Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you and seated in your gallery, I’d like to introduce a number of members, former educators from across the province joining us from the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan. I’m not sure if they’re all here today, Mr. Speaker. I’m going to apologize in advance; I might get a couple of pronunciations off here. For that I apologize.

But I believe with us here today, Mr. Speaker, are the president, Sue Amundrud, from the great city of Melfort, which you, Mr. Speaker, and myself are a little biased towards. Vice-President Terri Mitchell from Yorkton; executive members Huguette Kitchen from Lloydminster; Owen Sebastian of southwest Saskatchewan, down in Shaunavon; Sonja Susut from Moose Jaw; Devona Putland from Moosomin, who I understand is a great cookie maker, is what I’m told; Murray Wall from Saskatoon. Murray and I have met before in my previous role as the minister of Seniors.

Mr. Speaker, this is an organization of retired teachers who offer community, welfare, and advocacy for all of our province’s superannuated teachers. Our caucus is going to be meeting with them tomorrow.

I’d like to ask all members to join me in thanking them for their valuable contributions to our province and welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

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 in welcoming this fine group of true servants for our province, folks who have served our children and youth in the classroom and beyond for their career. I want to thank them. I want to thank all teachers for the work that they do. And I want to thank these individuals in particular for continuing to serve teachers. They have over 12,000 members in 40 different chapters across the province and they serve their interests, as people who worked so hard throughout their career. And they’re here to continue to advocate for the things that matter to older adults as well as things that still matter in the classroom.

And so I want to thank all of the folks that the minister just named: Sue, Terri, Huguette, Owen, Sonja, Devona, and Murray. I look forward to meeting with you after proceedings today. And I invite all members to join me in welcoming these individuals to their Assembly.

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

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you this afternoon, I’d like to welcome eight guests seated up in the west gallery from the Salvation Army, Mr. Speaker. We’re joined today by Major Karen Hoeft as well as Major Al Hoeft, Major Ed Dean, Lieutenant David Hipperson, Major Ian Scott, Captain Derek Kerr, Ms. Tracy Desjarlais, and Mr. Stephen Morgan.

Mr. Speaker, the Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began work in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country.

Mr. Speaker, the Salvation Army is a valued partner that supports some of the most vulnerable in our province. Through emergency shelter operations, warming centres, emergency after-hours supports, and trusteeship services and so many more other services, they provide critical assistance to individuals and families when they need it most.

Mr. Speaker, I had the pleasure of meeting with all of them earlier today, and I’ve spent a great deal of time on site at some of their facilities around the province. I look forward to continuing our work with them well into the future.

On behalf of our government, Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the individuals here from the Salvation Army today, as well as all of your colleagues, for the fantastic work that you do across Saskatchewan. And want all members to join me in welcoming all of these individuals from the Salvation Army to this their Legislative Assembly.

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

Erika Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to join with the member opposite and also extend a warm welcome to the representatives that we have with us here today from the Salvation Army and commend them for the work that they do each and every day helping those who are most vulnerable in our communities, providing them with shelter and other supports so that their needs can be met.

And I look forward to the opportunity to meeting with them as I continue to understand the needs and the ways that your organization is providing those services. Certainly in Saskatoon I’ve had the opportunity to meet with members of your organization and visit the facilities. And I look forward to the opportunity to continue that work and meet with all of you and understand in a more province-wide approach the services that you’re offering. And so I ask all members to join with me in welcoming the members from the Salvation Army here to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce, seated on the floor of the Assembly here, little Ian Breckner. He arrived almost four weeks early, on December 10th. So, so much for that break after session I was hoping to have. And he’s been really great since then.

He was about 6 pounds, 5 ounces when he was born, spent a couple weeks in the NICU [neonatal intensive care unit] just with some breathing issues, but came home just in time for Christmas on December 23rd. Yeah, and he’s been a really good sleeper — lucky for me — and Paul and I are just so happy to have him in our lives. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — And I have a few introductions this afternoon. From my office, Raissa Pardede. She is a co-op student between January and April. We have been delighted to have her there. I’m sure she has many favourite MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly], and everybody wearing the pin is her favourite. So she’s done a great job. We appreciate her being here. It’s her third year in psychology at the University of Regina.

And sitting with her there is no stranger to all of us, Danica Rodenbush. She is in her third year of poli sci. And whatever she chooses to do in life, she’s going to do great. We’ve been extremely appreciative of all the service that she has been for the members of this Legislative Assembly. So if you wouldn’t mind welcoming them and showing them your appreciation for all that they do for us here at the Legislative Assembly.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in the Assembly today to present a petition calling on the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to implement rent control.

These residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring attention to the following. Saskatchewan leads the nation in average rent increases. Saskatchewan’s average rent continues to increase, rising 4 per cent in the last year. Average rent in Regina has gone up 3.9 per cent in the last year and 5.4 per cent in Saskatoon. Rent control will protect tenants from excessive and unreasonable rent increases. Rent control becomes even more critical when you factor in that Saskatchewan has the highest rate of child poverty in the nation. British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island have all successfully implemented rent control.

The prayer reads as follows:

We respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately protect tenants and implement rent control.

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

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to build a new hospital in Yorkton.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that the existing hospital in Yorkton opened in 1962; it continues to deteriorate and is no longer able to sustain the growing needs of the region; that the Sask Party government promised to replace the Yorkton hospital 18 years ago but no formal work has been undertaken; the emergency room experiences overcrowding; maternity patients don’t have access to hot water and the building systems are breaking down; that this regional hospital has a broad reach with patients from as far north as Preeceville, as far south as the United States border and sees patients from Manitoba.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately build a new hospital for Yorkton.

This petition has been signed by the residents of Yorkton. I do so present. Thank you.

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

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

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

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

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

April ChiefCalf: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present this petition calling on the government to reverse the ban on third-party educators from publicly funded schools.

The undersigned residents of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following. On August 22nd, 2023 the Saskatchewan government banned all third-party educators from publicly funded schools. The topics that these organizations teach include consent, healthy relationships, and child sexual abuse prevention.

The Government of Saskatchewan’s own domestic violence death review reports from 2018 and 2025 have both highlighted the importance of prevention education for youth in reducing the rates of intimate partner violence. The decision to ban these educators will make Saskatchewan’s rates of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and sexual abuse worse, not better.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I will 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.

Mr. Speaker, the signatories to this petition reside in Davidson and Saskatoon. I do so present. Thank you.

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 the Government of Saskatchewan to step up for Indigenous students in Saskatchewan.

The undersigned residents would like to bring to our attention the following. Jordan’s principle was established to ensure that First Nations 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’s 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 educational assistants from the Saskatoon Public Schools, with more funding shortfalls expected in this school year. I will say, Mr. Speaker, that this year in Saskatchewan schools there are fewer EAs [educational assistant] than there were last year.

[13:45]

I’ll read the prayer:

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

Mr. Speaker, the signatories today reside in Melfort and Canoe Lake. I do so present.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Oh. Too soon. Too soon.

Speaker Goudy: — Oh. Members’ statements. Sorry.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Remembering George R. Smith

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to a man who played a pivotal role in the development of the northern village of Pinehouse and the betterment of northern Saskatchewan. George Roderick Smith was born on January 15th, 1936. Last year during the wildfire emergency, George passed away surrounded by his family on June 25th, 2025.

George was a man who, when sparked with passion and conviction to do right, was a force to be reckoned with. He was also a man of service, serving as an overseer and then mayor of his home community of Pinehouse.

The George R. Smith Gymnasium in Minahik Waskahigan School is named in his honour after years of service as a school board trustee in the Northern Lights School Division No. 113. He was active on many boards and committees, vocal for the inclusion of Pinehouse, notably a member of Northern Saskatchewan Trappers Association.

George worked hard for his community and his people. And he was even more committed as a husband, a father, a mosôm, which is a grandfather; a câpân is a great-grandfather. He later worked as an Elder teaching knowledge about wildlife and living off the land. He was also a strong Christian with strong beliefs, Mr. Speaker.

I want to say thank you to the Smith family, especially his wife, Elizabeth, for sharing this extraordinary man with the people of Saskatchewan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Government Delivers Important Trade Deals

Brad Crassweller: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan has the strongest economy in Canada, and this morning it got a lot stronger. Today our Premier joined Prime Minister Carney and Indian Prime Minister Modi and Cameco CEO [chief executive officer] Tim Gitzel, and they signed a $2.6 billion deal to provide Saskatchewan uranium to India.

This agreement and several others being signed this week in India mark a major reset in an important trade relationship that had been severely damaged by the former prime minister. So full credit to the new prime minister. But also full credit to our Premier for his consistent efforts and our government’s consistent efforts to expand Saskatchewan exports to one of the largest markets in the world.

Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel said, “We’re thankful for the continued advocacy of Saskatchewan and Canadian governments to foster international trade opportunities that allow us to meet the needs of global customers and bring the benefits home.”

This progress follows the Premier’s trade mission to China earlier this year, where Canada reached an agreement to reduce and remove tariffs on canola and other Canadian exports. Our government will continue to fight for our farmers and the many other industries that drive our economy. Our government and our Premier will continue delivering important trade deals for the people of Saskatchewan. Thank you.

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

TeleMiracle Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary in Saskatchewan

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past weekend TeleMiracle celebrated the 50th anniversary of its annual telethon, an extraordinary milestone for a truly Saskatchewan tradition. The incredible $10,500,000 raised at their 50th telethon will help people across Saskatchewan access specialized medical equipment and travel for those who need to leave their community to access life-saving care.

Alongside the members from Saskatoon Stonebridge, Saskatoon Silverspring, and Saskatoon Westview, I had the pleasure of attending the live broadcast and touring backstage. It was inspiring to learn about the evolution of this remarkable event and to witness the coordination, hard work, and dedication required to bring it to life.

TeleMiracle not only provides support to people across our province, it also showcases the incredible Saskatchewan talent, highlighting performers from communities large and small. There truly is nothing more Saskatchewan than TeleMiracle.

Thank you to the volunteers, cast, staff, Kins, Kinettes, donors, and everyone who contributed to the success of this iconic event. Please join me in congratulating TeleMiracle on an incredible 50‑year milestone, and say it with me: “Ring those phones.”

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

Remarkable Olympians and Paralympians Represent Saskatchewan

Barret Kropf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan was honoured to be represented on the Olympic stage in Italy by six fantastic athletes from across the province. Congratulations to Maïa Schwinghammer on her first Olympics where she competed in freestyle skiing; Logan Pletz, representing Canada in biathlon in his first Olympic games; Mark McMorris on his fourth Olympic tour in big air and slopestyle events; Darcy Kuemper a Stanley Cup veteran on his first Olympic appearance; and Emily Clark, an athlete I once had the opportunity to coach with Team Saskatchewan, is now a three-time Olympic hockey medallist. And of course, Mr. Speaker, our very own Ben Hebert, now a two-time Olympic gold medal champion curler.

Congratulations to these fantastic athletes on their performances and to all the athletes who represented Team Canada in Italy. And a quick shout-out to the many coaches and officials with Saskatchewan ties. Your roles are incredibly important to making sure these athletes get to perform.

And, Mr. Speaker, I’d be remiss to not give a quick word of encouragement to our Paralympians who are set to perform later this week. Best of luck to Paralympians Brittany Hudak from Prince Albert who will be competing in her fourth Olympic games in Nordic skiing, and Gilbert Dash from Kipling who will be curling for Team Canada. Congratulations on making it to such a high level, and we will all be cheering you on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mental Health Crises Require Timely Supports

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, when someone reaches out for mental health support, they’re often in crisis. The moment they ask for help is the moment the system must respond, not nearly a year later. Right now in Saskatchewan, people are waiting up to 46 weeks from the time they seek help to the time they receive treatment. Untreated mental health conditions don’t just harm individuals; they strain the entire province.

Long wait times lead to more emergency room visits, more time off work, more school disruption, and a higher long-term health crisis. And when people can’t access timely care, the financial burden shifts directly to taxpayers who end up paying for far more for the crisis than they would have for early prevention.

Mental health crises don’t have the luxury of waiting 46 weeks. Anxiety, depression, psychosis, trauma — these conditions escalate when support isn’t available. And for youth, early intervention is everything, but this government doesn’t care enough to invest in our youths’ mental health. A 46‑week wait is not delay; it is denial by this government that good mental health matters.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Wood River, our Agriculture minister.

Donor’s Legacy Supports TeleMiracle

Hon. David Marit: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary woman from the Wood River constituency, Alice Tindall of Rockglen. I’ve had the privilege to know her all my life.

Alice was born on February 29th, 1932 on the family homestead east of Rockglen, a leap-year birthday as fitting and rare as the woman herself. She was the youngest of five children, the daughter of French immigrants who arrived with very, very little and built something lasting on the Saskatchewan prairie. Alice lived a full and quietly remarkable life. She was a skilled seamstress, a dedicated reader, a faithful watcher of TeleMiracle every single year.

Alice was predeceased by her husband, Art, and her son Don. She passed away in 2023 at the age of 91. Mr. Speaker, Alice Tindall watched TeleMiracle for decades and took quiet pride in seeing donors recognized on the screen. This year she became one of the most remarkable donors in the telethon’s history, leaving a planned gift of $2.35 million to the Kinsmen Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, in total TeleMiracle 50 raised $10.5 million, smashing their previous record of $8 million. That is the character of rural Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker — quiet generosity, deep roots, a legacy that outlasts a lifetime.

I ask all members to join me in honouring Alice Tindall. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cannington.

Opposition Statements on Government Trade Missions

Daryl Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan is celebrating today as our Premier reached yet another monumental deal with one of our largest trading partners. This side of the House has been consistent in our stance on trade, but the same cannot be said of the members opposite. They may not remember the things they said about our trade missions, so I would like to take this opportunity to remind them.

The member from Regina South Albert said, taxpayers are already on the hook for a million dollars for a trade office in India. That same member called our trade missions “junkets.” She called going on trade missions “tired and out of touch.” Then when the Trade critic was asked if we should be engaging with China on trade, her response was she was not sure.

And we all remember in the last election when the Leader of the Opposition ran on cutting our trade offices, the very offices that were instrumental in removing Chinese tariffs on canola and reaching the uranium deal with India.

Mr. Speaker, it was all worth it. To those producers who ran, who now have low or no tariff access to our largest markets, to those who will be working at the newly approved Denison uranium mine, it was worth it.

And to the members opposite I say, talk about being out of touch.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Child Poverty Rates

Carla Beck: — 78,000, 78,000 Saskatchewan children are living in poverty. That’s the highest rate in the entire country. I wonder, Mr. Speaker, to the Premier: is he proud of this fact?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As long as there’s any children living in poverty, that’s too many, Mr. Speaker. We take this very seriously, Mr. Speaker. This speaks to affordability, Mr. Speaker. This was largely what the election 14 or 15 months ago was fought on, Mr. Speaker. And that’s why we have been taking action, Mr. Speaker.

And those actions include: since we were given the privilege of forming government, we have removed over 165,000 low-income people from the tax roll so that they have more money in their jeans for their families, Mr. Speaker. We’ve increased the minimum wage by almost 30 per cent over three years. We’ve increased the low-income tax credit by 20 per cent over four years, Mr. Speaker. We signed on the school food program, Mr. Speaker. The list goes on.

We’re taking steps to ensure that life is more affordable in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. We’re not immune to economic headwinds around the country. Mr. Speaker, this is still the most affordable province in the country.

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

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, he says that they take this seriously. There are things that we could do, right here and right now, to offer some relief to those kids who are living in poverty. We could bring in rent control. We could cut those Sask Party taxes on essentials like groceries, like kids’ clothes. Heck, Mr. Speaker, we could even reverse the latest Sask Party tax hikes when it comes to power bills and car insurance.

Mr. Speaker, this is a choice. Will the Premier, will this government stand and tell the people of this province why they have chosen not to lift a finger to offer relief to those 78,000 children in this province who are living in poverty?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, as I said, the last election was very much fought on the issue of affordability, Mr. Speaker. The party on this side of the House put our platform forward. The party on that side of the House put their platform forward. Mr. Speaker, we were successful in that election. We’ve been implementing those promises we made, Mr. . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — So I know we’re all fresh back. But when the answers are happening, we are waiting to ask the next question, and when the questions are . . . So we know the drill. The Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, I find it ironic the Leader of the Opposition, on her feet just a minute ago, complained about power bills. Yet, Mr. Speaker, when we took the carbon tax off of power bills, they complained about that as well.

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

Comments Regarding Immigration

Carla Beck: — Well, Mr. Speaker, it’s quite a look for that Finance minister. From a government that’s already lowering expectations on the upcoming budget, we see the Premier warning of tough times ahead and looking for someone to blame — anyone but himself, that is, of course, Mr. Speaker.

Next door in Alberta, we’ve seen his friend Danielle Smith choose — rather than take responsibility for her own actions and inadequacy — to target immigrants. Her comments are clearly, clearly designed to distract and sow division at a time, Mr. Speaker, when we desperately need to be bringing people together.

[14:00]

Will the Premier condemn Danielle Smith’s divisive, anti-immigrant rhetoric and commit that he will not follow down that same divisive path?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, I will say this: I will get back to the “condemn” word in a minute, but first of all, I would say our government has always been supportive of an orderly immigration system, Mr. Speaker. But our federal government themselves has acknowledged that there are currently a lot of problems with that system, Mr. Speaker. In Saskatchewan we’ve been asking for more control over immigration, much like happens in Quebec, Mr. Speaker.

I notice that the member opposite said, will the Deputy Premier condemn Danielle Smith or condemn the government, whatever she said, Mr. Speaker — a very strong word, very harsh word. I would say that the NDP [New Democratic Party] seem to be the only ones in this province that are using those kind of words, Mr. Speaker. Well they’re heckling in their seat, Mr. Speaker, but the fact of the matter: they seem to be wide open to anyone’s opinion unless they disagree with them.

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

Provincial Budget

Carla Beck: — The Finance Minister is pretty thin-skinned over there, Mr. Speaker. I suggest he buckle up.

This is a Premier and a government who ran in 2024 — speaking of election promises, Mr. Speaker — on a promise to get back to balance by 2027‑2028. We now see experts in this province predicting a billion dollars in deficit this year alone. We see the provincial debt at $40 billion and climbing. And now, Mr. Speaker, people in this province are paying $1 billion a year just to service the interest on that debt.

Will the Premier, will this government commit right here to delivering on that election promise with a balanced budget by next year?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, the budget’s on March the 18th. I’m not going reveal all the contents of the budget today, Mr. Speaker. But I will . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — We have a chance to ask the questions. Let’s let the answers . . . Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — But I will say this, Mr. Speaker. Leader of the Opposition brought up Alberta. I noticed she didn’t bring up British Columbia, NDP British Columbia, Mr. Speaker.

We will reveal March 18th the plan for the budget going forward, Mr. Speaker. But I will say today what we’re not going to do on March the 18th. We’re not going to follow the lead of NDP British Columbia. We’re not going to break promises. We’re not going to run massive deficits, Mr. Speaker. We are not going to raise taxes.

Well, Mr. Speaker, they don’t want to hear it because it’s a fact. It’s NDP government in British Columbia that took them from literally the top of the heap in the country as far as fiscal abilities, Mr. Speaker, and put them in the ditch.

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

SaskPower Rates and Power Generation

Aleana Young: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Let’s talk about broken promises. You know, Mr. Speaker, here in Saskatchewan, families, farms, and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet. We hear it every day. Life is getting more expensive. I’m sure members opposite hear that from their constituents as well. Well what was this government, what was this Premier’s solution? Well it was to jack up power bills by $136 million.

Now, Mr. Speaker, when we asked the Premier in December if power rates were going to rise, he said no consideration had been given to that. Yet lo and behold, just six weeks later, rates went up.

When did the Premier know that power rates were going to rise? And why wasn’t he upfront with the people of Saskatchewan?

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I’ll get to the member’s question, but I just want to say this is why nobody in this province takes the NDP seriously. They keep referring to the Premier in their questions, Mr. Speaker. The Leader of the Opposition; that member just did in that preamble.

We all know what the Premier is doing right now, Mr. Speaker, because he’s on the front of every newspaper in the country. He is in India with the Prime Minister of Canada, and today . . .

Speaker Goudy: — We’re probably supposed to not mention where the Premier is. But let’s listen to the answer, please. Minister of CIC, we won’t mention those who aren’t in the Chamber.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well like I said, Mr. Speaker, this is precisely why nobody can take those members seriously. The Premier today is in India. The Premier today was there with Tim Gitzel, the CEO of Cameco Corporation; with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi; with the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, signing a monumental agreement that will see Saskatchewan uranium power Indian nuclear reactors to the tune of $2.6 billion for our uranium here in this province, Mr. Speaker. Now the reason that the . . .

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

Aleana Young: — Why thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Nothing approaching an answer in this minister’s comments. And it’s clear, Mr. Speaker, that he’s afraid to answer the question.

The SaskPower board met on November 20th. We assume that the board approved the rate hike that day. That minister would have known the day likely before that not one but two rate hikes were coming for Saskatchewan people, costing them $136 million. And yet on December 4th, the Premier said rate hikes had not been discussed on that side of the House.

So for the record, when did this minister tell the Premier that he would be increasing people’s power bills not once, but twice?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And we have been very forthcoming with our energy security strategy at SaskPower.

Mr. Speaker, we are taking an all-of-the-above approach to power generation in this province, the three priorities being energy security, reliability, and affordability. And that means, Mr. Speaker, we are going to be making significant investments in SaskPower, including in generation as we bridge to nuclear power generation, something that the members opposite oppose, Mr. Speaker.

We also are going to be refurbishing our existing thermal coal assets, Mr. Speaker, something that the members opposite have condemned, Mr. Speaker. In fact, they have gone so far as to say that they would immediately shut down our thermal coal assets, put 1,400 people out of work, and shut down and devastate two communities, Mr. Speaker.

That’s something we’re not going to do. We’re taking a responsible approach to power generation, Mr. Speaker, including making real investments into transmission and generation.

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

Saskatchewan Health Authority Compensation Rates

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well I think he’ll have another opportunity to give that a try in the coming days, Mr. Speaker.

Saskatchewan health care is in worse shape than ever. Front-line workers are burning out, as we know. Weekly I hear from those who work a full 12‑hour shift at their local hospital or long-term care facility and then have to stop at the food bank on the way home because their wages haven’t gone up in years.

Meanwhile, Sask Party appointees in the senior ranks of the Saskatchewan Health Authority were handed massive pay raises last year. According to the SHA’s [Saskatchewan Health Authority] own annual report, Mr. Speaker, executive leadership paycheques shot up by nearly $300,000 last year. How can the Health minister defend this?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the member opposite for the question.

Mr. Speaker, I would argue that she’s probably not comparing apples to apples when she talks about the number of people that were employed under that formula, Mr. Speaker. Since April of 2022 there have been no pay increases for out-of-scope employees of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and any adjustments to their salaries were a result of the progression within their existing pay band, Mr. Speaker.

This fiscal year the SHA actually completed a comprehensive review of our out-of-scope leadership and administrative structure, Mr. Speaker, and I’d be more than happy to talk about that in the next question.

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

Meara Conway: — Let’s break it down, Mr. Speaker, and give some concrete examples. The Premier’s former press secretary and of course former campaign leadership staffer, whose good work was recently rewarded with an executive position on the SHA, the independent . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to say that comparing . . . That’s quite a statement to make that somebody who was working on campaign work was rewarded with . . . That’s not the kind of accusations that I think we need to be . . . So move on in the question, please.

Meara Conway: — The Premier’s former press secretary is now working for the independent SHA, Mr. Speaker, and he saw his compensation increase over $100,000. Must be nice.

Meanwhile I’ve heard from health care workers — one who had to spend a stint sleeping in her car, another who’s selling blood plasma just to make rent, Mr. Speaker. So what does the minister have to say to these front-line health care workers while his buddies are making bank?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I find it really quite disappointing that the member opposite feels that they have to disparage an employee of the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Mr. Speaker. In my last answer when I talked about comparing apples to apples, what she’s talking about is an employee who worked a half a year one year and a full year the next year. So of course his salary would reflect higher in the following year, Mr. Speaker.

And this is why we cannot take the NDP opposition seriously, Mr. Speaker. When they throw out information like that, it is not appreciated by the ministry, by the Health Authority, nor by that employee, Mr. Speaker. In fact she should apologize to him.

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

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, I will not apologize. In fact I will double down on my message today for the people of Saskatchewan, which is that this pay-to-play politics that this government is engaged in . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Okay, I’m going to ask you to apologize for that.

Meara Conway: — I apologize and withdraw, Mr. Speaker.

It’s killing our health care system. How does the minister justify a $300,000 increase in executive compensation? Meanwhile our health care system is redlining, health care workers are getting screwed, and it’s Saskatchewan patients who bear the brunt.

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I don’t even know what to say. Except this, Mr. Speaker: we are very dedicated to the people of this province . . . We are very dedicated to the people of this province and putting patients first, Mr. Speaker.

That is why last year we did a complete comprehensive review of our out-of-scope leadership team and administrative structure, Mr. Speaker. As a result, the SHA eliminated 26 out-of-scope senior leadership positions. This included corporate, management, support roles, and that actually came out with a $10.4 million in savings, Mr. Speaker. Administrative cost savings is what they were considered.

But what we did with those is we put them directly to the front line, Mr. Speaker. And we’re able to hire 124 new and enhanced positions, Mr. Speaker. That is what we are doing for the people of this province.

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

Trade Discussions with United States

Kim Breckner: — Thank you. In November of last year, the Premier went on a trade mission to Washington, DC [District of Columbia] to meet with several United States officials. Among them was Howard Lutnick, the US [United States] Secretary of Commerce. Could the Premier explain what it was he discussed with Howard Lutnick in these closed-door meetings?

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

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — So no, he can’t discuss what was behind closed-door meetings. But what he did discuss is certainly lobbying on behalf of this province, key sectors in this province, to ensure that what their concerns were, were heard at the highest political level that we have in the US.

The US is our biggest trading partner, Mr. Speaker. It always will be our biggest trading partner. And those are the things that we talk about when we engage with US leadership, Mr. Speaker. And it’s not just the Premier. There are so many members in this cabinet here that when they have the opportunity to engage with colleagues and counterparts on the other side of the border, they’re going to talk.

[14:15]

And they’re going to re-emphasize the integrated marketplace, the integrated sectors that we’ve got in between our two great countries, Mr. Speaker. We’re going to continue to lobby, and we’re going to continue to talk to and ensure that our message is heard at the highest level of the US administration. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The minister just shared a number of things that he discussed with Howard Lutnick, here in this Chamber on the public record.

So why, when we submitted a freedom of information request for all the documentation, including briefing notes and correspondence concerning Howard Lutnick, we didn’t get anything, apparently. If there’s things that he can talk about right here, right now, does this government really have no record of this important meeting? Or are they hiding these records from the public?

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

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Again, Mr. Speaker, this is why we cannot take this opposition serious, Mr. Speaker, is that they have a complete lack of understanding of the FOI [freedom of information] process and ultimately how information is shared.

You know what, Mr. Speaker, what is so frustrating? We have had incredible, incredible announcements today, Mr. Speaker . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to ask for people to be listening and not talking while answers are being given. Minister.

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think what’s so frustrating, and again why we cannot take this opposition seriously, Mr. Speaker, is we have had two incredible announcements in the last 24 hours that is supporting key sectors in this province, that is going to enhance the success of these sectors in this province.

And what have we heard from this opposition who seems to be so prolific on social media? Nothing, Mr. Speaker. Nothing. We have heard no response, no positive acknowledgement of the incredible work that’s gone on to ensure the uranium sector, a sector that employs the majority of northerners in a . . .

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister opposite talks about a lack of understanding. Well I think he has a lack of understanding of who he works for — and those are the people of Saskatchewan, and they deserve transparency.

For example, even the US Department of Justice is more transparent about Howard Lutnick’s meetings with Epstein than this government is with, supposedly, our Premier meeting with Howard Lutnick on trade.

So again I ask: will the Sask Party government release all their files from the meetings with Howard Lutnick?

Speaker Goudy: — So I don’t know who’s answering that one, but we need to, this side too, my . . . When the questions are being given, let’s listen carefully. I recognize the Minister of Trade and Export.

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Mr. Speaker, I’m going to get up every single day and talk about the incredible, positive things that are happening in this economy, Mr. Speaker. This is an economy that so many members over there have declared a dumpster fire.

Mr. Speaker, this is a disingenuous, I would say a dangerous opposition that we’re talking about here, Mr. Speaker. An opposition . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Calling somebody disingenuous, I don’t know if that’s . . . Let’s debate; let’s discuss. But let’s not get emotional in some things. Minister, please.

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Mr. Speaker, I think, you know what the citizens of Saskatchewan are not going to forget? They’re not going to forget an opposition here who supported an NDP-federal Liberal coalition government under Trudeau who alienated almost every single one of our major trading partners. Major trading partners that our Premier spent an inordinate amount of time in ensuring that we’re enhancing and increasing trade with China, with India, with the United States, even with Mexico, Mr. Speaker. The former Trudeau Liberal government unfortunately even alienated Mexico in this entire conversation.

Mr. Speaker, this government that you’re going to see here is working every day to ensure that every sector of this province is looked at with all our major trading partners around the world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Rates of Interpersonal Violence

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, here’s something this government hasn’t been working every day to solve: for the 18 years this government has been in power, Saskatchewan has had the highest rates of interpersonal violence amongst provinces in Canada. This is a rich province, Mr. Speaker. We shouldn’t be in last place when it comes to protecting women and children year after year.

Why do we have the highest rates of interpersonal violence in the country, Mr. Speaker? Why hasn’t the Sask Party government made any progress to get us out of last place?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of the Status of Women.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government recognizes that interpersonal violence is an issue in our society. That is why we provide a variety of programs across government supported by $72 million annually in funding. This includes $32 million under the Ministry of Justice alone.

It takes a coordinated effort across government with our community partners to combat this issue. That’s why our interpersonal violence strategy falls under the pillars of prevention, intervention, and accountability to help support the people of Saskatchewan combat interpersonal violence. Thank you.

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

Oversight of Physician Conduct

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. When women and girls in Saskatchewan go to see a doctor, they should darn well be able to get the care that they need without fear. But recently we’ve seen multiple cases of physicians being allowed to continue practising after they have been found guilty of sexual misconduct. And the stories that women have brought forward to me are deeply concerning.

Now I’ve written to the Minister of Health for more information on this concerning matter. Does the minister think that the protections and the penalties in place today are adequate to protect women and girls from sexual misconduct?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, every patient deserves to feel safe while receiving health care. Unwanted sexual contact, harassment, and abuse have no place in our health care system. All health care providers in our province are held to the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct.

I urge any patient who has concerns regarding a physician’s contact to report their concerns directly to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, which is the independent regulatory body responsible for physician licensure and oversight. For concerns that may be criminal in nature, including sexual harassment or abuse, patients should contact the police, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — What is the point of order?

POINT OF ORDER

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, during question period, the member from Regina Elphinstone used the phrase, health care workers are getting screwed. Mr. Speaker, that is unparliamentary and inflammatory language that has no place in this House. I would ask you to make her withdraw and apologize.

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

Meara Conway: — I’m happy to apologize and withdraw.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

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

Speaker Goudy: — And what was the point of order?

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. During question period, the member from Meadow Lake, the Minister for CIC, when he was answering the question that was asked by my colleague on this side of the House, had nothing to do with the content of the question that she had asked. As you know, pursuant to rule 20(3), the answers need to be related to the questions. I’d ask that you rule his answer out of order. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, I would encourage you to review the record. You’ll note that the minister, in his attempts to answer the question, was interrupted repeatedly as he tried to get to the answer, Mr. Speaker, and quite simply ran out of clock. If you would like to review the record, Mr. Speaker, we would invite you to do so.

Speaker Goudy: — Okay. I am not going to review the record because I’ve . . . sitting through, and the amount of conversation and talking and back-and-forth today was a little bit over the . . . We all know. We’re grown adults. We’re sent here to serve and to have decorum in this Chamber, and the back-and-forth today wasn’t what I’m hoping tomorrow’s going to look like.

Certainly he mentioned in the beginning of his answer, “I’m going to get to that,” and then he started. And I would agree that he never did get to that, but I agree with the Government House Leader that that was the direction of where it was headed.

When we start having preambles to our questions and preambles to our answers to match the preambles, it’s a little tough to be the referee in that scenario. So I’m going to ask that we follow the rules, we show some decorum in this Chamber.

And you know, I’m going to rule now on that, that it’s going to be a pass. I’m not going to . . . But tomorrow when we come into this Chamber, I would expect that we follow the rules and show some decorum. And we ask questions respectfully and we give answers respectfully, because that’s what the good people of Saskatchewan expect from us as their parliamentarians. So we’re going to move on.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Standing Committee on House Services

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, I am instructed by the Standing Committee on House Services to present its third report for the thirtieth legislature, which includes changes to the composition of standing committees of the Assembly. It was previously filed with the Clerk on January 13th, 2026 pursuant to rule 136(6). I move:

That the third report of the Standing Committee on House Services for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on House Services:

That the third report of the Standing Committee on House Services for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Membership of the Board of Internal Economy

Speaker Goudy: — Orders of the day. Oh sorry, I had something to do with the Board of Internal Economy. Before orders of the day, pursuant to section 67 of The Legislative Assembly Act, 2007, I hereby inform the Assembly of the membership of the Board of Internal Economy, effective December 11th, 2025: Hon. Todd Goudy, Chair, Speaker; Hon. Lori Carr, Executive Council nominee; Hon. Tim McLeod, Executive Council nominee; Kevin Weedmark, MLA, government caucus nominee; Brad Crassweller, MLA, government caucus nominee; Matt Love, MLA, opposition caucus nominee; Nicole Sarauer, MLA, opposition caucus nominee. Orders of the day. Why is the member on her feet? Oh, yes.

MOTION UNDER RULE 61

Reducing Costs for Families to Eliminate Child Poverty

Kim Breckner: — Before orders of the day, I seek leave to move a motion under rule 61.

Speaker Goudy: — Would the member briefly state the purpose of the motion and read the text of the motion.

Kim Breckner: — Mr. Speaker, this is an important motion I hope we can all be united on regarding the devastating rates of child poverty in this province. If leave is granted, I would move the following motion:

That the Assembly notes with concern that the report released in February 2026 found that Saskatchewan has the highest rates of child poverty among the provinces; and further,

That the Assembly calls upon the government to take urgent action to eliminate child poverty in Saskatchewan by reducing costs for families and making life more affordable.

Speaker Goudy: — The member for Saskatoon Riversdale has requested leave to move without notice a motion of urgent and pressing necessity under rule 61. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Now we’ll move on to orders of the day. Any objections? Orders of the day? All right. I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave to move a motion to appoint a Deputy Chair of Committees of the whole Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — The Government House Leader has requested leave to move a motion to appoint a Deputy Chair of Committees of the whole Assembly. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave has been granted. The Government House Leader may proceed.

[14:30]

MOTIONS

Appointment of Deputy Chair of Committees

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move:

That Mr. Travis Keisig, member for the constituency of Last Mountain-Touchwood, be appointed to preside as Deputy Chair of Committees of the whole Assembly.

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

That Mr. Travis Keisig, member for the constituency of Last Mountain-Touchwood, be appointed to preside as Deputy Chair of Committees of Assembly of the whole.

Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

WRITTEN QUESTIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government Whip.

Brad Crassweller: — I wish to order question no. 30.

Speaker Goudy: — Question no. 30 is ordered.

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 48 — The Compassionate Intervention Act

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to move second reading of Bill 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act. Mr. Speaker, addictions are having a devastating impact across Canada and Saskatchewan. While the number of overdose deaths declined by over 100 deaths year over year to 343 overdose deaths in 2024, even one life lost to overdose is too much.

Individuals struggling with addictions need our support on their path to recovery. Current addictions treatments for adults in Saskatchewan require voluntary participation; however not everyone has the capacity to make the decision to enter treatment on their own because of the extreme state of their addiction. They need a safe space, support, and compassionate intervention.

This is why we are pursuing steps to stabilize people with severe addictions who are not capable of seeking help despite serious health and safety risks. The Compassionate Intervention Act is grounded in the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to advancing a recovery-oriented system of care.

Under the proposed legislation, an individual must meet two central criteria and determined by a judge or a prescribed professional before they can be subject to The Compassionate Intervention Act. First, they must be suffering from a severe substance use disorder. Second, they must be likely to cause substantial harm to themselves or others because of the use disorder.

Once these criteria are met, a person can be transported to an assessment centre to be evaluated by a physician and addiction and mental health experts who will make a recommendation regarding treatment. A panel will review the recommendation to determine the best path forward for the individual. The legislation includes safeguards such as a strict qualification criteria, legal representation, timely review by a panel, and appeal rights to protect individual freedoms.

Mr. Speaker, this Act was developed through the collaboration efforts of the Ministry of Health and Justice and Attorney General. It focuses on promoting meaningful, long-term outcomes within a recovery-oriented system of care that will reflect the same holistic approach offered within the voluntary treatment system. The first phase of the implementation will focus on the North Battleford area and then expanding provincially after that.

I want to be clear. The compassionate intervention is for rare cases where a person’s substance use puts their own life or the lives of others at serious risk.

Mr. Speaker, we are investing a record $624 million in mental health and addictions supports and services this fiscal year. This is the largest investment in the province’s history for mental health and addictions supports. Voluntary addictions care has been prioritized through this increased investment. We have committed to adding 500 addictions treatment spaces, 313 of which are already operational.

Mr. Speaker, it is fair to say that compassionate intervention is not our first option for addictions treatment, but failing to intervene is not an option. The Compassionate Intervention Act would support long-term recovery and help save lives by getting people the support they need.

Mr. Speaker, I am now pleased to move the second reading of Bill 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act.

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the hon. minister for their comments. I’m pleased to rise today to enter a few comments on Bill No. 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act.

Mr. Speaker, we agree wholeheartedly that the drug crisis in this province is out of control and we need to be doing much, much more to address it. One thing that’s clear is that there are still tremendous barriers for people who are seeking treatment. And one thing before we even get to compassionate intervention. For those who are voluntarily seeking treatment, we know that the window is so very narrow when somebody decides that they need help. And when somebody decides that they need help, they need a government that is going to be there for them in that very critical period of time, not in 46 weeks, Mr. Speaker.

So we know that we’re losing hundreds of people each year to addiction, to overdose, and to drug poisoning. And that’s why it’s so important that we do get tough on crime, but get tough on the root causes of crime. Any strategy that addresses this has to deal with mental health, has to deal with poverty, as well as addictions and the drug crisis as well.

You know, we very much support evidence-based treatment for addictions, and very much hope that the government continues to consult on this very sensitive but very critical issue.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Oh, and sorry, and I move to adjourn debate.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act be adjourned. 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 Saskatoon University-Sutherland.

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like enter the debate on Bill No. 24, The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act. We all know that trade is an important issue now more than a year, and we know why. And we need to diversify our trade with different countries. And particularly Canadians ourselves know that there are so many internal barriers between different provinces. And this bill is the right direction.

I was talking to a few business people in Saskatoon a couple of months ago, and one person mentioned to me that they produced wine in Saskatoon. And she told me that it’s easier for them to sell their product in Germany as compared to sell their product in Ontario. There are so many internal trade barriers between the provinces which need to be removed, so this bill will be in the right direction.

And one thing I would like to comment on, the labour standards and safety standards. We must make sure that this bill will take into account the labour standards and safety standards. I worked as a scientist in different organizations, and when I worked for the Government of Saskatchewan and the private sector, they say safety is first. Safety, there are no compromising the safety, and in this bill too I think that we will make sure that there’s no compromise on the safety of the workers and labour standards.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn the debate on Bill No. 24. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 29

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

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m delighted to rise today to put a few remarks on the record for Bill No. 29, The Tailgating Act.

You know, first of all, go Riders. I think we’re still all pretty riding high, pardon the pun, on that great Grey Cup win from the fall. I certainly had a great time out on the Green Mile here in Regina being able to celebrate that great win.

Of course we support Saskatchewan’s team and the critical role that the Roughriders play in building this community, and the economic benefit that they bring to Regina and the province as a whole. Also look forward to a Grey Cup return to Saskatchewan eventually.

Naturally, you know, with this bill we hope that the government continues to consult with both law enforcement and the city of Regina to ensure that we are able to celebrate any win and have a great game day safely and in the best benefit for the community.

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 31

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

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to enter into the record some remarks on Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act. I was interested to learn a bit more about the background of this particular piece of legislation.

I’m to understand that it has been introduced to modernize libel and slander laws in Saskatchewan, which I believe have been on the books without substantive alteration except for about three times over a century that those laws have been in place. And indeed when you go back and you look at that bill, it talks about printed newspapers and the like, and we know we’re living in a very different world today.

I was interested as well to see that this particular piece of legislation and these amendments came out of a Law Reform Commission review of the previous libel and slander Act with a view towards modernization, and that that particular committee did make 19 recommendations in total.

Of course my question is, were all of those recommendations incorporated into this piece of legislation? And I know that our critic for this area — the shadow minister for Justice, the intrepid member for Douglas Park — will be digging into that and many other things, I’m sure, on this bill.

Of course when we think about libel and slander in 2026, one immediately thinks about the internet and kind of the speed and scale that any remarks made online can be disseminated, Mr. Speaker. You think about how one piece of misinformation can be disseminated to hundreds, thousands, millions of people if a post goes viral, Mr. Speaker, and the challenges that would come with regulating that kind of a context in today’s kind of legislative environment.

You know, I also think of other challenges including the anonymity of some of these statements that are made online. We see a lot of nastiness and a lot of misinformation online, but often they’re made by people that are using a pseudonym. Or sometimes they’re AI [artificial intelligence]-generated, Mr. Speaker, so we live in very interesting and at times disturbing times.

As politicians we’re maybe privy to some of this online conduct a little more than the average person in Saskatchewan, but of course these are very important areas that need the thoughtful consideration of legislators. So I’m glad to see this bill come forward. That is not to say that I’m pronouncing on the perfection of all of the aspects of it, but from what I can see this was definitely needed, Mr. Speaker.

And of course in any situation where you’re regulating speech or indicating that some speech is offside, you know, the question is, where do we draw the line in such a way that does not unnecessarily stifle healthy, democratic debate, that does not unnecessarily stifle everyone’s right to freedom of expression? And of course we know the importance of those two things and the relationship between freedom of expression and a healthy democracy, Mr. Speaker.

[14:45]

So I know that the critic will be also going through this bill with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that that balance, as it were, has been rightly struck. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to adjourn debate on Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 32

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

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to enter some remarks on The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act. That’s Bill 32, and of course this is a bill that merely seeks to make any amendments needed as a result of the more substantive Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act.

I’ve had an opportunity to put substantive remarks on the record on that substantive bill — that is, Bill No. 31 — so would direct anyone to those comments. And I have nothing further to say on this Bill 32. And with that I would adjourn debate.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 33

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

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to enter some remarks on Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025.

So a credit union is extremely important for Saskatchewan people. For many people it’s a lifeline, particularly for the first-time homebuyers when they are not getting their mortgage from the large banks. So these credit unions give them the money and give them home ownership. Not only the financial side. They also help many rural communities in different ways for funding the schools and extracurricular or other activities, so these are extremely important.

And this Act, cleaning up the process for many things — for example, how to terminate the membership — so it makes the process smoother. And one thing that’s extremely important, that many members have their funds there, and how they can get the funds in an easy way. So I mean this whole Act is helpful to the credit unions to streamline their process and also helpful to the members to get their funds back.

So this is an Act in the right direction. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn the debate on Bill No. 33. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 35

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

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet today to join into the discussion on Bill No. 35, The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025. You know, when we think of Saskatchewan and the mining industry, there’s a lot of really good stories that you can point to about innovation and economic growth for our province and how we’ve been able to utilize those resources and build a more prosperous province.

I know this bill aims to streamline some of those things and make mining happen in a more efficient and responsible way. And I know our shadow minister team will be consulting quite intensively with stakeholders to better understand the ramifications of this bill. So with that, I’m going to end my remarks on Bill 35 and adjourn debate. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 36

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

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to enter into debate on Bill No. 36, The Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025. My colleagues have spoken at length about this bill. And so just some remarks that I wanted to get on the record was the update to this legislation and how it is in response to the multiculturalism and diversity that we have here in Saskatchewan.

I always think back to our provincial motto, “from many peoples, strength,” and how so many of us have stories of our ancestors coming here for a better life and to contribute to build something great here. Except for myself. I think the rumour is my great-great-great-grandfather came here because he killed somebody back in Ireland and was escaping that. But for the most part, we can all look back proudly on our forefathers. And that continues today with many people migrating to Canada today to come for a better life and to make Canada and Saskatchewan even stronger.

And so it’s great that we can make these amendments to recognize the cultural differences in naming traditions. And with that, I seek to adjourn debate on Bill 36.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 37

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

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to enter my remarks on Bill No. 37, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act, 2025. As the member from Saskatoon Riversdale mentioned that our province is getting more diverse, so the traditional names are not accurate anymore.

So it’s good to modernize naming regulations in keeping with our more diverse population. I have a friend from Lebanon. He has only one name. I have many friends from Sri Lanka who have four or five names. So it’s important to keep these . . . modernize it.

And one thing I would like to mention, that in this Act there’s a mention that it will also help to reduce the intimate partner violence. Unfortunately Saskatchewan is the worst when we talk about intimate partner violence in the country, and this Act may address what we need to do, furthermore regulations to address that issue.

I used to have a neighbour. She lost her sister to intimate partner violence. And there are many people suffering from this. So this Act is in the right direction, but we need to do more to address the intimate partner violence.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I adjourn the debate on Bill No. 37. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 38

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

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I think we can all agree that we need more schools in this province. We have a massive problem right across the province, but also really largely in our urban centres, of overcrowding to the point when a school finally does get built, as is the case with the Harbour Landing School, it’s already oversubscribed once it opens its doors. So when we talk about building schools faster, it’s something we absolutely need, and we want to see that.

Now the one thing though that this Act doesn’t address is the massive infrastructure deficit we’ve seen in the schools we currently have here in Saskatchewan after 18 years of Sask Party government. Again particularly in our urban centres, we have instances of roofs caving in, of people using the gym locker room as a classroom.

You know, I think what we’d like to see is a level of commitment and investment from this government as well to not be throwing the baby out with the bathwater, Mr. