Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, it is my profound honour to rise in this House today and welcome many guests here today who have joined us for the introduction of The Compassionate Intervention Act.

We have so many individuals from the health care and emergency services professionals, mental health and addictions experts and advocates, Indigenous leaders, business professionals, family members, municipal leaders, and many more. There are so many that I’m not going to introduce them individually, so I’m going to use a blanket introduction on them, Mr. Speaker. But I truly extend my gratitude to each and every one of you. Your voices, your expertise, your words of wisdom, your advocacy were vital as we move forward together.

I look forward to continuing our conversations following session today, and I invite all members to welcome these special guests to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I join the minister in welcoming these guests to the Legislative Assembly. It’s always important when legislation is being presented that the folks that are the experts are included. So it’s wonderful to see you here today, and I welcome you to your Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, it’s really a pleasure to introduce one of us here today, Bill Betker. He’s usually right over here, but he’s up in the gallery today. Bill is part of the sessional staff of the legislature. He came here in 2010, and he was the youngest sessional staff person when he came and now he’s amongst the most senior. So something that Bill and I share in common; I was young at one day when I came in this legislature as well.

Bill, again, has served us since 2010. He served through five Sergeants-at-Arms, six Speakers, and a couple of premiers. And I know Bill has a couple of his friends here with him today, and certainly we want to thank Bill for his service as a sessional staff person and all that he’s done to help us along the way.

We’ve had a lot of great conversations regarding the Riders, the Hilltops, the Huskies, and of course the Winnipeg Jets. So we’ll miss you here. Thank you for all your service. And please help me in thanking, colleagues, Bill Betker for his service in the legislature for 15 years.

While I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, I just want to very quickly introduce my mayor, Mayor Cynthia Block, who is in your gallery. And I know there’s many mayors from across the province in today. But I promised her; I said, if you come to the legislature today, I’ll introduce you.

She’s a good friend. I’ve known her for many, many years, and certainly we welcome her to her Legislative Assembly. I’ve had the opportunity to work on things with her like the downtown entertainment district in Saskatoon and most recently the new schools in the Brighton area as well.

So, colleagues, please help me in welcoming . . . She just was elected in November 2024. Celebrating her anniversary, first year, similar to many members of the House. Please help me welcome Mayor Cynthia Block, city of Saskatoon, to her Legislative Assembly.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to join with the minister opposite to thank someone that’s been a servant to this Assembly and to his province and his country throughout his entire life and to celebrate that service here today as he retires from that role. And that’s Bill Betker, who’s seated in the west gallery.

Bill has been just an awesome part of the security team here at the legislature under the Sergeant-at-Arms for 15 years, Mr. Speaker. He’s steadfast and strong in that role, but also so kind and warm to visit with, making this a better place for everyone. His service to this Assembly is exemplary, as is his service to his province and his country as an RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] and then through policing throughout his entire career. This is someone who’s epitomized service to our province.

So on behalf of the official opposition and a grateful province, I ask all members to provide a very, very warm thank you for a life of service. And best wishes into retirement, and best wishes for many adventures and good days in the journey ahead. Bill Betker, thank you for serving your province.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I want to join with the members in welcoming all of these many dignitaries and community leaders to this their legislature.

In particular, Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to welcome 21 future community leaders with the 21 grade 5 students from St. Michael School in Moose Jaw. They are joined by their teacher, Tracy Panko. I had the pleasure, Mr. Speaker, of meeting with these young lads and lasses last Friday. We spent, I think it was over an hour that they had so many questions, Mr. Speaker, great questions. And it was my absolute pleasure to meet with them.

And I ask all members to please join me in welcoming these young future leaders of our province to this, their legislature.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join in with the minister opposite in welcoming Mayor Cynthia Block to her legislature today.

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know her over the years. I want to thank her for her leadership on behalf of a whole bunch of other Saskatoon MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly]. And luckily I drew the lucky straw and got to introduce you.

On behalf of all of us, I want to thank you for your leadership and thank you for, you know, engaging in some really hard conversations. I know these are difficult times for our cities and for our province. There’s a lot that we’re going through, especially when we refer to homelessness. I want to thank you for your leadership on those fronts, as well as the rest of your council as well.

So I ask all members to join me in welcoming Mayor Cynthia Block to her Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just for the Legislative Assembly to know, I take the importance of caucus confidentiality to the utmost level. But the Premier was talking this morning, Mr. Speaker, about the importance of family. And I really took that to heart, and I’m very proud to introduce my wife, Sheila, to this, her Legislative Assembly.

We’ve been very busy in our roles as legislators serving the people of the province, Mr. Speaker, but family is the reason why we all serve in this Chamber, and we cannot do it without the support of our family. So to you and through you, Mr. Speaker, please join me in welcoming Sheila Keisig to this, her Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to quickly put onto the record here and welcome some of the municipal leaders that we have here. I’ve looked out into your gallery and have seen a few folks.

First and foremost, I’ll echo what the minister opposite and our member here from Saskatoon Fairview had to welcome Mayor Cynthia Block. I’ve appreciated the conversations that we’ve had over the years and through the SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] table. And her guidance on, you know, being vulnerable as a leader and then having conversations that are sometimes tough is important in the growth of every leader that serves here.

I did see in the building . . . I’m not sure if he’s up in one of the galleries here, but Mayor Gerald Aalbers. He’s one of the mayors of one of the border communities here in Saskatchewan, and his guidance has always been great for helping me as an elected official here, helping with the communities of Creighton, Flin Flon, and Denare that are always helping their border communities.

And Mayor Anthony Sernick from Estevan. And I understand that Estevan has a hockey team named after the favourite team of our member from Regina Mount Royal here. And so to Anthony I say, let’s go Ice Wolves.

And last but certainly not least, you cannot spell “party” without P.A. [Prince Albert]. I want to welcome the mayor from Prince Albert, Bill Powalinsky. Thank you for your service to your city. It’s always a stop of mine on the way back north. I’ll be in the city here today taking maybe a lunch or a supper.

And certainly wish all these folks well and happy holidays with their family, and welcome them to this, their provincial legislature.

