Blaine McLeod: — I’ll just say my wife’s on vacation just now, right now. That’s why I thought . . . Mr. Speaker, in your gallery is five very fine people that I’d like to introduce today.

First of all, retired Brigadier-General Cliff Walker. Born and raised in Regina, Cliff’s military career spanned 35 years, and he was appointed the Regina Rifles commanding officer at the tender age of 28. One initiative that brings him continued joy is the Bold Eagle program that he helped co-found with help from Indigenous leaders in the RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police]. It continues to be one of the most successful Indigenous youth programs in Canada. And 36 years later it is still going strong, with an annual intake of approximately 125 youth.

Lieutenant-Colonel Ed Staniowski is another former commanding officer of the Royal Regina Rifles, born in Moose Jaw and known in Regina as the last winning goalie for the 1974 Memorial Cup champion Regina Pats and then a successful 10‑year career in the NHL [National Hockey League].

Ed joined the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserves in 1985 as an officer cadet in the Royal Regina Rifles. Rising through the ranks, he became the CO [commanding officer] from ’98 to 2001 in a military career that spanned 30 years. In retirement, Ed was Chair of the commemorative project Operation Calvados, an 8-foot-high Regina rifleman bronze statue which is placed in la Place des Canadiens in Bretteville in France. It stands as a reminder to future generations of the Regina Rifle regiment’s history of sacrifice and endurance that began on D-Day, June 7th, 1944.

And then we have Retired Corporal Jamie Sinclair. Now Jamie spent 34 years in the Canadian Armed Forces serving with the Royal Regina Rifles and Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. He served in four tours overseas, deployed with A Company of the 1st Battalion PPCLI [Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry] in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan serving as a trained sniper, taking on the role of platoon sharpshooter.

Now Jamie resides in Regina Beach and is incredibly active in organizing and volunteering in his community. If you haven’t met Jamie, you haven’t lived in Regina Beach very long. Love you, brother.

And then also Master Warrant Officer Retired Willy MacDonald, who grew up in Regina from the age of one through to his graduation from Sheldon Collegiate. After graduation he went to the U of R [University of Regina] where he completed three semesters of learning. And after those three semesters, let’s just say that university was not his cup of tea, and so began his career of 25 years in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Now I’ll be speaking more in regards to Willy in a member’s statement, so for now I will say that he’s retired from the Canadian Armed Forces in 2015 and resides in Calgary with his wife and his son.

Mr. Speaker, a bit of a theme that has occurred there is that we’ve got leaders, commanding officers of the regiment here in Regina. And I’m told that Jamie Sinclair was sworn in by Lieutenant-Colonel Ed Staniowski, and Jamie’s been swearing ever since.

I’d like to thank these warrior soldiers for their service to our nation. We are inspired by your selfless dedication to your chosen profession, and we are ever grateful for your service. Please join with me in welcoming these fine veterans to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It truly is a pleasure and honour to rise in our Assembly today to welcome these fine guests, these veterans of our armed forces to their Legislative Assembly. I want to welcome retired Brigadier-General Cliff Walker, Lieutenant-Colonel Ed Staniowski, Corporal Jamie Sinclair, Master Warrant Officer William MacDonald, and Officer Wendy Johnson to their Legislative Assembly.

You clearly served your province, your country with distinction. You have made us proud. It is an honour for us to have you in our presence today, and we thank you for coming here. And I would just ask all members to welcome these fine folks to this, their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, through you and to you to all members of this Legislative Assembly, I want to join with the military liaison the member from Lumsden-Morse, and members of the opposition in just welcoming these military veterans to their Legislative Assembly, but also thank them very, very deeply on behalf of, I think in fairness, everyone on the floor of the legislature and across the province and across the nation for that service, Mr. Speaker.

There are various honours that no one serves to receive but, I think in fairness, serves to aspire to that level of honour, Mr. Speaker. And we could use more of that aspiration today; individuals looking to a military career, Mr. Speaker, to having that honourable service on behalf of Canadians into the future. And we very much applaud some of the change in direction that we’re seeing at our federal government’s level and their commitment and their investment quite frankly into Canada’s military and into the opportunities that we will have to preserve, Mr. Speaker, the democracy that we all value and fight for in this province and in this nation.

A number of years ago we had, through conversations with some of these gentlemen that have joined us here today, we had made the decision to put the Victoria Crosses that were awarded to Saskatchewan people, Mr. Speaker, in room 218 here in shadow boxes. The reason that room was selected, Mr. Speaker, was because it is a room that everyone goes to when they come into the building. That’s where the receptions are. That’s where the government caucus meetings are. That’s the room that people go to in this building.

We wanted to have those 14 Saskatchewan recipients of the Victoria Cross on full display for people to see and for people to remember and to honour the service that they had provided, Mr. Speaker, when they visit this House of democracy in Saskatchewan. There’s 14 members on that wall, Mr. Speaker.

We had a good discussion about where we go from here with respect to the Victoria Cross and the advocacy in working with the federal government to create an opportunity for additional members to be considered for that highest honour in the Canadian military and that highest honour in our nation, Mr. Speaker. And I think it’s in that realm that will be the focus of the government.

And I’ve asked our military liaison, our member from Lumsden-Morse to look into what the process is, to look at room 218 and the significance of those 14 shadow boxes with those Victoria Crosses on the wall, Mr. Speaker, working through the process with yourself and hopefully with the support of all members on the floor of this Assembly, to rename that particular room, Mr. Speaker, the Hall of Valour.

And so, Mr. Speaker, through you to all members of this Assembly, I officially want to welcome and thank these members — welcome them to their Assembly, thank them so very deeply on behalf of a very grateful province for their service.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the official opposition, I want to join with the Premier and the members on both sides of this House who have joined together to welcome this distinguished group of veterans to their Legislative Assembly today.

I want to thank them for all of the service they provided while they were in uniform and all the service that they continue to provide to our country now that they have finished their service, and that are still looking for a way to honour comrades who are deserving of this highest form of recognition in our country.

We’re proud to stand with you folks. We’ll have more to say about that as well, as I understand there’ll be some motions coming forward in the House today. But I would like to join with the Premier in welcoming this distinguished group to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to welcome some individuals seated in the west gallery. Joining us today are representatives from award-winning organizations at the 2025 Canadian Tourism Awards.

This year Saskatchewan brought home a record number of awards, showcasing the strength of our tourism industry and the incredible individuals working in it, some of whom have joined us here today.

So from Dakota Dunes Resort, I’d like to welcome Bradon Eagle — if you could just give a wave — Frank Royal, Vijendra Singh, Christopher Hill. And from Wanuskewin Heritage Park, I’d like to welcome Breanna Tait, Jessie Muhlbach, Alex Brown, Ally Forand, and Andrew McDonald.

From Ag in Motion, please welcome Rob O’Connor. And from Adventure Destinations, please welcome Laura Hale and Brenden Branscombe.

We’ll talk more about the awards in an upcoming member’s statement, but I just wanted to take a moment to recognize the hard work of these individuals and congratulate them on their success at the Tourism Awards.

With that, I ask all members to join me in welcoming these guests to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Darcy Warrington: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet to join with the minister opposite in welcoming these fine folks to this, their Legislative Assembly.

It was nice to see some familiar faces from Wanuskewin. I’ve had the pleasure of working a little bit with Andrew McDonald and Alex Brown over the last several months. Also welcoming to their Legislative Assembly Ally and Jessie and Breanna. And congrats go out to, obviously, Rob with Ag in Motion; Adventure Destinations, Laura and Brenden; as well as Dakota Dunes: Bradon, Frank, Christopher, and Mr. Singh.

As well, I’d just like to point out that it’s awesome to have such great destinations here in the province to visit. In my role as shadow minister for Parks, Culture and Sport it’s truly an honour to meet with all of these folks on a regular basis.

And with that, I’d like to join with the minister and ask that all members welcome these fine folks to this, their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I have a couple of introductions today, Mr. Speaker. First of all, to you and through you to this Assembly, in your gallery, Mr. Speaker, there’s a couple of young gentlemen there I’d like to introduce. We have Landon Field. Landon’s the chief executive officer with Rental Housing Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. And Landon is also well known in my hometown of Rosetown. He’s not from there; I believe he’s from Weyburn.

But the reason he’s well known there, Mr. Speaker, is he was on the winning team a couple of years ago for the Rosebowl — not that little football thing in California but the 100‑plus-team bonspiel in Rosetown. So I just wanted to point that out. That’s his main claim to fame, but secondary to that, that’s not why he’s here today, Mr. Speaker. He’s here in his official capacity with Rental Housing Saskatchewan. He’s accompanied by Tyler Hudy, who’s the vice-president of public affairs and communications with the Saskatchewan Realtors Association.

Mr. Speaker, I would like all members to give them a warm welcome to the Assembly and thank them for the work that they do advocating for Saskatchewan’s housing and rental markets.

And while I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, you know, the term’s used frequently, “someone who needs no introduction.” That is the case with my next person, but I’m going to introduce him anyway. Mr. Speaker, a good friend of mine, Mr. Speaker, and a former colleague to everyone in this Assembly, Paul Merriman.

Mr. Speaker, Paul was first elected in 2011. He was subsequently re-elected in 2016 and ’20. And during his political career he served in a number of different roles, including for example, minister of Social Services, minister of Health. Mr. Speaker, he had a distinguished political career.

[13:45]

He’s a former colleague to many in this Assembly, and he’s also a very good personal friend of mine. And I’d like to ask everyone to please give him a warm welcome to his Legislative Assembly.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to join the minister opposite in welcoming Landon Field and Tyler to their Legislative Assembly. And I just want to say that I’ve had a few meetings with Landon, and I know that we both share the desire to see affordable, high-quality housing for tenants in our province and also to support those mom-and-pop landlords that do such good work in providing that housing.

Welcome. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through you and to you, I’d like to introduce a group of students who are joining us here today. Seated in the west gallery — I’d ask they give us a wave — are 20 grade 12 students who are from Maverick High School in Swift Current and travelled here from my home constituency of Swift Current to be here today, Mr. Speaker.

I think joining them this afternoon are teacher Krista Erickson and I believe I see Scott Hunter is up there as well. And thanks to the folks from Maverick High School for being here. They organize and coordinate a visit here I think every fall session, so it’s right on cue that they are here again in December, the tail end of session.

Mr. Speaker, Maverick School celebrated their 30th year anniversary just a couple of years ago. They were established in October of 1993. They have continued to serve their students and our community as a whole, Mr. Speaker, by providing quality, inspiring education, and will continue to do so for decades to come.

And there are some very inspiring stories coming from the students that come through Maverick School, and I’m just so grateful for the work that they do as students but also the educators and those at Maverick School that make it such a huge success.

They’re here observing proceedings here today and watching question period, and I’ll have an opportunity to meet with them after QP [question period] is done here today. And I’d ask all members of this Assembly to welcome the group from Maverick School in Swift Current. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, as we all know, November was an unprecedented month for football in Saskatchewan of course with the Roughriders and the Grey Cup and the 2025 Grey Cup champions. But that extended on in Regina and Saskatchewan when the University of Saskatchewan Huskies hosted the Montreal Carabins right here in Regina.

Today we have joining us in your gallery, Mr. Speaker, the organizing committee from the 60th Vanier Cup. Eight of the representatives are here today. I’d like to introduce them by name: Brent Tkachuk, Nicole Elkington, Rod Tuchscherer, Alicia Dorwart, Shauna Machnaik, Braden Konschuh, and Sandra King Hendricks, and Lisa Robertson. Lisa is the director of sport, community engagement, and athletic development for the University of Regina. We want to thank these individuals for their work on the committee.

And the honorary member would be President Jeff Keshen who was one of the university’s best cheerleaders and the province’s best cheerleaders, but he’s not able to be with us here today.

I want to acknowledge the other 20 members of the committee who aren’t able to be here, volunteers for this event. They did our city proud. They did the University of Regina proud. And they did our province proud.

So thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to make your province a better place to host people from across the country. And I’d ask all members to help me welcome this group of eight individuals and the larger group of 28 who served so well as the Vanier Cup committee.

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join with the member from Saskatoon Willowgrove in welcoming these fine folks to their Legislative Assembly.

My son had a basketball practice while the game was taking place, so everyone in the gymnasium at Chief Whitecap was glued to their phones and the referees kept on coming over to ask me what the score was. So it was great to see so many people interested in the game. I know it was a wonderful and well-attended game with thousands and thousands of folks that joined you.

Thank you to Brent, Alicia, Nicole, Shauna, Rod, Braden, Sandra, and Lisa, as well as Brad Gore and Jodie Bray who I understand were part of the committee as well.

And I’ll also go on and say that, you know, the other members of the total 28, putting on an event like that is just so incredible. It created millions of dollars of economic activity here in the city of Regina and the province of Saskatchewan. And we are all incredibly grateful for the work that you did. You made us proud.

And it goes without saying that all members should join me by welcoming these fine folks to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Sean Wilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have three guests up in the gallery — I guess the third bench up — Lee and Maria Stott. Lee started to work with me in 2008, and as part of his five-year plan, it turned into an almost 20‑year plan. So pretty happy I still have him kicking around. And to the right of him, who forgot to take his lanyard off, I guess — just can’t remember things — is Travis Inglis. I met Travis about 10 years ago. He was an engineer on a road job, and I told him how difficult it is to be a contractor dealing with difficult engineers. And in a weird twist of ironic fate, Travis is now a contractor. So he can deal with that on a day-to-day basis like I did.

So I’d ask you to welcome all three of them to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to introduce Haley Stearns to the Legislative Assembly. She’s seated up in your gallery.

Haley is the director of legal services with the Saskatchewan marshals service. And prior to taking this role, Haley studied business administration at the University of Regina, went on to get a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and then she practised criminal, civil, and administrative law with one of Canada’s leading law firms.

Outside of her legal work, she also contributes to her community. She sits as a board member with the United Way in Regina, and also she’s the Chair of the Saskatchewan Women Lawyers forum for the Canadian Bar Association.

So the most important fact though, Mr. Speaker, is that Haley also grew up in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. And I did not know Haley when she lived in Weyburn, but I’m very happy to have got to know her now. And I have no doubt that she’ll be a major asset to the Saskatchewan marshals service.

And I’d like to have all members join me in welcoming her to her Legislative Assembly.

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

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join with the member opposite in welcoming Haley Stearns to her Legislative Assembly.

I’ve had the opportunity to know Haley over the years, as has been mentioned, as she’s been working in private practice here in Regina. She’s known for thoughtful, steady, and great work. I was very happy when I learned that she has taken over this role as counsel for the marshals. It’s a very interesting and challenging opportunity, I think, and I know that she will do wonderful in that role.

I’d like to thank her on behalf of the official opposition for her service to the public and again ask all members to join me in welcoming her to her Legislative Assembly.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The prayer reads as follows:

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

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

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

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m very pleased to rise to present the petition to the Legislative Assembly calling for the mandatory intimate partner violence education.

The undersigned residents wish to bring to the attention that Saskatchewan has the highest rate per capita of IPV — intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence — in Canada.

The economic impact of IPV can be estimated to be $7 billion a year. A large portion of tangible IPV costs are paid by the government for items . . . the criminal and civil justice system, health care. Annual estimated losses to employers are $77 million in Canada.

Workplace orientation could include all genders from all walks of life in all areas of the province. Employers and employees need to know the signs of IPV and where to call for help. Education is the key to changing rates of IPV.

The prayer as follows:

Respectfully requests the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately mandate education on intimate partner violence and that it be included in the orientation process for all employees across all workplaces in the province.

The undersigned today are from Elrose and Swift Current. Thank you.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Lumsden-Morse.

Blaine McLeod: — Apologize . . . There we are. No. I’ll have to go next. Sorry.

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

Government Shares Commitment to an Accessible and Inclusive Province

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today our government recognizes International Day of Persons With Disabilities. This is a day to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities and reaffirm our shared commitment to building an accessible and inclusive province for all.

Mr. Speaker, since 1992 this day has been recognized around the world to increase awareness and understanding of the issues experienced by persons with disabilities. On this day in 2023 our government passed The Accessible Saskatchewan Act. Since then we’ve seen the formation of the accessibility advisory group and the release of the Government of Saskatchewan’s first accessibility plan.

This year marks another important step forward as the public sector releases their own accessibility plans. These plans outline how the public sector will identify, remove, and prevent barriers in their workplaces, programs, and services under the Saskatchewan Accessibility Act.

Mr. Speaker, progress toward inclusion is a shared responsibility that this government takes seriously. I look forward to the collective work ahead as we all continue to work towards creating a province where everyone can fully participate and feel a true sense of belonging. Thank you.

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

Moose Jaw Sports Hall of Fame Honours Inductees

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour today to recognize the 2025 Moose Jaw and District Sports Hall of Fame inductees. This year eight people were inducted. Their names are Norm Balderston, Ron Friesen, Verna Kergan, Jim Large, Len Nielsen, Jim Runzer, Cliff Wiens, and Lorraine Arguin.

[14:00]

The Sports Hall is dedicated to recognizing achievements in sports, but it also gives us examples of role models to inspire us. It is with this spirit that I would like to give a special mention to Lorraine Arguin. Lorraine was inducted into the Builder category in the sport of curling. Her coaching career is impressive and spans 40 years. Lorraine led Team Saskatchewan to five Canadian wheelchair curling championships and was integral in growing the sport of curling in our province.

I was lucky enough to have Lorraine as a coach. She first introduced me to curling in the Moose Jaw Youth League at the old Hillcrest rink and taught me for several years, including a run to high school provincials. She achieved the feat of keeping us focused even when her daughter, my teammate Katelyn, and I were way more focused on boys than brooms.

Lorraine not only coached me in the skills I would need to curl, but demonstrated sportsmanship and how to be a good teammate.

Athletics is not only about high achievements, but teaches us life skills and builds character. I am proud to congratulate these eight individuals and thank them for their dedication to their sport.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Lumsden-Morse.

A Salute to Canadian Forces Serving in Afghanistan

Blaine McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A good dose of humility today.

Mr. Speaker, the commendation for the Star of Military Valour, awarded to Sergeant Willy MacDonald, reads as follows:

On August the 3rd, 2006, amidst chaos and under sustained and intense enemy fire in Afghanistan, Sergeant MacDonald selflessly and repeatedly exposed himself to great peril in order to assist his wounded comrades. Despite the risk, he ensured that his men held on until reinforcements arrived and that the platoon’s focus remained on holding the ground that they had fought so hard to secure.

Mr. Speaker, not known at the time was that the enemy was dug in and heavily fortified, literally waiting to ambush the Canadian forces led by Captain Jon Hamilton. Outnumbered by an estimated 200 to 14, 4 precious Canadian lives were lost that day, and many more were injured.

Mr. Speaker, Canada’s war on terror ran from 2001 to 2014, our longest and largest deployment since World War II. Forty thousand served with honour and distinction to secure freedom from the brutality of the Taliban forces. War brings tragic loss, and 158 members lost their lives and thousands returned with physical and psychological injuries.

Today we salute each of the soldiers here for standing up to do what had to be done, always serving as part of a team. Thank you for your selfless service on our behalf. May God richly bless you.

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

Wildfire Destroys Sand Lake Area

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about one of my favourite places in Saskatchewan, Sand Lake. Sand Lake is a tiny lake at the edge of the Narrow Hills Provincial Park.

There’s many things that I love about Sand Lake. First of all, it’s beautiful. It is a lovely, deep, bottle-green lake that was surrounded by a meadow in the middle of a quiet pine forest. Secondly, I love the brook trout that I used to catch at its idyllic shores, their bright orange bellies glistening in the summer sun. And thirdly, I love the remoteness of the spot, the quiet place where I have never met another human being, Mr. Speaker. It’s as if that lake and its meadow and its lovely brook trout were my secret, and they all waited there patiently for me to come to their shore each day.

That forest and that meadow that surrounded Sand Lake were destroyed by the Shoe fire in the spring of this year. The Shoe fire destroyed my seasonal site, along with many people’s homes, cabins, and businesses. And it destroyed many precious places too.

This spring and summer we lost much to fire. I lost less than most. I lost my seasonal site and my favourite place, my happy place. Many people lost their homes, their businesses, their livelihoods, and their faith in this government, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Dakota-Arm River.

Provincial Businesses Win Big at the Canadian Tourism Awards

Barret Kropf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. November 20th was a proud night for Saskatchewan at the Canadian Tourism Awards, with multiple businesses earning top honours for excellence. This marked a record-breaking year with nine finalists from the province up for an award.

Congratulations to four Saskatchewan businesses for receiving this national recognition and achieving a record-breaking number of wins for our province. This year’s winners include the Dakota Dunes Resort, Whitecap Dakota Nation for Tourism Employer of the Year; secondly, Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon for the Indigenous Tourism Award; Ag in Motion in Langham, Business Event of the Year Award winner; and finally the Field to Shield co-created by Adventure Destinations and Métis chef Jenni Lessard from Saskatoon winning the Culinary Tourism Experience Award.

The awards are presented annually by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada to recognize success, leadership, and innovation in the industry. Tourism in Saskatchewan is a powerful economic driver with $3 billion in travel spending annually. It plays a vital role in achieving this province’s vision of having the strongest economy in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members to join me in congratulating the finalists and winners of the Canadian Tourism Awards for achieving national recognition for their outstanding contributions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

College of Veterinary Medicine Provides Essential Services

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Veterinarians play an important role in everyone’s life whether we know it or not. Vets are critical to the well-being of our livestock. They also play an important role making sure that our pets are healthy. That’s why I want to recognize the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.

As the name indicates, the college trains veterinarians for Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Manitoba. The Western College of Veterinary Medicine is a shining example of the University of Saskatchewan’s many exceptional programs. The college also includes a veterinary medical centre and a provincial diagnostic lab that provide essential clinic services to Saskatchewan and other provinces.

The vet medicine college also plays a wider role nationally to provide clinical proficiency examinations to internationally trained veterinarians to practise in Canada. This program is extremely important to overcome the shortage of veterinarians in this country.

During my meetings with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, I learned about the current services being offered and future plans which are very exciting for the college and this province. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for their work in training veterinarians and improving our farms and our pets. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Yorkton Community’s Efforts Show Compassion and Generosity

David Chan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize an extraordinary grassroots effort in Yorkton that reflects the very best of our community’s compassion and generosity. Since 2018, the Love Lives Here bus has been a steady presence on our streets every Friday night. Run entirely by volunteers from local churches, the team provides sandwiches, warm clothing, hygiene packs, human connection, and prayer support to people who are lonely, hurting, or hungry. They now serve roughly 125 individuals and families each week, offering dignity, love, and hope where it is needed most.

Through last year’s Drive Away Holiday Hunger initiative, our community raised over $20,000 alongside generous food donations. Those contributions sustained weekly outreach throughout the year.

This season, Yorkton Hyundai, N.L. Construction, and Yorkton Concrete have again partnered to rally our community. Up until December 6th, they are collecting non-perishables, hams, pantry staples, and monetary donations to ensure every family has a Christmas meal and that the Friday night Love Lives Here bus can continue its life-changing work.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the volunteers, local businesses, and every resident who has contributed. And I want to especially thank Yorkton Hyundai, N.L. Construction, and Yorkton Concrete for leading the way. When Yorkton sees a need, our community responds. And together this Christmas, let’s make sure no family goes hungry. And let’s show that love truly lives in our community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Fiscal Management and Carbon Tax

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Now, Mr. Speaker, this Premier and his SaskPower minister have overshot the budget on SaskPower by $800 million and counting. That’s right, $800 million and it’s only mid-year. Can the Premier tell the people of Saskatchewan how much their power bills are going to rise because of this 18‑year-old government’s desperate and historic mismanagement?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — First and foremost I would say, Mr. Speaker, with respect to our broader utility bundle, including our power bills in this province, that it is one of the lowest power utility bundles that you can find in the nation of Canada. Part of the reason that is the case is because it’s this government that removed the carbon tax from our power bills in this province, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan families, Saskatchewan industries do not pay carbon tax on their power bills. They do not pay carbon tax on their energy bills, Mr. Speaker, making this province truly the only province in the nation of Canada that is carbon tax free.

That is very much unlike the policy of the members opposite, Mr. Speaker. As recently as last night at the committee meeting, December the 2nd, 2025, we saw and heard the member from Mount Royal talking, when referencing taking the carbon tax off Saskatchewan’s power bills, that that would be a very reckless decision. Yet again, Mr. Speaker, the NDP [New Democratic Party] opposition asking for, asking for the carbon tax to be reinstituted on Saskatchewan families.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. No carbon tax in Saskatchewan. I guess the Finance minister forgot to tell the Premier that they just asked for $200 million more of public money last night to pay that debt.

Mr. Speaker, not only has the Premier run SaskPower’s finances into the ground, but his ministers can’t even show up for work. Last night, last night, Mr. Speaker, we were supposed to have the opportunity to ask that minister questions on behalf of the people of this province whose money they are spending. People who are facing higher financial anxiety than anywhere else in Canada. People who are choosing between heating and eating. And now those very same people are going to be paying more to keep the lights on and their houses warm.

Does the Premier think, does he really believe that he and his government no longer have to show up and answer questions on the public money that they are spending?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I can table a number of quotes at some point here that certainly outline the position of the NDP opposition’s support of the carbon tax up to and including last night, a call removing that carbon tax. A decision of this government, Mr. Speaker, a decision this government made to ensure that Saskatchewan is . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to ask that we listen to the response to the questions, please.

Hon. Scott Moe: — As I said, I will table those shortly, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I don’t think that we should be clarifying things for the Speaker either. We will wait till the end of the answer to see if the question has been connected.

Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I would just say it is this government that removed the carbon tax from our power bills, from Saskatchewan families’ power bills, and our gas bills, Mr. Speaker. It’s the members opposite that repeatedly have advocated for that tax to be reinstituted on Saskatchewan families.

But the irony isn’t lost on me, Mr. Speaker, with opposition members standing to talk about the attendance, whether it be in this House or whether it be in committee, in particular the attendance of a minister that has been in his chair in question period each and every day since this fall session started.

And so if this is the priority, if this is the priority of the Leader of the Opposition and the members opposite, Mr. Speaker, I would ask the Leader of the Opposition to rise and ask this minister a question, Mr. Speaker.

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

Aleana Young: — Mr. Speaker, a billion dollars of public money, a billion-dollar hole in the province’s finances. A government that we heard here today no longer thinks they’re accountable to the people that elected them. They wrote themselves a cheque for $1 billion of public money last night. They don’t think they have to answer any questions about that, Mr. Speaker.

We saw it here today — a premier who prefers drive-by smears instead of accountability, a minister . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Member, I’m going to ask you to . . . Oh, wow. Okay, let’s have some decorum, please. Member, “prefers drive-by smearings” — I’m going to ask you to apologize for that and withdraw.

Aleana Young: — I apologize and withdraw, Mr. Speaker.

A premier who would rather insult members than stick to the facts of what happened last night. The minister did not show up for work. The members from White City, from . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Okay, that is no better than the first one. Intent . . . “rather insult.” Please apologize again, and we’ll move to the next question if you’re not going to ask it correctly.

Aleana Young: — I apologize and withdraw.

[14:15]

Mr. Speaker, members from White City-Qu’Appelle, Kelvington-Wadena, and Carrot River Valley who sat there and watched a billion dollars of public money go out the door with no oversight and no scrutiny. A cost of living crisis with no end in sight, Mr. Speaker. How much higher are people’s power bills going to go under that Premier because of this Premier and that minister?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Yet not enough of a priority, Mr. Speaker, for the Leader of the Opposition to rise and answer a question of a minister, of a minister that has been in his chair for 22 days, 22 question periods, 25 minutes each of those question periods. Over eight hours in his chair ready to answer questions from the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Speaker.

Again I would say, Mr. Speaker, it was a decision of this government, it was a decision of this government to remove the carbon tax from our SaskPower bills making Saskatchewan the only carbon tax-free province in the nation of Canada.

It is again I would say, quote after quote, the position of the NDP opposition to reinstate that carbon tax on Saskatchewan families, Mr. Speaker. We’re having none of it. The minister is having none of it. And he’s here each and every day in question period thus far, and I expect him to be here till the end, Mr. Speaker. And the Leader of the Opposition, if it’s a priority for her and her party, can rise and ask him a question.

