Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through you and to you, I’d like to introduce some guests seated in your gallery, members from the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation who are here today, Mr. Speaker.

Seated in your gallery is the president of the STF [Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation], Samantha Becotte; Angela Banda, executive director; Daniel Dion, executive; as well as other staff members from the STF. Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure once again of having another regularly scheduled meeting with our partners at the STF earlier today. I look forward to sharing some words later this evening as we’re hosting an MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] reception here in the legislature.

Mr. Speaker, I think on behalf of everyone in this Chamber . . . And I know we’ll hear from the opposition as well, but I think I just want to express our appreciation for all the work that teachers across this province do — 14,000 teachers. And of course the STF is a great partner as we share a common goal and a main focus, which is giving our students here in this province their best education and their best start.

Mr. Speaker, I’d ask everyone to join me in welcoming the members from the STF to their Legislative Assembly here today.

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to join with the minister opposite and welcome these esteemed guests to their building, to their Assembly here. We’re joined by members of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation. I’d like to welcome President Samantha Becotte, member of the executive Daniel Dion, as well as Angela Banda, executive director of the teachers’ federation.

Folks here know that prior to getting elected, I was a teacher. They know that I serve as shadow minister for Education. They might not know that the teachers’ federation is also located in Saskatoon Eastview. So as their local MLA, I’d like to welcome all the staff who work there and thank them for all of their work throughout the year in support of the profession, which is ultimately in support of our children, our children and youth in this province who are our greatest resource.

Through them I’d like to thank all of those 14,000 teachers in this province who serve our youth and our children so well each and every day in schools across this province. Our teachers serve with professionalism, with compassion, and with the focus on improving our province for the future, certainly something that we all support and believe in.

I’m thankful this year that we have roughly 500 more teachers in this province, thanks to their advocacy. I will say, Mr. Speaker, I am surprised that they were able to find 500 new teachers when so many of them went and got elected on this side of the Assembly. But I’m thankful that those teachers are in place in classrooms supporting students, and I ask all members to join me in welcoming these members from the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation to their Assembly.

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

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to join with members opposite as well as the Minister of Education and rise today to introduce one of the members of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation here today, Ted Zurakowski. Ted, if you could give us a wave.

Ted and I have known each other for years, probably more than either of us would want to admit, right? We’ve spend a lot of time on the road together, alongside Ted and a few others when we were refereeing hockey in the Beaver Lakes Hockey League, Mr. Speaker. And it was difficult sometimes to get out of those barns after a few of Ted’s calls, but we made it out unscathed, relatively. I seem to be getting invited to go with him all the time. I don’t know why.

Mr. Speaker, Ted also served honourably on the city of Prince Albert City Council. So I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming Ted to his Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to briefly join with the minister opposite. As a former town councillor myself, I had the opportunity to be at a few meetings at SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] conventions and whatnot with Ted. A great guy, always playing jokes on where does the northern line start in northern Saskatchewan. We often argue right about the bridge in Prince Albert, but I know that the geographical centre is Weyakwin. So we always have that fun argument as to where the North starts.

But the P.A. [Prince Albert] City Council has always been great with the northern Saskatchewan folks. A lot of folks from the North end up in Prince Albert, whether it be just driving straight through it on their way down to Saskatoon or Regina here.

But it’s always a pleasure to see Ted. And on behalf of the opposition, I want to welcome him to his provincial legislature. Thank you.

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

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you and to all members of the Assembly, I’m very pleased to welcome two first-time guests to their Legislative Assembly. Seated in the west gallery today is Joel Buisson and Mike Hawes, members of the senior leadership team at Visions Electronics.

Joel and Mike are strong partners in Saskatchewan’s retail and technology sector. Very grateful for their contributions to our communities and our economy. Visions is 100 per cent Canadian owned and operated, founded in 1981, and has 43 locations across Canada and over 1,000 employees.

So I ask all members to join me in welcoming these gentlemen both to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I’d just like to join with the minister opposite in welcoming Joel and Mike to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, it gives me great pleasure to introduce 22 grade 10 students from Vanier Collegiate in Moose Jaw, together with their teacher Mr. Panko.

Mr. Speaker, before the proceedings started today the member from Moose Jaw Wakamow and I had an opportunity to meet with these students. Fielded some very tough questions, very thoughtful questions, which we expect nothing less from one of Mr. Panko’s classes. So I would ask all members to please join me in welcoming these 22 grade 10 students from Vanier Collegiate in Moose Jaw.

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to say a quick hello and welcome to the legislature to Lyndsay Moormann who is seated in your gallery. She is the president of Unifor Local 1‑S, along with of course Steven Williams who is the treasurer for Unifor Local 1‑S.

And then we also have Darin Milo joining us, the treasurer for the Regina & District Labour Council. Now, Mr. Speaker, the Regina & District Labour Council — long, proud history since 1906 — is the second labour council to be formed in Saskatchewan as a strong voice for labour.

Not only do these individuals however work under that title, I have also seen them very caring and compassionately contributing to many humanitarian efforts within the province and within Regina. So I would like to thank them very much.

While I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, I’d also like to welcome to his Assembly Mr. Patrick Maze. Pat Maze and I worked together on the Regina Public Schools Teachers’ Association executive for several years. It’s wonderful to see him here today, and I welcome to his gallery.

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and colleagues. I’d like to request 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. To you and through you, and to all members, it’s my pleasure to introduce Cindy Chamberlin seated in the west gallery. Cindy is the smiling face that you see when you open the door in room 307 here in the Legislative Building. We are celebrating her well-deserved retirement at the end of the year.

Since joining the legislature in 2016, Cindy has served with professionalism, dedication, and grace in several offices, supporting ministers like Gordon Wyant, Don Morgan, Dustin Duncan, and in her final year, in my office as Minister of Advanced Education.

Her strong commitment to government has left a lasting impact on many of us. Cindy’s dedication and integrity have set a high standard for excellence, making her not only an exceptional colleague but a friend to many. Mr. Speaker, I’ll share one thing about Cindy. She has an incredible ability to stay calm under pressure, no matter how busy things become. Cindy always has a smile and a solution to offer.

Today is even more special as she is joined by her family, daughters Crystal and Megan and grandson Peyton, who have supported her through this journey.

On behalf of all of us, thank you, Cindy, for your years of service and unwavering support. May the next chapter of your life be filled with relaxation and time spent doing what you love most, whether it’s travelling to new destinations or enjoying precious moments spoiling your grandchildren like only a grandparent can.

Please join me in congratulating Cindy on her retirement, and thank her for making her province a better place.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to join with the minister and provide a good word to Cindy Chamberlin as she retires. This is someone who served her province and has always had incredible warmth as well and professionalism in that service here in this Assembly. I want to welcome her family that’s with her here today.

But on behalf of the official opposition and a grateful province, I ask all of us to provide our thanks and appreciation to Cindy Chamberlin on her retirement.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Highways.

Hon. David Marit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to introduce a gentleman sitting in the west gallery, someone I’ve come to know when I first was Minister of Highways. And we’ve become good friends. And I want to introduce Linton Potzus from Potzus Construction out of Yorkton.

Linton and his company has done phenomenal work in the province of Saskatchewan, not only in the southern half of the province but also in the northern part as well. Linton and I know we’ve had discussions around that. But some of the work that his company has done, obviously he was one of the partners also in the Regina bypass as well. They did a lot of work there on the paving side.

But he just completed probably one of the unique projects we did here in the province of Saskatchewan when he did the roundabout at Weyburn. And also way ahead of schedule, Mr. Speaker, so that caused us some challenges in the Ministry of Highways finance department. But it worked out just well anyway, Linton. And also his company will be doing the passing lanes from Fort Qu’Appelle to Melville as well.

So I want to take the opportunity to thank Linton and his family. They’ve been in the construction business here in this province for more than 60 years, and the work that they’ve done, they’ve done a lot of projects and great work. Just recognizing a very proud Saskatchewan company that does a lot of work for the Ministry of Highways.

So, Linton, on behalf of the government, thank you for the work. And thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask all members to welcome Linton to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join with the minister and briefly extend our thanks and welcome to Linton here as well. The Sask Heavy Construction gathering, convention’s going on here as well. I don’t know; I suspect he’s at that convention here as well.

We just want to thank Linton and all the road builders of Saskatchewan for their incredible service to this province. And certainly the project at Weyburn was well ahead of schedule and completed in what seemed to be just an exceptional way. So just a huge shout-out to Linton and all the road builders of Saskatchewan.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. Daryl Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In your gallery, making his first trip to his Legislative Assembly, is Mr. Jadon Carnduff. He’s the administrator in the RM [rural municipality] of Browning down in the southeast corner. Grew up in the community just south of me at Carnduff — same name of course. But I’d ask all members to please welcome Jadon to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I want to introduce two guests that are seated in your gallery today: Anne McGeough and Dave Dwyer.

Anne, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting recently and she is a semi-retired social worker at Foxvalley who’s involved in counselling and works with children. And we had a lovely lunch together.

And she’s joined by Dave Dwyer who is my uncle, Mr. Speaker, and has joined us from Saskatoon. And it’s his first time in the legislature since he was a small child. He’s retired recently from working for 40 years in a little company called Walmart where he was a manager in places all over the Prairies here, Mr. Speaker. And before that, he worked with Woolco, so he was around quite a bit with the Walmart corporation.

In his spare time he enjoys attending Saskatchewan Rush games — kind of an avid sports fan — spending time with his children and grandchildren and with the Saskatoon Mustangs club as of recently. He has always had an important place in my life, Mr. Speaker, and he fondly tells the story of when I was a child and he took me on my very first elevator ride. Look how far I’ve come, Uncle Dave. I’ve ridden way more than one elevator now.

[13:45]

And I want to thank him for taking the time and showing a special interest and coming out today. And it was great to walk them around, show them the building, and to have lunch with them. So I’d ask all members to join them in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Blaine McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It has been said that gratitude may be the least of the virtues but the greatest of the vices if absent in your life. And so through you and to you, I want to express my sincere gratitude to my lovely wife seated in your gallery. Marlie Beth, you are loved and sorely missed over the last week, so thank you for being my wife of 44-plus years. And I invite all members to welcome my wife to this, her Legislative Chamber.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to the House, seated in your gallery — up there in the big black trench coat — my CA [constituency assistant], Modeste McKenzie.

Modeste has given great leadership to the people of the North. You know, his connection to culture with having ancestry of Dene and Métis roots always proves to be a strong asset in northern Saskatchewan. A strong leader within our party, former president of the Indigenous wing that we’ve had established here in our party, long-time supporter of not only the folks on this side of the House, but also of me.

We’ve grown up together in the community of La Ronge and we’ve kind of come up together in the party. And it’s a real honour to have him as my right-hand man in our office in La Ronge. And I thank him for what he’s done throughout the course of the wildfires. I know that there’s been an incredible amount of stress put through our office dealing with the many challenges that have come up over the course of the season, and I just thank him for his service. And I ask all members to join me in welcoming my CA Modeste McKenzie to this, his provincial legislature.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Marsi, okimâw nâpêw. Mr. Speaker, it’s a great pleasure to acknowledge and welcome a great friend of mine, who’s also my CA, that’s seated in your gallery, Mr. Speaker. Regan Ratt-Misponas travelled in all the way from Pinehouse. He’s a great advocate. He’s a good friend and a great community member to the community of Pinehouse. He’s been an advocate not only for the youth of northwestern Saskatchewan, but that to the community members throughout the Northwest.

And he’s quite the jigger, Mr. Speaker. We were up at Lake Athabasca last year and I tell you, it was a battle between my CA and the member from Cumberland’s CA. And to be quite honest, Mr. Speaker, I was the one that won.

But, Mr. Speaker, I just want to say têniki for your work, marsi for your work, and miyo kîsikan’si. Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. I’d welcome all members to please welcome Regan Ratt-Misponas to his Assembly.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I would like to join my colleague from Fairview in welcoming Dave Dwyer and Anne McGeough to their legislature. Dave is a constituent of mine, and I thank you for coming all the way down here to visit Regina and to be here.

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk a little bit about Anne. Back when I was a teen parent and lived here in Regina, they had a teen parent program here that offered mentorship to teen mothers, and that’s well over 40 years ago. And I was so grateful for the teen parent program that Anne was involved with. Anne and the team back then nurtured me, supported me, and helped me to be here where I am.

So, Anne, thank you so much for all that you have done, all that the late Marge Robinson has done, and all the mentors for the teenage women. Thank you so much. And I ask all members to join me in welcoming these folks to their legislature.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise once again today to present a petition that I’ve collected signatures on all summer in Saskatoon Fairview, both in Fairhaven and Parkridge, to open up vacant Saskatchewan Housing Corporation units for occupancy. We know that homelessness has quadrupled in Saskatoon under this Premier, and this government needs a new approach, including fixing up vacant housing units.

I’ll read the prayer:

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

This is signed by individuals from Saskatoon Fairview, Mr. Speaker. I do so present.

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

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

Those who’ve signed this petition wish to bring to our attention the following: that on August 22nd, 2023 the Saskatchewan government banned all third-party educators from publicly funded schools. Those who are banned include organizations like the Regina Sexual Assault Centre, the North East Outreach and Support Services, and the West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre. The topics that these organizations teach include things like consent, healthy relationships, and child sexual abuse prevention.

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

I’d like to read the prayer:

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

Those who’ve signed the petition come from Saskatoon. I do so present.

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present our petition calling for the government to address the housing crisis through affordable homes and tenant protections.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: the cost of housing and rental housing in Saskatchewan has skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for many individuals and families to secure stable and affordable housing. I’d also like to mention that the disastrous changes to SIS [Saskatchewan income support] and SAID [Saskatchewan assured income for disability] have meant that over the past decade homelessness has surged, pushing people onto the streets. Meanwhile the government has made drastic cuts to housing programs.

I’d like to read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately implement a comprehensive affordable housing strategy aimed at stable and affordable housing. This would include the restoration of the cuts made to the housing portfolio, investment in the development of affordable and low-income housing units, enforcement of rental protections for tenants, and allocation of resources development of second-stage housing and crisis centres.

Mr. Speaker, this petition is signed by the residents from Foam Lake. I do so present.

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling for real action on climate change. The undersigned residents would like to bring to our attention the following: that Saskatchewan, like other jurisdictions, continues to experience the challenges brought on by climate change, including severe forest and grassland fires.

And I’d like to take a moment just to speak to, you know, the increase in severe forest fires. We’ve heard from the other side this session that the forest fires we saw in the North this year were unprecedented. And that’s true, Mr. Speaker. But climate change scientists are telling us that forest fires will continue to get worse into the future as climate change continues.

And so I hope and I challenge the government to really think about that and how they’re preparing for forest fires in the future, because we expect them to continue to get worse. We are also seeing the costs of increased climate change continuing to grow through increased crop insurance and provincial disaster assistance programs.

Mr. Speaker, I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to take real climate action.

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

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise once again to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to implement rent control now. The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention: that Saskatchewan tenants are currently experiencing the highest level of rent increases in the country; that with rent control, residents can budget more effectively, potentially putting them in a position to save for a down payment on their first home. Mr. Speaker, I have spoken to people in my riding that say that they cannot contribute to the economy and buy locally because the rent is so darn high.

I will read the prayer:

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

The undersigned residents are from Regina. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Northern Firefighter Leaves Legacy of Courage and Leadership

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to pay tribute to and congratulate one of the North’s bravest, Matthew Charles of La Ronge.

Mr. Charles is a lifelong northerner who recently retired after spending 50 years fighting wildfires in Saskatchewan’s North. His dedication to protecting the North, its people, and the land with courage and bravery is one of a kind. He is known amongst his colleagues for his leadership, vast firefighting knowledge, sense of humour, professionalism, and mentorship, which he has provided to multiple generations of firefighters.

And though he has spent his career in northern Saskatchewan, he has found himself known to a broader audience as a TV star through a documentary television series called Guardians of the North which follows members of various firefighting agencies from our great province, including the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.

Mr. Speaker, it is individuals like Mr. Charles who exemplify what it means to be a northerner, a loving father, and a husband, a protector of community and the land, who brought crucial leadership to his firefighting crews during the chaos that ensues when battling wildfires. His legacy and sense of duty is an example for all, and it is my privilege and honour to acknowledge him and wish him well as he turns the page to his retirement chapter.

On behalf of the people of Cumberland, my colleagues that form the Saskatchewan NDP’s [New Democratic Party] official opposition, I’d like to thank Mr. Charles for his years of service and dedication to the people of northern Saskatchewan and wish him a happy retirement. Thank you, Matthew.

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

Unique Fundraiser Supports Regina Women in Need

Michael Weger: — Mr. Speaker, it is a great day to talk about a women-led fundraiser that is helping women in Regina facing homelessness, domestic abuse, or enduring hardship. Founded together by Christina Pattison and Leah Trudelle, Wine & Undies held their first fundraiser in 2018.

The idea: to collect $10 plus a bottle of wine from anyone and everyone. The money they collected was used to purchase brand new underwear for donation to Regina women in need, through various local organizations, and the wine gets given back to contributors.

Prior to this year’s two-week campaign, they’ve raised $68,000. 4,644 bottles of wine have been given out, and 24,564 pairs of underwear have been donated, all while engaging over 3,000 community members. And, Mr. Speaker, this year is proving to be bigger and better than ever, with the event wrapping up this evening at the Keg Steakhouse & Bar in Regina south with the sold-out Evening for Undies gala.

Their unique fundraiser and hard work has not gone unnoticed, Mr. Speaker, having recently been recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the Outstanding Community Group award. On the award it is inscribed, “Change the world with a giving heart.” Well, Mr. Speaker, these women are changing the world with wine and undies.

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

Regina Resident Organizes 10th Backpack Giveaway

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, Amanda McCall is a tireless force for good that gives back to our community in a remarkable way. She’s been leading and organizing her backpack and school supplies giveaway project for 10 years. She knows that getting prepared for a new school year is a financial barrier for many families, so she provides backpacks filled with school supplies to kids in need as they head back.

[14:00]

This year she organized and gave away almost 1,200 backpacks. She makes this happen with the incredible volunteer team of friends and family and the donations of many. Special shout-outs are in order for some of those donors: Cory and Larry Laczko as well as Aaron Carr from their respective Great Canadian Oil Change locations; Stacey Wong and Shawna LaVanway from Wheaton Chevrolet; Kevin Farebrother from Hyundai of Regina; A&W on Avonhurst; Ruecker’s HDD & Construction; G&S Marina at Rowan’s Ravine; the Rosemont Mount Royal Community Association; Harvard Developments; the Saskatchewan Safety Council; Ehrenburg Homes; the Regina Downtowners Optimist Club; Erin & Associates Insurance; FYidoctors; and Leopold’s Tavern.

Mr. Speaker, without a doubt this project has made a positive difference in the lives of so many. I ask all in this legislature to express our heartfelt thanks to Amanda McCall for her inspiring leadership and dedication, and to all those that have helped and volunteered to make it happen. Thanks, Mr. Speaker.

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

Taking Action to Address Interpersonal and Gender-Based Violence

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government continues to take action to address interpersonal and gender-based violence in Saskatchewan.

Today we are proud to announce the launch of the fourth phase of our Face the Issue campaign. This campaign focuses on the role of bystanders — family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours — to ensure people understand the signs of violence and abuse, and to encourage people to safely step in when they see or suspect it. We are incredibly grateful to our community partners for working alongside us in the development of the campaign, and for their shared commitment to supporting victims and survivors.

Our government strategy is built on three pillars: prevention, intervention, and accountability. This year our government will invest 32 million in interpersonal violence programs through the justice system, including 14.2 million directed to community-based organizations.

Our government also recently introduced and passed The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act, expanding the definition of “interpersonal violence” to include cyberstalking, online harassment, and coercive control, helping protect victims and strengthening accountability.

Mr. Speaker, starting the conversation and speaking up about interpersonal violence and abuse is a critical step towards building a safer Saskatchewan for all residents and families.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

New School in La Loche a Cultural Gathering Place

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to have joined the people of the northern village of La Loche and surrounding communities alongside hard-working staff and leadership of the Northern Lights School Division No. 113 as they celebrated the grand opening of the new Nįtélazёtúë Elementary School, which opened its doors this year.

The event began with the song sung by Elder and village councillor Toni Lemaigre alongside some elementary students wearing ribbon skirts and drumming. Let that image be a symbol of the type of place this will be for the community’s future generations.

The building of the new school facility offered a renewed sense of pride for the communities, Mr. Speaker. Communities like La Loche and all northwestern communities are deserving of a new school built in their community. All children deserve a safe and welcoming place where they feel proud to go every day, Mr. Speaker.

And now I am told that there are many variations of what “nįtélazёtúë” translates from the Dene language to English. But one thing is for sure, the school will be a strong cultural gathering place for the Dene culture to thrive.

Thank you to all the community members who advocated for this school to be built in this community for a long time. Marsi cho. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Celebrated Veterinarian Serves Community with Compassion

Sean Wilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to honour a man whose life’s work has touched not only the animals of our province but the communities that depend on them: Dr. Richard Krauss of Preeceville.

For over 50 years, Dr. Krauss has served as a veterinarian with unwavering dedication, compassion, and skill. His career began as a member of the very first graduating class of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the U of S [University of Saskatchewan] in 1969. Just one year later he opened the Preeceville Vet Clinic, filling a vital gap in rural care and building a legacy that would span generations.

Dr. Krauss’s contributions have been recognized by two of the highest honours in his field: the J.J. Murison Distinguished Veterinarian award from the Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association, and the Honorary Life Membership from the Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners. These awards reflect not only his professional excellence but his character, his tireless work ethic, his kindness, and his deep concern for both clients and patients.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Krauss’s story is not just one of professional achievement. It’s a story of rural resilience, of community commitment, and of a man whose love for animals is matched only by his love for the people he serves.

On behalf of this Assembly and the people of Saskatchewan, I extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Krauss. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations of veterinarians and community leaders. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Potash Company Invests in the Future with Educational Funding

David Chan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well what a great day in Saskatchewan. Earlier this week Mosaic made an announcement that highlights their commitment to our great province. They are investing $4 million into our schools and colleges to help expand the mining workforce. 1.5 million goes to Suncrest College, which will allow them to upgrade their industrial mechanics training lab and increase training capacity. Another 1.5 million will go to Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and just over a million dollars will go to Good Spirit School Division to build a new practical and applied arts lab at Churchbridge high school.

Quintin Robertson, director of education at Good Spirit, said, “We’ll be able to almost quadruple the number of students that we’re able to put through our practical and applied arts millwright program in Churchbridge.”

Mr. Speaker, we’re also very excited to hear that Mosaic is relaunching its potash mining readiness program in February. This program will allow Indigenous students to get hands-on training in the potash sector.

Investments like these are great news for communities like Esterhazy and Yorkton. It’s a sign to our young people thinking of a career in the mining industry that they can stay right here at home, learn their trade, and get a great job and raise a family.

On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, thank you to Mosaic for this generous donation. Thank you for showing confidence in our province, and thank you for believing in our young people.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

SaskPower Rates and Removal of Carbon Tax

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, this government is borrowing nearly a billion dollars at SaskPower with no oversight. The company is projected to lose $166 million this year alone. Rates will have to go up by at least 10 per cent. How much is the Premier going to hike power rates to pay for this?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — There’s been no discussion on this side of the House with respect to hiking power rates, Mr. Speaker. If you look back over the last number of years, I think there was a slight increase in 2022. Prior to that, 2018 were the last increases. In fact if there’s been any change recently, it’s been a decrease, Mr. Speaker, of roughly about 10 per cent.

That’s when we removed the carbon tax from our power bills across the province of Saskatchewan, of which the members opposite have advocated for time and time again up to and including, up to and including, Mr. Speaker, December the 2nd in committee when the member from Regina Mount Royal said, and I quote — when he’s referencing taking the carbon tax off of Saskatchewan power bills, a decision made by this government — he had said, and I quote, “This is so incredibly reckless,” Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, time and time again, quote and quote again, the members opposite advocate for that carbon tax to be on the power bills of Saskatchewan families. We have removed it, which continues to ensure Saskatchewan has some of the lowest utilities rates in the nation of Canada.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, the Premier knows that that statement is completely false. Mr. Speaker, let’s try this again.

Speaker Goudy: — I’m sorry. We’re allowed to say we disagree, but to say that he knows that statement is completely false, that’s offside. And I just noticed there’s quite a bit of volume, so let’s keep it down. We have some wonderful grade 11s and 12s here today watching this.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, please.

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, the Premier knows . . . Try this again. Mr. Speaker, I apologize. Mr. Speaker, that statement is completely false. And we didn’t get an answer for our question, so we’ll try this again.

Mr. Speaker, the government is borrowing nearly a billion dollars at SaskPower with no oversight. The company is projected to lose $166 million this year alone. Rates will have to go up by at least 10 per cent. How much is the Premier going to hike power rates to pay for this?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — We didn’t increase the rates. We lowered the power rates by removing the carbon tax off those power bills, Mr. Speaker.

I hear time and time again this number of a billion dollars. The only way you can get there, Mr. Speaker, is taking the Q2 [second quarter] quarter results and then adding the supplementary estimate to that, which is not the way this works, Mr. Speaker.

As was reported by the Deputy Premier, the Minister of Finance, a couple of weeks ago in our Q2 result, Mr. Speaker, $427 million is the number.

We continue to have the lowest utility bundle in the nation of Canada because it’s this government and SaskPower that work hard to ensure that our cost of power is low for Saskatchewan families, and we’re making decisions like removing the carbon tax off their bills.

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

Aleana Young: — Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story. Again this is a government that raised power bills three times in a single year.

So let’s try this again. The government is borrowing nearly a billion dollars of public money. SaskPower is projected to lose $166 million this year. Rates will have to go up by at least 10 per cent.

So to the Premier: how much are you going to hike power rates to pay for this?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, with respect to the assumptions the opposition members had, I would just say this. As per my previous answer, the nearest I can tell is they are taking the Q2 results, adding supplementary estimates to that, which is not the way this works, Mr. Speaker.

The deficit was reported as $427 million. And when they start adding those supplementaries to Q2, that’s nothing short of double-counting numbers in this province, Mr. Speaker.

