Hon. Daryl Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, Mr. Speaker, seated in the west gallery there are four participants in the APAS [Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan] Young Leaders program: Caitlin Filipowich, Mackenzie Seidle, Anyka Faucher, and Roseanna Stendall.

Mr. Speaker, the APAS Young Leaders program brings together interested young farmers between the ages of 18 and 40 to cultivate the next generation of agriculture and community leaders. The future of the agriculture industry in our province is definitely in good hands, Mr. Speaker.

I look forward to meeting with these young leaders later today and gaining insights from some of the next generation of agriculture leaders in this province. Could I ask all members to please welcome them to their Legislative Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, while I’m on my feet I’d like to, to you and through you, also I’d like to introduce in your gallery the mayor of Wawota, Mr. Kevin Kay. If all members could please help welcome him to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a real pleasure to join with the minister to welcome the future leaders, young leaders, with APAS here today that are getting recognized. And I know there’s the AGM [annual general meeting] this week and the banquet as well. I look forward to joining at both of those and look forward to learning more about each of these young leaders.

On behalf of the official opposition, I want to welcome Caitlin, Mackenzie, Anyka, and Roseanna to their Assembly, to thank them for their leadership in agriculture. That’s something that we’re all so very proud of in this province, and world leaders at, as far as producers go in this province. So, thank you very much.

I also want to welcome President Bill Prybylski that’s joined us here today, along with Chris Procyk and Jeremy Welter, leaders as well with APAS, incredible producers in this province. So on behalf of the official opposition and a grateful province, I ask all members to provide a very warm welcome to these young leaders and leaders within agriculture in our province.

And I want to give a warm welcome, join in that welcome to Mayor Kay from Wawota who’s joined us here today and ask all members to provide a very warm welcome as well. Thank you.

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

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave for an extended introduction.

Speaker Goudy: — Requested leave for an extended introduction. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m not sure I’ll need it, but I want to have it in case I do.

I’d like to welcome two guests seated in your gallery. To my right, two leaders from the Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan: executive director Laurie Bouvier and program director Alicia Buckley. The Aboriginal Friendship Centres of Saskatchewan provide culturally relevant services to urban Indigenous populations in the province in areas such as employment and workforce development skills, mental wellness, women’s programming, child youth sports, and recreation.

Mr. Speaker, as a young person, I’ve attended cultural events at the friendship centre in Prince Albert. Happy to be meeting with them today. Had a great meeting with them. On a personal note, Alicia, her grandfather and my father were really good friends as I was growing up and featured prominently in my life as a young person. Alicia, we’ve reconnected here today and had reminisced about our times at the auction house near Prince Albert.

I would ask that all members join me in welcoming these two great individuals to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour today to rise and join the member opposite in welcoming Laurie and Alicia to this, their provincial legislature. Friendship centres play a huge role as a community hall, gathering places for so many communities across Saskatchewan. That’s included right in my home community, Kikinahk. I know the great work that the former executive director did in making sure that there was a place for people, youth, at-risk youth. It was a good place for everybody. And I know that those services are well represented across the province by all friendship centres.

So I thank Laurie and Alicia for the work that they do each and every day to provide that space in their community. And again, glad to join the member opposite, and on behalf of the official opposition welcome them to this, their provincial legislature. Thank you.

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

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am really proud to introduce a friend of mine, Shaun Nanan, to this, his Legislative Assembly. Shaun Nanan used to be the program head of computer technology at Sask Polytech in Moose Jaw where we met. He was also the academic Chair of Computing and Digital Innovation. Shaun now runs a school called Nanan STEM Academy to equip students with the necessary STEM [science, technology, engineering, and math] education to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce.

Please join me in welcoming Shaun to this, his Legislative Assembly.

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to rise to my feet to welcome a very good friend of mine seated in the east gallery, Mr. Alden Adair. Alden is a long-time friend of mine. We met back in high school. He moved away to Toronto to pursue acting and do incredible things out there. But he is back in Regina for a couple months, and I’ll explain in a second.

But Alden is the kind of friend who you may not see for a long time, but when you do get to connect and hang out for an evening, it’s like no time has passed. And so I’ve really appreciated his thoughtfulness and his friendship over the many years that we’ve known each other.

The reason he’s back in town, Mr. Speaker, is he has a lead role at the Globe Theatre in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. So we had the opportunity to attend the show on Friday night, my family and I, and watch Alden. And he plays Jacob Marley and the three spirits. It was a fantastic show. The Globe is such an impressive space, especially since the renovations have happened. And it was a real honour to watch my friend take the stage and do what he does best at the Globe on Friday night.

And I encourage all members to check out the show. And I ask all members to welcome my friend Alden Adair to his Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

David Chan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to take a minute to welcome one of my constituents, Bill Prybylski. He’s the president of APAS, and he’s well respected in our community. Also a neighbour of mine, and I’ve been out to his farm in Willowbrook a few times.

But I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming Bill Prybylski to the Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I know him too; he’s a great guy. So where are we at now? Now he knows.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to present a petition calling for the Government of Saskatchewan to implement rent control now.

The undersigned residents would like to bring to our attention the following: that Saskatchewan tenants are currently experiencing the highest level of rent increases in the country; that without rent control, landlords can implement unchecked renting hikes, making housing increasingly unaffordable and unstable; that with rent control, residents can budget more effectively, potentially putting them in a position to save for a down payment on their first home; and that provinces such as British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island have already implemented rent control measures to protect tenants and maintain housing affordability. With that, I’ll read the prayer:

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

The signatories to this petition reside in Saskatoon. I do so present.

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to fix the funding crisis in the disability service sector and for community-based organizations.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: the disability service sector faces a funding crisis that threatens the CBO [community-based organization] workforce stability and ability to provide essential services due to the underfunding of transportation, meals, technology, and maintenance; that the Ministry of Social Services funds CBO benefits at approximately 16 per cent of salary funding, and this rate has remained relatively unchanged for 20 years.

I shall 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 commit to a three-year funding plan that strengthens CBO capacity and stabilizes the sector, while simultaneously collaborating with CBOs on a job analysis for the disability service sector, as well as a full review of the operational funding standards to ensure adequate funding for areas including but not limited to transportation, maintenance, technology, food, insurance, and audit.

The undersigned residents reside in Moose Jaw. I do so present.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present this petition to the Legislative Assembly to immediately call on the government to reimburse Regina taxpayers for the Costco deal.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that the city of Regina had to offer Costco a $6.78 million incentive package to keep Costco at the originally proposed Westerra location; that the city of Regina was forced to offer an incentive package because the Global Transportation Hub, GTH, attempted to outbid them; that a sale to the GTH would have denied Regina the property taxes from development while forcing the city to enhance and maintain the roadwork and services; that this additional $6.78 million cost will hit Regina taxpayers in the same year that they were hit with the largest tax increase in over a decade.

And with that, I will read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the government to immediately reimburse Regina taxpayers for this Costco deal.

The signatories to this petition reside in Regina, Mr. Speaker. I do so present.

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

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition calling on the government to address and overhaul standards for eligibility to long-term care in Saskatchewan.

These residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring attention to the following: that seniors applying for long-term care homes in Saskatchewan say eligibility criteria are subjective and unclear; that wait times to be admitted to a long-term care home in Saskatchewan are several months long and that families with seniors on care home wait-lists may be forced to engage private home care in the meantime; that families who have engaged private home care as a stopgap measure while on wait-lists have been denied long-term care placements on the grounds that they can afford to continue paying for private home care; that home care in Saskatchewan costs up to $75 an hour, well outside the means of the average family.

The prayer reads as follows:

We respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to work directly with seniors and long-term care homes to improve standards of eligibility for people seeking admittance to long-term care.

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

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

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling on the government to reverse the ban on third-party educators from publicly funded schools.

[13:45]

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: on August 22nd, 2023 the Saskatchewan government banned all third-party educators from publicly funded schools. Those who were banned include organizations like the Regina Sexual Assault Centre, the Saskatoon Sexual Assault and Information Centre, the Battlefords and Area Sexual Assault Centre, the North East Outreach and Support Services, Partners Family Services, the Prince Albert Sexual Assault Centre, the West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre, and the various YWCAs throughout the province.

These organizations and others have been providing research-based education to schools in Saskatchewan for decades. The topics that these organizations teach include consent, healthy relationships, and child sexual abuse prevention. The Government of Saskatchewan’s own domestic violence death review reports from 2018 and 2025 have both highlighted the importance of prevention education for youth, reducing the rates of intimate partner violence. Data from provinces which have implemented school-based programming on healthy relationships and consent have lower rates of police-reported intimate partner violence, intimate partner homicides, and sexual abuse.

