Consul General Dang has served in this role encompassing British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, and Northwest Territories since September of this year. Prior to his current role, Consul General Dang served in several distinguished positions, including the counsellor for foreign policy and strategic affairs at the French embassy in Rome, serving on the permanent mission of France to the United Nations, and as a negotiator on sustainable development and climate change within the General Directorate for Globalization and partnerships. Prior to his diplomatic career, he worked at the Banque de France and taught international relations and Asian and Far East civilization at Sciences Po Paris.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan exports over 70 per cent of what we produce, and we greatly appreciate France’s role in supporting our economy. In 2024 Saskatchewan was France’s largest supplier of lentils and sixth-largest supplier of canola seed. Saskatchewan was France’s second-largest supplier of natural uranium in 2024, almost 8 per cent of their total natural uranium imports. And we look forward to the opportunity to discuss potential to increase canola seed exports to France, to support their biofuels industry, potential partnerships in nuclear, and much, much more, Mr. Speaker.

Saskatchewan is always seeking ways to collaborate, to form new collaborations, to foster growth in our innovation ecosystem. And that’s why our government signed a letter of intent to explore, develop, and co-operate on new projects related to strategic mineral resources with France, focused on our shared goals of improving supply chain security and sustainability.

Mr. Speaker, last but certainly not least, Saskatchewan has a deeply rooted franco-Saskatchewanian community, as evidenced as our magnificent replica of the Eiffel Tower in Montmartre. And this government values the over 13,150 residents that report French as their first language, who make significant contributions in education, immigration, arts, health, and economic development across the province.

So on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and all members of this Assembly, I ask the House to join me in extending a very warm welcome to Consul General Raphaël Dang and to wish him success as he continues to further the relationship between France and Western Canada. And as well, I would also like to welcome Jérémie Péricou Habaillou, his press attaché, to the House as well. Bienvenue en Saskatchewan.

[Translation: Welcome to Saskatchewan.]

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Merci, monsieur le Président. J’aimerais très certainement me joindre au membre opposé aujourd’hui pour introduire Monsieur Raphaël Dang et ceux qui sont en sa compagnie. J’ai eu la chance de les rencontrer un petit peu plus tôt aujourd’hui, et je sais que malgré le gros curriculum vitae de Monsieur Dang, il est quelqu’un de très modeste et quelqu’un qui est à l’écoute des besoins de notre communauté ici en Saskatchewan.

Alors merci, pas seulement de la part de l’opposition, mais du gouvernement. On comprend que l’économie de la France et notre économie sont jointes ensemble. Alors je suis très contente d’apprendre de l’autre côté — on est au courant de cela — qu’on est en train de trouver des situations innovatrices qui prennent en compte les besoins de la Saskatchewan et de la France pour venir en aide à tous.

Merci aussi de votre soutien de notre communauté minoritaire, de comprendre ses besoins, et de comprendre qu’on a besoin de créer des circonstances pour que les gens puissent apprendre le français et développer la possibilité de contribuer à l’économie en français, pour bien sûr venir rejoindre les commentaires du membre opposé.

Merci aussi pour votre intérêt envers la loi 607 que j’ai présentée plus tôt aujourd’hui. Et en général, merci de votre intérêt de revenir nous joindre. Monsieur le Président, j’étais dit ce matin que ce ne sera pas très long qu’on revoit cette délégation ici en Saskatchewan. Alors encore une fois un gros merci.

[Translation: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would very much like to join with the member opposite today to introduce Monsieur Raphaël Dang and those accompanying him. I had the chance to meet them a little earlier today, and I know that despite Monsieur Dang’s impressive curriculum vitae, he is someone who is very modest and who is in touch with the needs of our community here in Saskatchewan.

So thank you, not only on behalf of the opposition but of the government. We understand that France’s economy and our economy are joined together. So I am very happy to learn from the other side — we are up to date on that — that we are in the midst of finding innovative situations that take into account the needs of Saskatchewan and of France in order to help everyone.

Thank you also for your support of our minority community, for understanding its needs, and for understanding that we need to create circumstances so that people can learn French and develop the possibility of contributing to the economy in French, of course, to reiterate the comments of the member opposite.

Thank you also for your interest towards Bill 607 that I introduced earlier today. And in general, thank you for your interest in coming back to join us. Mr. Speaker, I was told this morning that it will not be very long before we see this delegation again here in Saskatchewan. So once again, thank you very much.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Social Services.

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. This afternoon I have a couple of guests in the west gallery I’d like to introduce. First of all, seated in the west gallery, is my chief of staff, Dawn Kobayashi. This is Dawn’s first time in the Assembly during routine proceedings, and I thought it’d be appropriate to introduce her. She came to us earlier this summer, and she has been an absolute treat to work with. She’s extremely well-organized. She’s very intuitive and she’s a terrific team leader, Mr. Speaker.

And joining Dawn this afternoon is my wife, Angela. She drove down from Warman this morning. And it’s her second time in the Assembly; it’s her first time to be here for routine proceedings, Mr. Speaker. She is an amazingly talented woman, you know, puts family first at all times. And she is a terrific cook; she’s always trying new recipes and feeding our family very, very well. Earlier today, Mr. Speaker, we had a chance to have lunch together. We had some Greek chicken and some lemon roast potatoes. And you know, there’s a reason she’s here today, Mr. Speaker. She took the day off to be here so that we can celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary today.

Mr. Speaker, it’s been said in this Assembly many times before, we are unable to serve the people of Saskatchewan without the love and support of our family. And with that, I would like to just say to my wife, Angela, thank you for everything you do for me to allow me to be down here to serve the citizens of Saskatchewan. It’s truly an honour, and I look forward to many, many more years to come.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I’d like everybody in the Assembly to welcome Dawn Kobayashi and my wife, Angela Heidel, to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you and to all members, I’d like to welcome two very special guests and constituents to their Legislative Assembly here today. Today we’re joined by Brittany Hiebert and her daughter Makenna Hiebert, seated on the floor of the Assembly. Everyone give them a wave. Mr. Speaker, Makenna has affectionately dubbed the Legislative Assembly “Elsa’s castle,” which I think probably could stick if we started using it more.

But, Mr. Speaker, not joined here today but here with us in spirit, I’m sure, would be Justin Hiebert, Brittany’s husband. A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to sit down and meet with Justin and just hear an absolutely inspiring story of a family who has seen adversity but has turned that adversity into an inspiring journey to ensure that all children have access to accessible play in their communities, which I will touch on in a member’s statement very shortly.

But I just want to say it’s an honour to welcome you here to your Legislative Assembly. Thank you for joining us, and I’d ask all members to give a very warm welcome to Brittany and Makenna to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Batoche.

Darlene Rowden: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to rise for my first time during introductions to introduce 14 grade 8 students from my constituency of Batoche, along with their teacher, Mrs. Barb Morin. Hi.

This class came all the way from Muskoday First Nation, east of Prince Albert. These young folks are looking forward to the House proceedings today — and a really nice House proceedings today, I’m sure — and also having a tour a little later. I look forward to visiting with them as well and sharing a small treat bag with them. I ask all members to please welcome this fine group to their legislature.

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d also like to introduce some guests we have here today in your gallery. They are some child care providers that have been working in the field for almost 45 years now. We have Cara Steiner, who’s the director of Prairie Lily Early Learning Centre. Welcome. And that centre encompasses 113 licensed and 100 unlicensed spaces as well.

Jammie Trinidad, who is here, she’s the assistant director of Prairie Lily in the Normanview location. And Alora Biram, who is at Sacred Heart location, she’s the assistant director as well. I would like everyone to join me in welcoming these wonderful gals who provide so much wonderful care for our children in our community here. Welcome.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present our petition calling for the Saskatchewan government to step up for Indigenous students here in Saskatchewan. We the undersigned, as it says in this petition, ask the Saskatchewan government to immediately take action to stand up for Indigenous children and vulnerable students by advocating for the full restoration of funding previously supported by Jordan’s principle.