And I should expect no more from a party that actually mixed up the revenue and expense lines in their campaign platform, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it’s nothing short of lost and reckless statements. We’re going to continue to make . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — We just heard how many teachers are on the opposition side, and we’ve got the STF representatives here and some students in the crowd. I think in a classroom we’d expect the debate and discussion to be quiet and considerate.

So, Premier, would you finish your answer.

Hon. Scott Moe: — We can assure those students and all other young people in this province that this is the place to be, and they’ll continue to have some of the lowest utility rates in the nation of Canada into the future.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again, this is a government that is borrowing a billion dollars — $1 billion of public money — with no oversight. SaskPower is projected to lose $166 million this year. Rates will have to go up by at least 10 per cent.

So if affordability is a priority of the Premier and members opposite, for the fourth time, Mr. Speaker, I would ask the Premier to rise and answer the question. How much is this Premier going to hike power rates by to pay for this?

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you, colleagues. I would lead off by saying the preamble to that question is completely false, Mr. Speaker. And let’s be very, very clear what the NDP are demanding and what the NDP won’t deny that they are demanding, which is that the carbon tax be put back onto the SaskPower bill of every single person in this province.

In fact, Mr. Speaker, when we made the decision to take the carbon tax off of SaskPower bills, these members criticized us. They’ve criticized us consistently since we made that decision, Mr. Speaker . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Wow. I don’t know what to say. I don’t know who’s saying it over there, but it’s pretty noisy.

Minister of CIC, please.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. So let’s be very, very clear what the NDP are demanding. The NDP are demanding that the carbon tax be put back onto every individual’s SaskPower bill in this entire province, Mr. Speaker.

We are very proud that Saskatchewan is the only carbon tax-free province in the entire country, Mr. Speaker. We are not going to be putting the carbon tax back on the SaskPower bill. The NDP can be demand it every single day of the week. It’s not going to happen.

[14:15]

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

Rent Control and Affordability

April ChiefCalf: — Mr. Speaker, I have a solution for this government to make life more affordable: rent control. Now last week the Premier rose in the legislature and quoted the deputy chief economist of CMHC [Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation], who he says claims rent control is bad.

What the Premier didn’t do was continue with that quote which states, “There were exceptions when rent regulation is well designed to preserve incentives for supporting a well-functioning rental market.”

So it can be successful. Given this new information, will the minister pass my rent control bill today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, this issue has been debated on the floor of this Assembly many, many times this session. The fact of the matter is, in virtually every jurisdiction that rent control has been tried — however well-intentioned it might be, Mr. Speaker — it simply does not work. It causes the opposite. It dries up investment. It slows down housing starts, Mr. Speaker.

The solution to increasing rents and higher rents is more housing starts, Mr. Speaker. That’s why we have the secondary suite incentive in place. That’s why we increased the first-time homeowners program, Mr. Speaker. We’re going to continue to target programs that will increase housing starts because we also are concerned about the increase in rental rates, Mr. Speaker, but the way to do that again is through more housing starts.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Mr. Speaker, they keep saying in every jurisdiction rent control has failed, but they haven’t provided any evidence of that. And in fact the literature from the CMHC report is derived from other countries: Egypt, Germany, India, Ireland, Sweden. What does that have to do with Canada? Mr. Speaker, maybe this government should stop reading the same CMHC report and instead listen to Saskatchewan renters.

We brought them here today. We have six in the gallery — two seniors and four young people, three of whom are university students. They should be able to focus on their studies, not worry about how they are going to keep a roof over their head. But after 18 years of this Sask Party government, this is what our students can expect. Why won’t the Sask Party bring in rent control and make life more affordable to young people?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, later today or tomorrow whenever Hansard goes online, I would encourage that member to reread what she just said in the record, Mr. Speaker. She talked about all the jurisdictions around the world that’ve tried rent control. They didn’t work there, Mr. Speaker, but she’s saying, what’s that got to do with here? It has everything to do with here. We’re not immune. The same rules of economy flow everywhere, Mr. Speaker. Like how could you possibly think, okay, it failed everywhere else; here it’ll be different. Mr. Speaker, it’s ridiculous.

The fact of the matter is, we are extremely concerned about the increasing rental rates, Mr. Speaker. That’s why we’re doing everything we can to encourage more housing starts. And, Mr. Speaker, I would say, while rental rates have been increasing, it’s important to remember they’re still lowest in Saskatchewan.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Well, Mr. Speaker, housing advocates in Canada are accusing the CMHC of actually cherry-picking the data for that report because there is lots of evidence that shows rent control is successful: Prince Edward Island, Quebec. Mr. Speaker, too many renters are begging for help. They want protection. Take Suzanne Campagne for example. Mr. Speaker, she has seen a 24 per cent increase in her rent over the last four years. She used to pay $1,300 a month for rent; now she pays 1,750. She expects another increase next year.

This is simply unacceptable. Seniors on a fixed income cannot keep up with these increases. Does that minister think it’s okay for Suzanne and university students to face such large rent increases?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, obviously we’re very concerned about those who are with lower income who are being challenged with higher rental rates. That’s why for lower income people we have the Saskatchewan housing benefit, Mr. Speaker. That’s why for seniors — the member opposite mentioned seniors, Mr. Speaker — we have the seniors’ income plan to help out in those situations.

But what I found unusual was when the member named a couple provinces that she thought that rent control is working — which I beg to differ, Mr. Speaker — but I notice that she forgot NDP British Columbia that has rent control and has the highest rental rates in the country, Mr. Speaker.

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

Collective Bargaining Process and Support for Workers

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. You know, this government is failing young people and seniors on skyrocketing rents, but they’re also failing workers.

Next door in Alberta, Danielle Smith stripped away the rights of 51,000 teachers, forcing a contract on them and forcing them to continue work in classrooms that are woefully underfunded. Effectively she killed collective bargaining in the province of Alberta. And what was the response from this Premier? To cheer her on, Mr. Speaker. It’s unbelievable. We can support workers and we can support students. It’s not one or the other.

So my question is to the Premier. Will he commit here and now to never using the notwithstanding clause to attack the rights of workers and their wages?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The member opposite’s referring to what’s been happening in Alberta. And as I’ve said before, Mr. Speaker, we’re talking about what’s happening here in Saskatchewan. And, Mr. Speaker, this is a government that believes the best deals that are made when it comes to collective bargaining are made at the negotiation table.

Mr. Speaker, we are thankful and grateful that, you know, earlier this year we agreed and signed on to a new CBA [collective bargaining agreement] with the STF that included a number of things. It included adding class complexity and funding for additional teachers in our province, Mr. Speaker, in our schools.

As I said earlier today, I’ve had a chance to meet regularly with not just the STF but with teachers as well across Saskatchewan to talk about some of the advancements that are happening in our school system, Mr. Speaker. Because I think everybody on this side of the House and also in our school system — whether it’s teachers, whether it’s the boards of education — everyone wants to ensure that we are giving our students their best start, Mr. Speaker. And we’re going to continue to do that work.

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

Nathaniel Teed: — Mr. Speaker, I’ll say there was no answer from the Premier and no commitment from his government. But it’s not a surprise. Health care workers have gone years without a contract and this government doesn’t seem to care. Nurses came to our legislature earlier this session to tell us that they’re stopping at food banks on the way home from a 12‑hour shift. That should not be happening.

Why has this government failed so badly to support overrun workers on the front lines of our hospitals and clinics with proper working conditions and fair wages?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, the member opposite should know we’ve been at the bargaining table. We are at the bargaining table on a very regular basis with our health care union partners, Mr. Speaker. Last week we were at the bargaining table with the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses. This week, Mr. Speaker, we are in bargaining with all three of our provider unions, Mr. Speaker.

As I’ve said on the floor of this Assembly and in other venues right across the province, Mr. Speaker, we are going to work diligently to make sure that we can come to an agreement at the bargaining table with all of our valued health care providers right across the province.

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

Health Care Staffing and Provision of Health Care

Jacqueline Roy: — Mr. Speaker, none of that changes the fact that that Premier supported Danielle Smith’s statement attacking collective bargaining, and also that government is failing women when it comes to their health care.

Tyra Peters lives 30 minutes southwest of Swift Current and was pre-registered to give birth at that hospital. But when she got there, she was told there was a service closure at the hospital and that she couldn’t have her baby there. After four hours of them searching around for another place to go, she was sent to Moose Jaw nearly two hours away, putting Tyra and her baby at great risk.

Why has this minister allowed health care to get so darn bad for women after 18 years of the Sask Party?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I’m going to start by saying that this government is proud of the investments that we’ve made into health care, improving care for patients right across the province, ensuring that people can get care as close to home as possible.

Mr. Speaker, we are aware of Ms. Peters’s situation from earlier this summer. Unfortunately we had a less-than‑24‑hour disruption when it came to anesthesia at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Mr. Speaker. I can assure all members of the House that my office has been in touch with Ms. Peters, and we’ll continue to work with her to find a solution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Mr. Speaker, that minister says he’s proud of the health care system while Tyra herself says that her trauma was 100 per cent preventable. And I quote her:

My baby was in distress. They had to give me oxygen as the baby’s oxygen levels fell dangerously low. They had to give me an episiotomy to help my baby be born faster because she was in distress. This is an extremely painful procedure to recover from.