With Saskatchewan’s worst-in-the-nation rates in intimate partner violence and sexual abuse, the government should be doing everything possible to reduce these rates, including prevention education. The decision to ban these educators will make Saskatchewan’s rates of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and sexual abuse worse, not better.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately reverse its decision to ban third-party educators in Saskatchewan schools, consult with experts in developing a comprehensive curriculum for all Saskatchewan residents.

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

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Kindersley-Biggar.

Saskatchewan Provincial Archives Marks 80th Anniversary

Kim Gartner: — Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Provincial Archives of Saskatchewan. For eight decades the dedicated staff have safeguarded the province’s historical records, connecting people to their past and strengthening our sense of community within Saskatchewan.

Beyond preserving records, the Archives advises government on information management policy and the practices that promote government efficiency and legal compliance. It is a key pillar in government openness, transparency, and accountability to the people of this province.

The Archives collection has grown to include over 208 terabytes of digital material, 31.6 kilometres of textual records, nearly 2 million photographs, 11,000 maps and plans, and 50,000 audiovisual items. This material predates the time when Saskatchewan became a province and extends to the present day.

All these records are safely preserved in climate-controlled vaults with state-of-the-art fire suppression to ensure their longevity. The over 30,000 users each year are diverse as the holdings. They include government staff, genealogists, and historians. Researchers have even travelled internationally to access the records at the Archives.

As we honour the past, the Archives remains future focused. With evolving technology and new ways of connecting with Saskatchewan’s people, the Archives is poised for exciting opportunities to continue to preserve and share our collective history. Thank you.

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

Non-Profit Serves Unhoused Residents of Moose Jaw

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to recognize Square One Community Inc. in the legislature today. Located in Moose Jaw, Square One is a non-profit organization that provides essential services to unhoused individuals from that city and the surrounding area.

Square One was created in 2021, after the COVID community response committee identified housing instability as an issue in Moose Jaw. Square One provides housing and wraparound supports to individuals who are starting over. They believe everyone should have their basic needs met, including access to safe, affordable, and secure housing.

Sadly, Mr. Speaker, a senior who had been living in his vehicle passed away in September while waiting for a space at Square One. While this organization does amazing work, they do not have the funding or capacity to help everyone that needs it. Mr. Speaker, Square One does not qualify for provincial government funding, and thus they rely on charitable donations, grants, and fundraising to support their work.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of the Assembly to join me in thanking Square One for their support of and advocacy for vulnerable people in my original hometown of Moose Jaw. Let’s help those who help others. Thank you.

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

Organization Provides Grief and Trauma Counselling Services Province-Wide

Chris Beaudry: — Mr. Speaker, in every community in our province there are families carrying heavy stories — stories of loss, trauma, and the kind of grief that changes the shape of a life. When those moments come, people need to know there’s a place to turn, a place that meets them with compassion, dignity, and real support. That is exactly what Caring Hearts provides. I was lucky enough to take in their Hope for the Holidays fundraiser this past weekend.

Based in Regina, Caring Hearts has walked alongside families facing some of the hardest experiences imaginable — the loss of a child, suicide loss, workplace tragedies, homicide, and unexpected grief of every kind. They offer counselling, support groups, healing circles, kids’ camps, and immediate support to communities in crisis. And because cost should never be a barrier to healing, their counselling services are free for Saskatchewan residents.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize our government’s commitment of $200,000 in annual funding to Caring Hearts so they can expand these grief and trauma counselling services across the province.

This investment helps reduce wait times, builds a stronger counselling team, and ensures people can access support both in person and virtually where they live. This is part of our record $624 million investment in mental health and addictions.

Mr. Speaker, Caring Hearts shows us all what it means to walk gently with those who are hurting. Thank you.

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

Shortline Rail Operators Connect Communities

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to talk about a shortline railroad, the Wheatland Express Safety Train. It offers innovative and interactive programming for children and adults during Rail Safety Week, which is a time to highlight the risks of railways and our communal responsibility for keeping us all safe.

This year during Rail Safety Week, my colleague from Saskatoon Riversdale and I travelled to Wakaw where we were joined by the member from P.A. [Prince Albert] Carlton, where we boarded the Wheatland Express Safety Train, along with a group of enthusiastic fourth-graders, to ride their 47‑mile track and take in their safety awareness program. We were also served a delicious locally prepared bannock taco and berry crumble, a true celebration of prairie flavour and hospitality.

The Wheatland Express is more than just a rail line. Their engaging program brings the age of rail alive, preserves an important part of our province’s history, and provides a hub of activity and tourist options for this local community. Our shortline rail operators are a vital part of connecting Saskatchewan communities, supporting local economies and getting local goods to market.

So let’s take the next opportunity to tell them how important they are to our communities and how they continue to make Saskatchewan and Canada a better place to live. Thank you.

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

Church Serves Students and Family at Community School

Brad Crassweller: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we head into the Christmas season, I want to take a minute and point out and acknowledge the many individuals, organizations, and church groups that take it upon themselves to serve the less fortunate in our province.

There are too many to name today, but I do want to acknowledge one such group. This group has taken it upon themselves to meet the practical needs of the students and the families of Arcola community school.

Mr. Speaker, weekly they provide 150 sandwiches and 16 litres of milk. During the Christmas season they collect and distribute about 80 to 90 Christmas bags, gift bags, along with 35 massive bags of gently used clothing.

Twice a year they plan parties for the school community. They’re currently organizing a full turkey dinner with entertainment for 450 students and parents on December 16th, free of charge. They also provide weekly sandwiches for the Salvation Army, as well as a community fridge on Cameron and Dewdney. This group serves so many people in our city. There are many other groups and churches that serve others so graciously during the Christmas season as well.

I’d like to express my appreciation to all of those individuals, and specifically to Living Hope Alliance Church for the incredible work they do for Arcola community school. Thank you for serving others so, so well.

Mr. Speaker, as Advent is now under way, I’m thankful for all the people throughout our province that seek to bring hope, peace, joy, and love to everyone they meet, but especially to those in need at this time of year. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Province Makes an Agreement in Principle with Residential School Survivors

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On September 29th of this year I was proud to witness a historic day with the provincial government finally recognizing the experiences that the survivors were left with coming out of Ile-a-la-Crosse residential school. This school had a deep impact on the lives of many survivors and families throughout the Northwest.

I give honour first and foremost to the survivors and their families for their patience, independence, resilience, and their advocacy to see this day through. The province made an apology, and an agreement in principle was reached with the survivors.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to acknowledge and thank the United4Survivors committee members, both past and present, for all of their work. This includes some of the special recognition for advocates like the late Don Favel, Jimmy Durocher, Louis Gardiner, Jordyn Burnouf, Duane Favel, Ann Lafleur, Max Morin, Emile Janvier, Michelle LeClair. And there are many, many more that work tirelessly, willing to share their personal experiences and the way that it all got started.

The Northwest is full of these many champions, Mr. Speaker. And I want to thank all who took the lead to get the survivors, the families, and the communities to this place. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Prince Albert Carlton.

Prince Albert Santa Claus Parade Celebrates the Christmas Season

Kevin Kasun: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What a great day we had at Prince Albert this past weekend. On Saturday morning thousands of people braved the cold and lined Central Avenue to welcome Santa Claus to Prince Albert. Mr. Speaker, there were 50 entries that marched to the Gateway Mall. Christmas carollers sang on the steps of the Margo Fournier Arts Centre while hot chocolate was being handed out by volunteers at stations along the route.

To help welcome Santa to the third-largest city in Saskatchewan was of course Prince Albert’s own MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly], but all together 11 Saskatchewan Party government MLAs were there. And one man who knows Santa personally, our Premier, was also on hand to celebrate with us.

It was a cold morning, Mr. Speaker, but in central Saskatchewan we’re used to that. You bundle up, bring a hot beverage, and celebrate the day.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank all of my colleagues for coming out to celebrate, but most of all to the great people of Prince Albert. A huge shout-out to the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District and its committee for all the hard work that goes into hosting and putting on such a great event.

To every business, organization, community group who took the time to create a float, you brought light, joy, and excitement to everybody along the route. May the spirit of warmth, generosity, and cheer fill our hearts and homes throughout the Christmas season. Merry Christmas, everyone.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Removal of Carbon Tax

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, the number one concern for Saskatchewan people is the cost of living and that’s why, I think, the Premier made fighting the carbon tax his number one issue. It’s core to his brand. When asked just how far he’d go to fight it after winning the Sask Party leadership, he said, just watch me. But fast-forward to this week when asked if Saskatchewan is going to have a carbon tax he said, we’ll see where we get. A complete and total flip-flop, Mr. Speaker.