Jordan’s principle was established to ensure that First Nations children have equitable access to the services they need, including supports in school. The recent loss of this federal funding will leave a significant gap in Saskatchewan classrooms. Instead of stepping up to fill this gap, the ’25‑26 provincial budget reduces the education funding, budgeting 4.428 billion less than what was actually spent in the previous year. It’s an alarming move at a time when our schools are already stretched to the breaking point due to chronic underfunding and short-staffing.

I’ll read the prayer:

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

Mr. Speaker, this petition has been signed by residents from Saskatoon and Moose Jaw and Lumsden. I do so present.

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

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in the Assembly today to present a petition calling on the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan for the acceleration of the construction of the new joint-use elementary and high schools in east Regina.

These residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring attention to the following: that in September 2024, ahead of the provincial election, the Ministry of Education promised to build a new joint-use elementary school and high school in east Regina; that there is currently no timeline for the completion and opening of either school; that Jack MacKenzie School in the east end of Regina is dangerously overcrowded; that the school’s library, dance studio, and teacher’s lounge have all been used as temporary classrooms; that all children have the right to a well-rounded education in a safe environment.

The prayer reads as follows:

We respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately provide the support needed to complete and open the new joint-use elementary and high schools in east Regina as soon as possible.

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

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to present a petition calling for acceleration of construction of a new joint-use school in the Harbour Landing area of Regina.

[13:45]

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that Harbour Landing School and St. Kateri Tekakwitha School in Regina were over capacity in their first year of operation; that their building codes and the fire safety regulation Act may be breached if fewer than 10 per cent of students are absent on any given day; that essential resources like the library have had their size reduced to accommodate temporary classrooms; that all children have a right to a well-rounded education in a safe environment.

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

This petition has been signed by the residents of Regina, particularly from the Harbour Landing area. I do so present. Thank you.

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present our petition calling for the Government of Saskatchewan to open up vacant Saskatchewan Housing Corporation units for occupancy.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that approximately 3,000 SHC [Saskatchewan Housing Corporation] units are currently vacant across Saskatchewan, including about 129 in Prince Albert, 280 in Saskatoon, and 700 in Regina; that the Sask Party government has cut the maintenance and renovation budget approximately 40 per cent over the last decade and failed to invest in the housing stock; that the province’s expenditures on emergency hotels, which have risen year over year, is one example of the cost of the Sask Party government’s failure to maintain the public housing stock; that every $10 invested towards housing and support of chronically homeless individuals results in savings of $21.72 related to health care, social support, housing, and involvement of the justice system.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately renovate all SHC units that require renovation, make units available and affordable, and ensure that all currently vacant SHC units are occupied.

Mr. Speaker, this petition has been signed by citizens from Saskatoon and Warman. 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 to implement rent control.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following. Saskatchewan leads the nation in average rent increases. Saskatchewan average rent has continued to increase, rising by 4 per cent in the last year. Average rent in Regina has gone up 3.9 per cent in the last year; average rent in Saskatoon has gone up 5.4 per cent in the last year. Rent control would protect tenants from excessive and unreasonable rent increases. British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island have all implemented rent control.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately protect tenants and implement rent control.

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

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Donations Help Bring Afghan Schoolgirls to Saskatchewan

Kevin Weedmark: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Monday night was the second annual Wingspan Gala for 30 Birds Foundation in Saskatoon. I went to the first Wingspan Gala last year because in 2021 I had spent six months helping my Afghan interpreter and his family escape to Canada, and I wanted to learn how 30 Birds had brought hundreds of Afghan schoolgirls here to Saskatchewan.

These girls were going to school in Kabul. In 2021 as the Taliban took over, hundreds of girls went into hiding. 30 Birds helped them coordinate their own escape, moving them from city to city past Taliban checkpoints, guiding them to safety. It’s helped bring over 450 girls, education activists, and their families to Canada. And 300 of them have made their homes in Saskatoon. It was great to talk to the girls Monday about their hopes for their future here in Saskatchewan.

I was honoured to speak at the Wingspan Gala Monday about a local effort to raise money for 30 Birds led by the Nasser family and Lorne and Lynne Wright, who had each offered to match donations to 30 Birds up to $100,000. I mentioned that last Tuesday night at the B’nai Brith Silver Plate Dinner, Grant Kook and Doug Hodson each announced they would donate $25,000 to 30 Birds. With previous pledges and the matching donations, that brought the total raised to $300,000.

I want to congratulate those families for their generous support and thank everyone involved in 30 Birds for the incredible work they’ve done in helping these girls escape tyranny, start a new life, and build a future here in Saskatchewan. Thank you.

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

Experiencing Volunteerism, Entrepreneurship, and Heritage in Maple Creek

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are so many amazing opportunities afforded us in our role as MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly]. And one more of these occurred for me this past Thursday when, alternately wearing my hat as the shadow minister of SLGA [Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority] and the shadow minister of Tourism, I made a trip to Maple Creek in the Cypress Hills constituency.

What a day. First we were inspired by the success story of Ryan and his family moving to Maple Creek, building the thriving business of Rafter R brewery. Then we joined up with David and Theresa at the Jasper cultural and heritage centre. Honestly, we had to rush to get through not all of the exhibits in the two hours we had allotted ourselves.

Lunch and a small glass of never-before-tasted haskap wine at the Cypress Hills Winery were followed by two more hours with Angus and board members from the S.W. Saskatchewan Oldtimers’ Museum. I had no idea of the redo behind the historic log cabin, more amazing.

I knew that Maple Creek is an amazing town, just like so many amazing towns everywhere in this amazing province. The biggest take-away from the day — besides entrepreneurship, volunteerism, and how these museums are preserving local heritage, providing services to tourism — was how these visits turned into engaging sharing of stories, personal and community, validating and celebrating the face-to-face experience. We definitely left Maple Creek with a lot more friends than when we arrived.

I ask all members to keep Maple Creek and all of our vibrant smaller communities with their amazing attractions in their sights. Thank you.

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

Provincial Football Teams Deliver Memorable Victories

Brad Crassweller: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past weekend will be remembered as one of the most memorable in Saskatchewan football history.

Three of our province’s teams delivered unforgettable, down-to-the-wire victories. The Saskatoon Hilltops claimed their 24th national title with a hard-fought 21‑18 win over the Okanagan Sun at the Gordie Howe Bowl in Saskatoon.

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies staged a thrilling 25‑24 comeback at home against the Regina Rams to capture the Hardy Cup. They will now host the Mitchell Bowl this weekend to hopefully advance to the Vanier Cup here in Regina.

And in the CFL [Canadian Football League] our Saskatchewan Roughriders punched their ticket to the Grey Cup with Tommy Nield’s late touchdown reception, which capped off a 76‑yard, 7‑play drive. Mr. Speaker, with just 11 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Canadian receiver caught a pass from quarterback Trevor Harris to seal a 24‑21 Rider win.

Three victories in one weekend. It’s a true statement of Saskatchewan’s grit and determination when the chips are down. All of our teams inspire us, unite us, and remind us that in Saskatchewan we play with heart.

Today I ask all members to join me in congratulating the Hilltops, the Huskies, and the Roughriders on their historic wins this past weekend, and Coach McConkey and the Rams for a great season. We also want to wish our Roughriders good luck as they take on the Montreal Alouettes in the 2025 Grey Cup in Winnipeg this weekend. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Proceeds from India Night Make a Lasting Impact

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, it was my honour to attend and address India Night 2025 on October 4th. I was joined by colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including the MLAs for Douglas Park, Walsh Acres, and Northeast.