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

Student Supports and Funding for Education

Matt Love: — Mr. Speaker, this government won’t show up and answer questions about power bills, and they won’t show up to get the support our kids need in school.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this morning I was joined by two moms in Saskatoon whose kids can’t get the supports that they need at school. Rochelle Young’s son is in grade 2 and he has autism. Her school is doing their best to support her son, but they don’t have the resources they need to accommodate him safely. Because there are not enough staff to keep everyone safe, her son cannot attend school full-time like everyone else and like he should be able to do. How is a situation like this acceptable to that minister?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a government, as I’ve said before, that has been making record investments into our education sector, into school capital, into school operating. As well this year’s provincial budget was an 8.4 per cent increase in school operating funding, on top of an 8.8 per cent increase the year prior. And that includes funding that has been increased to every school division across this province — all 27 of them. And that is funding that has been in there to support everything within those schools, such as the additional supports required for students, Mr. Speaker.

We understand that there are still pressures, still challenges there. And we look forward to continuing to work with our school division partners to make sure that we are providing our students in this province with every opportunity to succeed in our Saskatchewan schools.

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

Matt Love: — Mr. Speaker, this government’s record in education is one of failure. And Rochelle’s family isn’t the only one speaking up today.

Erin Ferguson’s son in grade 4 also has autism, and he is also being sent home from school frequently when there are no educational assistants to support his attendance at school. Her son’s EA [educational assistant] was lost after this Sask Party government refused to restore Jordan’s principle funding. All of this means that her son can’t get the education that he deserves.

Does the minister think it’s okay that Saskatchewan kids are forced to go without the education they deserve because of his government’s underfunding of our classrooms?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We can’t restore funding that wasn’t our program in the first place. This was a cut by the federal government. Jordan’s principle . . . Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The member opposite has asked a question. He yells across the way that there’s no responsibility. Mr. Speaker, we are disappointed, we’re disappointed the federal government made changes to Jordan’s principle funding.

But I can speak to what this government has invested to support students across Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. Saskatoon Public as an example received $54 million for classroom support funding, a 10.6 per cent increase in funding compared to the year prior, Mr. Speaker. What does that support? That supports things like speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, EAs, psychologists.

As I said in my previous answer, Mr. Speaker, we understand that there’s still more work to do to help support the students in our school system. And this is a government that’s committed to doing that, Mr. Speaker.

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

Job Creation and Youth Employment

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, this government is failing our kids and our young people. They have the second-worst job creation in Canada. There are more than 11,000 youth in this province looking for work. That’s what we get after 18 years of Sask Party government failing.

Among them is 19‑year-old Lara Dixon joining here today, sitting in your gallery, Mr. Speaker. Lara applied for 30 jobs in Regina this spring and was given just a single interview. Lara finally got a job, but her hours were cut almost immediately. She said she never had trouble finding work next door in her home province of Manitoba.

Can the minister explain why it is so much harder for young people like Lara to find work in Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Immigration and Career Training.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I would welcome Lara to her Legislative Assembly.

I know that across the country oftentimes youth unemployment is higher than the rest of unemployment, Mr. Speaker, but I would say this. Saskatchewan has repeatedly, month after month, been either the lowest or second-lowest unemployment rate in the country. And that’s in large part, I would say, to the business-friendly environment that this government has created, Mr. Speaker.

It’s been read into the floor of this Assembly many times the huge capital projects that are going on around the province that are creating jobs. Mr. Speaker, we also have many training programs put in place for our youth. Mr. Speaker, for youth or anyone else looking for a job in this country, there’s no better place to be than this province.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, the numbers do not lie. Stats Canada says youth unemployment rate is nearly 12 per cent. That’s more than double the provincial unemployment rate. And more youth have given up looking for work altogether. Does the minister understand that young people who can’t find work here are far more likely to leave Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Immigration and Career Training.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, there’s been a number of programs in place to help youth. In fact I was at an announcement yesterday by Mosaic, the potash company, that announced $4 million in funding to both post-secondary and to high school to help youth to prepare for the skilled trades. There’s going to be a huge demand in skilled trades. There is now, and it’s going to continue to increase in the upcoming years, Mr. Speaker.

And I mentioned in my previous answer some of the capital projects that are happening around the province, Mr. Speaker, that are creating huge demand for employment, none bigger than BHP, the potash mine being built east of Saskatoon — largest in the world.

Mr. Speaker, I just mentioned Mosaic. They also are doing capital projects. Still with potash, K+S is also doing capital projects. Foran, the copper mine in northeastern Saskatchewan — a huge success story there. Denison mines, NexGen Energy, Paladin Energy. There’s huge capital projects going on everywhere in this province, Mr. Speaker, that’s going to require employment.

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

Access to Addictions Treatment

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, day after day, the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions pats herself and her government on the back for what she calls the most ambitious action plan on mental health and addictions. Yet the facts tell a different story. Families are begging for help, Mr. Speaker. Overdose alerts are issued almost weekly, and people are dying every single day. How can this minister celebrate a plan that is failing so catastrophically?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We’ve canvassed this topic in the House on many days. And what this government is trying to do is to put supports in place for individuals who are struggling with addictions, Mr. Speaker, through our action plan for mental health and addiction. And I would note that since having the opportunity to serve on this side of the House, we have tripled our funding in mental health and addictions compared to when the NDP had the opportunity to serve, Mr. Speaker.

But in our plan we are going to a recovery-oriented system of care, and in that plan we are adding 500 additional spaces for people to be able to get treatment in. We are just under 300 of those right now, Mr. Speaker, and our goal is to absolutely hit those 500 so people can get help when they need it.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, freedom of information records reveal that people are waiting on average four to six weeks for detox and treatment. This government promised 500 treatment beds, and this minister told the public and this House 300 were operational. Mr. Speaker, freedom of information findings prove only 221 beds are actually open. And of those, just 42 per cent are available.

Families do not have weeks, let alone two years to wait for the full 500 spaces while loved ones die from drug poisonings. How can this minister justify these deadly delays?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think as hon. members in this House that it’s important that when we speak, that we speak the facts. So that’s what I’m going to do, Mr. Speaker.

The facts are, I have said we have just under 300 spaces operational. It’s actually 281 if she wants to know the exact number, Mr. Speaker. All of them are operational so I’m not . . . exactly where she’s getting her information from. But that is a fact, Mr. Speaker. Fact, we are going to get to those 500 spaces.

Unlike when the members opposite had the opportunity to serve, they were closing spaces in this province. And Mr. Speaker, that is a fact because I come from the community of Estevan, and they shut our addiction centre down 100 per cent. Every bed, gone, under their watch.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, here is a fact. In the minister’s own constituency of Estevan, people are waiting six weeks for in-patient treatment. If this minister were truly paying attention, she would know the wait times in her own backyard. Mr. Speaker, not knowing this speaks volumes about how little she understands her file, and it exposes just how she is failing in her role.

How can she defend a recovery system that fails even in her own backyard?

Speaker Goudy: — Okay, I’m sensing it’s a little bit personal here at the moment. With truth and then . . . Minister, please respond to the question. I recognize the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have acknowledged in this House more than once that there are wait times, and that is exactly why we have our action plan for mental health and addictions. That is exactly why we want to get to that goal of 500 spaces, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this Sask Party government is focusing on giving people hope and a chance at recovery. Through our mental health and addictions action plan, there are additional supports, outreach services, detox, in-patient, out-patient, post-treatment spaces, Mr. Speaker.

What we will not be doing is providing the tools or illicit drugs that will help keep people chained in a life of addiction, Mr. Speaker. We want to provide hope, and we know there is hope for recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Unregulated Care Provider in Moose Jaw

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now the Minister of Health is trying to pass the buck to the College of Physicians and Surgeons to investigate a highly concerning health centre in Moose Jaw. The problem is the man running the centre is not a medical doctor.

Now the Health minister’s own deputy minister admits that this is a huge problem in a letter to the college just yesterday. From that letter, Mr. Speaker: “The ministry is concerned about this individual and private business engaging in what appears to be the unauthorized practice of medicine.”

Why, why, Mr. Speaker, won’t the Health minister step in and regulate this so-called health facility?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

[14:30]

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve answered questions on the floor of this House now for several days about really the tragic story of an American patient coming, and you know, receiving treatment at a private business in Moose Jaw. As I’ve answered several days now, we’re working with both the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan as well as the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority here in Saskatchewan to take a look at this private business. We’ll continue engaging with those bodies, and we move forward that way. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well it’s clear that the Health minister won’t do his job. Now we have been inundated by concerns about this so-called health centre in Moose Jaw. Now I can only imagine that the local MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] is getting an earful too. Lo and behold, he’s the Minister of Justice.

Simple question: has the Minister of Justice lobbied the Health minister to shut down this health centre before someone else gets hurt?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said on the floor of this Assembly and out in the rotunda out there, if there are individuals who have concerns, they should forward them to the appropriate bodies, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Oh, okay. Was that the end of your answer? Okay, there we go. Next question. I recognize the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood.

Provision of Health Care in Rural Hospitals

Keith Jorgenson: — Mr. Speaker, health care in rural Saskatchewan is worse than ever before. Still this minister and this Premier continue to defend a work order issued on October 29th that will see only one RN [registered nurse] keeping a hospital and ER [emergency room] open with no help from a doctor.

But it gets even worse, Mr. Speaker. That work order also exposes something I think is truly shocking: a secret map of service disruptions at Saskatchewan hospitals. That’s right, a secret map. All this time when people have been calling for notifications, there is a live real-time map of service disruptions.

How long has this minister known about this secret map? And why on earth would he keep this secret from the people of rural Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I don’t know what sort of treasure hunt that member opposite is on. I’m not aware of any secret map. I can tell that member opposite and everyone in rural Saskatchewan that this government, this Premier, myself, and all my caucus colleagues will always put patients first, Mr. Speaker.

When that member opposite gets up and says that health care in rural Saskatchewan has never been worse, Mr. Speaker, there’s 52 communities across this province that saw hospitals closed down by the members opposite.