Is the Premier going to sign on to a federal carbon tax, yes or no?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, on the floor of this Assembly there is but one party that has been in opposition to the carbon tax since day one, continuing up to and including today. And I’m proud to once again say on the floor of this Assembly that Saskatchewan is the only province in the nation of Canada that today is carbon tax free, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as we move forward, we are talking to our Liberal government. And unlike the members opposite, who believe that the only deal that you can make with the federal Liberals is a deal to put the carbon tax on Saskatchewan people, we actually feel that there is an opportunity to make a deal with the federal Liberals to take the carbon tax off Saskatchewan people, families, and industries, Mr. Speaker.

Again, Mr. Speaker, we see the members opposite, when faced with the opportunity to be part of the solution, always choosing to be part of the problem.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, I guess their carbon tax revenue is just appearing out of thin air then. The answer is buried in the mid-year report. The Sask Party is planning on having $467 million in carbon tax revenue this year. And it’s up from the last quarter, even though the Premier claims that we’ve been carbon tax free for eight months. It’s clear that this Premier will say anything to anyone.

Will this Premier admit that his claims of being carbon tax free are . . .

[14:00]

Speaker Goudy: — Okay, so obviously saying that “it’s clear the Premier will say anything to anyone” is offside. Also though I think in some of the comments back and forth with what the other party would do or is doing, I think we need to be fair. Debate the issues and the policies. But please apologize and withdraw for that comment towards the Premier.

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, I apologize and withdraw.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, it’s very clear in that question, and other questions across the floor of this Assembly, that the NDP [New Democratic Party] continually advocate to put that carbon tax back on the people of Saskatchewan. We have seen that time and time again on the floor of this Assembly. Mr. Speaker, in fact, that is the policy of the members opposite.

Today in this province, we are carbon tax free, Mr. Speaker. That is because the Saskatchewan Party government, from day one, has opposed a . . . federally implemented, supported by the NDP each and every step of the way or it wouldn’t be in place in this nation. Fact of the matter is, is the NDP Party were there and voted for that carbon tax each and every time it came to an implementation vote in the Parliament, Mr. Speaker.

Again what we see in this province and in this nation, Mr. Speaker, the New Democratic Party, the NDP opposition that we have in this province, when faced with the opportunity to be part of the solution, always choose to be part of the problem.

Speaker Goudy: — So I’m just going to ask, Premier, some of the . . . I have a hard time drawing the line in some of these back-and-forth comments of what the . . . Sorry, can we pause the clock too just for a second. I’m having a hard time, you know, drawing the line on what is intentions of the other side and what they actually voted for. I apologize that I don’t understand and have a perfect recollection of the past.

And we’re supposed to be here to debate, you know, not say what they would do if they had an opportunity or what they wouldn’t do, but to be on the facts. And so let’s stick as much to that.

I don’t think he crossed the line. From what I understand, he’s discussing past votes, and that’s debatable in this Chamber. But I know there’s a feeling that, you know, we’re being fair or unfair when we allow the government or the opposition to . . . I’m tighter on one than on the other. But I don’t want to see things get to the place where you feel like I’m being soft on the government, and I sense that that’s the feeling.

So I’m going to ask, can we stick to the facts? Votes are debatable; intentions are not debatable. So stay away from intentions — what they would do, what they wouldn’t do. I’m going to start ruling more tight on those issues, specifically for the government. So please, stay away from intentions, what we would do, what we wouldn’t do. Please.

Opposition, what’s your question? I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Access to Primary Care

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A new Angus Reid poll confirms what nurses, doctors, and health care professionals tell us each and every day. Health care in this province is getting worse, and we’re performing well below the national average. Worst in Canada for staff retention, longest wait times. We rank dead last in cancer care. And now, despite their big shiny election promise, this poll shows that fewer have access to primary care in Saskatchewan today than ever before. One in four, Mr. Speaker. That’s hundreds of thousands of people.

So question to the Premier: why is it that only people in his cabinet think that this government is doing a good job in health care?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. The survey that the member opposite references, how many people did they call within the province of Saskatchewan? 158 people, Mr. Speaker.

So when it comes to seeing if primary care is advancing and ensuring that more Saskatchewan residents have access to primary care providers, as is the commitment of this Premier and this government to make sure that all Saskatchewan residents, regardless of where they live, have access to a primary care provider, Mr. Speaker, it’s this government that is making steps forward.

We know there’s more work to do, Mr. Speaker. We’ve added even just since last week two more contract nurse practitioners in the province that will see and attach more patients — one in Moose Jaw, one in Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker. That’s the work that’s happening under this government’s most ambitious in the country health human resources action plan.

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

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, that action plan is only doing one thing ambitiously, and it is totally failing. This government has become so tired and out of touch that that Health minister sat on his hands and watched as the Gardens community clinic, which he heralded as the future of primary care in Saskatchewan, closed its doors yesterday.

They’ve known about the risk of closure there for months, Mr. Speaker, and today 5,000 people — because of their inaction — woke up this morning without access to primary care. Tammy Helland joins us today, and she’s one of those people. She suffers from complex medical issues. And since losing her family doctor, she’s called around to more than 30 clinics, Mr. Speaker, and not a one of them is accepting new patients.

So to the minister: what are people like Tammy supposed to do now?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I welcome Tammy to this, her legislature here in the city of Regina. As I outlined last week to the member opposite, we’ve had several new opportunities open just recently here in the city of Regina to receive access to primary care, Mr. Speaker.

I had the opportunity to visit one of those clinics just a couple of weeks ago, Mr. Speaker. Three very skilled nurse practitioners who have worked in all the Regina hospitals as well as the urgent care centre, Mr. Speaker, who have lots of great expertise and experience. Again I would encourage anyone in the city of Regina who is not attached currently to a primary care provider to seek that out through one of the many nurse practitioner positions that we now have available.

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

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, the minister doesn’t get it. Because even with those announcements, with the Gardens closing, fewer people today have access to primary care than Friday, Mr. Speaker. And this is happening across the province.

Kate Malagride, her mother, her father, her two brothers were also patients at Gardens. They haven’t fared any better than Tammy in finding a new family doctor. Vanessa Bourlon’s family are in the same boat. She calls the loss “devasting and life altering” due to her family’s health issues.

The Sask Party knew about this closure for months. There is so much they could have done — alternative physician compensation, a transitional plan involving nurse practitioners, expanding the community clinic model — but they tried none of it, Mr. Speaker, and said, ugh, we’re all out of ideas.

It’s not too late, Mr. Speaker. So to the Health minister: will he do it? Will he pull out all the stops to keep this clinic open?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I could say, I could remind that member opposite for the 10th or 11th or 12th time that this is an independent clinic. They choose the future of their operations, Mr. Speaker.

Yes, Mr. Speaker, we were aware that the Gardens medical clinic would be closing. Mr. Speaker, this is exactly why this government has taken specific steps around expanding access to primary . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I’m just going to ask, when the responses are being given, please let’s listen quietly.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, that’s exactly why this government has been making steps forward on having contract nurse practitioners available here in the city of Regina as well as several other communities dotted all across the province. That’s why we’re adding more family medicine training seats. That’s why we’re ambitiously recruiting across the United States and in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Mr. Speaker. Again that’s what this government is working on to ensure that everybody, every resident in this province, has access to a primary care provider by the year 2028.

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

Provision of Care for Seniors

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, in the last year, according to that Angus Reid survey, 100,000 people in Saskatchewan have lost access to a primary health care provider. Unacceptable.

Today we’re joined by Anita Bouvier, a former personal care home operator, trainer, and CPAS [client patient access services] worker in your gallery, Mr. Speaker. She’s here today to talk about the inadequate training provided to folks that work in personal care homes. They are only provided, Mr. Speaker, with a 16‑hour course, which is also available online — 16 hours or an online course.

These are our grandparents, our parents, Mr. Speaker. They deserve better than this. How does the minister expect that patients get the care they deserve through an online course?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Seniors.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ensuring that seniors have safe, reliable, and high-quality care that they need in order to age with dignity is a priority for our government. And we offer a number of care options for those individuals, and some of those are personal care homes. And yes, there is training available for those individuals that work there. As well we have the regulations that monitor those care homes that are in place, Mr. Speaker, with regular inspections, and through that process we are ensuring that the seniors that are there are being taken care of. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Mr. Speaker, thank you. That in no way was an answer to the question. It was a very specific question. A 16‑hour course or an online course, how could that possibly provide somebody with everything that they need to know to care for seniors with very, very complex health needs?

So Anita’s here today. She also assessed people for long-term care. She’s seen those care requirements go up over the years and fewer and fewer people able to access long-term care. Will the minister meet with Ms. Bouvier at the end of question period today to talk directly with her about these concerns, about the training, and care provided to seniors?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Seniors.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, of course I’ll meet with Anita after question period today. Thank you.

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

Unregulated Care Provider in Moose Jaw

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Susie Silvestri could no longer speak or walk, and hadn’t eaten for days. She was starving to death and begging for a feeding tube. But the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Center in Moose Jaw, where Ms. Silvestri was staying, wouldn’t do it. She died alone, scared. She texted her brother and said, “This is not what I ever thought my life would look like at this point.”