India Night is one of the most anticipated events of the year — a celebration of cultural diversity and strength and an event that supports community in remarkable ways, that leaves a mark on our community and leaves a legacy year after year after year. And that’s a testament to all that support this event and the incredible Cultural Connections Regina organizing committee.

This year Cultural Connections raised and made a record $200,000 donation from India Night to Creative Options Regina. This donation will support their important work that extends hope, opportunity, and builds quality of life for so many people living with disabilities. Over the years, India Night has raised more than $1 million for local grassroots charities and organizations. Dr. Renu Kapoor, Chair of the Cultural Connections Regina committee, says that India Night aims to bring people together through culture, compassion, and community. It does that and more.

I ask all to join with me to extend our gratitude to the leadership of Cultural Connections Regina for their remarkable dedication over the years, and to all for their generosity and efforts that didn’t just make India Night a memorable night, but made a lasting impact. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cut Knife-Turtleford.

Comparing Government and Opposition Conventions

James Thorsteinson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past weekend Saskatchewan Party members from across the province gathered in Saskatoon for our 2025 convention. TCU Place was jam-packed with nearly 1,000 people in attendance. You could literally feel the buzz and excitement from the crowd. There was a confidence vote which gave our Premier and party leadership an overwhelming showing of support. And I took the opportunity to visit with many delegates and long-time friends from across the province.

However, Mr. Speaker, there were some things we didn’t talk about. We weren’t talking about nationalizing our oil and gas industry. We weren’t talking about driving investment out of the province by raising royalties on our natural resources. We weren’t talking about shutting down our coal-powered generation. We weren’t talking about shutting down irrigation. We weren’t talking about subsidizing electric vehicles. And we didn’t talk about implementing a province-wide electric passenger rail system.

These were all things brought forward at the most recent NDP [New Democratic Party] convention. I didn’t hear any of those members denounce any of these resolutions at their convention because, at their core, the lost and reckless NDP really must believe these things.

Mr. Speaker, the Saskatchewan Party is always looking to support our province and make it strong, safe, and secure. The NDP would drag Saskatchewan back to that dangerous ideology and we can’t let that happen. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Family Leads Fundraising for Accessible Playground

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to share an inspiring story from Saskatoon Meewasin, one that begins with a little girl named Makenna and her family’s dream to make play accessible for every child in her community. After Makenna survived a tragic accident, her parents, Justin and Brittany Hiebert, discovered how few playgrounds in Saskatoon are accessible to children with mobility challenges, specifically wheelchair accessible, Mr. Speaker. In fact there are none in the River Heights neighbourhood.

Rather than accept that, they decided to change it. The Hieberts are leading an incredible community effort to build a fully wheelchair-accessible playground at St. Anne School, a space where kids of all abilities can enjoy. Justin serves as the Vice-Chair of the St. Anne School community, and both he and Brittany have poured their hearts into making this dream a reality. To build this playground the St. Anne’s community council aims to raise $400,000. Thanks to Brittany’s tireless fundraising, the generosity of neighbours, they’ve already made some great progress. But there’s still a ways to go.

Mr. Speaker, the Hiebert family’s story is one of resiliency in the face of adversity. They’ve turned hardship into purpose, and in doing so they’re building something much bigger than a playground; they’re building a lasting symbol of inclusion in their community.

I invite all members to join me in recognizing the Hiebert family for showing us what it truly means to lead with kindness and heart.

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

Opposition Reaction to Government Resolution

Sean Wilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in order to vote in a provincial election in Saskatchewan, you must live in Saskatchewan, be at least 18 years old, and be a Canadian citizen. Those are pretty reasonable requirements and pretty well accepted by everyone in Saskatchewan. And it has been that way for many years.

At the Saskatchewan Party convention this past weekend in Saskatoon — its largest convention ever, by the way — the Premier once again received a tremendous vote of support. Party members also voted to align voting requirements within Sask Party with the requirements to vote in a provincial election.

For some reason, the lost and reckless NDP were upset by this. Press releases, scrums, social media posts — oh, the outrage. As usual, their position makes no sense, and when asked to explain it, they couldn’t.

[14:00]

What does the NDP want people who are not Canadian citizens to . . . Why do they not want them to vote at Sask Party nomination meetings, and does the NDP think non-Canadians should be able to vote in provincial elections? Mr. Speaker, the NDP is quick to throw a tantrum about anything the Sask Party does, but they . . .

Speaker Goudy: — “Lost and reckless,” I know our member statements are free, but I’ve been judging on both sides. We can’t be putting intent, what they would do, what they wouldn’t do. Let’s try and keep our members’ statements . . . We’ve got freedom, but . . .

QUESTION PERIOD

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Job Numbers and Management of Provincial Economy

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know a convention weekend was great for a party when they have to fill two member statements worth of bluster just to prove it.

But let’s talk about jobs, Mr. Speaker. We’re focused on the things that Saskatchewan residents care about. New job figures from Statistics Canada make it clear: this Sask Party government is failing to build our economy for the future and failing hard-working Saskatchewan people. Fourteen hundred job losses in October alone. And since this Premier took office, Saskatchewan has had the second-worst job creation in Canada. We know these failures are going to hammer people where it hurts — in their wallets.

Why is this government so bad at creating good-paying jobs?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, year over year, as a matter of fact, Statistics Canada says that this province is up 14,000 jobs year over year. That’s 14,000 additional jobs here in the province that weren’t here one year ago. And that’s due I think in a large part to the investments and the faith that people have in the Saskatchewan economy, making investments that are creating jobs, Mr. Speaker.

And there’s a list of those investments that I’m sure we could get to in this question period, Mr. Speaker. But the result of those investments is the largest GDP [gross domestic product], last year, the largest GDP that this province has ever seen.

This province is producing more wealth, producing more value, providing it to more countries around the world, Mr. Speaker, attracting that investment back into the mining sector, into the value-added agriculture sector, into the oil and gas sector, into the forestry sector in what is a very uncertain and troubling time globally, Mr. Speaker.

And we’ve been a part of those meetings most recently up to and including last night with the foreign affairs minister from India, Mr. Speaker. We’re going to continue to represent the opportunity and to represent Saskatchewan people with the opportunity that we have moving forward so that next year, when we’re standing here answering a question like this, we can say there’s another 14 or 20,000 jobs on top of the 14,000 that were created here last year.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, these are the facts: job losses all across the province; 500 jobs lost in Regina and area; 500 more jobs lost in Moose Jaw and Swift Current; and 900 jobs lost in Saskatoon and area. I can go on and on. The bottom line is this: people are already struggling to get by in Saskatchewan, and these job losses will only make things worse.

Will the Premier explain how he can credibly stand in this House and claim success when it’s working people that are falling behind?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, as I said, 14,000 jobs year over year. That’s the number of jobs net up, Mr. Speaker, in the province. I suspect that some of those folks are working at the BHP mine that is being constructed just outside of Jansen. I expect some of those folks are working at the Cargill crush plant just outside of the city of Regina. I suspect some of those folks have been working at the Louis Dreyfus plant that doubled its production in Yorkton or the Richardson canola crush plant, doubled its production in Yorkton. I suspect some of those folks are working on the Foran mine, the net-zero copper mine just south of Creighton, Mr. Speaker, as it is undergoing its construction, will be coming into production as well.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to all of these investments that have been invested in good faith here in the province — creating jobs in this province, some of these 14,000 jobs that we referenced that we are up since last year — the result is that we have the second-lowest unemployment rate in the nation of Canada and the highest year-over-year job growth rate in Canada, Mr. Speaker.