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

Kevin Weedmark: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to introduce Ian Moats seated in your gallery. He lives at the very west end of my constituency, just south of McLean. The member for White City-Qu’Appelle would like to claim him, but we sent out the surveyors and by one mile he’s inside my constituency there.

And his farmyard a mile south of McLean is like no other in Saskatchewan. When you’re out there, you’re transported to just a winter wonderland. It’s got an incredible display of lights. And in a member’s statement in a few moments I’ll explain just the difference that he’s been able to make through that display for a mental health facility here in the city. I’ve been out there; it’s absolutely incredible. So to you and through you, I’d like to welcome Ian to this, his Legislative Assembly.

And while I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, although the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions mentioned all of our many guests here for the compassionate care Act introduction, I’d just like to mention we have many members of the Southeast Recovery Centre out in Moosomin in my riding of Moosomin-Montmartre. They came in; they wanted to be here for the introduction of this important Act today. So I’d also like to welcome them to this, their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I would like to introduce one of my friends sitting in the east gallery named Brandon. He’s an Interpro steelworker and a public school trustee from my area where I reside. So I would like to request to the House to join me to welcome him in his Legislative Assembly.

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

Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to introduce Lori McIntosh, seated up in your gallery. Lori’s a resident of Weyburn, mother of three young children. She also sits on the Weyburn oilwomen’s committee. And she’s a billet for our Weyburn Red Wings junior hockey club, and the team president, Mr. Speaker.

In addition to that, Lori is also the owner of Twine & Twig gift shop in Weyburn, where she began a 24‑in‑24 campaign or challenge where businesses and organizations drop food and cash donations at her business. She turns around and donates these to the Salvation Army, Envision Counselling, and The Family Place. And over the past three years, Mr. Speaker, over 30,000 pounds of food and over $10,000 in donations have been brought in through this campaign.

Mr. Speaker, if there is anyone that deserves a very Merry Christmas, it’s Lori McIntosh. And I would ask all members to join me in welcoming her to her Legislative Assembly.

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to introduce, sitting in the east gallery, eight adult students from Sask Polytech accompanied by their teacher, Alicia Gervais. Sask Polytech makes a huge difference in the lives of so many people in my riding. I’m very grateful that they took the time out to come and visit me today, and I look forward very much to answering their questions after the sitting today.

[10:15]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a quick introduction, to you and through you, of some great staff from my office. They’re seated in the west gallery here today, and for some of them it’s their first time being in the Assembly to watch proceedings, Mr. Speaker.

Up there are McKenzie Harrison, Alexis Panio, Haben Magos, and Zoe Duncan, who do some excellent work in my office, I mentioned during my Throne Speech reply, Mr. Speaker. The only alarming thing though is that means that my chief of staff, Caelan McIntyre, is back at the office holding down the fort. And that is a little alarming for all of us, I think.

But, Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I’d ask all members of this Assembly to welcome them to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I as well would like to introduce a couple of folks from our office, a part of our very valuable office staff in Trade and Export Development.

Arlie Matisho is our ministerial assistant in communications. His background, he came from Access Communications. And fairly new to our office is Valeria Jaansoo, who is the junior admin assistant whose family originates from Estonia. And also Zoe Duncan, who is actually a constituent of mine, and now we have exported her to Education.

So we certainly have some very important folks, very, very valuable to our ministry, and I’d like all members to welcome them to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to join with my colleague, the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions, and really thank the many recovery-focused people that have joined us today for the introduction of the piece of legislation that we’ll have later on the order paper. Their advice and their contributions to our province are so important, and we look forward to continuing to work with all of them, Mr. Speaker.

I’d like to call out three individuals though specifically: the mayor of North Battleford, Ms. Kelli Hawtin; the mayor of Battleford, Mr. Ames Leslie; and then Mr. Ryan How who leads our RCMP detachment in The Battlefords, the largest RCMP detachment in the province of Saskatchewan. I’m very proud to serve alongside all three of these folks as we work to make our community better.

I’d like to ask all members to thank them for their service to their community and our province.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s good to see lots of friendly faces in the balconies today. This is our last day in the Chamber before we head away for Christmas. Glad to have you all here today. And with that, we’ll move on to Presenting Petitions.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present petitions today on behalf of concerned residents as it relates to rent increases that are the highest in the country and simply not affordable for so many people. I think of seniors that I represent that are in units that are owned by a large multinational corporation that, you know, that have been consolidated on these fronts and that are facing increases over two years of over 30 per cent, Mr. Speaker. They simply can’t afford it, Mr. Speaker. So much of our housing stock has been consolidated by these large out-of-province multinationals, Mr. Speaker, and are subjecting Saskatchewan people and seniors and those working on the margins to rent increases that just are not affordable.

I’ll read the prayer:

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

I so submit. These petitions are signed by concerned folks in Regina.

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

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

These over 750 undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: the disability service sector faces a funding crisis that threatens the CBO [community-based organization] workforce, stability, and ability to provide essential services due to the underfunding of transportation, meals, technology and maintenance; that the Ministry of Social Services funds CBOs for benefits at approximately 16 per cent of salary funding, and this rate has remained relatively unchanged for 20 years.

I shall read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to commit to a three-year funding plan that strengthens CBO capacity and stabilizes the sector, while simultaneously collaborating with CBOs on a job analysis for the disability service sector, as well as a full review of the operational funding standards to ensure adequate funding for areas including, but not limited to, transportation, maintenance, technology, food, insurance, and audit.

The undersigned residents reside in every corner of Saskatchewan, including Duck Lake, Rosthern, Preeceville, North Battleford, Weyburn, Moose Jaw, Herbert, Martensville, Warman, Tisdale, and Biggar, just to name a few. I do so present.

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan to step up for Indigenous students in Saskatchewan.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following. We, the undersigned call on the Saskatchewan government to take immediate action to stand up for Indigenous children and all vulnerable students by advocating for the full restoration of funding previously supported by Jordan’s principle.