Will the minister investigate this horrific mistreatment? Yes or no?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I did have an opportunity over the weekend to read the story about Ms. Silvestri and would offer our condolences to her family.

Mr. Speaker, our priority as a government is to ensure Saskatchewan people receive safe, high-quality care from a strong roster of regulated health care professionals across the province, whether that be physicians or nurses or many other professions.

The individual referenced in Moose Jaw, Mr. Speaker, by the member opposite is not a regulated health professional in the province, and as with any unregulated service there is no professional oversight. We always encourage patients, Mr. Speaker, wherever they are in the province, to rely on the advice of a regulated health care professional before receiving care from an unregulated provider.

At the same time, Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan does have strong regulatory bodies that protect the public and set standards and respond to complaints about regulated care. That framework is essential for patient safety and continues happening each and every single day.

Our government will continue investing in training, recruiting, incentivizing, and retaining more regulated health care professionals across Saskatchewan.

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

Jared Clarke: — To be clear, Mr. Speaker, the answer was no. Dr. Goodenowe claims to have a 100 per cent success rate when it comes to treating ALS [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis] patients, yet Ms. Silvestri died.

Her brother said, “I think they just robbed her.” And the ministry won’t do a thing. This is a private, unregulated facility in Moose Jaw. Former Saskatchewan deputy minister of Health Dan Florizone says, Saskatchewan is the wild west when it comes to health care oversight.

What is the minister going to do right now to ensure something like this never ever happens again in Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve previously noted — I believe in this House, but certainly in other media opportunities — the Dr. Goodenowe Restorative Health Center has no ties to the Saskatchewan health care system or services delivered as part of the provincial health care system, and the operator is not a medical physician. As such this is considered a private business that isn’t inspected or regulated by the Ministry of Health, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, it is the government’s position that the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan has the powers under The Medical Profession Act to mete out any discipline that may be required to this individual, Mr. Speaker. We would encourage the college to do so. Thank you.

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

Jared Clarke: — Ms. Silvestri died, Mr. Speaker. She was so desperate that she put her house up for sale to try and pay Dr. Goodenowe because he refused to treat her until she paid. This is Saskatchewan, the birthplace of medicare. And we brought forward these concerns back in June, and the minister did nothing.

[14:15]

Ms. Silvestri’s death is an absolute horrific tragedy. If the minister won’t investigate this tragedy or take the steps to ensure it never happens again, will the Premier?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I noted, you know, the care provider in Moose Jaw is not a regulated health professional. I do believe across Saskatchewan we have a very strong roster of regulated health professionals delivering care in both public and some private settings as well, Mr. Speaker.

As I indicated in my previous answer, it’s the government’s position that the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan does have powers as a self-regulating body under The Medical Profession Act. Mr. Speaker, we would encourage the college to do so.

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

Support for Municipalities

Erika Ritchie: — Mr. Speaker, everything is more expensive after 18 years of Sask Party government. They tax groceries. They tax kids’ clothes. They tax families left, right, and centre. Now people in Regina and Saskatoon are staring down massive property tax hikes. And lo and behold, the Sask Party is to blame again.

Can the Premier tell us why he is downloading so many costs on the cities and then ultimately homeowners in Regina and Saskatoon?

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

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As you know, as most people in this House will know, the provincial government, our government, partners with our federal government alongside our municipal partners in order to deliver infrastructure funding to our municipalities, Mr. Speaker.

The province has allocated under the following programs, Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, over $700 million to Saskatchewan municipalities; the New Building Canada Fund; small-business communities fund, $43.7 million; national and regional projects, $196.4 million, Mr. Speaker.

I have a long list of projects here, of funding programs that we deliver to municipalities right alongside our nation-leading municipal revenue-sharing program, Mr. Speaker. I’m happy to talk about it further if the member has extra questions.

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

Erika Ritchie: — Well despite what the minister is saying, Mr. Speaker, the city of Saskatoon blames substantial provincial downloading for forcing them into a corner to raise taxes or cut services. The Sask Party has cut funding for housing, cut funding to end homelessness. And look at the results: more than 2,000 people are homeless now in the city, and that number has quadrupled since this Premier took office.

Will the Premier explain to this House why he sat on his hands while desperate people were forced out onto the streets in Saskatoon, and why he’s forcing Saskatoon taxpayers to foot the bill?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a government that is working really hard to ensure that we’re securing not only the future of this province but securing the safety of our communities and the safety of each individual across this province. This is a government that has invested $98 million into different communities around Saskatchewan, including Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker.

Just 10 days ago, we launched a renewal and expansion of the provincial approach to homelessness, Mr. Speaker, that program, a $20 million program including $12 million which will enhance services being provided in Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker. I could go on with other enhancements if the member has other questions. Thank you.

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

Increase to Cost of Tire Recycling

Aleana Young: — Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. Tax more, deliver less. It’s just the Sask Party way. But this tax-and-squander Sask Party government is clearly driving up the cost of living, like they’ve done for their entire 18 years in office. Carbon, taxed. Properties, taxed. And now, Mr. Speaker, tires, taxed, and taxed 30 per cent higher today than they were yesterday.

Mr. Speaker, why is the Minister of Environment hiking taxes on people putting winter tires on their car?

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

Hon. Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. $1.50‑a-tire fee increase is going directly towards the Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan. Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan is tasked with the recycling of tires all across the province of Saskatchewan. It’s a fee increase going towards the recycling of tires all across the province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That was a very enthusiastic answer. It’s just a tire fee. That’s right. It’s not a tire tax. It’s not a carbon tax. It’s a tire fee. It’s not the provincial sales tax. It’s the provincial sales fee.

Mr. Speaker, people in the province can see right through that. There’s no denying it. This minister is responsible for a 30 per cent hike on the cost of new tires in Saskatchewan. People in Saskatchewan are living with the highest levels of financial anxiety anywhere in Canada. Property taxes are going up. Power bills are going to go up. And under this minister, tire taxes are up.

What does the minister say to the over 800,000 drivers in Saskatchewan who are going to be paying more for new tires today?

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

Hon. Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would say to the 800,000 drivers across the province of Saskatchewan, it’s $1.50 fee increase. This was asked for by municipalities to see tires not go into municipal landfills. This fee is going directly towards the Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan to see that tires are recycled all across the province of Saskatchewan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That’s a thoughtless answer for the 800,000 drivers in Saskatchewan who are being nickel-and-dimed by this government. They might not care about increasing fees or taxes on drivers in Saskatchewan, but you can bet that the people putting winter tires on their cars right now do.

To that minister: why? Why is Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan having to increase their fees?

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

Hon. Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was $1.50‑a-tire fee increase. Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan manages all the financial responsibilities to see that tires are responsibly recycled all across the province of Saskatchewan. Those questions are best addressed to the Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Addressing Homelessness

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, in my riding of Saskatoon Fairview people are very concerned about homelessness and they’re concerned about the Fairhaven shelter. My constituents see people sleeping rough and using drugs. It shouldn’t be this way in a province that is as rich as Saskatchewan. Homelessness has quadrupled in Saskatoon under this Premier, with almost 2,000 people on the streets today.

I wrote my fourth letter to the minister about challenges in my riding, requesting that he cap the number of beds in Fairhaven, restore direct payment to landlords to those on SIS [Saskatchewan income support], and renovate vacant Sask Housing units. But his response included nothing new to fix homelessness and the impacts it’s having on our communities.

What does the Minister of Social Services have to say to my constituents who are being failed after 18 years of Sask Party mismanagement?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When I answered previously about the renewal of the provincial approach to homelessness, that’s a $20 million plan over the next three years. That includes $12 million in three-year predictable funding for the organizations that we work with, including Saskatoon Tribal Council. The work that they do in Saskatoon is invaluable, and I’ve seen it in person. I’ve been out with them and watched them as they tackle this incredibly serious challenge, Mr. Speaker.

When it comes to homelessness, Mr. Speaker, this is a government that I’ve said again, we believe in trying to keep our communities safe, keep our individuals safe. And that’s work that will continue right into the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Government Extends Federal-Provincial Child Care Agreement

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m happy to rise to my feet today to highlight the work our government has been doing over the last several months in the child care sector. Myself and the ministry officials, led by assistant deputy minister Sameema Haque and her team, have been working diligently for the families of Saskatchewan, putting them first and listening to their concerns. I’m pleased to say that this past Friday, November 28th, our government officially announced a new five-year extension to the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Mr. Speaker, our government committed to negotiating a deal that worked better for Saskatchewan families and for child care operators, and this newly signed extension delivers on that commitment. We took the time to get as much right as we possibly could, and because of that, we will see better results in the years to come.