These are statistics that are very much due to the hard work and the faith that people have in this province, whether it be investing in the future of Saskatchewan, creating those jobs, or whether it be moving here with their family, Mr. Speaker, or most importantly our children staying here with their family to have a career right in Saskatchewan.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we know full well that things are not okay here in Saskatchewan. Financial anxiety here is higher than anywhere else in Canada. Families are being forced to choose between paying rent and buying food. We see record homelessness in Saskatoon and unprecedented food bank use right across the province, and working people telling us every day that they’re stressed about making ends meet. They are begging for this government to do anything, and yet they refuse.

Why does this Premier keep telling the people of this province that everything is fine when Saskatchewan people are facing a cost-of-living crisis?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, there’s no doubt there’s inflationary pressures, for a number of reasons. Largely we are living now in and Saskatchewan very much operates in the global economy, Mr. Speaker.

That’s why I was in Toronto last night meeting with the minister of foreign affairs from India on his request, Mr. Speaker, Minister Jaishankar, and appreciated that meeting very much. And we had a good conversation about trade with India, not just in the space of yellow peas and lentils but expanding on potash and uranium trade, energy security, Mr. Speaker, as we move forward, as one example.

But a very uncertain world when we see what’s happening south of the border in the United States of America. We see some of what’s happening in China, of which we were . . . Most recently now engaging directly with India as well, Mr. Speaker.

At no point have we said that everything is fine, Mr. Speaker. We brought out a budget that was largely affordability focused for Saskatchewan families, continue to invest in health care and education. At no point have we said that the inflationary environment that Canadians, Mr. Speaker, North Americans are facing, is fine.

But we also don’t stand up at every opportunity, like the members opposite, and continually run down the economy and the opportunity that we have in the province. And that’s what we hear question after question, comment after comment, Mr. Speaker. It’s with comments like that, that I’m not surprised that they would be in full agreement with their NDP cousins from British Columbia. And they probably think Tommy Nield dropped the football too.

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

Rural Health Care Staffing and Provision of Emergency Services

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Sask Party government has finally buckled under public pressure and started reporting on emergency room closures. What’s been released so far confirms what we have already known: this government has failed rural Saskatchewan and driven health care in this province to dead last in the country.

Will the minister explain to the people of this province why he has done so little to improve rural health care, and will he acknowledge that it is in worse shape than ever?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Now let me just start by saying, Mr. Speaker, for the members opposite to get up and say that rural health care has never been worse, I could find 52 communities across this province that might have something to say about that, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, it is a priority of this government to make sure that there are stable services as close to home for everybody across this province. We understand there’s challenges. The Saskatchewan Health Authority has recently started reporting disruptions every day so that people have knowledge of what is available closer to home for them, Mr. Speaker.

But when it comes to addressing those challenges with the innovative solutions that this government is working on, point-of-care testing, Mr. Speaker, the NDP voted against it. The virtual physician program, the opposition voted against it. The country’s most ambitious health human resources action plan, Mr. Speaker, that’s what this government is on about and those members opposite voted against it.

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

Jared Clarke: — Mr. Speaker, the plot thickens. We’ve heard from multiple sources now and seen written proof confirming that the minister has changed the rules for keeping rural emergency rooms open. The moment they started posting publicly their failures, they changed the rules so it doesn’t look so bad.

We’ve learned if there’s one registered nurse on site somewhere in the hospital, this minister thinks that’s enough to provide emergency room care. This is a dangerous, dangerous political game, and it’s going to get someone killed.

How can the minister justify playing such a dangerous game with the health care of Saskatchewan people?

Speaker Goudy: — Before I ask the minister for the answer, I’m going to caution the member. Accusing of what their intentions are and what the outcomes are going to be . . . Let’s have a debate over the matters at hand, please.

Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, the comments just made by that member opposite are just not the case. That is not the case. We have a rural emergency room, Mr. Speaker, physician required. There’s an RN [registered nurse] required, and there’s lab and imaging services required as well.

That’s what we are focused on, ensuring that all three of those services are available in the facility to people who may present with an acute issue, Mr. Speaker. That’s what this government is focused on — providing innovative solutions to making sure that the right level of service is available at the right time, as close to home as possible, Mr. Speaker. That’s what this government is focused on and the members opposite have voted against.

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We know that rural hospital closures during this Premier’s time in office have increased by nearly 800 per cent. Now they’ve moved the goalpost to make it look like they have fixed the emergency room closures. But plain and simple, Mr. Speaker, it is now more dangerous for patients who show up needing emergency care. How can the minister justify putting Saskatchewan people’s lives on the line in a desperate bid to save his job?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, once again, no actual solutions brought forward by the members opposite. So what we’ll talk about is we’ll talk about the solutions that this government is focused on. I mentioned a couple of questions ago, the most ambitious health human resources action plan across the country, Mr. Speaker.

Last week I had the opportunity to update the House, Mr. Speaker, that our chronic nursing vacancies across the province are down 56 per cent. Thanks to incentives available all across the province in rural and remote communities, when we look at rural and remote nursing vacancies, those vacancies are down 64 per cent. Again this government is focused on making sure that positions are filled, positions are converted from casual and part-time to full-time positions, and that we have the right incentives in place to attract people to a great quality of life in rural Saskatchewan.

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

Support for Richmound

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in your gallery we are joined by Rolande Davis and Shauna Sehn, two people affected by the cult that invaded the constituency of Cypress Hills. Richmound, Saskatchewan dealt with the cult’s occupation for two years. The trauma that this community suffered is terrible. Residents were antagonized and some even received death threats. Richmound tried to remove the cult. They followed the proper channels, but this government and their local MLA abandoned them.

Why did the Sask Party government do nothing to help the people of Richmound?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Government Relations.

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I first of all want to acknowledge and commend the leadership of the community of Richmound, the citizens of Richmound, and how they’ve had to deal with the challenges that the community faced.

Mr. Speaker, our government remained engaged with RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police]. We’ve engaged with the community, particularly with the municipal advisory, more than 60 times, Mr. Speaker, including a direct link with the executive director of municipal advisory.

Those communications, along with expanded SCAN [safer communities and neighbourhoods] legislation that will allow communities more tools to deal with instances like this, Mr. Speaker, are what this government is doing to support communities across this province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the cost of this cult is being put on the backs of Richmound residents. People and businesses have left Richmound. The village is struggling to fill these jobs. Village staff positions remain unfilled. Even after the cult is gone, the cleanup remains.

Does the minister think that the cost to clean up Richmound should fall on its residents?

[14:15]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Government Relations.

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As part of the expanded scope of the SCAN legislation, the municipality can conduct cleanup and put that cost back on the property owner so that the town is minimally impacted.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to that, my predecessor, the former minister of Government Relations, provided an option for the municipality to advance municipal revenue sharing, their share of municipal revenue sharing, on the annual sum. We will continue to work with the village of Richmound on the ways and means in which that nuisance property is going to be remediated. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Nobody in Richmound asked for this. This government is nowhere to be found on cleanup, as they were nowhere to be found when public safety concerns were raised. People were terrorized and traumatized. Some received death threats. Children were scared to play on their playground.

Even with the cult leader gone, fear lingers in the town that she may return. Is this the public safety the people of Saskatchewan can expect after 18 years of this Sask Party government?

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

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would just say that as my colleague, Minister of Government Relations, indicated, the RCMP lead investigations. The government does not lead criminal investigations. And obviously when there are allegations that are made, the RCMP follow those closely and follow up on those to determine what the appropriate course of action is, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, we will continue to work with the people of Richmound as they work to clean up this property. We have SCAN legislation that has been expanded now to allow . . . SCAN officers, 14 more that have been added as a result of this year’s budget. We will work with these communities, this community in particular, as they work to clean up this property using the tools that we have provided through additional RCMP officers and through additional SCAN officers and expanded legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Restrictions on Foreign Farm Landownership

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, this Sask Party government has been missing in action on illegal foreign farm landownership.