Jordan’s principle was established to ensure that First Nation children have equitable access to the services they need, including supports in schools. The recent loss of this federal funding will leave a significant gap in Saskatchewan classrooms, especially for Indigenous students who rely on inclusive education supports to thrive.

Funding cuts by the federal government have led to the layoff of 80 education assistants from Saskatoon Public Schools. Instead of stepping up to fill this gap the 2025 to 2026 provincial budget reduces education funding, budgeting $4.428 billion less than what was actually spent in the previous year. This is an alarming move at a time when our schools are already stretched to the breaking point due to chronic underfunding and short-staffing.

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

Mr. Speaker, this petition has been signed by the residents of North Battleford and Saskatoon too. I do so present. Thank you.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Christmas Is a Time of Generosity, Reflection, and Gratitude

Hon. Colleen Young: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The holiday season is once again upon us. From our largest cities to our smallest rural and northern communities, this season reflects the strength and generosity that define our province. Christmas is a time of generosity, reflection, and gratitude, not just to exchange gifts, but to spend time with our family, friends, and loved ones, sharing in the joy and spirit of the holiday season.

It’s also a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the tiny baby who reminds us daily of the gift of life. Across Saskatchewan, families are gathering for concerts, festivals, and long-standing community traditions. Volunteers are preparing Christmas hampers, local charities are supporting families in need, and countless individuals are stepping up to ensure everyone can experience the joy of the season.

Let’s all take the time to acknowledge and thank the workers in health care, emergency services, retail, transportation, and countless other sectors who keep our communities running while many of us gather with loved ones. Thank you for all that you do. The gift of love, the gift of peace, the gift of happiness — may all these be yours this Christmas and throughout the coming new year.

On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, Merry Christmas to all and happy 2026.

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

A Season of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This time of year, for those many people around the world of Christian faith, is referred to as Christmas season. For those of us who belong to the Roman rite of the Catholic faith, like myself and many others, this is the time of year known as the season of Advent. It’s the beginning of our liturgical year.

Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and is marked by an Advent wreath, a symbol of this time of waiting. It has three purple and one pink candle, one lit each Sunday before Christmas. There is one candle for hope, for peace, for joy — the pink candle — and love. It is a time of waiting, reflecting, and preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ at Christmas.

For many world religions, hope, peace, joy, and love are commonly shared elements. Regardless of what name we call this season or how we celebrate at this time of year, whether we are religious or not, spiritual or not, may we, as we take leave from this session — much like those candles in the Advent wreath — be a small flame of hope, of peace, of joy, and love in a sometimes weary and thirsting world.

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

Ian’s Lights Brighten Lives

Kevin Weedmark: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to recognize a man whose kindness and creativity have brightened his community and lives across the province. Ian Moats is the man behind Ian’s Lights, a Christmas light display that has become a local tradition and a beacon of hope. What began as one man decorating his home has grown into a powerful community initiative with a purpose far greater than festive cheer. Each year Ian transforms his property to a winter wonderland — tens of thousands of lights and the unmistakable spirit of Christmas radiating from every corner.

But even more impressive is what those lights stand for. Ian’s Lights is dedicated to raising funds for ward 1D, the mental health ward at the Regina General Hospital. The goal is simple but profound: to support mental health care, reduce stigma, and remind people that compassion and community can make a real difference. Through generosity, determination, and a love of Christmas, Ian has raised $182,000 for Ward 1D. Those funds are supporting patients and families, making life better for those in 1D and helping make our province a kinder, healthier place.

But the value of Ian’s work cannot be measured in dollars alone. His display brings families together, lifts spirits, and sparks conversations about mental health at a time of year when many quietly struggle.

I encourage everyone to check out Ian’s Lights every night this month, and today we thank Ian Moats for showing Saskatchewan the true power of one person’s compassion. His lights shine brightly every December, but the impact of his generosity lasts all year long. Thank you.

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

Vigil Honours École Polytechnique Victims

Jacqueline Roy: — Geneviève Bergeron, Hélène Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte, et Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz.

On n’oublie pas.

[Translation: We do not forget.]

Every year as we near the anniversary of the École Polytechnique massacre, we read their names. But it’s a hard truth, isn’t it, that this list did not begin with them, and it most certainly won’t end with them either. And in many respects this province is going backwards.

Last night at a vigil here in Regina, we lit 14 candles in memory and in grief, but also in resistance, Mr. Speaker. We refuse to let violence be normalized, and we refuse to keep academic knowledge on how to prevent violence silent and out of public policy. We must wake up. We must try harder to hear because that voice is there, and these women, they never, ever wanted pity. Even when they were alive, that’s not what they wanted. They wanted change.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Carrot River Valley.

Tisdale Senior Ramblers Rodeo Wins Small Rodeo of the Year Award

Terri Bromm: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This year in late October the Tisdale Senior Ramblers Rodeo was named the Canadian Cowboys Association’s 2025 Small Rodeo of the Year.

The CCA [Canadian Cowboys Association] Small Rodeo of the Year award is an annual award presented by the Canadian Cowboys Association to recognize a small rodeo committee that demonstrates an outstanding commitment to its sport, its contestants, and its fans. The winner is determined by votes from the competitors at the annual CCA Finals rodeo.

[10:30]

The Tisdale Senior Ramblers Rodeo is a huge event in Tisdale that features horse pulling, barrel racing, and more. Next year there are plans to put on a sanctioned bull riding event on the Thursday night. The rodeo will be celebrating their 40th year of dedication, effort, and success as their next season approaches.

Organizers of the rodeo have been quoted as saying:

Every year we try to put on a good show, and to be recognized is a huge accomplishment for the community itself. There’s a lot of work that goes into the event, but we’re having fun doing it. Our core group, the community, the volunteers, the Ramblers themselves, and the incredible sponsorship from throughout the Northeast make this achievement possible.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the Tisdale Senior Ramblers Rodeo and everyone involved in their event on their award. Thank you.

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

Conversations with Constituents Are Vital

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Door knocking is one of the most meaningful parts of my work as the MLA for Saskatoon Silverspring. It gives me the chance to connect directly with residents, listen to their stories, and understand what’s happening in the neighbourhood.

