Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this morning the Premier and I had the opportunity to meet with Corey Miller, the CEO [chief executive officer] of Emmanuel Health, an important health sector partner here in the province in terms of delivering high-quality Catholic health care to the people of Saskatchewan. And so with that, Mr. Speaker, we had a great discussion this morning on how we’re going to continue that very successful partnership here in the province.

But with that we have some folks joining us from St. Paul’s Hospital from Saskatoon. So first of all, the executive director of St. Paul’s Hospital and the Hospice at Glengarda, Carrie Dornstauder. And Carrie is a long-time health care leader in Saskatchewan, and Emmanuel Health is very fortunate to have her at the helm of St. Paul’s Hospital. And then on from the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, Trish Cheveldayoff, Sandra Miller, and Effie Domes are also joining us today.

It’s been a week full of health care foundations here at the legislature and in the city of Regina. I know all MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly] are going to have an opportunity to engage with the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation later this evening. And I hope that all MLAs will take that opportunity to join us at that reception and hear about the good work happening in that facility led by this health care foundation, one of the many health care foundations in our province doing incredible work on behalf of the people of this province.

I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming these four ladies to this, their legislature.

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to take a moment to join with the minister opposite and join these folks to their legislature. We have Corey Miller from Emmanuel Health; Carrie, who’s at the helm of St. Paul’s; as well as Trish, Sandra, and Effie. I want to welcome you to your Legislative Assembly.

I know many of the members on this side are looking forward to the reception later. I, myself, have a parent-teacher interview. I’m going to try to zoom over there and then zoom back and be present for that, Mr. Speaker, because we know that the work that you do in our community is so important. So once again, thank you for your service, and welcome to your Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s with great pleasure that I join the minister and the member opposite in welcoming my wife, Trish, here and her colleagues from the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation. All members will know the great work that foundations do in our province, and it’s great to have Trish and her colleagues here.

And Trish is no stranger to the legislature. She’s been here many times over my 22‑year career. It started when our kids were very small. And they were running around and it was a challenge, but now she can just be here and relax and take in question period. So I want to thank Trish and her colleagues for all they do each and every day making Saskatoon and Saskatchewan a better place, and welcome them all — and especially Trish — to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to rise from my chair today to recognize somebody and welcome them in your gallery here, Harley Vliegenthart — an absolutely exceptional young man at the age of 20, was on the front lines of the wildfires in his home community of Denare Beach, one of the 11 volunteer firefighters that served this summer in what was an absolutely devastating year in his home community.

I had the honour of having supper with him last night and also had coffee with him this morning in my office. And I’ll tell ya, not only is he an incredible human being, he’s pretty darn good at the guitar too. He picked up the guitar I had in my office as soon as he walked in and put out a little tune.

And I just want to say, on behalf of the official opposition I would like to welcome him to this, his provincial legislature, and thank him for his service — not only this year but every year as a firefighter in his home community — and thank him for his service to Denare Beach and Saskatchewan.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to join the member opposite in welcoming Harley to his Legislative Assembly, thanking him and all other firefighters who fought so bravely this summer fighting the forest fires across the North, Mr. Speaker. Unprecedented fires, incredible danger faced by all of these brave men and women.

And I just want to extend my sincere thanks to Harley and all of the forest fire fighters across northern Saskatchewan this summer. If all my colleagues would please join me in welcoming him to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to seek a leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to introduce the executive members of Sikh Society of Regina sitting in your gallery: Hardeep Singh, president of the Sikh Society; Manmeet Singh; Gurjeet Singh; Manjinder Kaur Romana; Gurpinder Singh Gill; Harshvir Singh.

It’s a very special day, Mr. Speaker, for our community today. We are celebrating our first guru’s birthday, Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birthday. I’m going to give a member’s statement on Guru Nanak Dev Ji. I would like to say a few words in Punjabi, Mr. Speaker.

[The hon. member spoke for a time in Punjabi.]

And I’d ask, request all the members to please join me to welcome executive members of Regina Sikh Society to their legislature.

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to join with the member opposite in welcoming these fine members of our Sikh community here in Regina. And thank you for the contributions that the Sikh communities make to our entire province. If you could please join me, I ask all members in helping me welcome them to their Legislative Assembly.

While I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, it is my pleasure to introduce a guest seated in the west gallery today. Joining us is Leah Brodie, CEO of Nutrien Wonderhub, and she’s joined today by Kelly Gallagher.

So Nutrien Wonderhub, I don’t know if everyone is familiar with it, but it provides some wonderful recreation and learning opportunities for families in Saskatoon to create and learn and play with hands-on exhibits and programming. So I had the opportunity to visit the Wonderhub earlier — I think it was last year — and we had a wonderful tour and got to experience some of the great things that the children who go there get to experience.

Leah’s been with the organization for a few years now, and I’d like to thank her for all the hard work that her and her team are doing in providing opportunities for children in Saskatoon. I ask all members to please join me in welcoming Leah Brodie and Kelly to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I will also join with the hon. minister and my colleague, Saskatoon University-Sutherland, to welcome the executive of the Sikh Society of Regina. And I also request to all of the House to please join me to welcome this committee. Thank you.

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

Hon. Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to welcome a former constituent of mine, Mr. Speaker, Monica Knowles. She is a part of our valuable health care team, Mr. Speaker. She does some fantastic work in the community of Regina in an organization called Break Free. She volunteers there, Mr. Speaker. They do great work with at-risk youth and provide opportunities for supporting. She helps teach young people how to cook, Mr. Speaker.

Monica has also raised three wonderful daughters, Mr. Speaker. And she is like yourself, Mr. Speaker; if you look in a dictionary at what a good person is, there’s a picture of Mr. Speaker. Well right beside that is a picture of Monica Knowles. So anyway, join me in welcoming Monica to this, her Legislative Assembly.

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport in welcoming Leah Brodie, CEO of Nutrien Wonderhub in Saskatoon.

She works with the non-profit that functions as Saskatchewan’s only children’s museum. After serving in leadership and fundraising roles at RUH [Royal University Hospital], College of Arts and Science at the U of S [University of Saskatchewan], and the MacKenzie Art Gallery, Leah became CEO of Nutrien in 2022.

Leah was kind enough to guide me on a tour of the Nutrien Wonderhub on Halloween, which was really cute. I was a little out of place; I didn’t have my costume that day. But I ran into lots of colleagues that were touring their students, their kindergarten students, their grade 1 students through.

So just a fantastic facility. It provides the children of our province unique and immersive learning experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. The accessible, captivating programming offered by Leah and her team at Nutrien Wonderhub is a wonderful way to teach future generations of this province about the world around them.

Our province is a better place with organizations like Nutrien Wonderhub, with leaders like Leah Brodie. If you haven’t had a chance to take your kids to see the Nutrien Wonderhub, please do so. Get a membership. Great place to take your kids in the wintertime when it’s minus 30. There’s no better place for a 10‑year-old or less to go hang out. And I would like to welcome to her Legislative Assembly the CEO of Nutrien Wonderhub, Leah Brodie.

And while I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, I’d also like to introduce my mom, Marge Warrington, seated in the east gallery. Where does one start? This is the first time I’ve ever introduced her, so I’ll give you the Coles Notes. She’s the daughter of Eric and Lorna Coutts, a farmer and grain elevator agent and housewife. She taught for 39 and a half years, mostly in resource. She has just a fantastic reputation in the member from Kindersley-Biggar’s constituency in Marengo, Saskatchewan, where she’s highly regarded by every student that she’s ever had a chance to work with. She taught resource, and she’s also very dedicated to the Royal Canadian Legion, as that was a very important part of my grandfather’s — don’t cry — my grandfather’s life.

But I also say, in terms of what an amazing human being she is, I can remember being in grade 6 or so, and she was making several lunches in the morning. And I couldn’t figure out what . . . I don’t need three lunches. But she routinely would go out of her way to make sure that people had food in their belly throughout the years.