As an example, with the new agreement that will take effect April 1st, families with children who turn six while attending kindergarten will be supported by $10‑a-day child care until that child completes the school year. This was one of the major challenges that families were experiencing not just in our province, Mr. Speaker, but other provinces were seeing this as well.

This newly renegotiated extension is an important step in Canada and Saskatchewan’s continued work together to ensure accessible, affordable, and high-quality child care. This agreement reflects the needs of Saskatchewan families and supports the flexibility of our child care landscape. And that is something we needed to see in the new agreements to align with what we heard from parents and also from operators. This multi-year federal investment of $1.6 billion will continue to improve access and affordability to early learning programs and child care for children and families.

Additionally, Mr. Speaker, we know how important our early childhood educators are. They are vital to providing quality care in the growing number of child care spaces in the province, which is why we focused on implementing approaches that work to support the growth and also the sustainability of the sector.

From April 2021 to September 2025, over 171 million in provincial and federal funding has supported a made-in-Saskatchewan approach, which includes wage enhancements of up to $8.85 per hour for certified ECEs [early childhood educator] working in regulated child care. And, Mr. Speaker, we’ll continue to commit to putting Saskatchewan families first, and we’ll continue to deliver on those commitments. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the minister opposite for providing me a copy of his statement. I appreciate that.

It took far too long to get to this point, Mr. Speaker, and it brought much needless anxiety to providers, families, and communities. For the best deal that was purported to happen, it’s a five-year deal, which is what pretty much every other jurisdiction got anyway. True, it is a benefit to kindergarten children that are going to turn six within the year, but serious issues still exist in the sector and they need to be addressed, and they need to be addressed now.

They need emergency funding for those places that are at risk of closing. Wage grid needs to happen, and it needs to recognize service in education. There needs to be recruitment and retention supports. And there needs to be an equitable funding formula, along with transparency and accountability.

Saskatchewan children deserve the very best, and that includes excellence in child care and early learning. Let’s get out of being in last place on so many metrics in our province. I know that my colleagues and I want to ensure that this province honours its children by building a bright future for them, and that begins by starting right now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Kim Breckner: — Mr. Speaker, I may be standing up at the wrong part. Sorry, a newbie here. I’m looking to request leave to move a motion regarding committee membership for the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Speaker Goudy: — We will ask you to wait for the orders of the day. There will be a time for that.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

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

Standing Committee on the Economy

James Thorsteinson: — Mr. Speaker, I am instructed by the Standing Committee on the Economy to report that it has considered certain estimates and to present its second report for the thirtieth legislature, which includes the ’25‑26 supplementary estimates no. 1. I move:

That the second report of the Standing Committee on the Economy for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

[14:30]

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Chair:

That the second report of the Standing Committee on the Economy for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think now is the time. I request leave to move a motion regarding committee membership for the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave has been requested. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

MOTIONS

Committee Membership

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would move:

That the name of Meara Conway be substituted for the name of Kim Breckner on the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave has been requested:

That the name of Meara Conway be substituted for the name of Kim Breckner on the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

WRITTEN QUESTIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government Whip.

Sean Wilson: — I’d like to order question no. 25.

Speaker Goudy: — Question no. 25 is ordered. I recognize the Government Whip.

Sean Wilson: — I’d like to order question no. 26.

Speaker Goudy: — Question no. 26 is ordered.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 43 — The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act

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

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to move second reading of Bill No. 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act. If passed, this bill will amend the three Acts that establish and govern municipalities in Saskatchewan: The Cities Act; The Municipalities Act; and The Northern Municipalities Act, 2010.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to regularly review and amend these Acts so they continue to meet the needs of municipalities, the public, and the province. This bill is the result of extensive consultation. Over the last year and a half we have consulted with both sector stakeholders, municipalities, and the public. This involved meetings, presentations, and public surveys on key municipal issues that received thousands of responses.

Mr. Speaker, it was by listening to the people of this province that we were able to develop a bill that meets the needs of municipalities and the expectations of the public. As municipalities are an autonomous level of government, these changes at the provincial level provide municipalities with the tools and framework they need to best serve their residents. I will speak to several changes that will modernize how municipalities operate and function.

In many respects, municipal governments retain strong foundations from when they were created over a century ago. Saskatchewan has a rich history of small local governments that know their citizens well and are highly responsive to local needs. From cities to rural communities, you can still have a real face-to-face conversation with your council member at the coffee shop to talk about what matters most.

At the same time, many Saskatchewan municipalities are growing and becoming increasingly more diverse and complex, such that pressures of managing finances and infrastructure mean a heavier load on councils. The public expects modern governance and less red tape to access services and information.

The first change I will speak to is improving how the public access key municipal information. It is essential that municipal decisions and documents are easily accessible to the public. Currently municipalities must make certain documents available in person or by request, including council meeting minutes and zoning bylaws. However Saskatchewan residents feel strongly that accessing this information should not require physically going down to the municipal office or having to make the request over the phone or by mail.

The way we access public information has vastly changed in the last 20 years. We used to look for the right phone number and address to ask for public documents. We now expect to find whatever we need in an internet search. In a public survey, half of respondents indicated they found it inconvenient to access municipal documents. Ninety per cent of survey respondents thought that the minutes for municipal meetings, financial statements, and bylaws should be posted online. In response to this feedback, this bill will require municipalities to publish these documents on a website beginning in 2027.

Mr. Speaker, this bill also enhances the accountability of council to the people who elected them. As with websites, this change is being made in response to changing expectations from stakeholders and the public.

Working in a local government is challenging and increasingly complex. The people who run for council are motivated to help their communities, but they need tools and knowledge to do it. Modernized governance means having the best tools and knowing the legislative and regulatory framework. Municipalities operate under numerous Acts and regulations as they govern, provide public safety, offer services, and enable development.

There are many things for council members to learn so they can do the job they were elected to do. Many elected officials take advantage of voluntary training options and have benefited from it. In recent years, stakeholders have repeatedly requested more training for elected officials. Requiring municipalities to arrange orientation training after each general election will give all council members the opportunity to take training on important topics — topics such as roles and responsibilities, conflicts of interest, financial administration, and maintenance of a harassment-free workplace.

This will bring the training directly to the hard-working folks who serve on council, helping them to carry out their duties. Those duties include signing an oath of office, upholding a code of ethics, and using procedural fairness when making decisions. When council members fail to meet these standards, they need to be accountable to the people who elected them. Therefore this bill clarifies and strengthens these aspects of holding public office.

Mr. Speaker, all Saskatchewan workers, including municipal employees, have a right to work in a safe and healthy workplace. Council is an employer under labour legislation and, like all Saskatchewan employers, must maintain a harassment-free workplace. When that does not happen, council must ensure that the code of ethics is enforced to uphold public trust.

This bill strengthens the framework for municipal councils to ensure practices are public, transparent, and follow defined rules and procedures.

Mr. Speaker, I now want to talk about red tape. Our government has worked hard to identify and address regulatory inefficiencies across government agencies, estimate and monitor the costs and savings associated with regulatory changes, and develop innovative solutions that enhance economic competitiveness. No efficiency is too small and improvements can be made at every level.

This bill is making it easier for municipalities to deal with several taxation and bylaw enforcement challenges. For example, while pets are an important part of people’s lives, sometimes municipalities need to deal with animals that have become dangerous to the public. Moving forward, council will now be able to declare an animal as dangerous instead of needing to get an order from a judge.

Accessing courts is difficult and lengthy for many communities, and these animals must be dealt with immediately. Now the municipality can order the owner to take measures to contain and control the animal to protect public safety. The rights of owners to fair process will still be protected by the municipal bylaw, but this can be dealt with at the local level without the red tape of the court system.

More changes are aimed at reducing red tape for municipalities. During consultation we also heard about the challenge some communities face with illegal dumping; for example, dumping of garbage in back alleys or in rural-road ditches. Municipalities will now be able to fine vehicle owners for illegal dumping if the vehicle is identified, similar to parking violations.

Another challenge is rural municipalities who struggle to collect property tax arrears from some oil and gas companies. Tax arrears affect residents and local businesses. They may face higher taxes or fewer services to make up for that lost revenue. As a result of this bill, it will be easier for municipal administrators to obtain information about oil and gas properties in arrears, serve notice to delinquent companies, and recover the taxes owed.

There are also several other amendments that reduce red tape for administrators and chief administrative officers. We are removing the requirement for successful election candidates to file duplicate public disclosure forms. Special service areas in rural municipalities are being replaced with a simpler tool that allows for the same taxation arrangement with less paperwork. And municipalities will be able to add unpaid utility charges to the tax roll without sending registered letters. Together these changes reduce red tape for municipalities, making it easier to deal with dangerous animals, easier to stop illegal dumping, and easier to collect tax arrears.

Mr. Speaker, the last major area of improvement in this bill is the property assessment appeals. The assessment appeal system should be efficient, equitable, and fair for all parties. However property assessment appeals have increased in number and complexity. This trend is putting strain on the assessment appeal system, affecting appeal boards, municipalities, and individual property owners.