Every conversation — whether it’s on the doorstep, front lawn, or neighbourhood park — helps guide my work, ensures the priorities I bring to the legislature reflect the real experiences of the people in Silverspring. These conversations are a vital part of my work in building trust and community.

I met new parents worried about child care costs; seniors who share memories of, and some frustrations with, how our area has grown; and students with big ideas for the future. Each of these conversations deepens my understanding of what matters most and reminds me why this role is such a privilege.

These interactions keep me grounded, accountable, and inspired. They allow me to share updates on the work we’re doing, answer questions directly, and demonstrate that representation means being present and approachable.

The strength of Saskatoon Silverspring comes from its people, Mr. Speaker. And I’m grateful for every chance to meet them face to face, listen, and work together toward a better province for everyone.

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

Approval Ratings for Premier and Opposition Leader

Kim Gartner: — Mr. Speaker, the NDP [New Democratic Party] like to quote Angus Reid polls; in fact the NDP leader once actually issued a news release to say that the Premier’s approval rating had dropped to 50 per cent. We’re all looking forward to her next news release about how after seven weeks of doom and gloom and negative attacks by the NDP, the Premier’s most recent approval rating among Saskatchewan voters is actually up 3 per cent to 53 per cent, one of the highest in Canada.

Meanwhile, what is the Leader of the Opposition’s approval rating in that same poll? Thirty-five per cent. Thirty-five per cent, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people appreciate a Premier who goes to work every day on behalf of the people of this province. They recognize the strong, steady leadership he is providing at an unstable time in Canada and around the world.

They know we have the strongest economy in Canada, with 16,500 new jobs created in the past year, including 8,500 jobs in Regina and 4,200 jobs in Saskatoon. And they know that it’s this Premier and this government that will keep our economy strong, our communities safe, and our future secure.

Speaker Goudy: — Well, Merry Christmas. It’s question period.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Cost of Living and Affordability Measures

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, the cost of living is the number one issue for Saskatchewan people. Every day this session, we’ve started question period with the many ways that this government is making life more expensive: taxes on tires and rebuilt homes; taxes on kids’ clothes and groceries; skyrocketing power bills. The list goes on and on.

This government has had 18 years in office. Why have they done nothing this entire sitting to make life more affordable?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Not sure I would exactly agree, Mr. Speaker, we’ve done nothing. This has been a government that has made every effort over close to the past two decades that we’ve had the honour to form government here in the province of Saskatchewan to ensure that life for families that live here is more affordable, Mr. Speaker, up to and including running our last campaign just over a year ago on . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order. Order.

Hon. Scott Moe: — On essentially affordability campaign platform, Mr. Speaker, of which . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Well when the Speaker asks for order, it means we don’t talk except the one giving the answer.

Mr. Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, of which we delivered in that budget now two and a half billion dollars of affordability measures in each and every budget in each and every year here in the province of Saskatchewan.

When it comes to power bills, Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, there was a slight increase in ’22, slight increase in ’18. Actually power bills have been lower because it’s been this government that has made the decision to remove the carbon tax from families’ power bills across this province, Mr. Speaker, making Saskatchewan not only the only carbon tax-free province in the nation of Canada but the most affordable place to live in Canada.

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

Vicki Mowat: — It’s simply not the case, Mr. Speaker. We’ve been bringing forward the concerns of people in this province every single day, but this Premier and his 18‑year-old Sask Party government keep telling Saskatchewan people to deny the reality that they live, that they face every day. They say things aren’t as bad here as they might be in other places and that people here just don’t know how good they have it. It’s nonsense, Mr. Speaker.

Will the Premier recognize that he isn’t just ignoring the cost-of-living crisis; he’s actually making things worse?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, I don’t think the Minister of Education working with our federal government to come to a child care agreement to extend $10 child care is making things worse for Saskatchewan families and their affordability and their opportunity to live here in this province, Mr. Speaker.

I don’t think two and a half billion dollars in affordability measures in each and every budget in the province of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, is making things worse for Saskatchewan families that are choosing to live and work in this province.

Quite frankly today, when you look across this province there are opportunities for careers. The job numbers out today, again, have Saskatchewan as the second-lowest unemployment rate in the nation of Canada, Mr. Speaker.

People have opportunity to not only move here with their family, but have opportunity and most importantly, I think, for all of our children to stay here and raise their family here in the province of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. And when they do, not only is it going to remain the most affordable province in Canada to live, we are going to ensure that the future is very bright for not only that generation but for their children and the next generation as well.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, the NDP opposition hasn’t just been raising the concerns that people have on the cost of living; we’ve also been bringing forward solutions that would save people money. Solutions like not hiking taxes on tires by 30 per cent just as the snow starts to fall. And solutions like rent control so that people can afford to live and not face 10, 20, or 30 per cent increases by big out-of-province corporate landlords.

This 18‑year-old Sask Party government is out of ideas. So why not implement some of the solutions that we’re bringing forward and actually make life better for Saskatchewan people?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, we have heard with respect to some of the suggestions that have came from the members opposite, like rent control, which the industry and the community — not just across Saskatchewan but across the nation — are all essentially in agreement that is going to increase rental rates by reducing housing supply in your jurisdiction, as was shown in NDP-led British Columbia, as is shown in NDP-led Manitoba, as is shown in many other jurisdictions the Minister of Finance had referenced around the world, Mr. Speaker.

We also saw a different tone when it comes to making life more affordable for Saskatchewan families when it comes to what they’re paying to heat their homes, Mr. Speaker, and for their power bill in their homes. You see this government removing the carbon tax, reducing that cost, Mr. Speaker. And up to and including this very last week you continue to see the opposition advocating for putting that carbon tax back on, inflating . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Premier. Sorry.

Hon. Scott Moe: — As I say, Mr. Speaker, just . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Regina Mount Royal, please come to order.

Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Well we’ll just go back a little more time, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the member from Regina University, I quote, “I very much support a price on carbon.” The member for Saskatoon Nutana: “This price on pollution is a necessary one.” And December the 2nd, the member for Mount Royal, when referencing removing that carbon tax from Saskatchewan families’ power bill, his comments, Mr. Speaker, and I quote, that would be “so incredibly reckless.”