Speaker Goudy: — Okay, we’ve got to be listening to the . . . Were you done again? Okay, well there we go. All right, I recognize the member from Regina Pasqua.

Support for Students and Families

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan parents want to be able to save for their children’s education, but the cuts made by the Sask Party government make that harder and harder. They cut the grants for contributions to RESP [registered education savings plan] years ago, making it more difficult for a family to contribute to RESP. It cost parents thousands of dollars.

Mr. Speaker, on one hand Sask Party government declared budget for this year surplus. Then why won’t the Sask Party government help families to save for the future of our future generations?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, I think of the myriad of programs that we have supporting young people — I spoke to some of them earlier on the floor of this Assembly — perhaps none is more successful than the graduate retention program, Mr. Speaker.

Many, many MLAs on our side of the House have heard compliments from parents and from students who have taken advantage of this, Mr. Speaker. This program alone has helped us move from the dark old days when parents used to give luggage to their students when they were graduating, to move to Alberta, Mr. Speaker. Now they have the opportunities here.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Nicole Sarauer: — Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — What’s your point of order?

POINT OF ORDER

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, in question period today the Premier, in response to a question from the Opposition Whip, pointed to and commented on the absence of the Leader of the Opposition. It is clear in the rules, as the member well knows, that you cannot do indirectly what you cannot do directly.

Mr. Speaker, rule 51(b) prohibits reflecting on the absence of a member. And it’s especially poor form, Mr. Speaker, when that member has already publicly stated that she is too sick to be here and she is home with the flu — somebody who is trying to prevent the rest of us from getting sick.

I’d ask that you ask that member, the Premier, to apologize and withdraw.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if you review the record you’ll see that the Premier did not refer to the presence or absence of the Leader of the Opposition. What he did do was invite the Leader of the Opposition to ask a question when the members opposite had accused one of our cabinet ministers of not showing up for work. He simply invited, he simply invited those members to ask our cabinet minister questions because he has attended work every day, Mr. Speaker.

It was an accusation that was levelled by one of their members that the Premier responded to, specifically commenting on the fact that our minister is here to answer their questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — So who signed me up for this job? Well I certainly . . . Okay. We can go by the letter of the law or we can go by, you know, the spirit of this place. And you know, I think the spirit of this place would have, probably 5 days out of 10, maybe some apologies back and forth for possible intent, back and forth.

There were some personal attacks today. You know, I think by the letter of the law, you know, Premier did say as the Government House Leader had said, he was asking her to respond — didn’t have to be today — to rise in her chair. And so, you know, I don’t know what to even say, but I just wish we’d all get along a little bit more. And you know, it’s Christmastime here right away.

But I know you’ve got a good valid point. At times . . . And you know, but I’m just going to at this point say that it’s not well taken. It clearly wasn’t breaking the rules. And yet I’m going to ask that we don’t make these innuendoes that it’s hard for the Speaker to judge on back and forth. Please let’s move on to ministerial statements.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 610 — The Provincial Health Authority (ER Virtual Physician right-to-know) Amendment Act

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill No. 610, the provincial health authority (ER virtual physician right-to-know) Act now be introduced and read for a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood that Bill No. 610, The Provincial Health Authority (ER Virtual Physician right-to-know) Amendment Act be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Principal Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

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

Keith Jorgenson: — At the next sitting of the legislature, or the Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Bill No. 47 — The Response to Illicit Drugs Act

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill No. 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act now be introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Justice that Bill No. 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Principal Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

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

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Next sitting, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Chair of the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies

Doug Steele: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m instructed by the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies to report that it has considered certain estimates and to present its third report for the thirtieth legislature, which includes 2025‑26 supplementary estimates no. 1. I move:

That the third report of the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

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

That the third report of the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The report from this committee includes an ask to this Assembly and ultimately to the people of Saskatchewan for a billion dollars. Now I don’t know about you, Mr. Speaker, but I think that’s an awful lot of money. And what we saw happen last night was without precedent.

I’ve done some calling around, Mr. Speaker. I’ve talked to former ministers of the Crowns. I’ve talked to former public servants. I’ve talked to people who worked in this building. And never before have we seen a government in Saskatchewan come to the Assembly, ask for a billion dollars of public money, and walk away with no oversight, no willingness to have a basic level of transparency or accountability to fundamental questions asked about that billion dollars.

And that billion dollars, Mr. Speaker, only comes from one place. It comes from the taxpayers of Saskatchewan. Every time the people of this province fill up their tank, pay PST [provincial sales tax] on something — they pay their power bills; they pay their SaskEnergy bills — they are paying for that billion dollars. The respect for public money by publicly elected officials should be paramount, Mr. Speaker.

The issue that we’ve been debating today really has two core principles. The first is that accountability piece, Mr. Speaker, that respect for public money. And again we’re not talking about pocket change here, Mr. Speaker. We’re talking about a billion dollars, basically — what? — 5 per cent of this government’s annual budget asked for, again, with no scrutiny, no oversight, no explanation for what it could be for.

Mr. Speaker, there might be a good answer. I’d encourage the government. I assume you do some good work when you have a good answer for the people of the province. Stand up and give it to them. It’s not just an opportunity for the opposition to, you know, go in, throw some haymakers, leave some blood on the mat. It’s an opportunity for oversight. It’s also an opportunity for the government to tell the story that they want to tell to the people of the province.

So when we see a billion dollars of public money asked for and essentially walk away in the dead of the night with no oversight, no accountability, and no willingness to answer those questions, Mr. Speaker, we can only assume that perhaps there’s not a very good answer. Because if there were . . . I assume members opposite are smart. I assume they got into politics for the same reasons as lots of us. Because we love our communities. Because we value public money. We value democracy.

They had an opportunity last night to prove that, to tell that story, and they did not take that opportunity, Mr. Speaker. Instead they walked away. We’re — all of us, all of us as elected officials — bound by a code of conduct and a code of ethics. And that speaks about the importance of accountability. That includes duties to each other, duties to the public purse, and duties to the legislature, the institution that we all serve, the democracy of this province, and the laws that keep this province moving forward, keep us together.

And it’s no wonder, Mr. Speaker, that they didn’t want to answer those questions. They have missed so many opportunities present in this province, Mr. Speaker. We talked about it again today. We have people in this province, more than anywhere else in Canada, choosing between heating and eating. We have the highest rates of mortgage foreclosures. Skyrocketing, historic use of food banks, Mr. Speaker. We have rent that’s risen 40 months in a row. We’ve had countless seniors — relatable, normal, hard-working folks who have served the province for their whole life — who are now having to leave their humble homes because they cannot afford their skyrocketing rents, Mr. Speaker. There is no excuse for that in a province as wealthy as Saskatchewan.

[14:45]

We have heard constantly from members opposite about how Saskatchewan is the strongest economy in Canada. And they’re “hear-hearing” themselves, Mr. Speaker. But again, highest rates of child poverty, highest rates of mortgage foreclosures, rent that’s gone up 40 months in a row.

If this were truly the strongest economy in Canada, Mr. Speaker, if the members opposite believe that, then I have a question for the members. Why do you need a billion dollars in the dead of night with no oversight to backfill your own finances halfway through the year? Mr. Speaker, again if there was a good answer, they would give it. But there’s not a good answer.

So what we saw last night . . . We saw $813 million requested to backfill SaskPower, the crown jewel of our Crown corporations that keeps the lights on, the Crown that helped to build this province, the Crown that supports and will grow the economy of Saskatchewan. $813 million, we don’t know what that’s for.

People of the province are worried about their bills, and all we know is that the Crown now needs $813 million. And we don’t know where it’s going. We don’t know if people’s power bills are going to go up. We can only assume yes, Mr. Speaker, because this is a government that raised people’s power bills three times in one calendar year last year. People know their power bills are going to go up. They don’t know when. They don’t know how much. And people are already financially strapped.

We also saw last night $200 million requested to backfill the carbon tax for this government. This is a government that stands up every day and talks about how Saskatchewan is a carbon tax-free province, Mr. Speaker. That’s great, but I have a question for members opposite, especially those new members. If that’s true, why did you need $200 million of public money last night to pay for the carbon tax?

I said it at the top, Mr. Speaker. There’s two things that all members in this House should be laser-focused on. Accountability when it comes to public money, how we spend it, that deserves our respect. And I fear, Mr. Speaker, that members opposite have forgotten who they serve in this province. It’s the people of this province. And every single one of those dollars deserves a duty of care and diligence and accountability.

That second priority, Mr. Speaker, we’ve canvassed. It’s affordability. People in this province are stressed about their finances. They’re worried. Highest foreclosures. Highest food bank use. Hungry kids every single day in a province as rich as Saskatchewan. We should be doing everything we can to stay laser-focused on affordability.

This is kind of inside baseball, Mr. Speaker. You know, when we stand and we debate how processes work and the House rules and things like that, I do not envy you your job, Mr. Speaker. But we owe a duty of stewardship to the families, farms, and businesses that make this province so great. This is not an institution that should allow for that level of entitlement and that level of disrespect that we saw shown to, again, a billion dollars of public money last night, Mr. Speaker, because this is the people’s money.

And to members opposite who maybe think this is business as usual, and that there’s nothing to see here, it’s not. And I hope that when you get questions from your constituents about that billion dollars — where it went; what it was used for; why another billion dollars of taxpayer money is being requested — I hope you can get some answers from this government. And I hope you can share them because it’s your government who is unwilling to do that basic function of accountability, to stay focused on affordability, and to ensure that basic questions about this money could be answered.

So when power bills go up, Mr. Speaker, hiked by this government, I hope members opposite remember that. And I hope they have an explanation for their constituents for why that money was spent and why democracy in this place was treated so cavalierly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC [Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan].