This should not be happening in a rich province like Saskatchewan. There has to be some other place to go if you have that closure. What does the minister say to Tyra about the pain and trauma she endured because the Sask Party has run our health care system into the ground?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my previous answer, my office has been in touch with Ms. Peters regarding the birth of her child earlier this summer.

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in my previous answer as well, unfortunately we had a less-than-24‑hour disruption when it came to anesthesia services at the Cypress Regional Hospital. Again, Ms. Peters was able to be transported to Moose Jaw hospital, Mr. Speaker, and we’re grateful that she was able to receive the appropriate care that she needed at the Wigmore Hospital in Moose Jaw.

As I indicated in my previous answer, Mr. Speaker, we want to make sure that everyone in this province has the best experience possible. This situation was not ideal for Ms. Peters and her family, Mr. Speaker. And again, we’ve been in contact with Ms. Peters, and we’ll continue discussion with her. Thank you.

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

Access to Addictions Treatment

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, I’ll tell you what’s happening here in Saskatchewan. For several weeks the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions has been claiming the ministry does not have data on wait times for addiction treatment in this province. She claimed it in this House, and she claimed it in front of the media. This week CBC [Canadian Broadcasting Corporation] news reported they filed a freedom of information request. And contrary to the minister’s claim, that data was available and was provided to them. I have seen it with my own eyes.

Can the minister explain why she repeatedly told us information on addiction treatment wait times did not exist?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Remote and Rural Health.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have never denied that there are wait times across this province. We are fully aware of that, and the wait times vary depending on the location, the type of treatment that you’re taking. They can vary, Mr. Speaker.

So that is exactly why, in our mental health and addictions action plan, we are adding additional spaces to the system, Mr. Speaker. Right now we have an additional 281 spaces, Mr. Speaker.

And I know the member opposite was questioning those numbers yesterday, so I’d just like to read into the record those spaces that are available. There are 60 treatment spaces through EHN Canada in Lumsden; 42 intensive virtual treatment spaces available across the province; 40 mobile withdrawal management spaces with Medavie in Saskatoon; 32 intensive out-patient treatment spaces through Possibilities Recovery in Saskatoon, 12 of which are specifically for youth; 26 post-treatment spaces at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Estevan; 17 in-patient treatment spaces for families through Kamor Integrated Health in Saskatoon; 15 in-patient treatment spaces . . . I’ll read the rest in the next answer, Mr. Speaker.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, 14 days in Prince Albert, 20 days in Saskatoon, and six weeks in the minister’s hometown of Estevan. It’s all laid out in that document that was presented by CBC in straightforward bullets. It is objective fact; the minister tracks wait times for addictions treatment in this province. And yet the minister has stated publicly that “It’s really hard to kind of reconcile all, all of that is happening at this point in time.”

The minister’s statement does not align with the objective fact that this data is indeed reconciled and tracked. Why has the minister diverged so sharply from the facts?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Remote and Rural Health.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, everything I’ve said is true. Sometimes the member opposite uses the word “wait times”; sometimes the member opposite uses the word “how many are on a wait-list.” Mr. Speaker, when I answer the questions, I speak specifically to what the question is.

[14:30]

And just to get back to the rest of my list: 15 in-patient treatment spaces and five withdrawal management spaces at Thorpe Recovery . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Welcome back. I . . .

Please, Minister.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Five withdrawal management spaces at Thorpe Recovery Centre near Lloydminster; 15 withdrawal management spaces at Onion Lake, 15 in-patient treatment spaces at Muskwa Lake near Pinehouse, and 14 in-patient treatment spaces through Poundmaker’s Lodge in North Battleford. 281 additional spaces, and we will get to that goal of 500.

And the member opposite talks about the wait times in Estevan being at six weeks. Do you know what they would be if they had the opportunity to serve? They closed down my treatment centre in Estevan when they had the opportunity. It would be . . .

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

Unregulated Care Provider in Moose Jaw

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now Saskatchewan people are shocked and outraged about the lack of oversight that allowed Dayan Goodenowe to take advantage of sick and vulnerable patients, patients like Susie Silvestri.

Now the minister has tried to shift his responsibility to the College of Physicians and Surgeons, asking them to investigate. However, this morning the associate registrar of the college told CBC that “The Medical Profession Act, 1981 does not provide the tools necessary to deal effectively with a business that practises medicine without a licence.” He went on to say that in other provinces the Ministry of Justice handles this kind of concern.

So what’s the Minister of Justice and the local MLA have to say to that?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve risen in the House every day this week to answer questions on this topic, Mr. Speaker, really regarding the unfortunate situation of an American patient coming to Moose Jaw and then eventually, unfortunately, sadly passing away back in the United States.

As I’ve indicated both in the House and in the rotunda to the media, Mr. Speaker, we are in discussions with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will also remind the members opposite that we’ve directed the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority to take a look at this private business in Moose Jaw, Mr. Speaker. We will continue conversation with both those entities. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I think I owe an apology, don’t I? Kind of. I think if the person who I said something to earlier would forgive me, I apologize for that because that was kind of offside. Well it was not kind of; it was offside. So thank you.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 611 — The Constitutional Questions (Notwithstanding Clause Referral) Amendment Act

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

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill 611, The Constitutional Questions (Notwithstanding Clause Referral) Amendment Act, be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the member from Regina Douglas Park that Bill No. 611, The Constitutional Questions (Notwithstanding Clause Referral) 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 the bill be read a second time?

Nicole Sarauer: — At the next sitting of the Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

TABLING OF REPORTS

Speaker Goudy: — I would like to table a report from the Legislative Librarian. Pursuant to section 80(3) of The Legislative Assembly Act, 2007 and in accordance with the Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, the Legislative Librarian has submitted the Legislative Library annual report 2024‑2025.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

SPECIAL ORDER

SECOND AND THIRD READINGS

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

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, pursuant to rule 32(1)(e), I move that Bill No. 46, The Appropriation Act, 2025 (No. 2) be now read a second and third time.

Speaker Goudy: — The Minister of Finance has moved second and third reading of Bill No. 46, The Appropriation Act, 2025 (No. 2). 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.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Call in the members.

[The division bells rang from 14:35 until 14:37.]

Speaker Goudy: — All those in favour of the motion please stand.

[Yeas — 33]

Moe

Harrison, D.

Kaeding

Marit

Cockrill

Reiter

Hindley

Harrison, J.

Jenson

Young, C.

Cheveldayoff

Keisig

Thorsteinson

Martens

Hilbert

Steele

Schmalz

Ross

McLeod, T.

Carr

Wilson

Weedmark

Beaudry

McLeod, B.

Crassweller

Kropf

Weger

Patterson

Bromm

Rowden

Chan

Gartner

Kasun

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

[Nays — 20]

Ritchie

Nippi-Albright

Mowat

Wotherspoon

Love

Teed

Young, A.

Clarke

Laliberte

McPhail

ChiefCalf

Sarauer

Breckner

Blakley

Brar

Gordon

Warrington

Pratchler

Housser

Roy

Principal Clerk: — Mr. Speaker, those in favour of the motion, 33; those opposed to the motion, 20.

Speaker Goudy: — I declare this motion carried.

Principal Clerk: — Second and third reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — I’m advised that His Honour the Administrator is here for Royal Assent. All please rise.

[At 14:42 His Honour the Administrator entered the Chamber and took his seat upon the Throne. His Honour then gave Royal Assent to the following bills.]

ROYAL ASSENT

His Honour: — Pray be seated.

Speaker Goudy: — May it please Your Honour, this Legislative Assembly in its present session has passed several bills which, in the name of the Assembly, I present to Your Honour which bills I respectfully request Your Honour’s assent.

Clerk: — Your Honour, the bills are as follows:

Bill No. 25 — The Income Tax (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act, 2025

Bill No. 34 — The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act

Bill No. 28 — The Public Libraries Amendment Act, 2025

Bill No. 26 — The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act, 2025

Bill No. 27 — The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2025/Loi de 2025 modifiant le droit législatif

His Honour: — In His Majesty’s name, I assent to these bills.

Speaker Goudy: — May it please Your Honour, this Legislative Assembly has voted the supplies required to enable the government to defray the expenses of the public service.

In the name of the Assembly, I present to Your Honour:

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

to which bill I respectfully request Your Honour’s assent.

His Honour: — In His Majesty’s name, I thank the Legislative Assembly, accept its benevolence, and assent to this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — Please rise for the departure of His Honour.

[At 14:45 His Honour retired from the Chamber.]

Speaker Goudy: — Please be seated.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 47 — The Response to Illicit Drugs Act

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to protecting families and communities from the dangers of illicit drugs. Mr. Speaker, the government is dedicating significant resources to assist those who are suffering from addictions. However we also need to take action against people who profit from illegal drug production and trafficking. This Act will achieve this goal through two sets of rules.