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

Power Rates and Fiscal Management

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This Premier and his ministers have driven SaskPower’s finances into the ground. A billion dollars, Mr. Speaker, a billion-dollar hole and we’re only halfway through the year.

And what was the Finance minister’s response to this yesterday? Well he said, apparently, apparently there’s going to be no impact on the deficit. Wow. Does the Finance minister understand how money works?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, I do understand how money works, and if I didn’t, I probably wouldn’t check with the members opposite who mixed up revenue and expense in their election platform last year.

Mr. Speaker, what I simply said is this. It’s very simple. The members opposite have been taking the supplementary estimates amounts and adding them to second-quarter estimates. It’s not how it works. Mr. Speaker, they’ve already been accounted from. The good work of the officials in the Ministry of Finance have already done that. The bottom line in Q2 [second quarter] included supplementary estimates.

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

Aleana Young: — Mr. Speaker, well you know what they say about explaining. But I guess the budget will just balance itself.

Mr. Speaker, there’s just one taxpayer in Saskatchewan and those people are going to pay. And they’re going to pay a lot for this government’s historic failure to balance the books.

The minister responsible for this mess, he skipped out on answering questions at committee on Tuesday, he argued with reporters on Wednesday, and then on Thursday, Mr. Speaker, well, he hid from them. He hid from seniors in Saskatoon, and this morning in Prince Albert, when they said they can’t bear another power bill hike.

Will the minister tell those seniors why, why he’s doing everything in his power to make their lives more expensive?

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would note that the member opposite stood up leading, quoting Justin Trudeau approvingly, which is about what you need to know about those members opposite and their view of the economy, Mr. Speaker.

Let’s be clear what they’re demanding. Let’s be clear what the opposition are demanding, which is that the carbon tax be put back onto SaskPower bills, Mr. Speaker. That is not going to . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Oh boy. Please everyone, let’s ask questions, give answers. And if we’re not asking questions or giving answers, let’s sit quietly.

Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Let’s be very clear what the opposition are demanding, and they’ve demanded it since we took the carbon tax off of SaskPower bills. They have been demanding that that carbon tax be put back on.

Mr. Speaker, we’re not going to do it. We’re focused on growing the economy, and that plan has been working. Job numbers today — sixteen and a half thousand jobs created across this province over the course of the last year, Mr. Speaker. I can’t tell you how proud I am to go to work every day here in the legislature with this group on this side making life better for the people of this province.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Those are complete falsehoods, and I’m not going to trust a single word from those ministers. Those folks over there, Mr. Speaker, they claim to have a $12 million surplus, but whoopsies, all of a sudden halfway through the year there’s nearly a half-billion-dollar deficit. And we still have four more months to go this fiscal year.

So this morning, Mr. Speaker — this is serious — this morning I’ve written to the Provincial Auditor to request an immediate audit of SaskPower’s books so that we can get to the very bottom of this mess before it costs Saskatchewan people even more.

If that minister, if he has nothing to hide will he also call on the auditor to take a look at his books?

Speaker Goudy: — Sorry, just one second. Before he answers, falsehood . . . You know if it was facts or mistake, but I think “falsehood” is kind of insinuating that it was intended. So let’s steer clear of “falsehoods” in the future.

Minister of CIC.

[10:45]

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Of course the books of SaskPower are audited every year by a number of different parties. And I can tell you, we are very proud of having taken that carbon tax off of SaskPower bills despite the criticism from the opposition, despite the demands from the opposition that that carbon tax be put back on SaskPower. That’s not going to happen, Mr. Speaker.

We are focused on affordability. We are focused on making life better. I’ve been here every single day in this legislature, Mr. Speaker, happy to answer questions if they come. And this side of the House, people have been coming every single day to this legislature, working hard to make life better for the people of this province. And we’re going to keep doing it.

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

Access to Addictions Treatment

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions told the media and told the House that there was no compiled data on the wait times. That was factually untrue. We’ve seen the list, Mr. Speaker. Those documents from CBC [Canadian Broadcasting Corporation] only go up to September.

Surely there are more current, up-to-date numbers in the minister’s system today. What is the current wait time at each facility in Saskatchewan? And how many people are on wait-lists today?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, helping people overcome their addiction and supporting recovery to help save lives, heal families, and strengthen communities is a priority for this government.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve made it quite clear in this House that there are wait times and they vary from facility to facility, depending on the type of service that they’re looking for. I don’t deny that fact, Mr. Speaker, but what this government is doing is we have a mental health and addictions action plan.

Number one on that list is adding 500 more spaces, 281 of which are in place. Number two is moving to that recovery-oriented system of care, and number three is a central intake system that will truly help track the numbers that the members opposite are looking for on a much more accurate basis, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, the minister should be transparent and she should release the wait times and the wait-list information. Mr. Speaker, people are losing their lives. Just yesterday there was a new drug alert put out by her ministry for Regina. Naloxone isn’t working on many new drugs on the streets.

Forty-seven overdoses and three deaths in a week. Will the minister take responsibility for her government’s inaction as these drugs rip through our communities and steal our young people?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every death from an overdose is a tragedy, and my sympathies go out to each and every one of those families. And for the member opposite to say that we are doing nothing on this front could be no further from the truth, Mr. Speaker, because we are putting policies in place. We’re opening beds.

We are introducing legislation today that we have worked with stakeholders on to ensure that there is another tool in our tool box to truly get individuals the help they need when they need it — people that don’t have the capacity to make that decision on their own, individuals who are a harm to themselves or a harm to others, Mr. Speaker. We take this very seriously and we will continue doing more on this front.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, we know that later today the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions will be introducing that legislation she’s speaking of. In the Throne Speech the government said that people who are “creating a threat to themselves and others will be required to enter an addiction treatment program.”

There’s a time and place for involuntary treatment as a last resort, Mr. Speaker. Where does the minister plan on putting all these people when we don’t have nearly enough spaces for voluntary treatment?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is why we will continue to work with our community partners on opening up spaces across the province. The goal is that 500 beds. We’re at 281. And once we get there, we will evaluate exactly what is out there and see what more needs to be added to the system, Mr. Speaker.