So with that being said, please welcome Marge Warrington to this, her Legislative Assembly.

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

[13:45]

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Never a dull moment, is there? To you and through you, I’d like to introduce a guest seated in your gallery. This is Julie Foster. Julie Foster is an icon of women’s sports here in Saskatchewan and in Canada. She’s one of the first rugby players inducted in the Sports Hall of Fame here in Saskatchewan. She is hockey elite here in Saskatchewan as the coach of U of R [University of Regina] women’s hockey team for many, many years. She’s a role model for so, so many here in Regina. I’ll speak more about this amazing woman and her accomplishments in my member statement, and so I invite everyone here to welcome Julie to her legislature.

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So as the Minister of Sport, I would like to join the member opposite in welcoming Julie to this, her Legislative Assembly. Being a very, very accomplished athlete, she is a wonderful role model to girls and to young women in our province. And I ask that all members please join me in welcoming Julie to her Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Merci, monsieur le Président.

[Translation: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.]

Je vous demande, I would ask for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Jacqueline Roy: — Merci, monsieur le Président. Aujourd’hui avec nous dans l’Assemblée nous avons plusieurs membres de la communauté fransaskoise [Translation: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With us in the Assembly today we have several members of the Fransaskois community], several important members from the Fransaskois community here today.

J’aimerais honorer le fait qu’ils parlent le français, mais aussi qu’on a des représentants ici qui parlent anglais.

[Translation: I would like to honour the fact that they speak French, but also that we have members here who speak English.]

Alors je vais essayer de faire les choses, I will try to do it bilingually so the members can also understand who’s here today.

En premier, j’aimerais souligner la présence de Madame Jennifer Wessner. Merci d’être ici parmi nous, Madame Wessner, merci. Elle vient du Commissariat aux langues officielles, alors elle est avec nous du gouvernement du Canada.

[Translation: First of all, I would like to highlight the presence of Ms. Jennifer Wessner. Thank you for being here with us today, Ms. Wessner, thank you. She comes from the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages, so she is with us from the Government of Canada.]

So among us today we have a representative from the Canadian government, from the Saskatchewan liaison. She is the official representative for the Commissioner of Official Languages for the Government of Canada. That is a very important role, a bit of an independent adjunct body of course as well. Thank you. We know your schedule’s busy. Thank you for being here today.

Nous avons aussi Monsieur Denis Simard, qui vient de l’Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise.

[Translation: We also have Mr. Denis Simard, who comes from the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise.]

So in the ACF [l’Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise], we actually elect our representatives that represent us, and Monsieur Denis Simard is here today.

Il est ici avec six autres personnes de l’ACF, des analystes politiques, d’autres personnes. J’aimerais qu’ils demandent . . . qu’ils fassent comme ça.

[Translation: He is here with six other people from the ACF, political analysts, other people. I would like to ask them . . . to do like this.]

We have political analysts here as well from ACF.

The economy is very important to our culture, which means that we also have people from the francophone economic and co-operative council. I would ask them to give a wave, Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan.

On a des personnes de l’Association des juristes d’expression française de la Saskatchewan [Translation: We have people from the French-Speaking Jurists Association of Saskatchewan], the association of French jurists in Saskatchewan, who help people that obviously need to defend themselves in French. Thank you for being here today.

Des professeurs de Sask Polytech. Nous avons aussi des membres de La Cité universitaire francophone, alors Monsieur Stephen Davis, bien sûr. [Translation: Some teachers from Sask Polytech. We also have members from La Cité universitaire francophone, so Mr. Stephen Davis, of course.] Et ce soir, tonight we will also have the dean of La Cité at the U of R that represents the French community at the university level.

We have Monsieur Daniel Dion, qui représente les enseignants, alors les profs du système scolaire fransaskois, qui a fait un trajet pour être ici avec nous aujourd’hui [Translation: who represents the teachers, so the teachers from the Fransaskois school system, who has made quite the journey to be here with us today]. Thanks so much. He represents the Fransaskois teachers from across our great province.

We have people from the Centre of Info-Justice of Saskatchewan, from the Association jeunesse fransaskoise — if you can give a wave — the people that represent our youth. Thank you very much. Le Conseil culturel fransaskois, so those that represent the French culture angle that the member from Saskatoon Stonebridge is going to meet later on today. We have people from Collège Mathieu, from the Conseil économique et coopératif de la Saskatchewan, from the Société historique de la Saskatchewan, which is our historical archives and records.

We have people from ACFR [Association communautaire fransaskoise de Regina], which is notre réseau [Translation: our network], our Regina offices that offer lots of management and consulting as well.

We have people here from the Réseau Santé en français de la Saskatchewan, so the francophone health network of Saskatchewan. We have our own independent office for that as well. And of course du centre éducatif de jeunes en enfance, so people that represent early childhood education that the member from Regina Rochdale will meet later on tonight.

Tonight we will also have present the CEO of SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association], of course, Jean-Marc Nadeau.

Tout cela étant dit, monsieur le Président, nous avons aussi avec nous mes parents, Robert Roy et Joan Roy.

[Translation: All that being said, Mr. Speaker, we also have my parents here with us, Robert Roy and Joan Roy.]

Obviously my grandfather, okay, couldn’t necessarily go to school in French and learn his language without getting into trouble. Somehow the French got passed on to me. I’m very grateful for their efforts in that.

And of course, last but not least, we have a guest from Texas. So, Mr. Speaker, if I can have Ray Aldinger from Texas come down, somebody who is from the United States who still strongly believes in the importance of bilingualism and culture in this province. That means a lot to me as well.

So I would just like to thank those people for showing up for us today. And I would like to thank the members present for tolerating my long list of organizations, but I just wanted to read into the record who was here today. Thank you.

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I would like to thank the member opposite and welcome so many members, distinguished members, of the francophone community here today.

Since beginning my role as the Minister for the Francophone affairs, I’ve really enjoyed developing relationships with our French communities and the members of the French community, which I proudly say now stands at over 50,000 people in Saskatchewan.

You know, the community has been so warm and so welcoming, and their contributions have enriched all of us in our provinces in so many ways. They have contributed to the growth and development of our province from the very beginning, even though difficult times to the present day.

With that, I ask all members to please join me in welcoming these distinguished members of the francophone community to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m so pleased to welcome 24 grade 8 students from Seven Stones Community School, seated in the east gallery. We have with them as well, seated maybe over there near Marge, two pre-interns — maybe you could wave — Shaunna Dunn and Avery Elder.

And then they’re joined of course by their teacher, Morgan Hunter, who is no stranger to this legislature, mom to Owen and Jasper, an avid reader, a committed walker, a common face around the neighbourhood, and someone who’s very committed to bringing her class into this space to expose them to the democratic process, flawed as it may be, Mr. Speaker.

It’s an interesting day for these kids to be here. I’m looking forward to answering their tough questions after proceedings. They can expect to see petitions presented, statements made by members in here about things that they care about. And then we’ll get into question period, which is of course the most raucous time of the legislative proceedings, although much less raucous these days, Mr. Speaker, I must add.

You’ll be hearing about all kinds of interesting topics. It’s an interesting time to be here. We just had a federal budget. You’ve heard already in introductions about an unprecedented wildfire season here in Saskatchewan. Vous avez entendu un peu de français. [Translation: You’ve heard a bit of French.]

So think about what questions you might have for me after proceedings, and I look forward to meeting you outside after question period. I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming these grade 8 students.

Speaker Goudy: — And I would also like to welcome to the Assembly our French community. I had a short time — well maybe longer than they would have liked — to be able to represent the government as the secretary of francophone affairs. And as a monolingual anglophone to be accepted into the community, I must say that there’s never been any bias towards a person who can only speak English from the French community.

And you’ve warmly welcomed me to your rendezvous which sounds so much more fun than a meeting, you know. And I just want to thank you for your patience with me, your patience in a province that’s bilingual. And I just want to say how much we appreciate your cultural richness and what you add to this province. And so welcome here today.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise in the Legislative Assembly today to present this petition on rent control.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring your attention to 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 and putting more pressure on families, seniors, students, and low-income residents; 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; and that provinces such as British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island have already implemented rent control measures to protect tenants.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I will read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to 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 people who have signed this petition come from Regina, White City, and Swift Current. Mr. Speaker, I do so present.

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

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan on the affordability crisis.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that inflation is the highest it’s been in more than three decades; that according to Angus Reid, 84 per cent of Saskatchewan people are feeling stressed about money; that half of Saskatchewan residents were living paycheque to paycheque before transportation and food costs skyrocketed in 2022; that the Sask Party government, SaskPower, and PST [provincial sales tax] tax hikes makes life more expensive. While other provinces acted, the Sask Party continues to ignore the opposition’s call for gas price relief.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to meaningfully address the affordability crisis in Saskatchewan.

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

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to rise and present this petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to immediately get tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.

Those who signed this petition would like to remind us that Saskatchewan has the highest crime rate per capita of all provinces in the country; Saskatchewan has the highest rate of severe crimes in the entire country; Saskatchewan’s homicide rate is double the national average; and Saskatchewan has the highest rate per capita of intimate partner violence in the entire country.

I’ll read the prayer, Mr. Speaker:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately get tough on crime and tough on the causes of crime.

The folks who’ve signed the petition today are from Saskatoon. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from White City-Qu’Appelle.

Cafe Empowers Youth to Shape Brighter Futures

Brad Crassweller: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today to recognize the grand opening of The Safe Cafe held last Wednesday at Conexus Credit Union’s head office in Regina.

This welcoming new space is operated by Street Culture Project in partnership with Conexus. The Safe Cafe is more than a place to grab a coffee. Through the opportunity youth employment program, young people are empowered to develop skills, build confidence, and shape brighter futures through hands-on job training, mentorship, and meaningful work experience. Every dollar earned supports Street Culture programs that help vulnerable youth gain stability and independence.

I was honoured to attend the opening and see first-hand the incredible collaboration between Street Culture and Conexus Credit Union and community partners. Their shared commitment to uplifting youth and fostering inclusive spaces demonstrates the power of purposeful collaboration.

[14:00]

Mr. Speaker, The Safe Cafe stands as a shining example of community-driven progress, one that contributes to a safer, stronger, and more connected Saskatchewan where every young person has the ability to thrive.

I would ask all members of this Assembly to grab a coffee there one day and join me in congratulating the Street Culture Project CEO, Jeff Dudar, along with Conexus Credit Union CEO Celina Philpot and its partners for their leadership and dedication to building a province where youth feel safe, supported, and secure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Outstanding Female Athlete Inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last month I had the absolute pleasure to celebrate the achievements of Julie Foster as she was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. And she is the first rugby player, and woman athlete to boot, that was inducted that day.

I met Julie while she served as ref for the Canada Summer Games back in 2005 when I was the sport leader of rugby. She was exemplary and very highly respected on and off the field. Over the years Julie has represented Canada at three international Rugby World Cups. She was also the fifth woman to be inducted into Rugby Canada’s Hall of Fame in 2019. She spent 21 years on the women’s provincial team. She represented Canada 10 times in rugby sevens for over 10 years.

Julie also excels in hockey. She played for the Canadian women’s team in 1993. She was the assistant coach for the U of R women’s team and then joined as a player for four seasons, being named CIS [Canadian Interuniversity Sport] all-star in 2000. Following her return to the ice, she remained as assistant coach at the U of R for over 20 years, a span in hockey longer than Bobby Orr, with a lot less money, I assume.

Julie is the quintessential athlete, playing hard, playing strategically, and giving back to the sports community. And even more so, she is one of the best role models for tough, brilliant, and capable women and men. Join me in recognizing the outstanding career and person that Julie Foster is.

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

Moosomin Doctor Named 2025 Physician of the Year

Kevin Weedmark: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Moosomin is fortunate to have some excellent long-time physicians, and some have been honoured for their work. Dr. Ross Kerkhoff and Dr. Schalk Van der Merwe have been recognized in the past — Dr. Van just last year — and both have been cornerstones of the local medical community for decades. Dr. Ettiene Crouse is the latest Moosomin physician to be honoured, being named the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s 2025 Physician of the Year.

Dr. Crouse has served the Moosomin area for 30 years. He’s never sought recognition, but he’s always worked quietly behind the scenes focusing on patient care, teamwork, and building up medical capacity in Moosomin. He’s trained and instructed medical learners and nursing staff, assessed SIPPA [Saskatchewan international physician practice assessment] candidates, and his colleagues say that no one is calmer than Dr. Crouse in handling busy shifts at the Moosomin ER [emergency room].

He was the physician lead in planning for the Southeast Integrated Care Centre, and leads the surgical program there, performing everything from tendon repairs to carpal tunnel surgery.

As Dr. Kerkhoff put it so well at his presentation at the awards, Dr. Crouse has mentored countless medical learners, instilling not just clinical skills, but a sense of humour and humanity, and a deep respect for what it means to serve a rural community.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Dr. Ettiene Crouse on being named the SMA’s [Saskatchewan Medical Association] 2025 Physician of the Year, a very well-deserved honour. Thank you.

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

Celebrating Sikh Guru’s Birthday

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, Sikhs are celebrating the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first guru of Sikhs.

It’s a time for self-reflection with respect to Guru Nanak’s teachings. Many times we feel it’s hard to stand for truth, stand for equal rights, and challenge the status quo. Just imagine how hard might it have been 550 years ago when Guru Nanak challenged the caste system, when he promoted women’s rights, and he promoted education for all, not just for the privileged upper class, standing for hard-working people and saying no to the select few that were living a lavish lifestyle at the expense of others.

Guru Nanak was a nature lover, and he always inspired people to form a loving relationship with nature. One of his teachings was:

[The hon. member spoke for a time in Punjabi.]

It means, “Air is the guru, water the father, and earth is the great mother.” We need to protect air, water, and mother earth.

Guru Nanak is known for sharing values of equality, humility, and duty through his life. He said, we’re all one; we’re all equal. Let’s celebrate and follow Guru Nanak’s teaching of love, compassion, kindness, tolerance, and mutual respect. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Humboldt-Watrous.

Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities Mid-Term Convention

Racquel Hilbert: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an exciting day for rural municipalities across the province. Over 1,000 delegates will attend SARM’s [Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities] mid-term convention right here in Regina.

SARM’s first convention was held in Grenfell, Saskatchewan on November 16th, 1906. For well over 100 years, SARM has had a strong voice for RMs [rural municipality] in Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, these mid-term conventions are important opportunities for our government to engage directly with rural representatives. Whether you’re attending one of the many breakout sessions, division meetings, or a presentation on the future of rodentcides — a pest control measure for burrowing rodents — there is something to be learned.

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to continue to listen to rural Saskatchewan, and addressing the needs of communities. We’re going to keep working with you and develop common sense solutions for common sense leaders. On behalf of all members of the Assembly, thank you to SARM and its members for continuing to engage and work with this government for the betterment of all residents. This government is going to continue to deliver for rural Saskatchewan. Thank you.

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

Supports for Members Who Become New Parents

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, it was six years ago almost to this day when this Chamber welcomed its first infant, my daughter, at three months old. This happened through changes we all made to the rules and procedures, through collaboration with members on both sides of the aisle in an effort to work toward making this a more inclusive workspace.

Since then, we’ve seen multiple members on both sides welcome new additions to their families. And I for one am so grateful that we are now at a point where giving birth as an MLA in Saskatchewan is no longer a news story. There’s more work to be done, but progress is being made.

On this side of the House, we support our colleagues when they need to prioritize their families. When there’s a new parent in our caucus, we ask them what they need and how we can support them — full stop, end of story. On this side of the aisle, nobody will ever be demoted for giving birth.

Mr. Speaker, the only people who are going to be demoted in this Chamber are that cabinet and this Sask Party government.

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

B’nai Brith Dinner Honours Contributions of the Jewish Community

Hon. Jamie Martens: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the 71st annual B’nai Brith Silver Plate Dinner which took place last night in Saskatoon. I, along with several colleagues, including the Premier, were among the over 1,000 attendees — a complete sellout — celebrating a community whose history, perseverance, and spirit have illuminated the world for thousands of years. B’nai Brith means “children of the covenant” in Hebrew. Their members and volunteers have raised funds for local organizations in supporting our youth for decades.

The evening was also the opportunity to honour the many contributions of Saskatchewan’s Jewish community and to reaffirm that we stand with them to combat the rise of antisemitism. There is no place for hate in our province.

I would like to congratulate Lorne Wright who is this year’s recipient of the We Are Proud of You award for his extensive generosity of his time and support for local causes. His leadership and heart make Saskatoon a better place for all.

And last night we didn’t just celebrate people; we celebrated spirit. To our Jewish brothers and sisters, thank you. Thank you for your light, your courage, and your enduring faith in humanity. May your traditions continue to inspire us and your hope to light the way for generations to come.

I ask all members to join in celebrating the B’nai Brith. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — So just a comment. We do have time restraints for our member’s statements, and I appreciate that many have been keeping, most have been keeping the time. But I just want to caution the members that in future when those member’s statements go beyond, I’m going to have to stop them. We certainly don’t want to stop the honouring of people in our province, so let’s make sure we work hard to keep within that 90 seconds. Thank you.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Government Priorities for Major Infrastructure Projects

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday the federal government released their budget, a budget where there is opportunity to get the rail lines, pipelines, and power lines that Saskatchewan needs, built. But we still don’t know where the Sask Party government’s priorities lie. The Premier has refused to release the list of projects he’s asked the feds to fast-track, projects that will create good mortgage-paying jobs here in Saskatchewan.

Will the Sask Party finally show their work and release their projects list?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, we’ve been very clear with respect to the major projects that are a priority for the province of Saskatchewan. One of those has already been identified as being on that list — that was the Foran mining project, Mr. Speaker, the McIlvenna Bay project. We have a couple of other uranium mines that have all of the provincial approvals. We would ask that those find their way onto the major projects list. We have a nuclear ambition in this province, Mr. Speaker, which is on that list.

But what I would say — and we’ve been very clear about this — is every single project that has a federal touch, regulatory touch in any way, is on our major projects list, Mr. Speaker, from the mine sites to the oil investments to the very culverts and bridges that our municipalities are putting in that DFO [Department of Fisheries and Oceans] has a hand in regulating.

Everything’s on the list. Everything’s a priority to Saskatchewan people from the very culvert in rural Saskatchewan to the uranium mine in the North.

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well let’s talk about this government’s record on pipelines. The only pipeline that’s been built to tidewater under this government’s watch is the one that Justin Trudeau had to buy for them.

Mr. Speaker, people want to see big projects built, but the Sask Party is squandering our opportunities. Why should Saskatchewan . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Sorry, I’m going to ask the government side . . . We’re pretty loud. I’m trying to hear the questions, so please.

Continue.

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I love hearing the tired talking points because they’re working so well for their good friend Pierre Poilievre. That’s fine by me.

Why should the people of Saskatchewan have any faith that this government is serious about building rail, pipe, and power when they won’t release their list?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, I was pretty clear. I’ve been clear all along. With respect to what is on the Saskatchewan list, it’s everything that has a regulatory touch from the federal government. Because it is a priority for Saskatchewan people, Mr. Speaker. And that includes West Coast pipelines, port-to-port infrastructure that can open up the Asian and European markets, Mr. Speaker, of which we have been very clear on as well.

What is less clear, Mr. Speaker, is the Leader of the Opposition was out today talking about how they have been supportive of these infrastructure projects for literally months now — months. They said that we need to have access to port infrastructure because the farmers had a pretty good crop this year. So they’ve been advocating for this infrastructure for months now, Mr. Speaker.

It’s the Saskatchewan Party that has been working for years to ensure that we are enhancing our port infrastructure in this nation, building pipelines to those ports. Mr. Speaker, it’s the Saskatchewan Party that has been advocating for rail infrastructure, for port governance with the federal government, Mr. Speaker. It’s the Saskatchewan Party that has been . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — We only have 25 minutes, so I’d say if I was the opposition I would want to not be interrupted, and that’s going to happen so long as they’re not listening.

So, Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — It has been this governing party that has always advocated for pipeline infrastructure, not just for the last couple of months, Mr. Speaker.

[14:15]

It has always been this party that has advocated for additional port infrastructure and port access, not just for the last couple of months. It has always been this party that has conducted trade missions so that we have those international relations, not just for the last couple of months, Mr. Speaker. And it has been this party that will continue to ensure that those trade offices are open and not campaign on closing them around the world.

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

Funding from Bilateral Health Care Agreements

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, a great performance but it begs the question: why won’t he release that list?

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan has been driven to dead last in health care because of this Sask Party government. Just this week, patients lying in agony in hallways beside laundry soiled with feces, urine, and more. Shuttered emergency rooms sending patients, panicked patients, down the highway to more shuttered emergency rooms. Seniors wandering out of government facilities and suffering tragic deaths. And a Health minister who stands up and says everything is going fine; worse, that he has the most ambitious plan, Mr. Speaker.

The federal budget has dropped, and we’ve learned that the feds have not committed to extending a critical health care bilateral agreement beyond March of next year. $130 million is at risk. What is the Premier’s plan to ensure that Saskatchewan doesn’t lose 130 million in health care spending at a time we can least afford it?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — You know, Mr. Speaker, once again we see an opposition that’s late to the party on this one. Mr. Speaker, I’ll draw the member opposite’s attention to a communiqué from the meeting of provincial and territorial health ministers back in mid-October, which I was present at. I had multiple discussions with colleagues from across the country from different provinces and territories, and then had the opportunity to speak directly to the federal Health minister about provinces’ concerns around this.

I read, quote, from the communiqué:

With the federal budget yet to be tabled, ministers shared their concerns surrounding the lack of clarity and commitment on current, developing, and soon-to-expire funding commitments made by the previous federal government, notably the bilateral agreements.

And it continues, Mr. Speaker:

Ministers call on the federal government to ensure long-term, equitable, sustainable funding through the Canada Health Transfer and existing agreements.

Mr. Speaker, this is something that I speak about with the federal Health minister every opportunity I have, and it’s something that we’ll continue to do.

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

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan is the proud birthplace of medicare. We have proudly led on health care investments whether or not the federal government was there with us.

We know that this federal budget did nothing to address the health care crisis, and we know that the Premier and that Health minister have failed to secure a long-term commitment on this bilateral health agreement. That’s $130 million at risk, 130 million that would come out of the front-line health care system at a time when it is already on its knees.

So what is the Premier’s plan for leadership? And what is the plan to ensure that we don’t see devasting cuts in health care at a time we can least afford it?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, I’ll remind the member opposite — and all members in the House because I think it’s important to remember — the original arrangement between federal and provincial agreements was a 50/50 cost-share agreement. The federal contribution is now down to 28 per cent, roughly, of health care costs that are incurred on behalf of the people of this province, Mr. Speaker.

Again, Mr. Speaker, provinces and territories spoke loudly when we had the opportunity with the federal Health minister several weeks ago in Calgary. The federal Health minister committed to having a follow-up meeting after the introduction of the federal budget. We look forward to that meeting happening very soon so we can speak more about the future of the bilateral agreements. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Government Response to Wildfires in the North

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today we are joined in this legislature by an incredible constituent of mine and of the province of Saskatchewan. Harley Vliegenthart and 10 volunteer firefighters from the Denare fire department stayed back to defend Denare Beach as the Wolf fire raced towards the community this summer.

He put himself in harm’s way in a heroic attempt to save his community. In nearby Flin Flon, on the other side of the border in Manitoba, there were hundreds of firefighters. Denare Beach burned and Flin Flon was spared.

To the Premier: why wasn’t more done to protect and to help Harley and his heroic fellow firefighters in Denare Beach?

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

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and I’ll once again welcome Harley to his Legislative Assembly. I want to take an opportunity yet again to thank Harley and to thank the hundreds of men and women, the brave men and women who fought forest fires across northern Saskatchewan this summer.

Mr. Speaker, we had forest fire fighters, volunteer forest fire fighters. We had 34 different municipal and volunteer firefighting services attacking the forest fires. We had multiple provinces providing resources and forest fire fighters, Mr. Speaker. We had other countries providing forest fire fighters.

Mr. Speaker, those brave men and women fought an unprecedented fire season, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. And we thank them, Mr. Speaker, for their hard work and their brave service.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What the minister refuses to face the fact of, is that those folks were not on the front lines helping Harley in Denare Beach when he had to fight those flames in his community the night that his community burned.

The fact is that Harley felt abandoned by the Sask Party government. He has lost faith in the people on that side of the House to do their jobs. He wants answers. Frankly he deserves those answers, as do thousands of other constituents of mine who lost so, so much this summer.

Will the Premier stand and do the right thing and finally call the independent public inquiry that Harley came here to demand?

Speaker Goudy: — Before the minister answers, I’m just going to remind the Chamber that drawing members from the public, though they’re here, into debate is not to be . . . But recognize the Minister of Policing, Corrections and Public Safety.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I will agree with the member opposite on one thing: these individuals do deserve the facts. And they have not been receiving the facts from that member, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that Denare Beach was defended by far more than what the member opposite is suggesting. On May 19th the Wolf fire was reported 32 kilometres west of Denare Beach. Immediately the SPSA [Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency] within a day responded with two air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews, Mr. Speaker.

That forest fire grew between May 21st and May 23rd, 127 times its original size — extremely aggressive fire behaviour, unprecedented fire behaviour based on the opinion of the forest fire fighters who have been doing this for three decades, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, these extreme fires required an indirect attack, as opposed to a direct attack, to maintain the safety and the well-being of our forest fire fighters. Mr. Speaker, we will not put the lives of the brave men and women who are battling these fires at risk, and we . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will not have a minister tell me what I had to drive through in northern Saskatchewan. There is zero — zero — accountability from that member opposite. The people of the North tell me that every single day. After 18 years of this Sask Party government, they’ve lost trust.

Harley told me last night that the public inquiry for him is about three things: (1) restoring confidence, (2) providing closure to those who have lost so much, and (3) to provide reassurance that something like this disaster will never happen again.

Harley said that if the Public Safety minister won’t call an independent public inquiry, then he should lose his job. So will that minister stand up right now and quit? Or better yet, will the Premier stand up and fire him today?

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

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll tell you what I won’t do, and what I won’t do is exploit tragedy for political gain. I won’t do that, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I will provide the facts to the individuals who suffered incredible loss this summer. Those facts, Mr. Speaker, include that the SPSA has commissioned a report by Meyers Norris Penny to lead an independent review of the 2025 forest fire season. These results will be made public.

This independent review will be led by experts, Mr. Speaker, and it will obtain information from the forest fire fighters who were on the ground, from the communities that were impacted, and from experts in the area to make sure that best practice is followed, and anything that can be done better in future forest fire seasons will be done. And we will adopt those recommendations to make sure that we are ensuring best practice moving forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Provision of Care at Royal University Hospital

Matt Love: — Mr. Speaker, isn’t it a real shame how this government responds to real tragedies faced by people in this province? Lloyd Coakwell is a constituent of mine. Lloyd is a cancer patient who had to seek emergency care at Royal University Hospital with an extremely painful infection. He described his experience as “deeply demoralizing.” He received care in a hallway for six days next to a busy area where soiled laundry was handled. Mr. Speaker, soiled laundry in a hospital setting means things like urine, feces, vomit, and so much more.

RUH is so overcrowded that patients like Lloyd are being placed in hallways near high-traffic and unsanitary areas, putting them at further risk. Mr. Speaker, I don’t think patients should be receiving care next to a pile of soiled bedsheets. Does the minister?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, I thank the member opposite for the question. I did receive Mr. Coakwell’s letter last week and heard about his unfortunate experience at Royal University Hospital. And as I’ve said in this House, I don’t think we would want that for any of our family members, Mr. Speaker.

This is exactly why we’re making targeted investments in Saskatoon to improve patient flow, to add acute care beds at Saskatoon City Hospital, so that people can get the best quality care when and where they need it, Mr. Speaker. It’s these types of investments that will make life better for future patients down the road. Thank you.

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

Matt Love: — Mr. Speaker, Lloyd sought emergency care at Royal University Hospital only to be left in a hallway under bright lights, surrounded by constant noise, and across from a busy area where soiled laundry was handled, and he was left there for six days. Lloyd is a cancer patient who is battling a serious infection.

Now just two weeks ago, the minister will recall that 450 health care workers signed an open letter to that Sask Party government warning that hallway health care and unsafe conditions have become routine in this province. This is what health care looks like in Saskatchewan after 18 years of Sask Party failures.

Why does the minister day after day get up and defend his record of failure instead of defending patients like Lloyd?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — You know, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, on this, certainly we understand there’s challenges in the health care system, and I certainly do not minimize those challenges. Those are real, and people like Mr. Coakwell and others have identified those challenges. And that’s exactly why I outline the steps here on the floor of this House every single day in terms of what we’re doing to address those challenges, Mr. Speaker.

In Saskatoon, as I mentioned, major investment into Saskatoon City Hospital, converting 109 beds to acute care beds, ensuring that we can improve patient flow in that facility and lower the pressure on all three major facilities in the city of Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I think about what we’re doing in rural emergency rooms to add point-of-care testing, to use the virtual physician program, of which the members opposite have spoken time and time against. But yet we hear from community leaders in rural Saskatchewan that the virtual physician program is making a difference to stabilize those services right across the province, Mr. Speaker.

These are the examples of what this government is doing to address those challenges. Thank you.

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

Matt Love: — Mr. Speaker, it’s nothing but more of the same from this failing government. Lloyd deserves a room. Every patient deserves a room. That is not what Lloyd got. He got a bed in a hallway for six days, Mr. Speaker. Is this what patients can expect after 18 years of this tired Sask Party government?

Mr. Speaker, Lloyd has a challenge for that minister. He challenges that minister to experience what it’s like to receive care in a hallway for just one day. Bright lights, constant noise, hundreds of people passing you by, mere feet away from a pile of disgusting soiled laundry.

Will the minister accept Lloyd’s challenge and see first-hand the impacts of spending one day in a hallway in RUH?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

[14:30]

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — You know, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, myself and my colleague the Minister of Rural and Remote Health, we have the opportunity to tour facilities all the time. MLAs on this side of the House, all across the province, know that first-hand because we have toured those health care facilities, listened to front-line health care workers, tried to understand their challenges, and then worked together to find solutions to address those challenges, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, what Saskatchewan residents and patients can expect from this government is that this is going to be a government that is going to continue to invest in health care, be innovative when it comes to health care. Again I point to the virtual physician program, ensuring and stabilizing services right across rural Saskatchewan, something that the members opposite have opposed time and time again in this House and out in the public, Mr. Speaker.

We’re going to continue listening to Saskatchewan patients, Saskatchewan communities, and finding innovations in health care.

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

Supports for Ukrainian Post-Secondary Students

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, yesterday we were joined by Ukrainian students who were facing huge tuition increases because this government has not renewed their program, a program that allows them to pay domestic tuition rates instead of the much higher international rate. This is a huge cost-of-living issue. These students can’t afford to see this program cut, Mr. Speaker.