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And it is with some pleasure I get to rise in the Chamber because I am very happy to respond to what was raised from the member opposite. I’m going to do this in a couple of different ways as far as response, Mr. Speaker.

Number one, some of the issues need some significant clarification from the members opposite in how they were presented to the Assembly with regard to the procedures, the rules, and the process. Because I think that an accurate picture wasn’t necessarily presented, and I’m going to do that.

The second item I’m going to speak to is some of the substantive issues that were raised, Mr. Speaker, because I am happy to speak to them. I have been here in this House every single day during question period, and they’ve had the opportunity to stand in their place and ask questions. I would have been thrilled to answer them, I can assure the entire House. And I think my colleagues are well aware of how enthusiastic I would have been in responding to those questions, Mr. Speaker. But as far as process . . . Mr. Speaker, we gave them the courtesy of listening to the member opposite, and I would ask the same from them.

With regard to process, Mr. Speaker, it is a very, very long-established process with regard to supply that statutorily allocated amounts — which is the case in this — which have already been allocated by the Assembly through votes in the Chamber are not then subject to votes in the supplementary estimate process.

That is how it works. That is how it has worked in this Chamber for its entire being, Mr. Speaker. That is how it has worked in the Parliament of Canada. That is how it works at Westminster, Mr. Speaker. Statutorily allocated appropriations are not subject to votes at committee in the supplementary estimates process. It has always worked that way, Mr. Speaker. And I will read you this because it’s . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I will ask that the members remain silent while the answer is being given, please.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — I would refer members, Mr. Speaker, to House of Commons Procedure and Practice, which members well know is the procedural guide that we use in this Chamber. It’s the procedural guide used in the House of Commons as well. And it draws on literally hundreds of years of parliamentary jurisprudence, and that comprises the rules. And I will read from that:

Statutory budget items [which is what this member is referring to] are not subject to annual approvals through supplementary estimates. Rather forecasts of this spending are included in the estimates for informational purposes only. Statutory expenditures are already authorized by ongoing separate legislation passed by Parliament.

This is the federal. Key difference is voted versus statutory spending.

Voted expenditures: these require annual approval from Parliament through an appropriation bill or a supply bill. The main estimates and any supplementary estimates present the government’s additional spending requirements for which new authority is needed. Parliament votes on these amounts.

Statutory expenditures, which is what we are talking about: these are authorized by existing legislation — example, the Old Age Security Act, the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act — for transfers like the Canada Health Transfer or interest on public debt, and thus do not need further annual parliamentary approval to be paid.

Supplementary estimates: while statutory spending does not require a vote in the supplementary estimates, changes to forecast of these expenditures are often reported.

Which is what happened, Mr. Speaker. This is in line with the process that has been used in this Chamber for decades and generations. And these are in line entirely, entirely . . . What’s unprecedented in fact, Mr. Speaker, is the opposition demanding that there be votes on statutorily . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to ask that we listen to the answer . . . it’s not an answer. It’s time for debate. Give each other the option to speak, please, and listen.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Right, Mr. Speaker. So I think we have made the very, very clear explanation with regard to process on this matter. And I would say I am more than happy to answer questions in this House. I am more than happy to go to estimates and answer questions in estimates. I think I did six or seven hours in estimates last year. And I think if you actually go back over the last 18 years, I probably spent as much time in estimates as any other minister in this Chamber, other than maybe the Minister of Finance, over the last 18 years.

I am perfectly happy, Mr. Speaker, to be accountable in estimates for statutory appropriation or, if you are in charge of a ministry in which supplementary appropriation is appropriately requested through the supplementary process, in that forum as well.

But for . . . what the members are representing is not the case, has never happened here before, Mr. Speaker. So I think that there is a question before the House on that matter. I will leave that to you, Mr. Speaker, for your consideration. But I think we’ve made the case very clearly as to the process, as to how this actually works, as opposed to the grandstanding politically from the members opposite.

Speaker Goudy: — Just on the grandstanding comment there, I would ask that the minister would apologize. There’s grandstanding on both sides, but I don’t think “grandstanding” is . . .

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — I withdraw and apologize.

Speaker Goudy: — Thank you. And do you want to be the next up? All right. Anyone else? Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Call in the members.

[The division bells rang from 14:56 until 14:57.]

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is:

That the third report of the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

All of those in favour of the motion please stand.

[Yeas — 32]

Moe

Harrison, D.

Kaeding

Marit

Cockrill

Reiter

Hindley

Harrison, J.

Jenson

Young, C.

Cheveldayoff

Keisig

Thorsteinson

Martens

Hilbert

Steele

Schmalz

McLeod, T.

Carr

Wilson

Weedmark

Beaudry

McLeod, B.

Crassweller

Kropf

Weger

Patterson

Bromm

Rowden

Chan

Gartner

Kasun

[15:00]

Speaker Goudy: — All those opposed to the motion please stand.

[Nays — 22]

Ritchie

Mowat

Wotherspoon

Love

Young, A.

Clarke

Laliberte

McPhail

ChiefCalf

Sarauer

Breckner

Blakley

Grewal

Conway

Jorgenson

Brar

Warrington

Pratchler

Housser

Senger

Roy

McBean

Principal Clerk: — Mr. Speaker, those in favour of the motion, 32; those opposed to the motion, 22.

Speaker Goudy: — I declare the motion carried.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

Ruling on a Question of Privilege

Speaker Goudy: — So earlier today I received a letter from the Opposition Whip in which she raised a question of privilege under the provisions of rule 12 of the Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. She alleged that the failure of the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation to attend the December 2nd, 2025 meeting of the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies to answer questions regarding supplementary estimates amounted to a breach of her privileges to fulfill her duties as an MLA and as opposition critic for SaskPower.

The Government House Leader provided me with a written reply in accordance with rule 12(4). He indicated that the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies had dealt with the matter by voting on the motions requesting the attendance of the minister and reporting the alleged breach of privilege to the Assembly.

Beauchesne’s, 6th Edition, paragraph 107 states, “Breaches of privilege in committee may be dealt with only by the House itself on report from the committee.” Further paragraph 760(3) says that the Speaker has no authority “to exercise procedural control over committees. Committees are and must remain masters of their own procedure.”

Based on this circumstance, I do not find a prima facie case of privilege, and find the question of privilege not well taken.

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Call for Independent Military Honours Review Board

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to move the following motion:

That this House calls on the Government of Canada to establish an independent military honours review board to review veterans’ cases where evidence suggests Victoria Cross criteria were met.

I so move, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — The Minister of Justice has moved the motion:

That this House calls on the Government of Canada to establish an independent military honours review board to review veterans’ cases where evidence suggests Victoria Cross criteria were met.

Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Lumsden-Morse.

Blaine McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is an absolute honour to speak to this motion, but first I just have to get one omission looked after that I forgot in introductions.

Seated amongst our veterans is a rose amongst thorns, Wendy Johnson, stepmom to William MacDonald as well. So thank you for being here as well today.

Now, Mr. Speaker, it is my belief that a significant disregard for our military has existed for far too long. It has literally been 80 years since Canada last awarded a Victoria Cross — 80 years. No one in this legislature is that old.

The Victoria Cross is the highest medal of honour that can be awarded to our armed forces. Previous awards were bestowed under the authority of the British Commonwealth, but since 1993 the Canadian Victoria Cross is the same honour as the British Victoria Cross, and yet we have found no worthy recipients. The medal has been minted but never awarded.

And the eligibility criteria reads as follows: “The Victoria Cross shall be awarded for the most conspicuous bravery, a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty, in the presence of the enemy.”

Now, Mr. Speaker, a committee has been struck entitled Valour in the Presence of the Enemy. That’s the name of the committee, chaired by four-star General Rick Hillier, former chief of the defence staff of the Canadian Armed Forces. Also serving on that committee in the House today, our own Lieutenant-Colonel, Retired, Ed Staniowski.

Now the aim is to initiate an independent review committee to assist the honours and awards committee in identifying soldiers who should have received the Canadian Victoria Cross. Their mission is to educate and share the heroic experiences of these brave individuals and recognizing soldiers who have displayed exceptional courage and sacrifice. Thus we would remember them forever.

Now room 218, mere steps away, contains shadow boxes of 15 soldiers with significant ties, ties that could be recognized to Saskatchewan, stories of exceptional courage and bravery in the face of the enemy.

For me, one stands out. I’m going to talk about a couple, but one stands out because of the closeness to my own home town. The main street in my town of Caron is named in his honour — Milne Avenue. Now, Private William Johnstone Milne, an article was written in The London Gazette of 8 June, 1917. And it records these words:

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in attack. On approaching the first objective, Private Milne observed an enemy machine gun firing on our advancing troops. Crawling on hands and knees, he succeeded in reaching the gun, killing the crew with bombs, and capturing the gun.

On the line reforming, he again located a machine gun in the support line and, stalking the second gun as he had done the first, he succeeded in putting the crew out of action and capturing the gun.

His wonderful bravery and resource on these two occasions undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his comrades. Private Milne was killed shortly after capturing the second gun.

Now I shared this story because it reminds me of the duty to remember, the duty that we have to remember. And I recall when that sign went up not that very long ago in my home town and I said, I don’t know that story. I need to go look it up. And that’s what I did. And I learned first-hand, you know, what took place in regards to that. Not only that, I learned that Private Milne lived in a community not far from Caron, just south and little bit west, on the farm close to Mortlach or Parkbeg — choose your town. And he walked to the city of Moose Jaw probably close to 25 kilometres to enlist in the army, First World War. Clearly there were better men back in those days.