Because we want to see people get into recovery, Mr. Speaker. We feel that this is an important piece for not only the individuals that are struggling with addiction, but to bring back families, Mr. Speaker, and find healing and give hope to individuals. We know that recovery is possible.

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

Safety at Health Care Facilities

Brittney Senger: — Mr. Speaker, we hear every day that the crisis in Saskatchewan health care is worse than it’s ever been, and now we see even more alarming evidence of the chaos in our front-lines — hospitals. According to a report from the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses, a psychiatric patient with a history of violence was admitted to St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon and smuggled inside a sawed-off shotgun and as many as three knives. What does the minister know about this incident?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Let me be very clear, Mr. Speaker. For any patient or any one of our many health care providers right around the province, whether it’s in Saskatoon or whether it’s in any smaller community right across the province, again, whether they are a patient or a provider, we want them to feel safe in every health care facility, Mr. Speaker.

In late November there was an incident at St. Paul’s, Mr. Speaker, where an individual did bring weapons in. That individual was apprehended by SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority] protective services. They worked with Saskatoon Police Services to ensure that safety could be restored, Mr. Speaker, at that facility.

Mr. Speaker, this is a government that’s working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to continue increasing investment in protective services every year. In this year’s budget we’ve added $2.5 million to enhance protective services at health care facilities right across the province. We’ve made additional investments in previous years, Mr. Speaker, and we’ll continue making those investments to ensure that patients and providers feel safe.

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

Brittney Senger: — Mr. Speaker, according to the report, this sawed-off shotgun was found by a member of St. Paul’s Hospital housekeeping staff. And according to the report, the man admitted at St. Paul’s took one of the knives he was in possession of and began stabbing a window of isolation in the room he’d been put in. He also began threatening to sexually assault and kill a staff member.

I can’t imagine how terrifying this would have been for the staff at St. Paul’s Hospital. Can the minister tell the House what specific supports have been provided to staff working at the hospital?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said in my previous answer, both patients and providers need to feel safe in health care facilities right across the province, whether that’s St. Paul’s or whether that’s communities right across the province. As I indicated in my previous answer to the member opposite, Mr. Speaker, $2.5 million has been invested in protective services right across the province.

Just this year, Mr. Speaker, we’ve added an artificial intelligence-assisted system at Royal University Hospital to detect weapons, as a pilot. We’re closely watching . . . Mr. Speaker, I’d love to answer the question. We’ve added this as a pilot project at Royal University Hospital. It’s in its first few months. We’re evaluating the success of that and working on it so that we can look at rolling that out to more health care facilities in Saskatoon and right across the province.

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

Brittney Senger: — Mr. Speaker, we’ve independently confirmed the report from SUN [Saskatchewan Union of Nurses] through staff working at St. Paul’s. They tell us this incident is further evidence of the overwhelming chaos in our overrun hospitals and clinics. We’ve seen images for months and months of hallway medicine, chaos in waiting rooms, and staff run off their feet. Now there is a serious safety threat.

What is the minister going to do right here, right now to ensure a terrifying incident like this never happens again?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — I’ll say again, Mr. Speaker, every patient and every provider in the province of Saskatchewan needs to feel safe when they go to a health care facility. That’s exactly why we’re increasing the budget for protective services right across the province, enhancing protective services capability right across the province as well, Mr. Speaker.

But you know, Mr. Speaker, the members opposite never seem to come to the floor with solutions. Let me talk about the solutions that we are adding as a government. In the city of Saskatoon, a new urgent care centre on the west side of Saskatoon to relieve pressure from St Paul’s Hospital; 109 new acute care beds at the Saskatoon City Hospital facility, improving patient flow.

This is a government that is focused on more providers, more scope for those providers, and more access points for patients.

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

Casework Process through Minister’s Office

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That minister says patients need to feel safe. Let’s see how it’s going.

Yesterday we raised Tyra Peters’s story here in the House. The minister assured us he was aware of her case; his office has reached out. What he didn’t mention was that Tyra received a call from his office yesterday during question period at 2:06 p.m., only after our office sent out a news release.

This woman was so traumatized by her experience, she’s scared to have more children because she’s lost faith in this health care system. Why didn’t that minister tell the full story yesterday?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, there’s 61 MLAs in this House. Every MLA understands how the casework process works. Our office will reach out when we receive a consent form. As soon as we received a consent form from this individual, Mr. Speaker, we reached out immediately to make contact with Ms. Peters. We’re aware of the situation.

As I indicated in the House yesterday, we had a service disruption at Cypress Regional Hospital this summer . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Member. Okay, I hate to compare, but there’s a lot more noise coming from one side than the other.

Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, as I indicated yesterday, as soon as we received that consent form that gave us the ability to contact the constituent in question, learn more about her situation, and understand how we can assist her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Government Response to Wildfires and Approach to Addictions Treatment

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer wildfires burned in northern Saskatchewan. Hundreds lost their homes. It’s a miracle no one lost their life. We know from flight records that almost half of our water bombers were grounded because they needed maintenance. There’s an opportunity here to learn from the mistakes of the past.

Will the Minister of Public Safety commit on the record today to the people of the North that every single water bomber will be in air, should fires break out again next spring?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — A number of questions here today, Mr. Speaker, ranging on a number of topics. We have met with many folks from northern communities — about 55 communities that were evacuated — to support them and their access to a review that will be done so that we ensure that the response is as robust and as effective as it can possibly be, Mr. Speaker, including the purchase and the arrival of new water bombers this year and the years into the future.

Mr. Speaker, I do want to comment on the government’s direction with respect to when it comes to mental health and addictions, and all of us understanding that all too often . . . All too often, Mr. Speaker . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — We’re following the rules of the procedures in this Assembly. I recognize the Premier. We’ll sit and listen, I hope.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Many questions with respect to this government’s approach to the recovery-oriented system of care, the 500 addictions recovery beds that we are building out, Mr. Speaker, the access to those particular recovery beds.