Yesterday the minister didn’t commit to renewing their funding. What’s the Sask Party government going to do to make sure these students can continue their studies?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member for the question. And I’ll say, like I said both inside the House and outside the House yesterday, I would caution the members on the other side of the House from increasing stress levels on students unnecessarily. This is a program that’s in place, a joint program with the federal government, and it goes until the end of March 2026. And of course, based on the facts and the history of this government and how we have supported the Ukrainian residents in Saskatchewan at every turn, we will continue to do that.

It’s great to be able to talk about multi-year-level funding and the safe and secure status that advanced education has in this province. I welcome the next question.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, this program should never have been at risk. It’s unacceptable that students were told in a form letter that the program was ending. It’s unacceptable that the Sask Party allowed this program to go so long without being renewed. It’s unacceptable that students should have to come to the legislature to force this government to act.

This is what people can expect after 18 years of Sask Party government. Will the minister apologize to these students for his total mismanagement of this file?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Mr. Speaker, there seems to be a theme in this question period and members opposite using people like these three Ukrainian students that have come here, who have benefited, have integrated into Saskatchewan and will be seeing programs that will benefit them going forward.

Mr. Speaker, they will be eligible to take part in the graduate retention program if they stay in Saskatchewan and pay taxes in Saskatchewan, which they will do. And we will be there with them every step of the way as they pursue their education and they pursue job opportunities here in the fastest growing economy in the country. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member for Regina Northeast.

Support for Fransaskois Community

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. How sad and what a belittling remark. What a tragedy this government doesn’t listen to what students say.

But moving on, I do have a question for the Minister Responsible for francophone affairs.

Plus tard aujourd’hui je présenterai un projet de loi au sujet de la communauté fransaskoise. Malheureusement depuis plus de cent ans notre communauté souffre de discrimination sur le plan social, sur le plan juridique, et sur le plan politique. Le gouvernement Anderson a même déployé des efforts systématiques pour effacer notre langue et notre culture.

Est-ce que la ministre reconnaît la longue histoire, la longue histoire de discrimination contre la communauté fransaskoise dans cette province? Merci.

[Translation: Later today I will be presenting a bill about the Fransaskois community. Unfortunately for more than a hundred years our community has endured discrimination on social, legal, and political levels. The Anderson government even made systemic efforts to erase our language and our culture.

Does the minister acknowledge the long history, the long history of discrimination against the Fransaskois community in this province? Thank you.]

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said in my introduction and expressed the appreciation that we have in our government for the francophone community, I am looking forward to opportunities to continue to work with and support the many wonderful French citizens that we have in our province.

I have been so welcomed by this community, and I am really looking forward to further opportunities to reach out and meet with the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 33 — The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved by the Minister of Justice that Bill No. 33, The Credit Union 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.

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.

Bill No. 607 — The Fransaskois Community Consultation Act/Loi de consultation de la communauté fransaskoise

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Merci, monsieur le Président. [Translation: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.]

Je propose que le projet de loi n^o 607, Loi de consultation de la communauté fransaskoise soit maintenant présenté et lu une première fois. Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill 607, The Fransaskois Community Consultation Act be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the member from Regina Northeast that Bill No. 607, The Fransaskois Community Consultation Act be now introduced and read for the 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 member from Regina Northeast.

Jacqueline Roy: — À la prochaine séance de l’Assemblée, Mr. Speaker. At the next sitting of the Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Merci. [Translation: Thank you.] Carried. Next sitting.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

WRITTEN QUESTIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government House Whip.

Sean Wilson: — I wish to order question no. 16.

Speaker Goudy: — Question no. 16 is ordered.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

SECOND READINGS

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 very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to move second reading of The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Amendment Act, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan parents seeking to obtain, vary, or enforce child support orders should be able to benefit from all available legal avenues. The primary change to the legislation is the addition of the 2007 Hague Convention on Maintenance.

Since 2003, in support order situations where one parent lives outside Saskatchewan, they have been able to rely on the provisions of The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act. This Act establishes a procedure for obtaining, varying, or enforcing a support order where one parent lives in Saskatchewan and the other parent lives in another Canadian jurisdiction.

The Act also applies in 25 other reciprocating jurisdictions as designated within the regulations, Mr. Speaker. However the last time a new reciprocating jurisdiction was added to the list was 2007. Mr. Speaker, since 2007, 56 countries have adopted the Hague Convention to simplify obtaining, varying, or enforcing child support orders where parents live in different countries. With the introduction of the 2007 Hague Convention, many signatories to that convention have declined to enter into reciprocal agreements under The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Act.

Many Saskatchewan families have connections to more than one country. In many of those countries the Hague Convention applies, but the inter-jurisdictional support order process does not. By adopting the 2007 Hague Convention on Maintenance, we will expand the options available to Saskatchewan parents to obtain, enforce, or vary child support orders. This will ensure Saskatchewan parents have multiple options to ensure support for their children.

Mr. Speaker, the proposed amendments will not change the existing support order process for countries that are not covered by the Hague Convention. That process will continue to operate where one parent lives in Saskatchewan and the other lives in another Canadian province or one of the 25 reciprocating jurisdictions that has an agreement in place with Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move second reading of The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Amendment Act, 2025.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister has moved second reading. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the minister for his comments on this bill.

Of course we support international, inter-jurisdictional co-operation on this important topic. It’s a challenging time at best for families to support children without the challenges that can be felt by some single-parent families, Mr. Speaker, in navigating what are some incredibly challenging times for those parents and for those impacted children. The critic will certainly be taking a good look at this bill and consulting with stakeholders as we continue the work of looking at this very important piece of legislation, the impact that it will have on children and families here in Saskatchewan and outside its borders.

With that, I’m happy to leave the comments to my much more skilled colleagues and will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 30, The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Amendment Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 31 — The Defamation Act

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. I rise to move second reading of The Defamation Act. Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan has had a libel and slander Act since 1909, creating an action for persons who have been falsely referred to in either printed or spoken words in a way that would harm that person’s reputation. In the last 113 years the Act has been substantively amended only three times, with many of the provisions dating back to the Libel Act of 1843.

Mr. Speaker, the Law Reform Commission of Saskatchewan recently undertook a review of The Libel and Slander Act with a view towards modernization. The commission conducted extensive consultations between 2022 and 2023. Its final report on how to modernize The Libel and Slander Act was released in March of 2024 and made 19 recommendations.

Mr. Speaker, this bill will replace The Libel and Slander Act with the new defamation Act that will bring Saskatchewan’s legislation in line with other Canadian jurisdictions. This bill will eliminate the distinction between libel and slander so that both actions will now be referred to as defamation. Over time the distinction between libel and slander has created arbitrary differences that result in different liability standards. Combining the two will bring uniformity and simplicity to defamation law in this province.

Mr. Speaker, this bill will incorporate a single publication rule into the Act. This will create a sole cause of action for the publication of an expression and all republications by the same publisher. This rule will bring clarity to limitation periods and prevent the limitation period from starting over every time there is a republication.

The current Act also includes arbitrary and unnecessary distinctions between different kinds of publishers. The bill eliminates these distinctions. This change fulfills one of the main recommendations in the commission’s report.

[14:45]

For example, the bill maintains the provisions respecting privilege and expands the privilege for fair and accurate reporting beyond newspapers to instead apply to all publishers. This bill also includes a new privilege for peer-reviewed material.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, the bill expands remedies beyond monetary damages. With new methods of publishing, monetary compensation does not always reflect the harm done by libel and slander. For example, an online publication may continue to exist in a variety of locations even though the initial publication has been removed. The bill includes provisions permitting orders to be made against internet intermediaries to remove publications from any platform and to have publications de-indexed.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move second reading of The Defamation Act.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act, be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the minister for his comments on this. Recognizing that summary reflected tightening laws for legal actions against defamatory publications, and not having had a great deal of time to dig into it, which I know my colleague, the shadow minister for Justice, will do.