I recognize another individual that’s memorialized in room 218, Sergeant Hugh Cairns of Saskatoon, posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, as well as Private Milne was as well. Streets are named in his honour in Saskatoon along with the armoury on Idylwyld. We wouldn’t know these things if the award was not commended and given to him.

Major David Currie, another one whose heroics in the Second World War in closing the Falaise gap so that retreating German soldiers had no way out. Held that gap for 36 hours straight, Mr. Speaker. And when he was relieved after having been successful in holding the gap, my understanding and the records indicate that he fell asleep on his feet. And he went on to be Sergeant-at-Arms in the House of Commons for a lengthy time.

But I go back to the fact heroic women and men in uniform, some of them here in uniform today with us, have not had the honour of seeing one of their comrades awarded with the Victoria Cross medal. There have been many acts of bravery where that should have happened. Eighty years, Mr. Speaker, that’s an awfully long time.

So I was delighted to hear of the initiative Valour in the Presence of the Enemy, chaired by four-star General Rick Hillier, former chief of defence staff, and involvement with Ed Staniowski, who brought it to my attention.

Mr. Speaker, we do have a hall of heroes in room 18. There needs to be more who with their bravery have kept this democracy that we love intact, the freedom that we all enjoy.

Now, Mr. Speaker, what have we done in regards to helping to move this initiative along, the initiative of Valour in the Presence of the Enemy? A letter has been sent to the Minister of National Defence, the Hon. David J. McGuinty. And I want to read it into the record because I believe it’s really, really important for us to understand what’s actually at stake here.

It says:

Dear Mr. David J. McGuinty,

As we approach 11 November and Remembrance Day, I take the opportunity to inform you of Saskatchewan’s support for an important initiative which is of significance to all federal and provincial parties, our Canadian Armed Forces, our CAF members, CAF veterans, and indeed all citizens of Canada.

Former CAF chief of defence staff, General Rick Hillier, along with the Canadian non-profit group Valour in the Presence of the Enemy, are the driving force supporting petition e‑6661 which will be tabled in Parliament next month. The petition is sponsored by a member of your caucus, Member of Parliament Pauline Rochefort, and calls upon the Government of Canada to establish an independent military honours review board to examine cases where the criteria for Canada’s highest military medal for valour, the Canadian Victoria Cross, VC, has been met.

Since 1993 the Canadian VC is the same honour as the British VC. However unlike Britain, Canada has found no soldier worthy. In fact no Canadian has been awarded the VC since the Second World War. And it is of note that during the war in Afghanistan, our Commonwealth Allies, including Australia, Britain, and New Zealand, awarded the VC to deserving soldiers. [And my own point here is that eight medals were awarded amongst the Commonwealth nations. Back to the text.] The United States awarded 10 medals of honour.

[15:15]

The federal government under your leadership, along with the support of Canada’s provinces and territories, have an opportunity to correct this wrong by supporting MP Rochefort and General Hillier in the creation of the military honours review board recommended in the petition. This petition and the efforts of Valour in the Presence of the Enemy go beyond a desire to see the first awarding of a Canadian Victoria Cross. They present a compelling argument that the actions of many soldiers, when considered in the context of previous Victoria Cross awards, merit renewed consideration.

Your government’s recent announcements regarding increased defence spending reflect an encouraging commitment to Canadian Armed Forces members and to our national security. These investments have undoubtedly had a positive impact on the morale of the soldiers, the sailors, and air personnel. And I join with many Canadians in expressing appreciation for this support.

In that spirit, a review of Star of Military Valour files from the Afghanistan and Korean conflicts, as well as during UN peacekeeping, would demonstrate a continued commitment to fairness and recognition. While the original decisions were almost certainly made in good faith, revisiting them in the light of broad public support and new perspectives is both reasonable and respectful. I would like to signal the support of the Government of Saskatchewan for such a review.

Now, Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that this motion coming from the Government of Saskatchewan with, I anticipate, unanimous support from those opposite in the House, will be the first in the Dominion of Canada from a provincial Assembly.

And, Mr. Speaker, it’s high time. Our soldiers, men and women of the uniform, have performed heroic acts. I could begin to name and number them, but it’s not about the individuals. It’s about the team. It’s about the team of soldiers, sailors, and airmen that together keep us safe and ensure that the freedoms that we enjoy are there for future generations.

It has been the spilled blood of many that have won that freedom. And it is in this Assembly’s purview to support this motion moving forward to the Government of Canada and correct what I believe has been a significant injustice.

So, Mr. Speaker, I am proud to stand with the Minister of Policing, Corrections and Public Safety and repeat again:

That this House calls on the Government of Canada to establish an independent military honours review board to review veterans’ cases where evidence suggests Victoria Cross criteria were met.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to join in with the members opposite in speaking to this motion as Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and as a former reservist in the cadet instructors’ cadre who paraded at the Sgt. Hugh Cairns V.C. Armoury in Saskatoon. I want to thank these distinguished veterans who have joined us here today and thank them for their patience as we went through other business this afternoon as well.

There are occasions for us to be non-partisan in this House. This is certainly one of those occasions, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank everyone who’s joined us here today, but everyone else who’s answered the call to serve in a courageous manner, to serve for Canada. Your continued commitment to advocating for your comrades to receive appropriate recognition is truly inspiring. And that you would remain committed beyond your time in uniform speaks volumes to the character of the folks who have joined us here today.

We want to ensure that the heroism of Canadian Armed Forces members is properly recognized — especially considering the Victoria Cross, which is the highest recognition for members — and thank them for their bravery, their sacrifice, and also the sacrifices that their family members have had to make for our country.

Today is about honouring those Canadian heroes whose acts of valour have yet to receive our nation’s highest recognition. And it’s not just about medals. It’s about historical integrity and ensuring that unparalleled bravery and service are fully honoured. We are proud to stand with you in this cause. Thank you for your service and for your ongoing commitment to Canada.

And I’m proud to say that the opposition will be voting in favour of this motion. Lest we forget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave to move a motion of transmittal.

Speaker Goudy: — The Government House Leader has made a request to move a motion of transmittal. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

TRANSMITTAL MOTION

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you. I move:

That the Speaker, on behalf of the Legislative Assembly, transmit copies of the motion as well as verbatim transcripts of the debate and the vote to Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada; and Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Official Opposition of Canada.

I so move.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Government House Leader:

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.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

Principal Clerk: — Committee of Finance.

Speaker Goudy: — I do now leave the Chair for Committee of Finance.

COMMITTEE OF FINANCE

Motions for Supply

Chair B. McLeod: — The item before the committee is the appropriation resolution, and I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — I move the following resolution no. 1:

Resolved that towards making good the supply granted to His Majesty on account of certain charges and expenses of the public service for the fiscal year ending March 31st, 2026, the sum of $429,925,000 be granted out of the General Revenue Fund.

Chair B. McLeod: — The Minister of Finance has moved resolution no. 1:

Resolved that towards making good the supply granted to His Majesty on account of certain charges and expenses of the public service for the fiscal year ending March 31st, 2026, the sum of $420,925,000 be granted out of the General Revenue Fund.

Is the committee ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

Chair B. McLeod: — Agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Chair B. McLeod: — I’m sorry. I should have said, is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Chair B. McLeod: — Carried. I would ask the minister to move that the committee rise and that the Chair report that the committee has agreed to certain resolutions, and ask for leave to sit again. I recognize the minister.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Chair, I move that the committee rise and that the Chair report that the committee has agreed to certain resolutions, and ask for leave to sit again.

Chair B. McLeod: — It has been moved by the Minister of Finance that the committee rise and that the Chair report that the committee has agreed to certain resolutions, and ask for leave to sit again. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Chair B. McLeod: — Carried.

[The Speaker resumed the Chair.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Chair of Committees.

Blaine McLeod: — The Committee of Finance has agreed to certain resolutions, has instructed me to report the same, and to ask for leave to sit again.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall the resolutions be read the first time? I recognize the Minister of Finance.

FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF RESOLUTIONS

Hon. Jim Reiter: — I move that the resolution be now read the first and second time.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Principal Clerk: — First and second reading of the resolutions.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall the committee sit again? I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Next sitting, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting. Pursuant to rule 32(1), the minister shall move first reading of the appropriation bill. I recognize the Minister of Finance.

APPROPRIATION BILL

Bill No. 46 — The Appropriation Act, 2025 (No. 2)

Hon. Jim Reiter: — I move that Bill No. 46, The Appropriation Act, 2025 (No. 2) be now introduced and read the first time.

Speaker Goudy: — The Minister of Finance has moved that Bill No. 46, The Appropriation Act, 2025 (No. 2) be now introduced and read the first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Principal Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be read a second time? I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — I request leave to move second and third reading of Bill No. 46, The Appropriation Act, 2025 (No. 2) immediately.

Speaker Goudy: — The Minister of Finance has requested leave to move second and third reading of Bill No. 46, The Appropriation Act, 2025 (No. 2) immediately. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave has not been granted. I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Just a point of order, Mr. Speaker. The next reading of the appropriation bill was not called. Next sitting.

[15:30]

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 44 — The Co-operatives Act, 2025/Loi de 2025 sur les coopératives

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, I now move second reading of The Co-operatives Act, 2025.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 44 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina Mount Royal.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We didn’t have a presentation of what this bill’s aims are from the government yet at this point. We’ll see that right away or fairly soon, Mr. Speaker.

Of course co-operatives in Saskatchewan are incredibly important to the economic and social well-being and fabric of this province, whether it’s our refinery or the grocery stores through Federated Co-op and those retail convenience stores and their connection to agriculture right across this province, whether it’s child care or housing, or whether it’s in water and meat processing and so much more, in telecommunications. Co-ops are real strong in this province. We think of the credit union system and the pride and the purpose of why they were established, and how relevant and important they are to today.

