Living and Affordability Measures

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people are working harder and harder and falling further behind since this Premier took office. That’s not just a feeling. It’s borne out in the facts. Saskatchewan has the second-worst rate of weekly earnings growth in Canada, and our growth is less than half of the national average.

Can the Premier tell the people of Saskatchewan why he’s done nothing while their costs have skyrocketed and their wages have flatlined?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan is not immune from the economic pressures that are across the country and around the world, Mr. Speaker. That’s certainly not the case. But we are faring better than anywhere else in the country, Mr. Speaker.

On affordability measures, obviously we’re concerned. Our citizens are again facing economic pressures because of inflation. But, Mr. Speaker, I should mention, though, Saskatchewan is still the most affordable place in the country, and that’s why every budget we have two and a half billion dollars worth of affordability measures for Saskatchewan residents.

Mr. Speaker, the last budget we bought in the active families benefit, increased it; increased the graduate retention program. We’ve increased the low-income tax credit, Mr. Speaker, taking so many low-income people off the tax rolls so that they don’t pay any more tax at all and made other changes to income tax so people can keep more of their own money in their pockets, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Vicki Mowat: — That’s all well and nice, Mr. Speaker, but people are feeling the crunch. It’s not actually accurate to say the Premier has done nothing because he’s actually made things worse, Mr. Speaker. When adjusted for inflation, average earnings in Saskatchewan have grown less than 3 per cent. And, Mr. Speaker, the Premier’s taxes on groceries and kids’ clothes more than zero out that increase.

Can the Premier tell the people of Saskatchewan why he’s charging them $45 million every single year for basics like groceries and kids’ clothes? Better yet, will he axe those taxes today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, let’s set the facts straight. There is no PST [provincial sales tax] on groceries, Mr. Speaker. There is on some prepared foods because they compete with restaurant meals, Mr. Speaker. But there is no tax on meat. There is no tax on bread. There is no tax on milk. There are no tax on eggs, Mr. Speaker, and the list goes on. There is not a tax on groceries, Mr. Speaker.

[14:00]

As I mentioned, we recognize that there’s a lot of people in this province that are struggling with inflationary pressures. We all do, Mr. Speaker. That’s why we made the changes at the budget. That’s why we let people keep . . . pay less income tax. That’s why we’ve taken low-income, another 54,000 low-income people off the tax rolls, Mr. Speaker.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, people can look at their grocery bills and see the taxes for themselves, Mr. Speaker. Taxes are through the roof. Weekly earnings are flat. That is the state of affairs after 18 years of this Sask Party government. If the Premier had done his job and worked to keep earnings in line with the Canadian average, people here would have 1,900 more dollars in their pockets to help deal with everyday necessities like groceries, like rent, like clothing, Mr. Speaker.

So my last question is simple. Why won’t he do his job and lower the cost of living for Saskatchewan people today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, one thing I agree with — the only thing I agree with in that statement — is I would invite people to look at their grocery bill, at their list, their till tape, Mr. Speaker. Because it will show, while there is PST on prepared foods and snacks, there again is no PST on groceries. There’s no PST on eggs or bread or milk, Mr. Speaker. So I wanted to set that fact straight, Mr. Speaker.

But I would also say, when you talk about . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — We’re just getting started. Deputy Whip of the opposition, I’d ask you to keep your members in line and yourself as well.

So let’s continue on. Minister of Finance, please.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As far as affordability, as I mentioned earlier, we think income tax is a . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to ask the Deputy Whip of the opposition to apologize. And please, when answers are being given, I expect that we’ll be quiet on both sides of this House and not laugh after I’ve asked for silence.

Nathaniel Teed: — I apologize and withdraw, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Thank you.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the affordability measures, as I said, on income tax we think that’s a key place to do it because we’ve taken low-income people off the tax roll, Mr. Speaker. And for everyone else, it allows them to keep more money in their pockets.

The member opposite was talking about what savings could be. With the income tax changes we made for a family of four earning $100,000, at the end of this term, Mr. Speaker, they’ll save $4,000.

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

Supports for Ukrainian Post-Secondary Students

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, post-secondary students in Saskatchewan are being failed after 18 years of this tired and out-of-touch Sask Party government. Tuition costs have gone through the roof, Mr. Speaker. Students simply can’t make ends meet. There is a serious cost-of-living issue for young people in this province.

Why has the Sask Party government been failing the post-secondary sector so badly, Mr. Speaker?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much for the question. No, no — really — thank you very much for the question. I am proud, and I couldn’t be more proud than after what happened yesterday to talk about advanced education in the province here, Mr. Speaker. And to be clear, the contrast couldn’t be more different.

You know, we’re here talking about the future, talking about a multi-year funding agreement where for four years, with a three-year lift each and every year, and a commitment for tuition to be zero to 3 per cent, Mr. Speaker. Members in the legislature heard me talk about the NDP record on this: 228 per cent increase from their time in government, 1991 to 2007.

Mr. Speaker, I’d be happy to keep talking about the great future for advanced education in this province if the member has another question.

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I agree the contrast couldn’t be clear. Mr. Speaker, we’re actually joined by three students that this government is failing, Mr. Speaker. We have Oleh, Ivan, and Solomiia are students at the U of S [University of Saskatchewan] who left Ukraine after Russia’s invasion.

This government has allowed Ukrainian students attending post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan to pay domestic rates, but this program has been cut by this government. Dozens of students are facing 4 to 500 per cent increase in their tuitions, and most will have to quit their studies because of these costs. Why is the Sask Party government doing this to Ukrainian students who fled war, Mr. Speaker?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. And I’d like to welcome the students to their Legislative Assembly. I certainly, you know, am very proud of the University of Saskatchewan students. And you know, I’ll speak about it all the time that I’m asked, but I ask that they listen to what the University of Saskatchewan president and representatives have said yesterday about the historic multi-year funding agreement. And I think we’ll all agree, 0 to 3 per cent increase in tuition is something that’s adding to affordability for all, Mr. Speaker.

As far as Ukrainian students go, there is nobody that stood beside Ukrainian people and Ukrainian students like this, this government, Mr. Speaker, this Premier and ministers. There’s been no program cut, Mr. Speaker. Again it’s the NDP spinning things. There’s a program in place that goes until the end of March. It’s a federal government program that we jointly administer. We’ll be looking to, you know, see what the future brings for that. Again we’ll be looking at that very closely, Mr. Speaker.

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Mr. Speaker, you don’t have to take my word for it. This is a quote from the letter that all these students received: “The last semester that will be covered by the program is the winter term of 2026.”

How is it acceptable that this government is ending a program that ends these young people’s dreams of a university education with a form letter?

Speaker Goudy: — Sorry. And I’m going to ask the government when the questions are being asked to remain silent and listen.

I recognize the Minister of Advanced Education.

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I hope I’m making myself clear. The agreement goes until the end of March of 2026. That is indeed the winter term. We continue to stand by those students. We’ve been there for them as Ukrainian people came to the province. No other government did more to ensure that they integrated into Saskatchewan society and were receiving every benefit, including post-secondary education.

We’re proud of the program in place, and we will be looking to the future to ensure that there are similar type programs going forward. But again we welcome all of the residents that have come to Saskatchewan to make their province a better place.

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

State of the Provincial Economy

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tariffs and trade wars with China, the US [United States], and now India have to be a wake-up call. After 18 years of the Sask Party, we are too reliant on other countries for processing our resources, and we need to build the capacity to do so right here at home.

Earlier today, our leader announced the make-it-here incentive to help build more value-added processing here in Saskatchewan.

Will the Sask Party get on board so we can create good jobs here and get more value from the world-class resources Saskatchewan has to offer?

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

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, every chance the NDP get to run down our economy, our economic generators . . . You know, their leader today, as late as today, actually mischaracterized the great work that our province’s economic generator is doing, claiming that we are the second-lowest economic growth in Canada, Mr. Speaker.

I do want to correct the record on this. 2024, Saskatchewan’s GDP [gross domestic product] reached an all-time high, 80.5 billion — second in the nation. Lowest or second-lowest unemployment in Canada almost the last two years, Mr. Speaker. Second-highest private capital investment, increase of 10 per cent over last year. Wholesale growth year over year, second in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, you know what’s holding us back right now from being number one is unfortunately the previous federal Liberal-NDP coalition government, unfortunately supported by our opposition members here, in decisions like the no-more-pipeline bill, the tanker ban bill, the emissions cap bill. Mr. Speaker, you know when we’re going to be number one? When we get rid of those restrictive barriers.

Speaker Goudy: — I’m just going to comment, Minister. Things like “misrepresented,” that’s concerning the Leader of the Opposition misrepresenting things.

Next question please. Member from Regina University.

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If we want to talk about how we got here, let’s talk about how we got here. The Sask Party imposed the 6 per cent PST on construction labour as part of the largest tax hike in Saskatchewan history. It’s a huge cost to the private sector when they’re looking to invest in building large projects and creating good jobs. It’s the definition of a job-killing tax. Our proposal is to provide PST rebates to value-added projects to drive down costs and encourage investment in processing our resources here at home.

Why won’t the Sask Party do anything to offset their job-killing PST on construction labour?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, I find that fascinating. They’re saying job killing on projects, Mr. Speaker. Would that be projects like the Louis Dreyfus project in Yorkton, Mr. Speaker? The canola crush project, the Cargill project here in Regina, Mr. Speaker? Or the Richardson canola crush project also in Yorkton? Or numerous other projects around the province, Mr. Speaker?

Here’s the problem, Mr. Speaker. The NDP have cared very little about the economy in all the time I’ve been in government. But suddenly they think they have to have some economic policies, so they come up with this policy on tax, Mr. Speaker, out of the blue. No costing, no consultation, Mr. Speaker, and that means with no credibility.

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

Sally Housser: — They talk about no costing and no credibility, we can look to last year’s budget. But, Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people grow, mine, and develop the best resources in the world. Our crops, our oil, our uranium, our forestry — it all creates tremendous wealth for the people of Saskatchewan.

But there’s so much opportunity being left on the table by this tired and out-of-touch government and their job-killing PST hike. We need to be doing more here at home. Will they follow the opposition’s lead and adopt the NDP’s make-it-here incentive?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, there is huge opportunity in Saskatchewan. That’s why I’m so proud to be part of this government that’s finally bringing that to fruition.

You want to talk about opportunity. How about the first greenfield potash mine being built in Saskatchewan since back in the ’60s, Mr. Speaker? The largest one in the world, BHP, would have never happened if the NDP were in government. Mr. Speaker, would never have happened.

They want to talk about other projects, Mr. Speaker. In my own constituency, AGT Foods are building a new logistics and processing hub in Delisle, Mr. Speaker. What about Great Western Brewing do a massive expansion there, Mr. Speaker? Parrish & Heimbecker project. Mr. Speaker, Drake Meats building a 53,000‑square-foot facility in Saskatoon. And, Mr. Speaker, the list goes on.

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

Conflict of Interest Legislation and Commissioner’s Reports

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, later today the Government House Leader will be moving a motion, a motion to accept four reports from the Conflict of Interest Commissioner. And what did those reports find? One found that Gary Grewal broke the law with the Sunrise Motel scandal. Another report found that the Minister of Health broke the law with his interest in a company receiving government contracts.

Simple question: why does the Sask Party government have such a hard time following conflict-of-interest laws?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I’m not sure the question’s in order, given that the document that’s being referred to is not on the table. However nonetheless, I will respond to the broad context of the question, Mr. Speaker.

And of course, the conflict of interest Act, Mr. Speaker, was enacted in 1993, and it has not been substantially renewed since that time. Mr. Speaker, we understand that the Act needs to be modernized. We’ve made commitments to do that, and we will do that in due course. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it’s all there in the reports that are up for debate today. And Gary Grewal, guilty as charged. The Minister of Health, guilty. And the report into my colleague, the member from Regina South Albert, it cleared her of all wrongdoing.

A simple question for the Sask Party: why do they have so much trouble with ethics and transparency, compared to the members on this side of the House?

[14:15]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, the question’s not only out of order, it’s calling into question the integrity of the members on this side. I would ask you to rule that question out of order, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I am sorry, but I’m going to ask until these documents are tabled that we avoid those questions and move on to something of government business for the day. Please move on in our questions.

I recognize the member from Saskatoon Southeast.

Investigation into Conduct of Marshal

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, for months the Minister of Public Safety has refused to tell us exactly what the marshal he’s responsible for did to get suspended. That marshal then resigned. Clearly something very problematic happened there.

Saskatchewan is not that big, and people talk. And they’re talking to us. We are deeply concerned. Is the minister really going to spend another day in this House covering for the marshal, or will he finally tell us exactly what happened?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It speaks volumes when you hear the opposition basing their questions on rumour and innuendo, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the Public Complaints Commission investigates complaints against police officers. They’re an independent organization, Mr. Speaker. They report back to the police agency in question, and that police agency does with that information what they choose to do, Mr. Speaker. This is not a matter that I can speak to because it is not a matter, Mr. Speaker, that is within the government control. Thank you.

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

Hospital Parking Fees and Supports for Cancer Patients

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I asked the Minister of Health why he was forcing parking fees on cancer patients. And he told me that half of the fees go to patient care and that, in his words, “roughly” half of them go into maintenance of the parking lot.

And that’s a pretty rough half, Mr. Speaker, because the parking lots are run by a private company, not the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority], and they’ve got to get their cut too. So to the minister: roughly how much money is he taking from cancer patients to give to for-profit corporations?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, as I indicated yesterday, parking fees collected by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, roughly half go to maintaining the parking operations, including working with vendors like Platinum Parking, Mr. Speaker, who members opposite have incorrectly stated previously in this House is an American company. It is not. It’s a Canadian company, Mr. Speaker.

But the other half of the parking fees collected by the Saskatchewan Health Authority go right back into patient care, meaning that we can make investments like the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital, investments like urgent care centres here in Regina and Saskatoon and two to come in other communities, Mr. Speaker. We’ll continue making those investments to put patients first.

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It shouldn’t be that hard to get the straight answer to some basic questions from that Sask Party government, but after 18 years they just can’t bring themselves to admit how badly they’ve gotten things wrong in health care.

Cancer costs patients an average of $33,000 out of their pockets, and that minister is nickel-and-diming them for for-profit private companies. Why is that minister valuing corporate profits over the well-being of cancer patients in this province?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What this government is doing, as I indicated in several answers yesterday as well as my previous answer, Mr. Speaker, is making investments that help patients and put them first wherever they live across the province, Mr. Speaker.

The investments that this government has made into cancer care right across the province, Mr. Speaker . . . I think just even in Regina here, the breast health centre that opened up earlier this year, Mr. Speaker, already seen hundreds and hundreds of women in southern Saskatchewan, and make sure that they can receive a higher quality of cancer care right here, closer to home.

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

Addressing Interpersonal Violence

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan has the highest rates of intimate partner violence in Canada. This has been the case for the entire 18 years this Sask Party government has been in power. Saskatchewan is a rich province. We shouldn’t be in last place when it comes to protecting women and children.

When will we see a real provincial strategy from this Sask Party government to address intimate partner violence in Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of the Status of Women.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, interpersonal violence is a complex and deeply rooted problem. The Status of Women office leads and coordinates the development of our strategy with initiatives and public policy and by working with other ministries. We work under the pillars of prevention, intervention, and accountability, and guide using the actions to prevent and end interpersonal violence and abuse.

Mr. Speaker, there is no place for any type of violence in our province, and we will continue to take measures to end interpersonal violence. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, that wasn’t a public plan. This community and experts have given us a blueprint to a plan: creating a publicly available, publicly accountable provincial strategy; adequately funding the province’s domestic violence shelters; and reversing the ban on healthy relationship education in our schools.

This Sask Party government is failing survivors of intimate partner violence. Saskatchewan lives are at stake. When will the Sask Party government listen to the experts and the impacted communities and implement their advice?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of the Status of Women.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we have said, there is no place for interpersonal violence in Saskatchewan. And the Status of Women leads and coordinates, working with several ministries to be able to implement programming to combat this challenge. For example, transition houses, second-stage housing, family violence intervention programs, sexual assault services, and many more, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — Okay. Just a comment, and I’m not sure if I’m allowed to do that or not. But just in the question period, the member from Saskatoon Southeast was asking some questions about some documents, and you know, it really wasn’t connected to ministerial responsibility. Some comments were made. You know, it wasn’t really . . . It was in a way debatable, but it seems like sometimes some of the questions are saying that a minister intentionally, the person representing the ministry, he’s taking money.

I hope we can form questions in a way that are fair and civil. And I’m not saying that it wouldn’t be done the other way around, but please let’s really be careful for tomorrow. When we craft our questions and as we give our answers, let’s do our best to do the work of this Chamber.

So thank you all very much. I’m sorry, I’m a little behind at times, and I’m trying to think and keep up. And you’re a witty group, and I’ll keep trying to do my best. But thank you again. Let’s try for tomorrow.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government House Leader.

Saskatchewan Memorial Emblem Honours Fallen Public Safety Personnel

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I do have a ministerial statement.

Today our government has announced the creation of the Saskatchewan Memorial Emblem to honour public safety personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty or as result of their workplace injuries.

Mr. Speaker, the Saskatchewan Memorial Emblem has been modelled after the Elizabeth Emblem, a recognition awarded to family members of fallen public servants in the United Kingdom. And it is also similar to the Memorial Cross which is granted as a memento of personal loss and sacrifice in respect of Canadian Forces military personnel who laid down their lives for this country.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan will be the first province in Canada to have an award of this kind. The emblem will be comprised of a medallion, a scroll, and a miniature pin, and will be presented to family members as a lasting symbol of the province’s gratitude and respect for their loved one’s sacrifice. The emblem is a measure to meaningfully recognize the courage and selflessness that defines our public safety community.

The emblem complements the Saskatchewan Protective Service Memorial right here in Regina, and reinforces the province’s unwavering commitments to honouring the bravery, the dedication, and service of those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

Mr. Speaker, these individuals — the firefighters, the police officers, the paramedics, and other protective services personnel — embody the very best of our province. Names of the honoured will be recorded in a formal register and etched on the Saskatchewan Protective Services Memorial located in the legislative precinct, ensuring that their sacrifice is permanently remembered and preserved for future generations.

Mr. Speaker, this initiative responds to the calls from families and protective service advocates, many of whom have joined us here today, who have asked for a physical tribute to fallen heroes that family members could take home with them to display. I have been pleased to work with these advocates as we developed this very important initiative. It reflects our shared belief that their bravery must never be forgotten. The province will be engaging with public safety stakeholders to consult on the emblem’s nomination process and eligibility criteria.

To the families of our fallen heroes: your loved ones will always be remembered. Their legacy lives on in the communities they served and in the hearts of a very grateful province. The Saskatchewan Memorial Emblem ensures their legacy of service and sacrifice will be honoured, not just today, but for generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to respond to the ministerial statement, and I’d like to thank the minister for providing me an advance copy of his remarks. And I’d like to thank the minister and the government for their announcement today. This is an important day in Saskatchewan.

Of course none of us wish that there was a need to create this medal or to create this memorial. But the truth is, too many people don’t come home from work that are first responders. We’ve lost too many lives, Mr. Speaker. And us as a society need to do everything we can to honour that ultimate sacrifice, Mr. Speaker.

I’m very happy for this announcement. It’s a very, very welcomed step forward, the result of advocacy that has been done by David Reed and so many others, Mr. Speaker.

We of course will be watching closely, ensuring that those who are qualified for this emblem, for the memorial, are those who the stakeholders have requested. Of course there’s a specific desire to ensure that, and as the minister has stated, that those who both die in the line of duty and die due to workplace injury — including PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] — are honoured, because that’s incredibly important. And those that have died prior to this announcement are also included in this recognition, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you to the minister and thank you to the government for this important day.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 30 — The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur les ordonnances alimentaires interterritoriales

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill No. 30, The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Amendment Act, 2025, bilingual, be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved by the Minister of Justice that Bill No. 30, The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Amendment Act, 2025 be now introduced and read for a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Principal Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice. Oh, sorry. When is this going to be read the second time? I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Next sitting of the Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Bill No. 31 — The Defamation Act

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill 31, The Defamation Act be now introduced and read a first time.

[14:30]

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved by the Minister of Justice that Bill No. 31, The Defamation 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.

Principal 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: — Next sitting of the Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Bill No. 32 — The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025/Loi de 2025 corrélative de la loi intitulée The Defamation Act

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I now move that Bill 32, The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025, bilingual, be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved by the Minister of Justice that Bill No. 32, The Defamation Consequential Amendments 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.

Principal 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: — Next sitting of the Assembly, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

WRITTEN QUESTIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government House Whip.

Sean Wilson: — I wish to order question no. 15.

Speaker Goudy: — Question no. 15 is ordered.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Receiving Findings of Conflict of Interest Commissioner’s Reports

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move:

That this Assembly receives the findings of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner reports dated October 21st, 2024, December 16th, 2024, and March 17th, 2025.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Justice:

That this Assembly receives the findings of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner reports dated October 21st, 2024, December 16th, 2024, and March 17th, 2025.

Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Southeast.

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to speak to this motion. The reports that we’re receiving involve two cases of government members’ wrongdoings and none from the opposition. Mr. Speaker, government members have shown that they can’t follow rules, and that’s been backed up by these reports that we’ve received in the Assembly today.

Mr. Speaker, Gary Grewal broke the law with the Sunrise Motel scandal. He jacked up hotel costs as soon as staff were aware that Social Services was covering those costs. And the Conflict of Interest Commissioner found that he was illegally receiving government contracts. The Minister of Health broke the law.

Mr. Speaker, as elected officials, members of the Legislative Assembly and particularly government ministers should be expected to act ethically and with transparency. These are serious findings that we should never forget. What else did the report find? It found that the member from Regina South Albert was cleared of all wrongdoings. It seems that the members on this side of the House can act far more ethically, with transparency, and with honesty.

As the member of Regina Elphinstone-Centre proposed before the last election, we need stronger conflict-of-interest rules to address the shortcomings in the conflict-of-interest system. Mr. Speaker, that concludes my comments on this motion.

Mr. Speaker, I hope this provides some useful context for members as we vote to receive these reports from the Conflict of Interest Commissioner here today.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 24

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Warren Kaeding that Bill No. 24 — The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act be now read a second time.]

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

Erika Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet and enter into debate on Bill No. 24, The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act. And the issue of internal trade is one that has been long standing here across the country. With the recent threat of tariffs from the United States, our closest and largest trading partner, we’re in a position where all governments and members are poised to see that these trade barriers are addressed.

Certainly on this side of the House we’ve been doing our work engaging with stakeholders to understand the implications of mutual recognition and their effect, potentially on things such as labour standards, employment standards, occupation health and safety, and have put forward our own bill, Bill No. 605, to address these same issues and ensure that when we are undertaking mutual recognition with other provinces and recognizing their legislation, that we’re not creating a race to the bottom.

Now it’s been explained that this legislation will allow Saskatchewan to recognize similar regulatory requirements in other provinces and territories so that businesses won’t have to go through unnecessary approval processes. And that’s a good thing that the legislation that we’ve put forward also addresses.

And I think that it’s quite telling that we had a Throne Speech earlier in this session that didn’t mention the threats to our economy and trade that we’re facing right now from the United States, and yet clearly this legislation is meant to address those concerns.

And we on this side of the House are very much in support of ensuring that we are facilitating trade, opening up trade across the country to keep our economy strong, and yet that we want to make sure that we do it in such a way that occupational health and safety is not compromised and labour standards are also protected.

We’ll have more to say on this bill, an important piece of legislation and one that is mirrored in our own bill one . . . 605, in the coming days and weeks. And with that I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 24.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 25

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jim Reiter that Bill No. 25 — The Income Tax (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

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

Erika Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A pleasure again to be on my feet and enter into debate on Bill No. 25, The Income Tax (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act, 2025.

Now I believe the Speaker will recall that this amendment Act is to follow up on the amendments that were released in the springtime around a fertility treatment tax credit that was introduced. This is essentially a housekeeping bill to correct some of the oversight from the CRA [Canada Revenue Agency] and them needing explicit permission to refund that tax credit.

And I do want to take this opportunity, as part of this housekeeping bill, to highlight the fact that I had the opportunity a couple weeks ago to attend an event in Saskatoon hosted by the local chapter of Fertility Matters. This is a group of families who are advocating for greater supports for fertility health care services, looking to grow their families here, give back to their province, raise their children, and yet find challenges with fertility.

And in speaking with the members of this well-organized and articulate group, I learned that while the tax credit is welcome in terms of providing some of that financial relief, it also doesn’t go far enough. Families are spending in the order of 30 to $50,000 to access fertility health care services. It’s not an inexpensive proposition for these families.

Essentially what it means is that there continue to be significant barriers for families being able to access fertility health care services. Not only just that but many are having to travel from, you know, around the province. Access to these services which currently are only in Saskatoon mean that geographically the services are also not available to them. So many barriers still exist, both cost wise, geographically.

And while it is welcome to see this step — it’s in the right direction — certainly there does need to be more done to ensure that families can prosper and grow their families here, stay in Saskatchewan, and contribute overall to the vibrancy of our communities. And we’d like to see that be supported as well.

So as I say, I think there will more that we’ll have to say from my colleagues on this side of the House in the days to come. And with that, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 25. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 26

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 26 — The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s great to be able to rise from my chair here to enter into debate on Bill No. 26, The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act, 2025.

From my understanding, it’s a fairly good housekeeping bill. It reminds me of my time as a municipal councillor. A lot of the times you’d go through some of the bylaws that you passed as a municipal government, some dating back as far as 1986 when I was a municipal councillor. And looking through some of the history that you have of your municipality was, as a young guy being involved in politics, was certainly interesting.

And you know, I looked into the list of some of the things that are in here. And I think if all I did was googled some of the things — you know, the renaming of The Saskatoon Country Club or The Estevan Transit and Power Company — I’m sure there’s a lot of Saskatchewan history within just what’s being repealed here. And it’d be certainly interesting to continue to look into those.

It’s a true walk through the history of our province. And for me as a young member that serves on the floor, I’m always interested in what’s built our province. And I know that, like I said, if I just look through what’s in this bill here, there would be a lot of history of Saskatchewan just on some of the things that have been repealed.

But with that, I’ll now move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 26.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 27

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 27 — The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2025/Loi de 2025 modifiant le droit législatif be now read a second time.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Well thanks again, Mr. Speaker. Again it’s great to stand here and enter into debate on Bill No. 27, The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2025. It’s again a housekeeping bill from my understanding, going into updating some terminology, fixing some cross-references, and removing some typos in the bill here.

I want to thank our Justice officials for their hard work that they do to keep our laws coherent and up to date. And with that I’ll move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 27.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 28

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Everett Hindley that Bill No. 28 — The Public Libraries Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to make remarks on The Public Libraries Amendment Act, 2025, Bill No. 28.

[14:45]

I’ve been very fortunate to save a lot of money for the last several years by taking my kid to the library. My wife still finds her way around Amazon and ordering hundreds of dollars’ worth of Berenstain Bears books and such.

But speaking to this bill, we’re very supportive of what we see in it. The city of Lloydminster always has some interesting adaptations that need to be made. And from what I can tell, as my son is running out of books in his neighbourhood library that he hasn’t read yet . . . And being able to borrow resources from as many different places is great so that kids have more and more access to books — and adults.