Some initial questions we may have in regards to this legislation are related to some of the definitions, in particular solidifying the definition of “malicious” intentions that remove protections, including here in this legislature, if I understood the minister accurately. I have some concerns about the vagueness of that definition. If members and if this Assembly are going to be limiting the privileges and protections that are the cornerstone of democracy, then we need to be incredibly specific about those definitions and incredibly specific about the circumstances in which that can occur.

Defamation on the internet is unfortunately quite common these days, Mr. Speaker, and recognizing it’s quite challenging to combat as well. So on this side we’re going to be very interested in how effective this legislation will be at addressing this. Ideally, hopefully, it can help to combat some of that misinformation and defamation on the internet.

And we’ll also be looking for more information in regards to what spurred the creation of this piece of legislation. Of course the critic on our side will be consulting with key stakeholders on this file to see how they feel about the impacts that this will have on both defamation and free speech here in the province.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 yet again, Mr. Speaker. I rise to move second reading of The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, the proposed bilingual bill makes consequential amendments to bilingual Acts that refer to libel and slander to align that legislation with the new defamation Act. The references to libel and slander in the following Acts will be updated to refer instead to the defamation action: The Jury Act, 1998; The Legislative Assembly Act, 2007; and The Small Claims Act, 2016.

Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to move second reading of The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 32, The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again my thanks to the minister for his comments on The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act.

I think I put all of my comments in my past entry in regards to Bill No. 31, so with that I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 32.

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.

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 Silverspring.

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet today to speak to this bill.

Before I get there though, I would just like to take note of the fantastic Remembrance Day ceremony we all enjoyed in today’s rotunda, as sombre and as solemn as it was. Very important for all of us to recognize the sacrifices of all those folks in all the major conflicts from Saskatchewan and across Canada. I’d also like to take a moment to thank the Premier for his eloquent words. I truly appreciated that, as I’m sure many in the audience did today as well.

On to Bill 24. Mr. Speaker, this bill portends to reduce the barriers for trade of goods and services here, not just in Saskatchewan but across Canada. This comes at an important time, obviously, in the midst of a very serious and consequential trade war with our closest neighbour in the United States, and also with one of our largest export markets in China.

This bill seeks to reduce those barriers to trade. And we on this side, Mr. Speaker, support reducing those barriers to trade and the labour mobility, and any red tape with respect to investment to truly opening up the country to free trade within our borders, to streamline, to reduce red tape, to cut red tape, to cut duplication. And so you know, we would in general — I would in general — support the spirit and the intent of this bill.

But you know, Mr. Speaker, we also must make sure that reducing these barriers can’t come at the expense of workers’ rights. They cannot come at the expense of workers’ safety or the environment. And they also cannot come at the expense of consumer rights and consumer safety. And other than a brief mention in this bill to those things, it’s not very clear what specifically the government is going to do to ensure that those things are in fact protected.

So we’re going to look forward, or at least I look forward to seeing what the government has to say in that regard in order to shore up that part of the intent of this bill. Because, Mr. Speaker, we also have to make sure that, in opening up our economy and streamlining our legislation and our standards to companies and workers from outside the province, that they come here to provide a service, they come here to provide a good, and they must meet every reasonable standard that we would ask our own businesses and our own workers to meet.

I would also say, Mr. Speaker, that this bill is a recognition that more needs to be done to fight tariffs, as I alluded to earlier. More must be done to ensure that . . . To take advantage of, you know, interprovincial trade and to streamline it and to improve investment and jobs and all that, we have to have the requisite infrastructure to go along with that. And we’ve already seen unfortunately from this government a lack of a plan in that regard. We also don’t have a premier that has committed to the people of this province what his infrastructure project plans look like.

So if we’re going to open up investment and we’re going to open up, have mutual recognition, and we want to invite more investment and we want more products and goods and services to flow through Saskatchewan and from Saskatchewan to our ports — whether they be east, whether they be west, whether they be north — surely to goodness we have to have a plan for the infrastructure for that, right. We need to accommodate that.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would say that this bill also does not mention at all any local procurement policies. There’s no mention of supporting Saskatchewan or Canadian businesses, in particular with respect to the Saskatchewan government’s procurement policies and supporting those local businesses and those local jobs and those local workers and their families and the communities in which they live.

And so you know, with respect to this bill, I’m somewhat guarded with it in the sense that this bill shouldn’t be used as a conduit for US [United States] or Chinese companies that are operating in one part of Canada to take advantage of these reduced barriers and displace Saskatchewan and Canadian businesses doing that work and that business here in Saskatchewan.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I look forward to hearing more from what the government has to say, to flesh out some more details with respect to this bill. But I will now request adjournment on debate for Bill 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 Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A pleasure to just enter a couple of comments into the record in regards to Bill No. 25 and the fertility treatment tax credit more broadly, that of course this piece of legislation is amending a bit of a CRA [Canada Revenue Agency] oversight from the spring in order to allow CRA to refund that tax credit.

Members on all sides will recall that pushing for fertility care in Saskatchewan is something that has been supported in this House, certainly promoted by members on this side of the House over the past five years. I went back and I looked over some of the media coverage surrounding the introduction of the fertility treatment tax credit, Mr. Speaker. And in the Premier’s own words, he talks about, you know, one cycle of fertility care, IVF [in vitro fertilization], costing between 15 to $20,000 per cycle — just a staggering amount of money for the average family.

Of course not taking into account the years that precede that prior to diagnosis, prior to being able to pursue perhaps IUI [intrauterine insemination] in advance of IVF. Years that this takes most families, Mr. Speaker, about two years on average for someone struggling with fertility before they get to that stage in which they can even access IVF treatments. And of course, Mr. Speaker, that is only if they can afford that.

Saskatchewan used to be one of only two jurisdictions in Canada that had no financial support for individuals struggling with infertility. We know this impacts a huge number of people. This does not discriminate, Mr. Speaker. Regardless of your gender, where you live in the province, what you do for a living, this is something that impacts at least one in six people here in Saskatchewan.

So when the fertility treatment tax credit was first introduced, the Premier said, you know, it’s more than we had before — which is a true statement, Mr. Speaker. But in conversations with advocates, in conversations with people who have struggled with infertility, Mr. Speaker, a tax credit after the fact does not . . . While it is welcome news, it does not allow those who are struggling to afford fertility care in the first place to access that, Mr. Speaker. And that was what the advocacy on this side of the House has been all about for the last five years, and that advocacy will continue, Mr. Speaker.

We talk a lot about affordability in this House, and 15 to $20,000 for a single cycle of IVF is, as I said, just a staggering amount of money for any family. We’ve heard stories of families and individuals taking out second mortgages, second jobs, people who just simply cannot afford the health care — because fertility care is health care — the health care that they need in order to grow a family here in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

Last term we had over 50 calls on this side of the House from all across the province, Mr. Speaker, from folks in Nipawin, from folks in Weyburn, from folks in P.A. [Prince Albert], people in Kindersley, people in Moose Jaw — all across the province because this impacts one in six people. There’s not a family or a group of friends that doesn’t know someone who has struggled with fertility, struggled to build and grow the family that they dream of here in this province, Mr. Speaker.

This should be one of those great opportunities to work together on an issue that we should and could all advance. We hear from people who say, you know, why don’t the opposition and the government work together, Mr. Speaker? Olive branch extended. Everyone in Saskatchewan — everyone in Saskatchewan — should be afforded the opportunity for fertility care, Mr. Speaker. It should not only be available to the people with the means for 15 or $20,000 a cycle.

[15:00]

And again, we know it’s typically not one and done. Most people who end up on this fertility journey struggle through sometimes two, three . . . I’ve heard from folks who have gone through six cycles of this, Mr. Speaker. Just a staggering amount of money. So hopefully government members are listening. This is not an issue that is going away.

While this is a good first step and we recognize this, people in Saskatchewan, we should all be able to celebrate them in growing their families here. Gosh knows we need more babies, Mr. Speaker. We need that birth rate going up. We need the next generation of people in Saskatchewan, and this will disproportionately impact those folks who can’t afford that treatment. It will disproportionally impact those suffering from infertility because of health challenges, which we know poses its own financial challenges to people who are going through that — certainly to members of the LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] community, to single parents, Mr. Speaker.

So while we recognize this is a good first step, we hope this is very much only that — a first step — and that we can continue to see progress on this for the one in six Saskatchewan people who are impacted by infertility, and that this is an opportunity as we discuss this bill in the legislature for the government hopefully to hear the feedback from the opposition, the number of advocates who stand behind this work, who want people to be able to afford this upfront, not a tax credit after the fact, Mr. Speaker.

I think the last comment I want to put on the record in regards to the fertility treatment tax credit is around the provision specifically in the tax credit itself that makes it explicit that it excludes out-of-province treatment.

For folks who may not know, there are fertility treatment options available in Saskatoon, which already most people have to travel for in the province unless you happen to live in Saskatoon. But if you don’t have a fairly, what I’ll call, straightforward case of infertility, Mr. Speaker — and I say that recognizing there is no straightforward path for people — but if there is anything more complicated in your fertility struggle, you have to go out of province. We simply do not have those services here in Saskatchewan. More often than not, people have to travel to Calgary for that care.

So the fact that this piece of legislation excludes out-of-province care, we would question, Mr. Speaker. We would ask the government to take a look at that. These services are not available in province. It’s not a matter of choice. It’s a matter of necessity.

We’ve seen the government be comfortable sending other people to Alberta for health care, and we would ask that they consider the fertility care that is available in province and out of province, and look to address that gap that exists for people who may be wanting to access some sort of financial support for their fertility journey, but are excluded by that from the provisions that this government has put in with the fertility treatment tax credit.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I know a couple of my other colleagues will have some comments that they’re going to want to put on the record in regards to this. I’m grateful for the progress that we’ve made on this file from 2020 to today. But as I said, I hope this is just a first step and we can continue to advance this for the one in six Saskatchewan people who are impacted by infertility.

With that I’ll move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 25, The Income Tax (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 Saskatoon Westview.

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise in the legislature today to enter into debate on Bill No. 26, The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act of 2025.

So this Act is essentially an Act that repeals obsolete private incorporation Acts. And while corporations used to be created by Acts through the legislature, the process has changed. Businesses, municipalities, and religious organizations now incorporate under other Acts such as The Business Corporations Act or The Municipalities Act.

The office of the public registry administration has conducted a thorough examination of the private Acts — some dating back to the late 1800s, which I find really fascinating — and to repeal the Acts of those ones that have incorporated in modern ways. Their work of three years has uncovered about two-thirds of the Acts that can be repealed, and they will continue to work on the remaining ones. On our side we want to thank the office of the public registry administration for their years of work and research.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I am a bit of a history buff, and I have to say I had a lot of fun looking through these historic Acts, especially the ones dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. And I came to land on one from 1915: An Act to incorporate The Catholic Orphanage of Prince Albert. So I did a little bit of internet research on the Catholic orphanage of Prince Albert and found that it was called St. Patrick’s Catholic Orphanage and that it was founded in 1899.

While initially the orphanage had only seven children, the number grew dramatically when 70 British children were brought into the orphanage in 1901, 1903, and 1907. And, Mr. Speaker, these were the British Home Children.

So if anybody’s familiar with this program, children from England who were orphaned or living in impoverished circumstances were sent to Canada and Australia, and there were charitable organizations that brought them to these new places in the hopes of finding them better homes. And some did find better homes, but some also ended up working as labourers and domestic servants. And you know, some had very good experiences and some not so good. And it was pretty much the same throughout our province, Canada, and Australia.

I know that time does not permit me to elaborate on this today, but I really just wanted to share this discovery and take a moment to acknowledge these children that came to Prince Albert from difficult circumstances in their home country, and note that many of them did stay here and become part of our province and had families of their own.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 26, The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act, 2025. 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. 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 Regina Walsh Acres.

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I join into debate today on Bill No. 27, The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2025. This is a fairly straightforward bill. I know a number of my colleagues have put comments on the record, and I know that our critic will continue to do good work making sure this is all above board. So with that, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 27.

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. 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 Regina Walsh Acres.

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Glad to be on my feet again and to enter into debate on Bill No. 28, The Public Libraries Amendment Act, 2025. And much to the chagrin of my colleagues here in the House, this one will be a little bit longer.

The bill here, looking to establish Lloydminster as one city in the library system instead of having, you know, half the city be covered by the library Act here in Saskatchewan. I think all good things. Also seeing some updating in its terminology.

I do want to speak for a moment just about libraries in general and the importance that they play in Saskatchewan, in our society. And I think back to the Throne Speech from this government in talking about the importance of literacy, especially for children who are in kindergarten to grade 3. And I think what’s linked in there with that literacy is libraries.

And especially for folks who can’t go out and buy a lot of books for their kids, libraries provide an amazing opportunity for families to go to to get excited about reading, to take out books that kids are interested in, and take those back and really discover stories and literacy and literature together. So really want to stress the importance of libraries in our province. When we’re talking about, you know, students in Saskatchewan succeeding, libraries need to be part of that conversation.

And I think about my own children. My wife has done an amazing job of taking my kids to the library for the entirety of their life and picking all sorts of different books. And as their interests have changed over the years, the library provides so many options for them to find new things to get excited about, new things to learn and then tell us, as their parents, all about what they’ve read.

So with that I want to say, you know, thank you to the library staff who keep libraries operating. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know a few in Regina who do such incredible work. And I really think about how diverse libraries are.

So I spoke around, you know, the importance of books, but libraries today now provide so many more services to so many different people. I think of, you know, they were the location where you could get COVID testing kits, right. The variety of things . . . I’ve even had the opportunity to do some presentations there at some of the libraries in Regina talking about birds of course. And any time I can get birds into my speech here in the legislature is a good day, Mr. Speaker.

But with that — I know my House Leader already looks so perturbed by my speech here — I’ll move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 28. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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. 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 Westview.

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to be on my feet again in the legislature today to enter into debate on Bill No. 29, The Tailgating Act. My understanding of this bill, Mr. Speaker, is that it will allow an amendment to The Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act of 1997 to enable the minister to make regulations for permits which would allow individuals to bring their own liquor to venues such as Saskatchewan Roughrider games at Mosaic Stadium. And we are awaiting more details regarding the regulations, but one thing we do know is that those who have permits would still have to ensure that people are of age to participate.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I actually asked to speak on this bill for two reasons, and the first reason is that I am a mom. And as a mom, I’m always pleased to see people gather and celebrate and have a good time, so this is great. I’m happy to see people have this opportunity to celebrate in a safe space and celebrate our provincial football team. But I just want to emphasize, we want to see this happen in a safe manner, because I’m a mom and I know how, you know, how things can go. As well, Mr. Speaker, we are supportive of this Act and want to acknowledge the important role of our provincial football team in creating pride in our province.

Now the second reason I wanted to speak to this bill, honestly something that’s not up for debate here, I’m a daughter and my father is the biggest Roughrider fan in the province. And that is not up for debate. So I just wanted to acknowledge that and get that on record. George Rosenau is the biggest Roughrider fan in the province, okay. And of course the team has always been a focal point in our family.

Now I do want to note, Mr. Speaker, that I am perplexed by the priorities set forward by our Sask Party provincial government. Mr. Speaker, many people in our province are experiencing serious challenges in covering their expenses. The rising costs of rent and groceries are pushing many folks over the edge. And I strongly believe that the Throne Speech and corresponding legislation should have done more to address the realities that so many seniors, families, young people, and vulnerable members of our communities are facing. In addition to experiencing a housing crisis, our province is also in the midst of a health care crisis, and these issues must be first priorities for our government.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill 29, The Tailgating Act. 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. 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 the Assembly do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried. This Assembly stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:15.]

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

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