The first: the Act will create a statutory cause of action against drug offenders for both the government and individuals who are harmed by drug offenders. This will allow government to recover costs resulting from actions of drug traffickers and producers, such as health care costs.

Similarly individuals who are personally harmed by a drug offender may bring an action against that offender to seek damages. Mr. Speaker, the Act assists these individuals by creating a rebuttable presumption against the drug offender. The onus is on the defendant drug offender to demonstrate that they did not cause harm to the plaintiff.

Secondly, the Act deems certain appointments, grants, or agreements that are made or entered into by government to be voidable if the other party is convicted of a drug offence. The government will have discretion to determine the appropriate action in each case and ensure that drug offenders face appropriate professional and economic consequences for their actions.

Mr. Speaker, this new Act applies specifically to persons who contravene drug production and trafficking offences under the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. It does not apply to individuals who are convicted of simple possession offences. This approach ensures the Act is focused on those individuals who are profiting from illegal drug trade rather than the individuals who are suffering from addiction.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move second reading of The Response to Illicit Drugs Act.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I have the pleasure to rise today and put some introductory comments on the record in reference to Bill No. 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act. And I thank the minister for his remarks on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, plain and simple, we agree. The drug crisis in Saskatchewan is out of control and more needs to be done to address this, whether it comes to penalizing drug dealers or helping those who are struggling with addiction, Mr. Speaker.

And we’ve been clear on this side of the House. We saw it here today even, trying to get a clearer picture of the barriers that exist in Saskatchewan right now for accessing timely treatment for those suffering with addiction. We’re losing hundreds of people each year to addiction, to overdose, to drug poisoning in this province, Mr. Speaker, and it needs to stop. It tears apart families. It tears apart whole communities.

It’s critical that we get tough on those causes of crime, Mr. Speaker, as well as we’ve talked about in this Assembly, increasing supports for those struggling. It’s not the time to be cutting them, Mr. Speaker. The root causes of crime are also a real challenge, Mr. Speaker.

I don’t think I have much more to say on this bill at this point. I know the critics will be doing great work in looking at this legislation. And with that I’m happy to adjourn debate on Bill No. 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 24

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

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to rise today to enter in a few remarks here on Bill No. 24, The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act.

You know, in a quick review of the bill, we see if there is a good or a service that meets the standards or certification in another Canadian jurisdiction, it meets the corresponding standard and certifications in Saskatchewan. It’ll still be subject to Saskatchewan laws and some for service supplier, provided they are in good standing with their own regulatory authority. And this does not apply to Saskatchewan government agencies.

I will say right off the top here that it’s a good thing to see that the minister is now taking tariffs seriously. I think at the very outset of me being able to serve on the floor of this legislature, there was a real opportunity for this Premier and the Minister of Finance to also take those tariffs seriously and see that in their budget, and see that in response to Donald Trump’s tariffs here in the province of Saskatchewan. We didn’t see that. And in our latest quarterly report from the minister himself, he talks about the effects of tariffs here in the province of Saskatchewan when it comes to the finances of this province.

And so you know, our team, we put a bill forward here as well. And I preferred the bill that we had simply for the fact that it protects the OH & S [occupational health and safety] standards that we have here in this province. As a former shop steward in my union, Unifor Local 2‑S, OH & S regulations and standards in this province are extremely important, you know, when we talk about the most important thing to come home from, or to come out of the factory and make its way home, is the worker, Mr. Speaker.

And that’s why we supported our colleague, our shadow minister for Trade and Export Development and the MLA from Saskatoon Riversdale’s bill, and why I hoped that the government could have looked at the two bills and found that ours was a little more superior to even the ones that they’ve put forward. And we could have worked to pass a bill that was a little bit more robust here in the province of Saskatchewan.

I know that my colleagues have entered in on this in many similar ways. And I know that there’s many colleagues that will probably get up and say a lot of the things that I’ve said here again today. But for now I am prepared to adjourn debate on Bill No. 24, The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 29

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

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

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet today in the Assembly to speak on Bill No. 29, The Tailgating Act. I can honestly say I think, on behalf of all the members on this side and in fact the entire Assembly, of the immense pride that we all took in that fantastic victory of our very own Saskatchewan Roughriders.

It’s not just, not just a victory for the team, not just a victory for the city and for the entire province. It is for everyone that lives in it. Even my family, who were all originated from here and migrated to a province next door. I can tell you every time the green and white lifts the Cup is an amazing day in the Gordon household and in millions of other households across this country.

You know, with respect to this Act, I don’t think you’re going to get much argument from members on this side. I think it’s important that we continue to find ways to celebrate this amazing team, this amazing institution, Mr. Speaker, and find new and interesting ways to celebrate that institution, make it inclusive, make it enjoyable, make it meaningful, provide a deeper impact I think. You know, the roots of the Saskatchewan Roughriders run deep in this province and across this country. And so an Act such as this is a welcome thing.

That said, Mr. Speaker, and again as I said, I don’t think you’re going to get much argument from us on this side with respect to this. I do question though, you know, why this has become the signature piece in the Throne Speech for this government and for this session when we know that there’s other things that the government could have done in addition to this.

We could have had The Tailgating Act next to improvements in health care. We could have had The Tailgating Act next to improvements in education, providing supports for children dealing with special needs and not getting the kind of education they need, or seniors that are getting thrown out of long-term care facilities, or children who need daycare, or you know, patients or mothers who need access to a hospital and they’re about to give birth. We could have done all that alongside The Tailgating Act.

And so it makes me wonder what the priorities of the government is to some respect. Yes, we’ll support this tailgating Act but, boy, we could have done a heck of a lot more during this session too I think, Mr. Speaker. That said, I am happy to adjourn debate on Bill 29.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

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 Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak to The Defamation Act. I see that it’s here to start to tighten laws for legal action against defamatory publications, if a defendant can pay damages with or without admitting liability, and that juries must rule on whether defamation has occurred or if it is just the defendant actually said it in the words in question.

We will be interested to learn more about how this legislation aligns with what other provinces have in this area as well. And with that I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Just to highlight a few things in this Act as well. My other statements stand as well, but I’d like to add that a plaintiff also has to specify in the action what statements were defamatory but doesn’t have to say how they defamed them. If the defamation was online, it appears that the court can order the defendant or the online platform to remove or hide the post.

Things that are protected, unless written maliciously, are legislative proceedings — municipal, provincial, federal — and subsequent publications, along with legal proceedings and reports. In addition, peer-reviewed academic and scientific journals.

Defamation on the internet is so common nowadays but it’s very difficult to combat. So certainly we are interested in how effective this will be on that front. Ideally let’s hope that this can combat misinformation, which is so rampant in this day and age.

We’d be very interested to know what spurred the creation of this bill. And with that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 32, The Defamation Act, consequential amendments.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — The member has move to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Deputy Speaker. Sorry about that. I’m deeply honoured, Deputy Speaker, to be able to rise into debate on Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025.

So I’ll be really brief with this one, Deputy Speaker, seeing that there’s been a few debates based on this bill already. One of the things that previous to this a few of the members that had stated before is that, you know, proper consultation is something that wanted to be done with the stakeholders and is something that . . . to see whether the bill will increase the efficiency or not.

[15:00]

I know a lot of people that use a credit union are coming from the North. A lot of people have to travel into Meadow Lake and utilize that credit union. It was one of the first banks there, to be honest. And both my grandma and my grandpa, both utilized it and used it for years. So I have a lot of family members and friends that still use the bank to this day. So want to make sure that, you know, everything’s in place the way that it should be. And I think that there’s still some consultation that, like I said, needs to be done with this with the stakeholders.

And this is something, you know, when we spoke about it before, Deputy Speaker, is why we really wish that the Sask Party would try a little harder not to send the dollars out of province or out of the country, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Because it’s important for us to keep it here, you know, to communities for community growth. For I know a lot of the credit unions, they donate a lot of money back into the communities to help with kids’ sports and everything else. And so there’s again proper consultation, I think, to be done with a lot of community members that utilize the credit unions.

So with that, Deputy Speaker, I’m just going to move to adjourn debate on the Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act of 2025. Thank you, Deputy Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s an honour to be on my feet here today to enter into adjourned debate on these important pieces of legislation that we have before the House today. It’s an honour to rise and speak to Bill No. 35, The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025, Mr. Speaker.

And at a high level, what we’re seeing is a bill that is aiming to support the mining industry by creating rules to improve and maximize mineral exploration. This allows companies to apply for access to explore for these minerals in areas that are considered inaccessible. We look to attract more investment in the province by accessing these critical minerals, expanding upon the mining, which is a significant part of the Saskatchewan economy.

You know, Mr. Speaker, I was so impressed watching the legislative channel this last week when my colleague, the deputy leader of our party, stood up and was able to rattle off every single one of those critical minerals that we have in Saskatchewan without even looking down at a paper. And I had to text her. I said, that’s amazing, okay. Like I was so impressed because I don’t think that I would be able to just rattle it off without that information in front of me.