But it sounds like there’s going to be more of a partnership between the Government of Alberta and the Government of Saskatchewan — so collaboration — working together in those situations. The literacy in Lloydminster may very well be stronger than anywhere else in the province after such an amendment.

That being said, we’re also encouraged to see that all references to “Aboriginal” are replaced with “Indigenous.” A lot of First Nations folks may be not in consensus, but most prefer being referred to as Indigenous over Aboriginal. So we’re definitely supportive of people when they tell us how they wish to be referred to.

So with that all being said, I’ll move to adjourn debate on Bill 28.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 29

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Alana Ross that Bill No. 29 — The Tailgating Act/Loi sur les rassemblements d’avant-match be now read a second time.]

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise also to make remarks on The Tailgating Act, Bill No. 29.

But before I echo many sentiments from the talented member from Regina Mount Royal on this tailgating Act, I’d like to share a short anecdote. November 24th, 2013, I was driving back from Langham, Saskatchewan with my wife. We used to play in a musical ensemble called the Good News Ensemble. And upon finishing, my cousin Curtis texted me and said, hey, I’ve got a ticket for the Grey Cup. So you know, my wife groaned a little bit and said, I guess so. So we went down, and the festivities and the camaraderie and just the harmony with all of the activities and celebrations going on beforehand in the city of Regina were just excellent.

This legislation, this tailgating Act will promote that sort of festivity to be more regular and routine. I can definitely speak to how Regina is good at this. I unfortunately attended the 2009 Grey Cup in Calgary too, but theirs wasn’t as good as ours. We can set the tone for the rest of the country, including the CFL [Canadian Football League] and maybe other arenas and sporting events. Whether it’s through the WHL [Western Hockey League] or if it’s through the NHL [National Hockey League], there’s opportunities across the country to maybe follow the lead of Saskatchewan on how this sort of effort can be put forward by people like Craig Reynolds and all the people at the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

That being said, you know, I would point out the economic activity. Selling more food at local businesses, you know, more merchandise, all of these things are going to be good for in particular the city of Regina, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, hopefully other areas in the province.

It’s inclusive. If you can’t afford a ticket to the game due to the PST on entertainment or whatever it is, you can still go to these sorts of events. You know, they’re all ages. You do not need a ticket to attend. Sometimes there’s free music, free entertainment, activities for kids that get everyone interested and involved in the game of football. And as I said, we can be the model for the rest of the country on this, in particular with the CFL. We know that the other teams need our help.

That being said, there is some things. And I won’t dwell on what the member from Mount Royal was talking about in terms of cost of living, but I did have some concerns with things that weren’t said. If you read between the lines and look at other legislation — through The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, The Alcohol Control Regulations of 2016, “permitted premises,” and then there’s The Trespass to Property Act — there’s other laws that will need to be considered that affect this legislation.

So when I bring this up . . . If you’re under the age of 19, you can be fined up to $750 if you are caught drinking underage. So those enforcements need to take place. Providing alcohol to someone who is underage, that’s $10,000 up to as well.

In terms of folks who are publicly intoxicated, making sure that there’s immediate removal from the premises, that they have proper enforcement in place. And I’m certain that the good people of the Saskatchewan Roughriders and people from the city of Regina will be working closely together to make sure that those things are in place. But I think it’s just important to know that they do need a mechanism in place to be very competent in immediately removing and even charging people who might end up fighting or using insulting language.

And then the last thing I would say is that in terms of safe rides home, you know, whenever you’re adding additional opportunities to consume alcohol, we know that Saskatchewan can do this in a responsible way. But I just hope that there’s a lot of advocacy and programming from facilitators and permittees who should be focused, direct, and visible to ensure that people are still practising safe rides home.

All that being said, in closing I do have some Rider prognostications: Saskatchewan 27, BC [British Columbia] 20. Go Riders! Bring home the cup. And with that, we support the Act, and I’ll move to adjourn debate on Bill 29.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House do now adjourn.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried. This House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 1:30. Thank you.

[The Assembly adjourned at 14:52.]

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

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