Certainly any legislation that relates to co-ops in Saskatchewan is something that we will review in full. We don’t have those details before us here today. We’ll make sure that the legislation is as robust and supportive of the awesome co-operatives across this province, Mr. Speaker.

Our critic will be doing that lead work. Once that bill is made public, once the rationale of the government’s presented, certainly we’ll invite the input with respect to that bill and provide the scrutiny that’s required, Mr. Speaker.

With that being said, I would move to adjourn debate with respect to Bill No. 44, The Co-operatives Act, 2025.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 45 — The Co-operatives Consequential Amendments Act, 2025

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This time I’ll start at the top of my speech, not the bottom.

When it comes to The Co-operatives Consequential Amendments Act, Mr. Speaker, the items in this legislation will support the new co-operatives Act and make simple consequential amendments to the English legislation. These amendments are mostly housekeeping in nature and will maintain consistency between the different corporate legislation.

With regard to the Act itself, Mr. Speaker, I would like to just explain a few things. The Ministry of Justice and Attorney General is conducting an ongoing corporate review of the registry. To date, that review has resulted in several important legislative updates, including the new business corporations Act, 2021 and The Non-profit Corporations Act, 2022. The Co-operatives Act, 2025 is simply the next stage in this review.

A co‑operative is a business entity owned and controlled by its members to fulfill a common purpose, such as providing groceries, housing, or daycare. Mr. Speaker, this unique business structure serves an important purpose in Saskatchewan. Co-operatives across the province provide goods and services to meet the needs of our many communities.

Updates in the new Act are based on previous modernizations and enhancements under The Business Corporations Act, 2021 and The Non-profit Corporations Act, 2022. These updates include clarifying the use of modern technology; reducing red tape by removing the registrar from business-related decisions; expressly allowing business names to include words in Cree, Dene, or other Indigenous languages; and simplifying the liquidation and dissolution procedure.

Additionally, there are several updates unique to co-operatives. First, the current co-operatives Act, 1996 and new generations co-operatives Act are combined into a single piece of legislation. New generation co-operatives will remain a form of specialized co‑operative within the new Act.

Second, to meet a common request from stakeholders, a new multi-stakeholder specialized co‑operative is included within the new Act. This type of co‑operative is owned and controlled by more than one type of membership class, such as customers, producers, workers, or volunteers.

Finally, the new Act will provide all co-operatives clear authority to raise capital through the sale of preferred shares to non-members.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move second reading of The Co-operatives Consequential Amendments Act, 2025.

Speaker Goudy: — Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina Mount Royal.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Co-ops are incredibly important to this province. We’ll make sure that this legislation is in the best interests of those co-ops and the economic and social returns that they provide. At this point, I’ll move to adjourn debate with respect to Bill No. 45.

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 Pasqua.

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to debate on Bill No. 24, the Saskatchewan internal trade Act. Mr. Speaker, as before, my colleague from Regina University mentioned that this bill is a necessity of this time. When Trump’s tariffs are uncertain, every day we listen. When he rises in the morning, we don’t know what decision he will take. Moreover internal trade will also depend on the province where . . . [inaudible] . . . will increase the volume of our trade. We’ll get more employment.

And one thing more I would like to mention, that it will be also the need of the hour to accept the certification of a tradesperson in every province from coast to coast to coast. There will be more employment when there is certification and standards recognized by every province equally. All the regulatory authorities will have to make the same rules and regs. So we support this bill, and with that I move to adjourn the debate, 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 Regina Walsh Acres.

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet to enter into debate on The Tailgating Act, Bill No. 29. I know many members on my side of the House and on the other side of the House are excited about this bill and what it could mean for bringing community together.

When we’re talking Saskatchewan Roughriders, I do want to take a moment to mention my good old pop, Barry Clarke, who served as the Rider Chair of the board for the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 2021 to 2023, and the amazing work he did as a volunteer. And really proud to be part of the organization to this day.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 29.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

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 Regina Wascana Plains.

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Rising today to speak to Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act. This bill looks at tightening laws for legal action against defamatory publications. It deals with damages that can be set as well as the process of proof and rulings by juries.

In instances of defamation online — which is obviously more prevalent today due to technology, message boards, social platforms, etc. — we certainly need to address and tighten up legislation regarding this, as well as addressing instances that may be protected from this legislation, such as municipal, provincial, and federal proceedings.

There is still work to be done on this bill. My colleagues on this side will weigh in further. But for now, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 32

[The 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 Regina Wascana Plains.

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Rising to enter debate on Bill No. 32, The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025. My words put on record on the previous bill, Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act, would certainly apply to these amendments, as highlighted in Bill 32, to bring legislation up to date regarding changes in language and terminology.

Again my colleagues and shadow minister will have more to say. But for now, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 32, The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 Walsh Acres.

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again it’s a pleasure to be on my feet to enter into debate on Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025. I know my critic on this side of the House will do incredible work to make sure that we’re talking to stakeholders and engaging with the public on the contents of this bill.

I’ve just got to say, you know, I love my credit union, been a long-time credit union member here in Regina, so always supportive of credit unions in this province. With that, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 33.

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 Regina Pasqua.

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise here again for debate on Bill No. 35, The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025. Mr. Speaker, before that, my colleague debated on this bill. Everybody in the province knows the importance of minerals, especially when we know that on Saskatchewan agricultural land we can only produce one crop.

So to increase the GDP [gross domestic product] of the province, it is necessary to explore the mineral product. It will give more employment to our working class for the whole of the year so that they can look out for their families. It also will increase the possibility of new innovations that will help our whole province and add to the value of our province not only in Canada but in whole of the world.

But I hope to see the government do proper consultation for the bill, especially with First Nations. I know many of my colleagues will be speaking with the stakeholders to ensure mining happens efficiently and responsibly. With this, I support this bill and move to request to adjourn the debate, 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. 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 Regina Wascana Plains.

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Rising again to speak to Bill No. 36, The Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025. This bill looks to clarify and update legislation regarding notification of name changes or requirements of such changes and communication regarding spousal name changes. These amendments reflect the changes in family dynamics that often occur today and amending legislation that deals with name changes that may occur.

Government being able to notify police or other jurisdictions of name changes helps to streamline the recording process. Keeping track of those that may change their names to avoid the law or prosecution is a welcome component of this bill. Although name changes in other instances — an individual escaping domestic violence — such a notification may have unintended consequences.

[15:45]

So we’d like to see notification in certain instances be done safely and responsibly. There is still work to be done on this bill, and my colleagues on this side will have more to say moving forward. For now, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 36, The Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to speak on Bill 37, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act. I’m glad to see that we are modernizing name regulations in keeping with a more diverse province, and I’m also very glad to see the protections for vulnerable people, through this government’s worst-in-Canada IPV record. And that speaks for itself. With that, I move to adjourn on Bill No. 37.

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 Saskatoon Chief Mistawasis.

Don McBean: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m happy to rise to speak to The Building Schools Faster Act.

A lot has been said. There are some concerns raised about the relationship between the province and the municipalities to get schools built more quickly. I wonder if this would have helped me in 2013 when, as administrator at Forest Grove School, Willowgrove School didn’t get built and half of them had to come to us. We had a lot of fun as the Willow-Forest-Grove school, but it’s really better if schools can be built more quickly.

With that, I move to adjourn debate. Thank you very much.

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 Saskatoon Chief Mistawasis.

Don McBean: — Thank you very much. To speak to The Building Schools Faster Consequential Amendment Act, this has been dealt with very quickly by many of the members rising earlier. I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 39.

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 Regina Wascana Plains.

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Rising to enter debate on Bill No. 40, The Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2025. This bill looks at clarifying and updating legislation regarding the scope of animal protection officers in helping them do their job. The bill also seeks to clarify some of the standards of euthanasia and clearing up some of the language associated with that.

Some of the amendments deal with a code of conduct of animal protection officers, of animal welfare inspectors, and of the chief officer. We know that people in Saskatchewan take their animals seriously, and we all want to see these animals taken care of. We do need to address some gaps in accountability and transparency however. As my colleague from Athabasca says, there’s still more work to be done on this bill.

My colleagues will have more to add to this debate, but for now, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 40, The Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2025.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to rise and speak to the heritage recognition Act.

This bill summary is basically that the minister can proclaim any heritage day, week, or month that one wishes, and the Act does not affect any heritage event already proclaimed. With our ever-growing diversity in our province, I see that this will help recognize significant cultural groups.

And with that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 41.

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 Pasqua.

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have an opportunity to rise here again to debate on Bill No. 42, The Saskatchewan Firearms Amendment Act.

Mr. Speaker, as a society developing side by side, we have to look out every corner. And this Saskatchewan amendment Act is a basic need of this time.

As my colleagues before me have said, we are very pleased to see this legislation and are very supporting of it. It is an important step to strengthen Saskatchewan’s own authority over firearm regulations. We know that Saskatchewan likes their guns very seriously, so of course we want to ensure that their rights as gun owners are respected.

While I am not a gun owner myself, I heard from my constituents that the federal buyback program has been inconsistent. This bill ensures that the impact on gun owner here in Saskatchewan will be informed by Saskatchewan’s own safety standards and experts such as the firearms officer.

And with that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill 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.

Bill No. 43

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Eric Schmalz that Bill No. 43 — The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act be now read a second time.]

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

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to rise today and enter in the debate on Bill No. 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act, a very interesting piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I think what’s most important here is getting feedback from our municipal partners to hear what they feel about this bill. I know SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] will likely be one of the many organizations that the critic will be consulting with respect to this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, in order to facilitate that work, I’m now prepared to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 43.

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 committee, I move this Assembly do now adjourn.

Speaker Goudy: — It has 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.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:53.]

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

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