But I would also say that there is another piece to this, is providing the tools, Mr. Speaker, for each and every one to support their families and their community. And one of those tools is going to be introduced today to ensure that we can strive and support family and friends that unfortunately have succumbed to mental health and addiction challenges, Mr. Speaker, and supporting them in their recovery journey.

Yet another tool for the people of Saskatchewan, for communities across Saskatchewan, and most importantly for families across Saskatchewan to support our loved ones when all too often, in today’s day and age, we are faced with mental health challenges and subsequent addiction challenges, Mr. Speaker. A recovery-oriented system of care is a priority for this government and one that we’re investing in.

[11:00]

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 48 — The Compassionate Intervention Act

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act now be introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions that Bill No. 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act be now read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Next sitting of the Assembly, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

WRITTEN QUESTIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government Whip.

Sean Wilson: — I wish to order question no. 29.

Speaker Goudy: — Question no. 29 is ordered. I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave to make a farewell statement for Christmas.

Speaker Goudy: — The member has requested leave to make a statement. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

STATEMENT BY A MEMBER

Acknowledgements and Christmas Greetings

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I will begin this statement by thanking the Opposition House Leader for her co-operation and willingness to work together daily to allow this Chamber to function.

And to you, Mr. Speaker, I thank you sincerely for your calm authority and your good humour that you bring to that Chair every day. Your steady hand has kept our debates lively, but always within the bounds of decorum.

And of course thank you to the Clerk’s office: to Iris for your leadership of the Legislative Assembly Service, and also to your team, Kathy and Rob, and through all of you to the rest of the Legislative Assembly, we thank. I understand Kathy will be leaving the Assembly for a well-deserved retirement, and we wish her all the best and thank her for her many years of dedicated service.

There are so many others who work behind the scenes, Mr. Speaker, to keep this building alive and welcoming. To our Sergeant-at-Arms and the entire security team, its sessional staff — one of whom we heard about earlier this morning, Bill Betker, who is also retiring — to broadcast services, Hansard reporters, the cafeteria and cleaning crews, and every single person who keep these halls safe, clean, and functioning, please do accept our deepest appreciation.

Mr. Speaker, I would also extend my gratitude to the building manager, Steve Bata, and his dedicated maintenance team, Jeff Tochor and Ralph Ward, for their hard work. I also want to thank the legislative district security team for their outstanding efforts ensuring that this building is safe and secure for all of us to enjoy.

And, Mr. Speaker, thank you to the House business and research team on our side of the House: Sean Wilson, Paul Ripplinger, and Rahul Singh. Day in and day out, Mr. Speaker, they keep us prepared, on time, and on message, and we literally could not do this work without them.

To our Premier, I say thank you. Mr. Speaker, our Premier’s vision, his energy, his unwavering commitment to this province continues to guide and inspire every one of us on this side of the House each and every day.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, to all members of this Assembly, government and opposition alike, thank you for your service. Whatever our differences in this Chamber, we share a common love for the province of Saskatchewan and the determination to make this even better for the people we represent.

To you and through you, Mr. Speaker, I wish a Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and all the very best in the new year to everyone across Saskatchewan. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the opportunity to join in on some end-of-session remarks with the Government House Leader.

First of all, I’d like to extend on behalf of the official opposition our thanks to you, Mr. Speaker, for your patience, your guidance, and your work throughout this entire session. There’s a lot of work that happens within this Chamber, but also a lot of work that happens behind the scenes. And for all of that, we say a sincere thank you to you and all of your team at the Speaker’s office.

I would be remiss of course if I didn’t give a thanks to the Clerk’s Table, in particular Iris Lang and her entire team. But I can’t not say a special thank you to Kathy Burianyk, who has served us so well over the past 18 years. And I know I have had the benefit of her calm guidance and wise wisdom for 10 of those years. So, very much on behalf of the official opposition, a thank you to Kathy for her service and all the best to her in her retirement.

To the Pages, thank you to everyone at the Legislative Assembly Service, of course the Sergeant-at-Arms, LDSU [legislative district security unit], all of security — one security person in particular though, Bill, who was thanked earlier, but he served us so well for 15 years. A very well-deserved retirement to him.

All the folks at broadcasting, Hansard, the cafeteria staff and cleaning staff, the librarians who suffer my inquiries often, and frankly all of the public servants who work in this building but also all of the other buildings, serving on behalf of the government. A very much heartfelt thank you to all of them.

To the Government House Leader, thank you so much for your service, and very much appreciative of the relationship that we have had over the past year together and our ability to work together when we can, with wisdom and humour often. Very grateful to him and to the Deputy House Leader as well.

To the House business team on this side, Mitchell Bonokoski and his whole team, I appreciate his very hard work and his team’s hard work every single day. To everybody who works on our caucus side — Jeremy Nolais and our whole caucus team — very much a thank you.

To the Leader of the Opposition for her passion and her wisdom and her steady guidance, we’re incredibly grateful to her leadership. And this entire caucus team who’s worked incredibly hard over the past several weeks, I say very much a thank you. And to the MLAs in this entire Chamber, so the MLAs on both sides, we know that this is not an easy job, and it’s a job that only a few people truly understand the work and the sacrifice that goes into it. So on behalf of the opposition, to all the MLAs, thank you so much for your service.

To all of our CAs [constituency assistant] — mine of course in particular, but all of our CAs — thank you for keeping the home fires burning when we’re away. And speaking of home fires, on behalf of the official opposition, a thank you to our families and our friends. We say this all the time, but we can never say it enough that we don’t serve alone in this Chamber. So thank you so much for their sacrifice as well.

For the people of Saskatchewan, for allowing us the honour of being able to serve on their behalf in this Chamber, a very heartfelt thank you I would say from all of us in this Chamber.

I say, with the Government House Leader, a heartfelt Merry Christmas to everyone and our hopes that everyone gets home safe. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — And I would just as well like to join in with the two House leaders and congratulate a few. First of all, Kathy. When you’re the Speaker and you sit down with your Clerks in the morning, you’re discussing the day, I wasn’t sure at first if Kathy liked me. I wasn’t sure if she thought I had any hope of success. And I quickly learned that Kathy was one of my best allies for success in life, your friends who will be honest and tell you their perspective. And Kathy has elevated my perspective of the role of this Assembly for the service of the province of Saskatchewan.

And this morning, you know, when we’re sitting around the table, Kathy brings something that I look forward to. Actually probably the highest praise I’ve received as a member was from Kathy. You know when you’re tight on compliments, a compliment means a lot. And so, Kathy, we are truly going to miss you in those meetings in this province. Thank you for all the service that you have given to us through the years.

We’ve got Anne Drake up in the balcony, and Anne retiring as Procedural Clerk of committees next week. And she’s served LAS [Legislative Assembly Service] for 20 years and began with Hansard in 2006. Then in 2015 she moved into procedural services branch, worked in various roles, and has always been the smiling lady in the hallway that cheered our day. So we wish you all the best in your retirement as well. It was a treat to have you here.

Bill has been mentioned. I don’t know about everybody else but when you’ve made a big mistake . . . I don’t know if you know what it’s like but when the TV is on and you don’t know what you’re doing and you’re looking for help and you’ve made a mistake and you walk down the hallway and you see Bill, you know, it doesn’t even matter what went on behind you. There’s Bill. You know he’s a true friend that has been here.

And through him to all of the rest of the staff, you know, everything else just seems to melt away, and you know that you’re serving friends. So thank you to Bill, and all the best in Bill’s retirement.

The House leaders, I want to thank you too. It’s not easy for a fellow who has no law degree to work with two lawyers. But you’ve been very gracious and you’ve really . . .

Just a quick story: I was with the other Speakers in the country and a number of them I asked, how often do you get together with your House leaders? Like once a week, once every month, couple times a week? And then they said, well what do you mean? I said, well how often do you guys get together? It was, well we don’t; they don’t get along.

So ours get along very well, and I think that’s the key to a good functioning Chamber. And I want to thank you two very, very much for your looking past the differences to the good of the people of the province. And you’ve served your members very, very well, both of you. So thank you so very much.

All of the Clerks, thank you. I look forward to working with you as we move forwards in the days ahead. Thank you for all your sacrifice. And oftentimes I would push us a little harder than maybe . . . I don’t understand all the things that I’m asking for sometimes with my requests, but thank you for being patient with me.

The Legislative Assembly Service staff, ITS [information technology services], procedural services, Sergeant-at-Arms, thank you. The Pages, I didn’t realize that some of them can sing quite exceptionally well. I found that out this morning. Thank you for so patiently and kindly serving us all in this Chamber.

Hansard and broadcast services. It hit me yesterday that when I stand up and sit down, I think, why am I standing up? Well they have a tougher job in knowing when I’m actually going to speak when I stand up, and they do a great job. Thank you for all of your services and keeping this place recorded so that we can look back and the province can see the important things we’ve discussed.

SaskBuilds, Steve Bata and staff. It’s amazing. We show up; everything is ready, everything’s prepared. We leave late; they look after putting everything back for the next day. We come and oftentimes we forget how important they are to our service in this province. All of the building staff, we thank them very, very much for everything that they do. “He who would be greatest among you, let him be your servant.” And the way that they treat us and serve us is exceptional.

Cafeteria staff, we appreciate them. They feed us well. I don’t think any of us are really suffering in this place. Central services, security. Dani, I think we really stretched Dani when the Roughriders showed up. That was a great day. I don’t know how she handled that. She was, you know, trying to be flexible for all of us. I think I broke a number of rules that day, and Dani was gracious.

I didn’t ask to mention one name but there is one of her staff members who some of us wondered, is he going to be coming back to serve us? And when we heard that he rang the bell, that’s . . . He’s part of the family, and we are so thankful to have him out in that hallway with a smile on his face and thanksgiving in his heart.

[11:15]

So all the best to the staff in this place, the security, all of our caucus staff that, you know, the hours they put in, my CA, your CAs. Our Speaker’s office staff put on a good party. Not everybody showed up. I’m not holding that against anyone. Coal in your stockings this year. And our families.

But most of all at Christmastime if I could — you know I’m a preacher — can I just have two minutes to say something about Jesus? You know, he was born. It’s 2025. He’s a big deal, and he taught us how to serve. And you know, sometimes you wonder, as a Speaker you’re not supposed to talk very much. I talk more than I should. I admit it. But my job is to serve you.

And you know, when I think about it, the most important job is to help others succeed to the utmost of their potential. And I look through this room at all of you and I am impressed by your skills, your talents, your servant-heartedness, and our corporate potential for the people of this province.

And you know, one person, if he was looking after his own ambitions and his own accomplishments, you can accomplish some pretty amazing things in this world. But show me a person who’s about everybody else, whose ambition is the success of the people around them, and that’s what Jesus did. He came into this world so that we could reach our potential.

And you know, as you all go back to your constituencies, you are the servants of this place. And if you and I can help the people in our constituencies find hope at times, support when they need it, encouragement to reach their potential, that’s our utmost job is to serve everybody else. And I am proud to stand together with you as a great team.

I must say, you’re my friends. It’s easy to make a mistake when you’re among friends, and I’ve made many I can tell you. Walking out into the hallway knowing, well you know what; they’ll forgive me. And I thank you for your forgiveness when I fell short, and I thank you for your encouragement when I needed it. And I just want to bless you all as you go back. You’re the best servants that I could pick for every one of the people of this province.

So serve them well. Enjoy your family. And Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. Thanks so much.

I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much for those gracious words, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.

Speaker Goudy: — Here’s one of those embarrassing moments. What date are we coming back? One second. The Leader of the Opposition has moved that this Assembly do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly? The Government House Leader . . . Where’s Bill? Where’s Bill?

The Government House Leader has moved that this Assembly do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried. This Assembly stands adjourned until March 2nd, 2026. God bless you all. We’ll see you at 1:30, March 2nd. Merry Christmas.

[The Assembly adjourned at 11:19.]

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

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