But really important legislation ahead of us. On the drive here today, Mr. Speaker, of course we had the Prime Minister on the radio speaking about . . . Of course we’ve all seen the ads. They were kind of playing through most of the high sports events that we’ve been watching over the last couple weeks here. But the Ring of Fire in Ontario, you know, I think that word is now emblazoned in our brains after seeing those commercials.

But you know, Mr. Speaker, what we’ve seen is really, really critical minerals that will be used in the future of our energy transition, what that may look like, and the billions of dollars in economic output, the thousands of jobs and careers that exploring and accessing these minerals will create. And so, Mr. Speaker, just in general, quite supportive of this bill.

There are details that I know my colleagues have adequately talked to in this Chamber. I know that our critic, our shadow minister will continue to engage with the stakeholders, and you know, including important conversations with the First Nations of our province. It’s crucial that we ensure that we are in consultation — duty-to-consult, Mr. Speaker — when these minerals are a doorway to economic prosperity for everyone in this province.

And so, Mr. Speaker, happy to speak to this bill and happy to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 35.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I’d just highlight a few items from this bill. The government can notify police of any change of name, and they can also notify other provinces’ vital statistics departments and be notified if you change your name in another province. It also highlights that only permanent residents and citizens can change their names. You don’t need . . . Or you cannot change your spouse’s name without their written consent. And there’s no fee to alter birth records after a name change, but there’s still a fee to alter marriage records.

Of course we would want to make sure that we consult with our stakeholders to make sure notification of police is done safely and responsibly in any of these cases. And as our province becomes a far more diverse place, we welcome the greater freedom to respect people’s cultural and religious naming practices. And with that I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 36, The Change of Name Amendment Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Again honoured to be on my feet to speak to the legislation on the floor today, leaving some remarks today about Bill No. 37, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, if I’m correct here, this is a second piece of legislation that follows the name-changing Act that we have on the floor of this Assembly. But it gets into some of the more nitty-gritty around the processes, specifically areas around how the Minister of Health can appoint the registrar of vital statistics, very much in keeping with the work that they do with other health registrars.

That registrar can do a number of things such as, you know, make amendments to names including spelling. I know we’ve had a number of tales on the floor of this Legislative Assembly about showing up to get a passport, to change a name, and finding that documents had spelling that they didn’t even know about, or having to prove that, no, this document was originally spelled wrong; this is how I spell my name. And so what we’re going to see here is hopefully a streamlined process.

It looks like we are also seeing powers allowing the government to request the records of uninsured health services to certify live births and stillbirths. Parentage can be updated on a birth certificate for up to a year. You know, part of this legislation allows a funeral director to issue a statement of death, Mr. Speaker. Children or siblings of deceased can request documentation, even a minor. We have some options in here that allow cops to search records in non-criminal investigations. And we can start including some non-Roman characters and multi-component surnames, in keeping with Bill 36.

Mr. Speaker, these are important pieces of legislation that affect people every day. We have folks who are looking to change their name. I may not get to speak to Bill No. 36 in this session, but one of the first things that kind of was brought forward to me when I was elected, around name changing, was the difficulty that transgender individuals have when accessing services to change their name, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

And there’s a couple of barriers, you know. First and foremost, there is a cost to changing your name when you have decided that name that represents you best in this world. You know, one of those barriers is a cost.

The second barrier, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is the fact that when folks do go and change their name . . . And of course, you know, there are many very valid reasons to have the system in place that we do, but when folks go to change their name, they have to pay a fee. And then that name change, of course, is published in something we call The Saskatchewan Gazette, you know, very much an interesting hangover from yore, the idea of a government publication that would be putting this out in the world that things are happening in the government. But you know, one of the real pain points, or really concerns, that has been brought forward in this is that that report indeed actually does deadname those individuals.

And if members of the House aren’t aware of what the term “deadnaming” is, it’s when you have chosen a new name and you have decided that’s the name that represents you the best, the old name we don’t use anymore. We respect someone’s gender identity and respect the name that they have chosen. You know, we talk about a chosen family, or like those chosen names that represent us. We’re kind of the only ones who know what represents us best in the world.

And so one of the privacy concerns that transgender individuals have is that, when folks google their name, The Saskatchewan Gazette comes up and right there, plain as day, has a dead name right associated with it. And so really, like there is a lot of privacy concerns for transgender individuals who are applying for jobs. You know, one of the first vetting processes of when you’re looking to hire someone is, you know, doing a quick Google search and see what’s out there in the world.

And so, Mr. Speaker, you know, of course there are very valid reasons why, and I know the name-change bill speaks to some of those reasons from security reasons. You know, if someone is involved in the criminal justice system, we need to know when someone who might be a dangerous offender looks at changing their name, Mr. Speaker, because we need to be able to have access to that information.

So I think what I’m really getting at here, Mr. Speaker, in the vein of these bills is that there needs to be some processes put in place, some discretion, I think, for individuals who are looking to change their name, but looking to be able to do that in an affordable capacity and in a private capacity. I think it’s very reasonable to say that if criminal justice is part of the situation, well then, you know, in a lot of ways maybe you’ve waived your right to some of that privacy. But I think for many individuals who are looking to do the name-change process, that maybe there needs to be some consideration put in place for individuals.

So you know, Mr. Speaker, we’ll continue to do the important work of analyzing these pieces of legislation, working with my colleagues the shadow minister of Health and Rural and Remote Health. I’m happy to see modernizations. I hope that we as an Assembly might be able to chart a course forward in this room that would respect every individual in Saskatchewan. Every person comes with their own journey to these kinds of situations.

And I will continue to analyze the bill, and I’m happy that I was able to put some comments on the record here. And so at this time I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 37, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2025.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am pleased to be able to rise to speak to this Act as well. A few highlights. This Act applies only to new schools — not replacements or repairs — and to school divisions who are responsible for identifying the need for the new schools as well. Municipalities are responsible for acquiring land for building the schools on, and the minister can order municipalities to acquire land if need be.

[15:15]

This bill really doesn’t do much for schools that are in poor or critical condition that we have right now. And after 18 years in power, perhaps the Sask Party might have thought about doing a little bit of that and tried to maintain our schools in a little better manner.

And with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I adjourn debate on Bill No. 38.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — In addition to my former comments that I just made, I just want to recognize that before buying land, municipality school divisions must present the minister with contribution agreements for costs, timeline, and land needs.

I also might want to make the remark that perhaps we might want to remember that the Sask Party might have been able to pay for three new schools with the $100 million that were perhaps blown on water bombers that did not extinguish a single fire this summer.

And with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I adjourn debate on Bill No. 39, the consequential amendments Act for building schools faster.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Regina University.

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today to enter some comments on Bill No. 40, The Animal Protection Amendment Act. Like a lot of the ambitious legislative agenda this session, Mr. Speaker, this deals largely with modernizing the Act and making some tweaks. It does cover some issues and clarifications around euthanasia of animals, but also chiefly kind of modernizing the work of the animal protection officers.

One thing that’s great to see is a code of conduct for the APOs [animal protection officer] as well as animal welfare inspectors that are able to educate the public about compliance and even follow up on corrective actions, as well as a chief officer who can handle complaints about APOs. We believe this adds a good level of accountability and fills in some gaps in this respect, Mr. Deputy Speaker. You know, animals — whether they be pets or working animals or part of a business — are important to Saskatchewan families and the economy.

And with that, I am prepared to adjourn debate on Bill No. 40.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Silverspring.

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Glad to be on my feet today to speak to Bill No. 41, the heritage recognition Act. This is an Act, Mr. Speaker, that allows the minister to proclaim any heritage day, week, or month as they see fit; also providing regulations for the same. And that it also doesn’t affect any other heritage event that was already been proclaimed, which is nice to see that the government is taking some action in this regard to recognize more communities that come from diverse parts of the world, from diverse cultures, people who have carried different traditions and different languages and different faiths.

It’s nice to see that the government is picking up where my seatmate, the member for Regina Pasqua, has so eloquently led us this past year in getting Sikh Heritage Month proclaimed in this province officially. And it’s nice to see this bill won’t do anything to diminish that and hopefully will enhance it.

I will say, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I think it is incumbent upon all of us here as people who represent folks from very diverse backgrounds, many of them newly arrived immigrants, that we must do all that we can to ensure that these folks feel welcomed, that they feel safe, that they feel secure in this province of Saskatchewan, that they’ve come here, they’ve chosen Canada, and more importantly they’ve chosen Saskatchewan and Regina or any of our other communities to call home.

And so I think it’s with quite a bit of encouragement and hope that Bill No. 41 will assist in making them feel welcome and making them feel safe and secure. I would also encourage all of us in this House to ensure that a lot of these folks who come in from these immigrant communities are arriving here either as temporary workers or as permanent residents, that they are allowed to participate fully in their communities and in their province and in the economy and also in the political process.