To help address these challenges, Mr. Speaker, your government is making the changes to reduce the red tape for all parties. First, the parties to an appeal will have more opportunity to enter into an agreement to adjust the assessment. Arriving at an agreement outside the appeal hearing saves the cost and time associated with formally hearing the appeal and writing a decision. This saves time and money for appellants, boards of revision, and assessors.

Second, appeal boards will have more flexibility to consolidate appeals so that similar ones can be heard at the same time. Additional work will be done in regulations to ensure timelines for evidence and hearings are fair while efficient.

Mr. Speaker, people and organizations inside and outside government spent considerable time and effort on these amendments. As I noted, much of what you see in this bill was proposed by people we consulted with throughout the last year and a half. I want to sincerely thank municipal associations, municipalities, and the public for their input, advice, and feedback on developing this legislation.

This government remains committed to listening and working with stakeholders and Saskatchewan residents. Next year the ministry will consult stakeholders on regulation changes that support many of the changes proposed in this bill. This ministry will also continue to provide education, awareness, and technical assistance to municipalities.

In closing, this bill shows our government’s continued commitment to modernizing local government. It improves transparency and accountability, provides more tools for bylaw and tax enforcement, makes property assessment appeals more efficient, and removes red tape.

And so, Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of Bill No. 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And my thanks to the minister for his second reading remarks on Bill No. 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act.

I want to start off by recognizing the comments from the minister in regards to the extensive consultation work that went into this bill and note, somewhat cheekily, what a change it is from that minister’s first bill, the derelict buildings construction code amendment Act. And I’m glad to see it because, as we discussed at length, consultation is so important in the development of legislation, laws, rules, and regulations that govern this province, and how our citizens live their lives here in society. So it is great to see that that extensive consultation work has happened well in advance.

That said, Mr. Speaker, we will be undertaking our own extensive consultation. I recognize I’m not allowed props, Mr. Speaker, but on my desk is the bill and it’s a big piece of legislation. This is a big-bill binder I have in front of me — I think the biggest I’ve seen — recognizing the three Acts that the minister referenced being impacted by this.

[14:45]

But that consultation work that the critic is going to undertake is going to be essential to parsing the minister’s comments and making sure that the stated intent of this bill, and the changes that he’s spoken to, is in fact going to be the effect. Because too often, Mr. Speaker, too often some of the centralization efforts that we’ve seen undertaken by this government in other pieces of legislation, in other areas of provincial jurisdiction, have not resulted in more efficiencies, Mr. Speaker, but rather in less.

Centralization isn’t always the goal. So the work that the critic is going to be undertaking to ensure that the views and differences and voices of all of those municipalities and impacted parties in the province are heard and reflected in this work is going to be essential.

There’s a lot in this legislation. I want to recognize that I’m not going to have, I think, the time or the indulgence of the House to put all the comments on the record that I’d like to, but I know my colleagues will lean into these second reading debates as well. But there are a couple comments that jumped out at me that the minister made, largely in regards to, you know, transparency and accountability and the importance of this to citizens in Saskatchewan as well as municipalities. And I’d add a hearty “hear, hear” to that, Mr. Speaker.

I heard the minister talk about the importance of having information readily available to the public through websites and online portals. And that’s so true, Mr. Speaker. Whether it’s through the government of our local municipalities or for simple things like whether or not an emergency room is open in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, I’d hope that all members in this House can agree that having readily available, transparent, and accurate information serves democracy, and it serves the delivery of services to every person in this province. So I hope to see that commitment to accountability and transparency from municipal governments extend across this province, Mr. Speaker, and extend across all areas of provincial responsibility.

I’d also like to just take a moment and talk about some of the other remarks that the minister made about the increasing complexity of managing the finances and infrastructure needs of municipalities, Mr. Speaker. This is a very true statement. We see the increase in diversity in the province, and we see the increasing complexity of the decisions that local governments are responsible for and been asked to be responsible for, whether it’s the increase in property assessment appeals that the minister referenced — perhaps spurred on by the increases in property taxes that taxpayers and homeowners in Saskatchewan are seeing increasingly downloaded onto their bills by the Sask Party government — or municipalities who are strapped for dollars for basic service delivery to their citizens, Mr. Speaker.

I hear the minister talk about the tech support that is going to be available through his ministry for municipalities. And that’s a welcome comment on this side of the House, Mr. Speaker, because just delivering the basic services to the citizens who municipalities serve can be such a challenge. And now adding this important but extra level of administration and document management is going to be a full-time job for someone.

And we hear often our compatriots at SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] talk about how municipalities are so heavily responsible for the infrastructure needs in the province but only see, I believe . . . Is it 8 cents of every tax dollar that’s recouped here in the province? I’m seeing some nods. And my apologies to SUMA if I’m getting that incorrect.

With that, Mr. Speaker, the minister talked about a lot of different topics being covered, from dangerous animals to the designation of municipalities in special service areas, bylaws, the assessment appeals that we’ve talked about, as well as the important area of ethics, democracy, accountability, and transparency. It is indeed a big, beautiful bill, Mr. Speaker.

With that, I know my colleagues will have a lot of comments to put on the record as well as the consultation work that I have no doubt the critic is going to be undertaking. So perhaps with my closing comments, Mr. Speaker, I will leave it there and move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction 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.

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 Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to rise to speak to Bill No. 24, The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act. It appears when a good or service meets the standards or certification in another Canadian jurisdiction, it meets corresponding standards and certification here in Saskatchewan, and it must still be subject to Saskatchewan laws. Same would be for a service supplier, provided they’re in good standing with their own regulatory authority. This does not apply to Saskatchewan government agencies.

Regulatory authority still has to ensure that the provisions on the board meet with this mutual recognition. If the authority then is not in line, the minister can order compliance. If they still don’t comply within 60 days, the minister can go in and enact, amend, or repeal changes to their provisions. And of course with all legislation, it really comes down to proper enforcement, and I hope those things will be included in this as well.

Authorities can ask for exemptions from the minister, and this Act obviously supersedes all other Acts. If the minister considers another Act or regulation incompatible with this one, they can enact or amend or repeal changes to the other ones as needed.

We’re glad to see that the minister is taking tariffs seriously with this whole commotion happening with tariffs with our neighbours to the south. This is important that we build a robust internal trade here in our country. We’re glad that they are prioritizing Canadian interprovincial trade and trust that the Premier and the Minister of Finance will do what they can as well to make sure that this is enabling an excellent, robust internal trade.

We’re glad that the bill is being made to be better because it protects occupational health and safety standards. And safety of our workers, safety of the people of Saskatchewan and indeed anyone that’s working with Saskatchewan is of utmost importance.

And with that, I move to adjourn the debate on Bill 24, The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 29

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

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s great to rise today to enter in a few remarks here on Bill No. 29, The Tailgating Act. You know, I was pretty excited as a resident of Saskatchewan to be able to look out onto the legislative grounds here and see the 2025 Grey Cup champions in the Saskatchewan Roughriders. And I think it’s a great opportunity with this bill to have some good, wholehearted pre-game festivities, if you will.

You know, growing up I played many sports, some of the sports that I still enjoy today. Every once in a while I’ll still throw the skates on, grab the hockey stick, and get out for our seniors’ league in La Ronge, as well as hit out the curling sheets here and there throughout the year.

And you know, a lot of the local teams in and around our communities, they try and get people up before the game, make sure that we’re getting ready for a big cheering section, if you will. And this might very well be able to be one of the ways that communities can get folks out to the game early and get them ready to cheer on some folks here.

You know, as far as what the requirements will be, depending on the size and location of your event and whatnot, that’s not quite here in the bill yet. But I’m looking forward to seeing what some of that might be coming from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

I know that our colleagues on this side of the aisle have weighed in on the bill to a great extent at this point already, and I know there will be some additional comments being made. But for now I will 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 Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This bill is about inter-jurisdictional support orders. It’s about international child support co-operation. I can tell you that one of the most contentious issues as administrator in schools is dealing with the difficult situations about child custody and the pain and anguish it causes to everybody, the family and the community. And I know as an administrator, if we can stabilize the family — and particularly can we stabilize the mom, which includes financial support and child support — we increase the life chances of children having some success in our schools.

The Hague 2007 Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support applies and is law in Saskatchewan. It creates agreements with foreign countries to enforce collection of child support. It also is law in BC [British Columbia], Ontario, and Manitoba.

Party to a child support order from a foreign country can apply to have this registration set aside if it was registered in another country or province and territory, unless that party never got the notice of the registration. Foreign documents related to this do not need to be sworn in.

Children or applicants are not legally required to attend hearings. And it means we can have communications through electronic means, not just by phone. And the freedom of information still applies. An individual’s personal information can be moved from the application for safety reasons.