Last week, you know, instead of stepping up and acting, the Minister of Agriculture sent me a pathetic nonsense letter that aimed to shut down the voice of producers, denying what Saskatchewan producers already know — that this is a government that’s looked the other way and that’s failed to act to ensure enforcement of the law.

Instead of nonsense letters like the one he wrote last week and trying to dismiss the very serious concerns of producers, why doesn’t that minister step up and do his job and crack down on illegal foreign farm land acquisition?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. Daryl Harrison: — Thank you, thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a producer and a landowner, I take this issue very seriously.

Last week we asked the member to bring his evidence of foreign farm landownership forward so the board could investigate. That member stated, “no foreign entity — governments like China or criminal organizations — should be able to profit off illegal purchase of Saskatchewan farm land.”

To date the member has not provided any evidence. Instead he has accused the Farm Land Security Board of not doing their jobs and acted like a victim when asked to be accountable for his words and actions.

I’ll ask the member opposite again, do you have any evidence? If so, share it with the Farm Land Security Board immediately. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — There’s no question about the Farm Land Security Board. They’re doing all they can without the resources and teeth that they deserve. It’s that minister, Mr. Speaker, that has to do his job, and he knows it. The minister knows what producers know as well: there are mile-wide loopholes in the safeguards to prevent illegal foreign farm landownership.

Now the minister doesn’t have to take my word for it. He can read the letter that was sent to him this morning from the president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan: “Current regulations and enforcement measures require significant strengthening to address risks stemming from speculative and foreign investment activities.”

Now will the minister finally stop dismissing the voice and concerns of producers? And will he finally admit that there is a problem? And will he get to work, working with the producers of this province to ensure the enforcement of the law?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. Daryl Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government listens to concerns of producers. And that’s why the Farm Land Security Board is now requiring all statutory declarations, Mr. Speaker.

I’ve struck a committee to consult with organizations like SARM [Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities] and APAS [Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan], Mr. Speaker. They are learning any information they can.

But I’ll once again ask the member opposite: if he knows of any instances of illegal farm landownership, please immediately be reporting it to the Farm Land Security Board. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to ask the member from Saskatoon Silverspring to apologize.

Hugh Gordon: — I apologize, Mr. Speaker.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, the minister knows full well those concerns have been brought to the Farm Land Security Board, that information. We also know they’ve acted where they can on illegal acquisition. They don’t have the resources and teeth that they deserve. We know there’s mile-wide loopholes. Saskatchewan people deserve so much more than this tired 18‑year government, Mr. Speaker, that would rather look the other way.

In their letter, APAS says that we need major reforms on ownership verification, penalties and enforcement, audits and reviews — issues that the opposition and Saskatchewan producers have been raising the alarm about for years, and measures and actions that we’ve been calling for.

Why should Saskatchewan people believe that the Sask Party government will now act when they’ve spent 18 years sitting on their hands, instead of enforcing our laws and cracking down on illegal foreign farm landownership?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. Daryl Harrison: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a farmer and a landowner, I do take this very seriously. That’s why the Farm Land Security Board is now requiring statutory declarations on all sales transactions.

That’s why our government strengthened the regulations by preventing the CPP [Canada Pension Plan] or any pension plan from owning farm land here in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, and strengthened the penalties to a landowner in contravention of the Act. And that’s why the board has implemented all of the recommendations from last year’s auditor’s report.

The board has the ability to perform their own audits on any transaction and corporation. Mr. Speaker, it’s important to note that the auditor’s report found the board’s existing procedures were appropriate and fulfilled legislative mandate. As indicated in the report, the audit did not find any instances of unauthorized foreign ownership. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, I’m deeply concerned about dangerous drugs flooding into Saskatchewan communities. Last week more drug alerts were issued for Saskatoon and North Battleford. Some of the drugs currently being dealt on the streets in this province can’t be countered by naloxone. People will die; in fact so many people have.

Can the minister tell this House how many people have died of drug poisoning this year on her watch? And how many more have to die before she will do her job?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And any death due to an overdose is a tragedy. And my condolences go out to each and every one of those families that have lost someone, Mr. Speaker.

And that’s why you’ll see on this side of the House, Mr. Speaker, our government is focused on recovery. We are working through the recovery-oriented system of care to ensure that individuals can get into programming when available. And those resources that we’re putting in place — we are adding an additional 500 beds this year. We already have 300 of those spaces in place, Mr. Speaker.

But what isn’t helping is actually the drugs that the member opposite talks about, Mr. Speaker. The drug supply is dangerous, and so we will not be providing tools for individuals to be able to use those illicit drugs, Mr. Speaker. We will focus on recovery. Thank you.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — She hasn’t answered how many people have actually died from drug poisoning, and that really wasn’t an answer to my question. The minister can’t even tell this House how many people have died on her watch.

The drug crisis has hit rural Saskatchewan communities too, and people seeking treatment to save their lives have nowhere to turn. I learned this weekend that the wait-list for treatment at the facility in Thorpe has 200 people waiting to get into that treatment centre.

Will the minister confirm this wait-list? And what is she going to do today to get those 200 people help so that their lives can be saved?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to her point, that is the exact reason that we’re expanding services within the province of Saskatchewan, unlike when the members opposite had the privilege of governing this province. They were actively closing addiction treatment spaces in this space. And they can try and deny that all they want, but I come from the community of Estevan, and in my community, they shut the entire centre down. It was five years ago under this government that we opened those spaces up again.

Mr. Speaker, we have pre-treatment spaces. We have addictions spaces. We have post-treatment spaces, giving those individuals services for recovery after they get out of treatment, Mr. Speaker. And that’s what this government is going to do on this side of the House.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 36 — The Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur le changement de nom

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 36, The Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025, bilingual, be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Health that Bill No. 36, The Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be read a second time?

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Next sitting of the Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Bill No. 37 — The Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur les services de l’état civil

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 37, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2025 be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved by the Minister of Health that Bill No. 37, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2025 be now read the first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be read a second time?

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Next sitting of the Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

TABLING OF REPORTS

Speaker Goudy: — And at this time I’m going to be tabling two reports from the Chief Electoral Officer, pursuant to subsection 286(1) of The Election Act, 1996. The Chief Electoral Officer has submitted both A Report on the Thirtieth General Election: Administrative Review, and A Report on the Thirtieth General Election: Chief Electoral Officer’s Recommendations for Legislative Reform.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

SECOND READINGS

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 rise to move second reading of Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025. This bill will modernize certain portions of The Credit Union Act, 1998.

In both 2020 and 2023, the Canadian Credit Union Association consulted the CEOs [chief executive officer] and general managers of Saskatchewan credit unions and compiled a list of priorities and concerns for possible amendments to the Act.

This bill will amend the threshold required for members to pass a special resolution from the current three-quarters to two-thirds to align with other provinces, except for certain matters in Quebec. It will authorize certain responsibilities to be delegated by a credit union board to employees. It will provide a definition for the term “professional adviser” to remove ambiguity about the eligibility for an individual to be on a credit union’s board of directors. It will create future flexibility to allow regulations to prescribe certain requirements or time frames. And it will clarify how deposits are paid out when a membership is terminated.

[14:30]

Additionally credit unions have requested changes to the membership termination process as they have found the current Act to be unclear. Amendments in this bill will revise the member termination and appeal process to clarify requirements. It will allow the board of a credit union in certain situations to direct the terminated member’s form of submissions to be made during an appeal to the members of a credit union. And it will authorize the board to replace the appeal to the membership with an appeal to the court, if the board reasonably believes an appeal to the membership cannot be done in any form without violating certain obligations of the credit union or an order of the court.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move second reading of Bill 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved that Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Pleasure to be on my feet here responding to the minister and entering into adjourned debate on Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, Mr. Speaker. I first just want to thank the minister for the comments that he has put on the record regarding this piece of legislation.