And I think it’s important and incumbent upon each and all of us to ensure that those folks feel welcome and that they have a voice, not just in this legislature and not just through the members of the Legislative Assembly who have been called upon to represent them. So with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will be happy to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 41.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Again honoured to be on my feet to speak to adjourned debate on Bill No. 42, The Saskatchewan Firearms Amendment Act, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, what we are seeing with Bill 42 is some changes to the way the Saskatchewan firearms commission or the commissioner’s office is able to assist folks in the province with any number of areas as it pertains to firearms here in Saskatchewan.

Some of the high level, Mr. Speaker. You know, if a gun is to be seized, if the ownership or ability to transfer it was previously lawful but no longer due to new legislation, the legislation is ensuring that if the federal government is doing a buy-back, that the fair market value must be compensated to the individual.

We are seeing a framework here where owners are able to send the guns to the Saskatchewan firearms commission to be appraised for that fair market value, Mr. Speaker. They can run forensic ballistic tests on the guns stored for this purpose.

You know, if a gun owner receives full compensation, they must send written notice now to the commissioner. What we’ve seen is some powers designating the minister to designate or delegate the deputy or assistant commissioner. And what we’re also seeing is the ability for the Chief Firearms Officer to designate any firearms for safety instructors — policies, guidelines in that space. We also see the Chief Firearms Officer taking on the powers of having being able to do a full inspection of shooting clubs and ranges.

Another important aspect of this bill, and I think really important in Saskatchewan as we have some of the highest rates of interpersonal violence in the country, Mr. Speaker, and we also have a mental health and addictions crisis looming over our province . . . And so I think it’s very important that there is a strong connection between our medical professionals, who would be engaging with folks who are responsible gun owners, and then the ability of those health care practitioners or professionals to be able to notify the chief commissioner, the commissioner’s office, or the police if someone has a condition that makes it dangerous for them to own a gun, Mr. Speaker.

So you know, Mr. Speaker, what we’re seeing here is important regulations around safety around gun ownership. And I think Saskatchewan people are a proud people, and we’re proud of the responsibility that comes with owning a firearm, Mr. Speaker. And so I think what’s important here is continuing to build a culture of safety in Saskatchewan around the use of firearms, Mr. Speaker. And so, in short, we support this legislation. We support the work of the firearm commissioner, Mr. Speaker.

Again, we take gun ownership in this province very seriously. I think back to one of the very first conversations I think that I had as an elected official with a friend of mine’s dad. I had been recently elected, probably a couple days, and I see my friend’s dad in the mall. And this is a family of really avid hunters, Mr. Speaker. And you know, the importance to that family and their family is being able to hunt, be law-abiding citizens, own those firearms, and be able to fill their freezers full of food.

You know, one of the most cost-effective ways of taking on the high grocery prices that we’re seeing and the cost-of-living crisis is to be able to provide, you know, family and friends with those game meats or things that they’re hunting.

You know, we heard from the member from Saskatoon Chief Mistawasis about his constituent who collects the bird game that oftentimes is left behind when we have American hunters that aren’t able to take those birds across the border, and you know, to turn that into a small business and turn it into a philanthropic effort at the same time, and able to feed so many folks with responsible hunting.

And you know, coming back to that story, Mr. Speaker, just the first conversation I would say was, you’ve got to make sure that they don’t come for our hunting rifles, Mr. Speaker. And of course the time we saw, you know, the federal government really making really wide blanket regulations, not consulting the people who it affects the most, Mr. Speaker.

And so what we have here is legislation that really meets the moment, meets the needs of Saskatchewan individuals, you know, making sure responsible gun ownership is being upheld, making sure that safety is being upheld, building that culture of safety.

And also in supporting the right of health care workers to make those important decisions and sometimes probably very difficult decisions when you have to make that call and say that, you know what, I’m worried about so-and-so. I know that they are a responsible and legal gun owner, but I’m worried about mental health. I am worried about the situation that they’re going through. And so I think we have to take those situations very seriously in Saskatchewan so that we don’t see tragedy.

We want to make sure that folks who are responsible have every right to participate, and we want to make sure that when there are concerns, that we’re doing our due diligence, Mr. Speaker, to ensure the safety of folks in Saskatchewan. I’m mentioning mental health, and that maybe is an assumption, but you know, what we’re seeing is medical professionals being able to make those calls.

So, Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to have put some comments on the record and share the story of maybe my first lobbying engagement with a friend’s dad in the mall at Midtown Plaza the day after I was elected. And this was the issue that came to me, which is always a fun thing to think back and reminisce and also just make a commitment to that person who thought it was very valuable to have that conversation. And you know, I can follow up that I’ve told his story maybe twice now in the Legislative Assembly, that here on this side of the House and on that side of the House we’re united in ensuring that responsible gun owners are able to access the use of those, Mr. Speaker.

I’d be remiss . . . You know, I haven’t even spoken about the important relationship with our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit folks here in Saskatchewan and their rights to hunting and fishing. You know, over the last little while we have seen just concerning sales of Crown land, and the ability to practise those inherent treaty rights become limited, Mr. Speaker. You know, we certainly need to be analyzing that. It has to be part of the conversation, I think, in continuing to work in a reconciliation relationship with First Nations and Métis folks here in Saskatchewan.

[15:30]

Mr. Speaker, I think I’ve spoken long enough here on Bill No. 42, so I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 42, The Saskatchewan Firearms Amendment Act, 2025.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — 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.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. If I look at the key categories that are in this Act, we see that there’s sections on dangerous animals, municipal designations, bylaws, appeals, and the one I’d like to focus on today is ethics.

In this Act, a couple of highlights in this area are that councils must have a code of ethics, orientation for new councillors, and follow The Saskatchewan Employment Act harassment rules, and must consider fairness. Council can appoint an Indigenous advisor, which I think has got great insight. Council must publish documents and notices on their website so that everyone in the area can understand what’s going on and follow along with their municipality. Municipal employees can’t be harassed, and they have whistle-blower protections if they need to go to the ombudsman. Newly elected councillors don’t need to file disclosure statements if nothing’s changed since their nomination.

There’s a lot going on in this very big Act, and lots in it for us to look at further into this winter. If one goes into the regulations, you can see that the Sask Party has what it calls red tape reduction. We’re going to make sure that we talk to our stakeholders about whether they think that this will streamline processes or disempower their municipalities.

Of course we support their changes for accountability, ethics, and anti-harassment. I suppose if the government really wanted to improve the running of the municipalities, they might not want to download so much of their responsibilities on them, causing property taxes to skyrocket.

And with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 43.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — Carried.

Bill No. 44

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 44 — The Co-operatives Act, 2025/Loi de 2025 sur les coopératives be now read a second time.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise and enter into debate on Bill No. 44, The Co-operatives Act, 2025. There’s a lot in this bill. It’s a very heavy bill. Some things are the amalgamation of The Co-operatives Act, 1996 and The New Generation Co-operatives Act.

It looks to modernize and align with other jurisdictions. We see new multi-stakeholder co-ops, so co-ops can be owned by multiple types of members like consumers, producers, volunteers. Co-ops can more easily sell preferred shares to non-members to raise capital. Interestingly, directors no longer have to be at least 25 per cent Canadian residents. There’s some simplifying of liquidation and dissolution procedures and allowing the use of digital signature technology.

I look very favourably upon co-ops. They bring a lot of benefit to local communities. I was fortunate enough to be on the board of one co‑operative, the Bridge City Bicycle Co-operative in Saskatoon, and their mandate was to provide programming to provide bicycles and bicycle repair skills to anybody who needs it. It was located right in the heart of Riversdale and served a lot of inner city youth, and was really great for the community. It also had a waste diversion program. So it would take in used bicycle parts and divert them from the landfill for the co-op to use in its programming. So that was a really great example of what a co-op can do.

Through that work, I had the chance to meet Stan Yu who was on the board for 10 years and has moved on to be the research and communications coordinator for the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives. So through my friendship with Stan, I get a lot of his social media content. And seeing the work he’s doing for the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, I’ve learned about co‑operative youth education programs in Canada — so like camps, summer camps put on by co-ops. We’ve seen co-ops in, you know, working and housing initiatives.

So again, just to reiterate the benefit that co-ops bring to the community. And I’m confident that the critic for this bill will consult with stakeholders to ensure that the changes within this bill continue to enable co-operatives to bring benefits to our local communities. With that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 44.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — Carried.

Bill No. 45

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 45 — The Co-operatives Consequential Amendments Act, 2025 be now read a second time.]

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Bill No. 45, The Co-operatives Consequential Amendments Act, 2025 seeks to bring in the changes that are contemplated by Bill No. 44, and I think my comments on Bill No. 44 apply equally to Bill No. 45. And as such, I would move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 45, The Co-operatives Consequential Amendments Act, 2025.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

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

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — It has been moved that this Assembly do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt this motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — Carried. This Assembly now stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. for a rarefied Friday meeting. Thank you.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:37.]

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

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