Of course, we’d like to support international co-operation on this important topic. It’s difficult for families to look after their children in this economy, even before you factor in the difficulties of international barriers. Child support is critical to family support and well-being. Saskatchewan has the highest proportion of child food bank users in Canada, and there’s PST [provincial sales tax] on so many things, including children’s clothes and groceries.

I hope that this bill will make a good, positive impact for our families’ children. And with that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 30, inter-jurisdictional support orders and amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s great to rise today and to enter in a few remarks as well on Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act.

From, you know, a quick summary of the bill, looking through on what the government is trying to do, tightening laws around legal action against defamatory publications, that a plaintiff has to specify in the action what statements were defamatory. But it doesn’t necessarily say on how they were defamed. That a defendant can claim a written apology if they gave the plaintiff as a mitigation of damages, if they have denied the allegations and had a judgment by default, or been ruled against, among some other things here in the bill as well.

And for me, you know, growing up, I didn’t receive my first cell phone and access to the internet until I was about 14 or 15. And I can tell you that, you know, raising the next generation, that access to information comes a little bit earlier and earlier and earlier. And I’m glad to see that there are some providers of some of those online services that have specific kids’ sections. But I think as we raise the next generation, and what they are going to be seeing on the internet, I think it’s very important that bills like this come forward that have, you know, some stronger provisions around maybe some of the regulations surrounding what people can have available on the internet.

And you know, just going into the old libel and slander Act, the definition of “malicious intent” in this is also quite vague. And again when we’re going into what this bill could do, hopefully it will help us battle some levels of misinformation that is available to the general public through, like I said, many different publications here in Saskatchewan.

I know that my colleagues have entered in on this debate previous to me, and I recognize a lot of the comments that they have made and echo much of what they have said. And I know that there will be additional remarks put on the record here from our colleagues on this side. And I appreciate the opportunity to enter in on Bill No. 31, but for now I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act.

[15:00]

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 Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think the member from Regina Rochdale would like to jump in on this one, but I stood up first so it’s my turn on Bill No. 32 here, The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act. If folks are wondering what this is, again it just is the consequential parts of The Defamation Act itself, many of the points that I’ve already kind of spoken to here today.

Just to add a little bit more maybe while I’m on the consequential amendment Act, but you know, the bill kind of brings in that juries must rule on whether defamation occurred, not just that the defendant actually said the words in question. If the defamation is online, the court can order the defendant or the online platform to remove or hide the post, and things that are protected unless written maliciously is the legislative proceedings, whether that be municipal, provincial, or federal, and the publications around them, legal proceedings and reports, and peer-reviewed academic and scientific journals.

Again I know my colleagues have entered in on this previously and will enter in again on this in the future, but for now I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 32, The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 33

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 33 — The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to stand and speak to this amendment of The Credit Union Amendment Act.

In short, it’s clearing up some of the processes for terminating credit union memberships. It suggests that written notice must include meeting information, grounds for termination, and submission if the member chooses to make. Credit unions must send notice to any member, and after terminating, the credit union has 10 days to send a notice with information about the appeal process and any payment due to that member. Members of course can appeal, and they have 30 days to do so.

The credit union must pay out any terminated members’ funds. If they have funds that haven’t hit maturity, the credit union decides whether to pay that out right away or once they mature. Anyone can withdraw from a credit union by verbal notice, and the credit union must send written acknowledgement within seven days. Boards can empower credit union employees to approve members, access members lists, and change corporate seal. Any member can get a copy of the credit union bylaws for free.

Of course we’ll consult with stakeholders as to whether this will increase efficiency. We really do, on this side of the House, appreciate credit unions. We love Saskatchewan people’s dollars stay in Saskatchewan. It makes for a stronger community, and this is why we wish that the Sask Party would try as best they can not to send dollars out of the province and out of the country.

Credit unions make incredible contributions to rural life in our province. My grandparents from Hungary and Germany settled in the Muenster and Annaheim area, and they relied on credit unions to be able to help support them in growing their family practice farming. Many first-time homeowners, when other banks won’t support them, they can get a loan from the credit unions. And we hope that this bill will streamline and make the processes more efficient and to keep credit unions and their memberships vibrant for our province of Saskatchewan.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn the debate on Bill 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 35

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Colleen Young that Bill No. 35 — The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to provide remarks on Bill No. 35, The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025.

I’m pleased to see this bill come forward as I come from a family of trades workers, many of which were involved in the mining industry throughout their lives in different capacities, including my grandpa who was involved in the building of what is now BHP Jansen mine. My dad, as well, has served some time working there. And I have a number of relatives that live in that area in fact. My own family, my dad’s family, is from Allan area. And I remember receiving a piece of potash when I was quite young, and that’s something that I’ve carried with me. I still have that same piece of potash.

So I’m very supportive of the mining industry, and I know that my colleagues on this side of the House are. You know, we want mining to happen efficiently and responsibly here in Saskatchewan. We want to see investments, and we want to attract investment and expand mining, which is a significant part of our economy in Saskatchewan. And I believe that there is a lot of opportunity for growth.

This bill would allow companies to apply for access to explore minerals in areas that are currently considered inaccessible. It would support the mining industry by creating rules to improve and maximize the mineral resource exploration.

I believe that it’s important that we’re having conversations with stakeholders. I believe that it’s important that we include First Nations in these conversations and consultations. Everything that we do when we talk about industry and we talk about mining, it’s imperative that we have all voices at the table that are impacted by this. That includes labour. That includes corporations and external partners. And, as I said, it includes First Nations communities.

So overall we are supportive of this bill. However as I said, I think it’s very important that we continue to have those conversations and that we continue consultation as we expand industry here in Saskatchewan. And with that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 35, The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 36

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jeremy Cockrill that Bill No. 36 — The Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur le changement de nom be now read a second time.]

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to enter a few remarks on Bill No. 36, The Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025.

It’s a very important bill. It’s very inclusive. I really like the clause where it says family names are no longer limited to two components. I have many friends from the Sri Lankan community and they have very, very long names. And this is not only true for the Sri Lankan community. There are many other cultural and religious communities, people are having long names. So this will make them very inclusive. This is very important.

Another clause says the government can notify police of any change of name. This is important in certain cases, but we want to make sure that this is done safely and responsibly. The other clause says that only permanent residents and citizens can change their names, so we just want to know how many temporary residents are asking to change their names and why.

Another part I want to see is that there may be many temporary foreign workers or international students getting married to permanent residents or citizens. So the question is, can they change their name? And if not, why not?

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I will move to adjourn the debate on Bill No. 36, The Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 37

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jeremy Cockrill that Bill No. 37 — The Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2025/Loi modificative de 2025 sur les services de l’état civil be now read a second time.]

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise to speak to Bill No. 37, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2025.

In following my colleague from Saskatoon University’s comments in regards to name changing, I have to say I think it’s good to see modernizing of naming regulations in keeping with our more diverse province. I think that this is really a step in the right direction. I know that this will make a big impact for vulnerable people, especially women and individuals experiencing intimate partner violence, or IPV, or gender-based violence.

Saskatchewan has the highest rate of gender-based violence in all of Canada. It’s double the national average, and you know, the government needs to take action. The government conducted the domestic violence death review and the report was released earlier this year outlining a number of steps and policies that could be implemented to support women that are experiencing gender-based violence.

And although this is a step in the right direction, there is a number of other steps that the government could take, such as you know, improving transportation in rural areas of Saskatchewan, educating at-risk men and individuals who may be perpetrators of IPV and GBV [gender-based violence], improving access to cellular services and internet services in northern communities.

So while I am pleased to see this come forward, and I think it’s great to be modernizing naming regulations, I do believe that there are a number of other steps that the government could take in terms of addressing IPV and GBV. But I do believe that this is a step in the right direction.

And with that I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 37, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2025. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 38

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Everett Hindley that Bill No. 38 — The Building Schools Faster Act be now read a second time.]

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Merci, monsieur le Président. C’est une bonne journée de me lever, puis de parler en français dans cette chambre ici, bien sûr. Je suis certaine que le gouvernement sait que ça s’en vient, parler des écoles fransaskoises ici en Saskatchewan. Puis où on est rendu?

Alors quand on est en train de dire « bâtir des écoles plus vite », bien là je m’arrête pour un instant, puis je pense que le gouvernement, depuis 18 ans ils sont ici, ils sont en train de faire du travail. D’abord, pourquoi est-ce que le Conseil des écoles fransaskoises a toujours besoin de demander pour des nouvelles écoles pour venir combler les besoins sous la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés? Alors moi je comprends pas pantoute. Et on voit que d’autres écoles, elles sont laissées de côté.