Of course we will ensure that we’re engaging stakeholders on this front, but it seems like we have a clear set of changes being laid out in The Credit Union Amendment Act. And it’s good to hear that the minister has done the work engaging with stakeholders in this area, Mr. Speaker.

You know, there’s a number of areas that we learned will be making changes, you know, changes to the thresholds of member resolutions, changes to how boards of credit unions are able to pass on responsibilities to the staff of their credit union. We also see a number of new processes laid out for credit unions in Saskatchewan, specifically around terminating members of a credit union now, Mr. Speaker.

We know that as far as a credit union is concerned versus . . . say a difference of versus a financial institution, Mr. Speaker, is that when you are a client or you have money stored with a credit union, of course, you become a member of that organization in a co-operative model, Mr. Speaker. Whereas when you are, say, a client of a financial institution, that’s kind of where that relationship ends with your financial institution, is that you have your finances there but you might not necessarily have say or sway on the processes or the governance of your financial institution, you know, unless you’re buying up stocks in that institution. So we have a difference between how credit unions operate and how financial institutions operate.

Mr. Speaker, we have a number of new processes as to how credit unions can terminate those members. Mr. Speaker, I had the honour of working in a financial institution for a number of years. And in the financial institution world, we call that demarketing a client. You know, when that relationship between the institution and the client had frayed so badly that an institution is no longer interested in dealing with that person, Mr. Speaker, is basically as frankly as it comes.

So, Mr. Speaker, while I do appreciate that the government is looking at ensuring that, you know, credit unions are in good shape, and that there are due processes laid out as to how credit unions are able to terminate members, I think one of the biggest concerns that I’ll put on the record just around termination of members or, in any sense, whenever a financial institution or a credit union does look to remove someone from the relationship, is that, you know, Mr. Speaker, we have quite a tight monopoly on banking in Canada. You have five major corporations that run five main financial institutions in Canada. Of course we’re seeing smaller ones pop up, but we do have quite a tight-hold monopoly on financial institutions in this country.

And so you know, you come out to Saskatchewan where credit unions came into play, where communities were able to come together and find that together they were stronger, Mr. Speaker, in a sense that if they were able to pool their resources, then they were able to support other community members much more efficiently, Mr. Speaker.

So one of the main concerns I will put on the record though of course is when an individual begins to damage their relationship with multiple financial institutions, and in some cases I imagine that’s probably why a credit union would be looking at terminating a member, Mr. Speaker, oftentimes what I saw — and I worked at the downtown RBC [Royal Bank of Canada] branch in Saskatoon — is that you’re seeing people, the most vulnerable people are the ones who are in terrible situations. And they’re finding themselves with those relationships frayed because of the vulnerability of their situation, Mr. Speaker.

And so one of the many concerns that I think many folks have in this space is that by being able to, you know, demarket clients or terminate members is that at some point, what rights do we as Canadians have to have access to a financial institution, Mr. Speaker?

You know, there’s been a lot of talk in this space around Canada Post entering into the banking sector. And, Mr. Speaker, we haven’t seen much interest in that, I would say, from possibly the Big Five or the federal government to engage in the space. But you know, at what point do Canadians have a right to have access to a banking institution? Have a right to access all the needs that having a banking institution brings, Mr. Speaker?

There’s very few places these days that don’t ask for a credit card when you’re checking in for a hotel or booking a reservation, Mr. Speaker. I always wonder, how do folks that don’t have credit cards navigate the complicated world that we live in, Mr. Speaker?

And so really what I would like to put on the record or say around concerns is that, you know, how do we address the concerns of folks who need and have the right to access a financial institution and all the services that those financial institutions bring folks in Canada? And, Mr. Speaker, I know that there are always complicated situations, but certainly food for thought.

Mr. Speaker, I think I’ve said enough on the topic here of The Credit Union Amendment Act. Certainly we’ll have our shadow minister engaging with stakeholders in this space. You know, Mr. Speaker, I think overall on this side of the House we’re big fans of credit unions, just from that simple belief that, you know, if we come together, we really are stronger together as a community.

And so, Mr. Speaker, I will at this time move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025.

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. 34 — The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to move second reading of The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act. As we have said on this side of the House many times before and we will continue to say, there is no place for violence in our province. Sadly violence can take place in many forms, and it has evolved with technology over time. This bill responds to our greater understanding of how interpersonal violence is occurring in our communities today.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation will amend The Victims of Interpersonal Violence Act by adding two new categories to the definition of interpersonal violence. The first category is conduct that constitutes “a pattern of coercive or controlling behaviour.” Coercive and controlling behaviour, often referred to as coercive control, is a pattern of behaviour that seeks to take away a person’s freedom and sense of self. It can include strictly controlling someone’s finances, closely monitoring their activities, and preventing them from seeing family and friends.

Coercive control is a predictor of future physical violence in a home, Mr. Speaker. By including it in the definition of interpersonal violence, victims can seek help before violence escalates.

The second category is “cyberstalking or online harassment.” Mr. Speaker, the reality is that tools designed to keep people or their belongings safe, such as tracking tags and cell phone monitoring apps, can also be abused to harass, intimidate, and stalk victims. This bill makes clear that victims of cyberstalking and online harassment can access the same protections as victims of other kinds of interpersonal violence.

Mr. Speaker, by adding these terms to the definition, we believe that the protections in The Victims of Interpersonal Violence Act, such as emergency intervention orders and certificates to end fixed-term tenancies, will be used more often by people in our province. Violence is never okay. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their homes, and our government encourages anyone facing violence to seek the help they need.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move second reading of The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved that Bill No. 34, The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s good to see that these additional behaviours are going to be entered into the Act in addition to causing bodily harm, threats to cause bodily harm, forced confinement, sexual abuse, harassment, deprivation of necessities, and human trafficking. And now to have coercive and controlling behaviour and cyberstalking and online harassment added is very important.

As a former principal of elementary schools, many years ago even, this was becoming quite the growing issue with students and families. A lot of concerns are raised by families because they don’t have enough resources to mitigate the vast world of negative impact of social media on healthy child development.

However for years the Saskatchewan Party government has had the worst record in Canada for intimate partner violence. And you see those kinds of things growing in schools and some of those foundational things happening there when they’re not addressed properly or don’t have enough resources to do so. Because eventualities such as gender-based homicide and severe crimes, that’s only getting worse.

We don’t have a lot of confidence in their ability to mitigate it, so I trust that this might be a way of starting. And that’s why we’ve called for an IPV [intimate partner violence] strategy from the Minister of Justice. And with that I move to adjourn debate on this.

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. 35 — The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Energy and Resources.

Hon. Colleen Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to move the second reading of The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025. This bill is an important step in strengthening Saskatchewan’s legislative framework for mineral development. This legislative change provides a tool to remove a barrier to resource development, establishing a pathway that addresses uncertainty and ensures that Saskatchewan remains one of the world’s top-rated jurisdictions for mining investment.

Unresolved issues related to mineral ownership can hinder the development of mineral resources. They have significant financial and investment implications for the energy and resource industry as well as for the people of Saskatchewan. The bill will enable the establishment of designated subsurface development areas to provide subsurface access for resource projects.

The amendments introduce two pathways for designating such an area. The first path applies in cases where private mineral owners cannot be located after a meaningful search. The second applies in more complicated situations, such as where resource development companies make reasonable efforts to obtain consent from private mineral owners but are unable to do so. In both situations, compensation for private mineral owners will be set aside and may be claimed at any time.