Alors on voit qu’avec le Conseil des écoles fransaskoises, 50 pour cent, la moitié des écoles sont pas dans une bonne condition. Elles vont pas être réparées très vite, et on voit un gouvernement qui peut pas agir, qui peut pas mettre en route des démarches pour aider à cette situation-là.

Prenons par exemple Prince Albert. Alors à Prince Albert, on sait qu’il y a une école qui aurait dû être construite voilà il y a longtemps. Mais on n’a pas été capable de mettre de côté les mesures ou les mettre en place pour faire cela.

On sait qu’à Regina, on voit une école qui a de la moisissure partout. On a parlé de cela à Moose Jaw, à Saskatoon, à North Battleford, dans plein d’autres places dans cette province, dans des endroits ruraux. On est en train de rien faire.

Alors moi, quand je vois ceci, monsieur le Président, je pense, est-ce que ça va faire une différence? Est-ce que ça va faire une différence pour les écoles fransaskoises? Parce qu’on attend depuis longtemps. Et malheureusement, malheureusement, monsieur le Président, ce qui est en train d’arriver c’est qu’on a eu des poursuites en cour, des poursuites judiciaires au cours des 18 dernières années pour aller rejoindre ces écoles-là. Puis en fait, on a vu des écoles être bâties.

Mais moi je veux pas voir la communauté être en cours judiciaire une autre fois. J’espère que le gouvernement agit. Je l’espère très bien, mais on va voir. On va voir. Parce que moi j’ai pas beaucoup de confiance maintenant en ce qui concerne le passé.

[15:15]

Alors avec cela, je pense que je vais laisser mes commentaires comme ils sont.

[Translation: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is certainly a great day to rise and speak French in this Chamber. I am sure that the government knows what’s coming — talking about Fransaskois schools here in Saskatchewan. So where are we at now?

So when we say “build schools faster,” well I stop for a moment and I think, they’ve had 18 years to be working on this. First of all, why is the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises always having to ask for new schools to satisfy the provisions of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms? So I don’t understand, not at all. And we see that other schools are left aside.

So we see that with the Conseil des écoles fransaskoises, 50 per cent, half of schools are not in good condition. They won’t be repaired very quickly, and we see a government who cannot act, who can’t put in motion the measures needed to improve this situation.

Let’s take Prince Albert for example. So in Prince Albert, we know there’s a school that should have been built a long time ago. But we weren’t able to put measures into place to get that done.

We know that in Regina, there’s a school that has mould everywhere. We’ve talked about that in Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, North Battleford, and many other places in the province, in rural areas. We’re not doing anything.

So when I see this, Mr. Speaker, I think, is it going to make a difference? Will it make a difference for Fransaskois schools? Because we’ve been waiting for a long time. And unfortunately, unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, what’s happening is that there are cases before the courts, legal cases over the last 18 years to address those schools. Then finally, we saw schools being built.

But I don’t want to see the community have to go to court again. I hope that the government acts. I really hope for that, but we’ll see. We’ll see. Because I don’t have much confidence now given what’s happened in the past.

So with that, I think I’ll leave my comments as they stand.]

Et je suis maintenant prête à ajourner ce débat. I am now prepared to adjourn the debate on Bill No. 38. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 39

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Everett Hindley that Bill No. 39 — The Building Schools Faster Consequential Amendment Act, 2025/Loi de 2025 corrélative de la loi intitulée The Building Schools Faster Act be now read a second time.]

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my honour to rise today to enter into debate on Bill No. 39, The Building Schools Faster Act. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, I’ve had the chance to tour many schools in this province with my duties and my jobs, in my former responsibilities with the STF [Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation], and in some of my current responsibilities.

And what I see is that while we may be considering building schools faster, there is already legislation in place, especially here in Regina. There are already city laws, bylaws in place that needed to be looked at in order to get schools built 12 months or 18 months faster than they were already on the docket to be rebuilt.

So this government has had 18 years to take notice of that, has had 18 years to notice that Regina does indeed have different bylaws. And I have no idea why it has taken this long for Bill No. 39 to then come before this House. Regina schools have been suffering for a long time. We don’t need another Harbour Landing situation, especially out in the east area — sort of in my riding — where schools are bursting at the seams. I’m not sure why it would take 18 years to introduce legislation like this. And quite frankly I’m concerned that we’re leaving other schools behind in the city, where we see that they are in dire need of repair.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I only have one final thought to add, and that’s that it actually did take consolidation of schools together in order to build one of the newest schools we’ve seen in one of the Regina ridings, but that that school was announced as open when, in fact, students were not able to take classes in the main part of the new school as of just yet.

So I would also just like to put on the record that when we see that we are opening a new school, we need to see that school fully functional — all wings open, everything happening in all areas, students fully transitioned to that new area — before we actually declare that as a legitimately open school. And I certainly hope that the government will consider that while building schools faster might seem great, actually building them so that they can meet the needs of students and properly taking care of staff, is even more important.

And with that, I’m prepared to adjourn debate, Mr. Speaker, on Bill No. 39. 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. 40

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Daryl Harrison that Bill No. 40 — The Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to join the debate on Bill No. 40, The Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2025. So this Act is designed to increase transparency, public accountability, and consistency in enforcing animal protection standards; and delegating certain positions of animal welfare inspectors who are supposed to educate the public and livestock industry members on proper care; and granting authority to obtain telewarrants to relieve animal distress. And most importantly, there will be a code of conduct for the animal protection officers and inspectors. And we need to follow the international standards when it comes to protecting the animals because we are a trading country, and we trade to so many countries. So we need to follow the guidelines as for global standards.

So our vision should be healthy people, healthy animals. If people are suffering from mental health issues, under financial stress, or having any health issues, it’s hard to imagine healthy animals. So when we are focusing on the animal protection or animal health, we also need to focus on the humans as well.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 40, The Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2025. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 41

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Alana Ross that Bill No. 41 — The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act/Loi sur la reconnaissance du patrimoine (Nos origines multiples, notre force) be now read a second time.]

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to enter a few remarks on Bill No. 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act. So this is a very important Act. It’s very welcome, huge step in the right direction. And the minister now can proclaim any heritage day, week, or month they want, just like we have The Sikh Heritage Month Act.

I’m living here in Saskatchewan for the last 26 years, and we have seen that many cultural communities, many religious communities are growing, growing very fast in the last number of years. They have their important days, religious days, cultural days. It’s important we celebrate those days to make it more inclusive.

And one thing I note that when this bill was introduced last month, after two or three days our Premier posted this on the social media. And when I was looking over the comments on that post, more than 95 per cent of those comments were very hateful, very negative. Very disheartening to see those kinds of comments. That’s not who we are in Saskatchewan. I’m not seeing any member opposite from the government saying that “you must stop; there’s no place for racism in this province.” I’m not seeing that.

So when we say these things here, we have to act accordingly. We should believe in that. We should believe in that, “from many peoples, strength.” It’s not just saying those stuff. If so much stuff is happening on social media against this bill, against the people who are trying to promote it . . . So this is not welcome here. So I’m encouraging the members of the opposite, if something’s happening in their social media post, they must say something. That if they believe in this bill, that they should stop racism. There’s no place for racism in this province.

Another part, like I can see that the many people are coming to this province to have a good life, to raise their kids. And I can see that last month Sask Party in their convention passed a resolution where they said that permanent residents are not allowed to . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Sorry. I’m going to ask the member to, you know, stick to the bill that’s before us. Talking about conventions or other things, that’s not what we’re here to discuss. So please, address the bill.

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to say that when we say “from many peoples, strength,” we should believe in that motto and we should act accordingly when we say that motto.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I’ll move to adjourn the debate on this Bill No. 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) 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. 42

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 42 — The Saskatchewan Firearms Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today to speak to Bill No. 42, the firearms amendment Act. What I’m quite pleased to see is that the firearms officer can designate firearm safety instructors’ policies and guidelines for designation.

As a hunter myself and a gun owner, it is safety first in the home, safety first in the family, and safety first in the community. And the programs that are in the firearm safety program for people to access is very, very important and thorough, and I hope that that continues if not enhanced. I trust that the course content will be constantly reviewed and also that there is oversight over the instructors and their processes.

Of course we support this legislation and we support the firearms commissioner’s office. Saskatchewan people take their guns very seriously, as I do. And of course we’ll be looking carefully to make sure that all their rights are respected as well. Safety first. The CFO [Chief Firearms Officer] is empowered to enforce compliance with all safety standards in ranges and clubs, and that’s important too as I live near a range which starts up at 8 o’clock in the morning on Sundays.

We support also the right of health care workers to report any medical condition that would make gun ownership dangerous. Particularly important is the vigilance we need to continue having as a society regarding mental health and the cues to prevent domestic violence and death by suicide by gun owners as well. Those are key and of utmost importance when talking about this Act.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on the firearms amendment Act no. 42.

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 Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To facilitate the work of committees, I move that the Assembly 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 1:30 p.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:26.]

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

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