The goal of this bill is to support efficient mining practices, avoid wasteful operations, reduce the risk of leaving mineral resources stranded, and contribute to the provincial economy. I want to thank the stakeholders who provided their input to the ministry during the consultation process. Those responses have helped inform the amendments included in this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I now move the second reading of The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved that Bill No. 35, The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Nutana.

Erika Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure for me to be on my feet and bringing some comments and response to the minister’s second reading of Bill No. 35, The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025.

[14:45]

I think that, as the minister has identified, this is intended to provide a tool to remove barriers and provide stability and certainty to the mineral resource sector in those cases where mineral rights holders at the subsurface are unable to be located, and that impedes resource development in our province.

I read with interest the article in the newspaper over the weekend where there were some resource company representatives interviewed that talked about the challenges that the inability to access mineral rights holders creates, and in terms of inefficiencies, and that for the company Mosaic in particular, it means a loss of up to half a billion dollars. So certainly we see that as very significant.

I know in my own experience as someone who has worked in the sector very directly with rights holders, as well, securing mineral rights access, that it is indeed a very challenging exercise, because at times where mineral rights holders aren’t present in the province and for various reasons are inaccessible.

So certainly I think that in this case, you know, we are supportive of the concept of this legislation that’s driving to provide efficiencies, stability, and certainty within the sector, and how this will unlock and ensure resource development in our province, something that we are very supportive of on this side of the Assembly.

But certainly we will be looking to understand, you know, the details in specific. I think I read that, for instance, that monies will be held in trust. I think that sounds like a good idea. We want to see how that’s going to pan out, and ensure that, you know, rights holders, that their rights are being protected and that there’s a fair balance between the two. And we’ll be talking to our stakeholders to understand what their concerns might be.

But overall welcome to see this legislation come forward, are supportive of it, and with that I will adjourn debate on Bill No. 35.

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 Regina Coronation Park.

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour and pleasure to be entering in debate on Bill 24, which is The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act. Mr. Speaker, I will say that this bill should be done a long time before, but we don’t know what will happen tomorrow.

I will say that if we’re looking to the current challenges of trade and tariffs and things are going, and I don’t know which direction we are going, but we have to make sure that we will be stronger if we are internal, we are integrated with each other.

And according to my experience . . . I’ve been working as a driver educator for almost 17 years. One student, he called me and he said, well I am in BC [British Columbia] and I have a learner licence which I got from Saskatchewan, and the licensing authority in BC, they’re not accepting it. And I was really surprised. I called my boss in SGI [Saskatchewan Government Insurance]. I said, we are accepting their licence, and they’re not accepting our licence. So anyway I talked to the licensing authority over there and they said, we are not accepting.

I think we can grow if we start from our house, from inside. Inside the province this barrier should be a long time ago . . . We have to be normalized to make sure people can do trade. For the long run, I think that will be really optimal in a different way that we can grow and thrive together.

But if you are putting in this bill right now, I think it’s really thoughtful that we are looking into that. But again when we do something, we make sure we have to look into all the parameters. What are the things that we can do to make sure instead of making things easier, we are not making more complicated? And make sure the flow between the province, each province, should be really convenient. And also be taking care of the labour laws and the workers that we have in our province, make sure they can take advantage from that as well.

I will say that in the current situation that we are going, it’s more than ever . . . I think I will say it’s more important that we should have to choose that kind of pathway to make sure we can do something better for our internal trade in the provinces.

Our critic will be looking into that in more detail, and they will be contacting different stakeholders and looking for insight in depth. With that, I will say that I will adjourn debate on 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 Northeast.

Jacqueline Roy: — Merci, monsieur le Président.

[Translation: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.]

This is a bill which is quite important to me. One in six couples in this province struggles with infertility. And in my constituency I do hear from families regularly who spent their savings that perhaps they’d put aside originally for a down payment on a home or they’ve driven to other provinces in order to access care, because they just didn’t have that care here in Saskatchewan. And I know on this side of the House we’ve proposed policy for years around affordable and timely IVF [in vitro fertilization] treatment.

So let’s be clear. While we do support this bill and we understand the importance of its clerical fixes, it doesn’t go far enough. It comes too late for so many families, Mr. Speaker, and yes, that five years can make a big difference. Mr. Speaker, as someone who is a 43‑year-old female, I do have many friends that are in this situation right now, and those five years absolutely makes a difference between whether or not they might be able to receive the joy of a child into their lives. And so every month or every year that we delay in terms of these things, does have consequences for those families.

Other provinces did act long ago, in fact some as far back as 2010. But yet again Alberta and Saskatchewan are the two provinces that are behind here. I’m happy to see Saskatchewan finally catch up. But what good is a tax credit without the clinics and specialists here in this province in order to help? So we need to stop referencing services in this province that don’t exist and make sure that when we introduce bills, the services are there to help the people that will need them.

And what good is a tax credit when the treatment you need, sometimes way less expensive, wasn’t even considered when this bill was brought forward? What good is a tax credit when you can’t have costs covered upfront? And, Mr. Speaker, maybe a couple, while we’re in an affordability crisis, does not have $5,000, does not have $10,000 right away to put aside for what they want to do. We know some of these families. They’re all in our constituencies. They don’t necessarily have the funds. But, Mr. Speaker, they would make fantastic parents. And in at least half of my constituency I know that this is the case — that $5,000, that’s just not lying around and they can’t just wait until tax time.

I guess Coles Notes, this government did have 18 long years to bring something forward — to consult, to plan, and then get it right and deliver. And, Mr. Speaker, while we will support this step, we won’t stop advocating. We will keep challenging this government to do better, because when it comes to accessing public health care, having a postal code outside Saskatchewan shouldn’t be the key to success. And I would move to adjourn debate.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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 of Regina Wascana Plains.

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, it’s certainly an honour today to rise in these Chambers to continue debate for Bill No. 26, The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act, 2025. As you see, I do have a few notes to guide me in this today. I’m not quite as verbally fluid as my seasoned colleagues behind me, but I do hope that in the next years on this side and then the other next four years over on that side I’ll get a little bit better and get the experience — crickets from over there, crickets; nothing — keep up with my colleagues and speak as eloquently as they do.

Just a brief review of the essentials of The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act. The Act repeals obsolete private and corporation Acts. Corporations were once created by Acts through legislation. Businesses, municipalities, religious organizations now incorporate under the business incorporation Act or The Municipalities Act. This bill helps to clean things up a little bit and deal with the Acts that are obsolete and perhaps collecting dust on the shelf.

Some of these Acts go back as far as the 1890s, before we were even a province. The office of public registry administration has been hard at it researching which Acts pertain to this bill, so we thank them for their efforts in that. Going forward my colleagues in this area will continue to seek clarification and provide feedback on the bill.

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

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 Northeast.

Jacqueline Roy: — Merci, monsieur le Président. Comme vous le savez, je suis toujours un petit peu plus confortable dans ma langue maternelle. Et avec ce projet de loi ici on voit qu’on est en train de faire des modifications pour améliorer le bilinguisme, très bien sûr, ici à l’Assemblée. Alors j’aimerais tout simplement remercier les membres du côté opposé et de notre côté qui ont le portfolio de la justice qui sont en train d’aider avec ces changements. Et avec cela, j’aimerais faire clôture de ce bill en particulier.

[Translation: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know, I am always a little bit more comfortable in my mother tongue. And with this bill here we see that we are in the process of making changes to improve bilingualism, especially here in the Assembly. So I would simply like to thank the members opposite and on our side who have the justice portfolio who are in the process of helping with these changes. And with that, I would like to move to adjourn debate on this particular bill.]

Speaker Goudy: — I’m guessing the member 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 Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to be on my feet here today and to enter some comments in the record on Bill No. 28, The Public Libraries Amendment Act, 2025, Mr. Speaker.

I firstly just want to thank the minister and the stakeholders who have been engaging . . . or the shadow minister and of course the stakeholders who have been engaged on this bill for entering remarks and entering into ensuring that this bill is as good as we’re going to see.

Mr. Speaker, the bill before us here today is looking to establish Lloydminster as one city in the library system. And as we know, Lloydminster is a really unique city in Saskatchewan and Alberta in that, you know, it exists on both sides of our borders, Mr. Speaker. And of course up until, I imagine here, just with this legislation, we saw two different library systems within that city. And so what we are actually seeing here today is ensuring that folks, I imagine, on both sides of the border will have access to the contents of the Lloydminster library system, Mr. Speaker.

I have a unique connection to Lloydminster. And it’s my partner’s hometown and so we often get to travel there to visit the father-in-law and his partner and some of his family in Lloydminster. And of course then I have a number of family on the other side of his family, on his mother’s side, and around Lloyd and living in Lloyd. And so I get to visit Lloydminster about once or twice a year every year, Mr. Speaker. Great town.

[15:00]

You know, I’m not sure what it was like for my partner — well I do a little bit — growing up as a young gay man in Lloydminster. But I think what we’ve seen, we’ve seen a city that is growing and flourishing and has a fantastic library system that we will see now merged with our library system. And I know every time I have been there, it has been a great experience.

And I’m really happy to see that we are ensuring that, you know, folks in our cities that do exist on these boundaries continue to get the attention that they deserve and continue to flourish. We of course support libraries, we love libraries, and we want to make sure that everyone in the province has access to those resources, Mr. Speaker.

But I think I’ve probably said enough about this Act here on the record. Just a big shout-out to Lloydminster and shout-out to libraries. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 28, The Public Libraries Amendment Act, 2025.

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 of Regina Wascana Plains.

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure again to rise again in these Chambers to continue debate on Bill No. 29, The Tailgating Act. This bill states that the minister can make regulations to create permits to bring their own liquor to venues, for example tailgating at Rider games.

Now seeing that Saskatchewan Roughriders are headed off to Winnipeg for the Grey Cup, everyone in the province has certainly rekindled their Rider Pride. And we certainly support The Tailgating Act, but would caution the government on how this is rolled out. Caution is going to have to be taken to carefully address underage drinking of course, impulsive and rowdy behaviour. I have been personally to Winnipeg tailgating at the Blue Bomber games, and it was well contained. Drinks and food of the day were consumed. Everyone behaved themselves and had a great time.

Now going back to my youth of the 1970s, before many of you were probably born, the Roughriders did have a big push on season tickets. My dad bought, for my brother and I, two season tickets in the Rider rookie section. They were $100 each for the season. My dad would drop us off at the stadium; we would sit in the Rider rookie section with several hundred teens and pre-teens, all unsupervised. Can you imagine? The poor security guards had their hands full. Hopefully regulations will be imposed to ensure that the tailgating experience at Rider games is well managed, tame, and far less rowdy than the Rider rookie section in the 1970s.

As debate continues, Mr. Speaker, my colleagues will continue to weigh in on this bill and its details. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 29, The Tailgating 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. 30

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 30 — The Inter-jurisdictional Support Orders Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur les ordonnances alimentaires interterritoriales be now read a second time.]

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

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to be on my feet to enter into the debate on Bill No. 30, the inter-jurisdictional support orders amendment.

Mr. Speaker, being a father and a grandfather, for me and for all members in this House, developing of our child is one of the top priorities, and I think there’s no compromise on that. I was looking to the bill. It’s really with good intentions that no matter the child, they should not suffer. And children, you don’t know. They’re our future leaders. They could be anything. But we make sure that they should not be going through financial struggle. We should have to support.

And this bill is saying about that, whether the child is living out of province or out of country, they should be supported. And some other provinces that I can see in the bill — BC, Ontario, and Manitoba — they have the same laws. So we make sure, when we are aligning something for the better of our future faces or future leader, why not . . . we should have to do. We should not be left behind. We should always step forward for that.

But, Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned to you that I was a driver educator for almost 15, 17 years. Many times, on various times, when the child hopping in my car for driving, when we were chatting, and it was really heartbreaking when the child was telling me, “I haven’t done breakfast.” And if you look over here, our provincial government is putting PST [provincial sales tax] on children’s clothes.

Mr. Speaker, I will say that, yes, we have to support, we have to do a lot of good things, but we have to start from our home. All children deserve to have a hot meal in the school. No child should be getting into the school without lunch. No child should have to go to school without breakfast. And, Mr. Speaker, I have heard from many people, they getting food from food bank. This is heartbreaking. But again I’m not against this bill. I will say it’s a really good intention. We have to do that. But it always will be good if you start from your home. If you’re strong from your home, you can do more outside as well.

In this bill there is a lot of things, and I can’t really go in depth of the critic that what . . . We have to look into that. The critic of this shadow ministry will be looking into detail, will be talking to the stakeholders, and will be having discussions with the ministers as well. So I will support this bill, but with that, I will say that our shadow minister and critic will be a good person to look inside of this bill.

With that, I will adjourn debate on this bill, Bill No. 34. 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. 31

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 31 — The Defamation Act be now read a second time.]

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m honoured to rise today and enter into adjourned debate on Bill 31, The Defamation Act.

I did take some time to review the comments by the minister at second reading. And you know what, I noticed from the minister’s account that there was a lot of consultation and review that was undertaken by the law community here to consider The Libel and Slander Act and looking at the definitions of “libel” and “slander” and how those can be combined into what I understand to be kind of a singular definition.

And you know, that’s very interesting. One of the things that the minister noted was that over time the distinction between libel and slander has created arbitrary differences that result in different liability standards. Now I’m not a legal expert; that’s not the field that I came from before serving in this Assembly. But I do appreciate knowing the amount of review and work that goes on behind the scenes, you know, hopefully before legislation arrives here.

We’ve certainly seen instances where that hasn’t happened and legislation that comes before the Assembly didn’t have a thorough process of consultation and then leads very quickly to amendments and other challenges. But in this case, you know, I do appreciate the minister’s words as far as what was the process that led to this Act as well as to the other amendments that are coming in the next bill, Mr. Speaker.

But one of the questions that came up for me was the role of, you know, defamation and libel and slander when it comes to online comments and publications and the sources that so many people go to to hear opinions. And you know, we have different platforms that have, I think, over the last number of years changed their own internal policies and regulations as far as what is considered free speech and the public interest and what might be breaking laws that exist, whether that’s in our neighbours to the south . . . And you know, they have different standards and laws there than we have when it comes to free speech.

And so I’m very interested to see how this legislation will stand up, given the freedom that many people feel they have to say whatever they want in a moment of maybe anger or frustration or rage online, as if there’s no consequences for what you say and do online. And so I’m curious what this legislation will do when it comes to comments that may be libellous or slanderous that are made online. And so that is something that I have a particular curiosity about as far as this legislation goes.

But I know that our lead shadow minister on this file and our team will continue to, you know, hear from the public, hear from the legal community in Saskatchewan as far as, you know, many points on this legislation, including that of online defamation.

And so with that, Mr. Speaker, I’ll conclude my remarks and move that we adjourn debate on Bill 31. 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. 32

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 32 — The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025/Loi de 2025 corrélative de la loi intitulée The Defamation Act be now read a second time.]

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Honoured again to rise and put some very brief comments on the record about Bill No. 32, The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025.

Everything I just said applies here. So I just put some comments on the record as it relates to Bill 31, which is of course connected to the consequential amendments here in this piece of legislation as well. So I think I’ve already said enough, so at this time I’ll move that we adjourn debate on Bill 32. 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. Mr. Speaker, I move that this House do now adjourn.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved that this Assembly do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:12.]

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

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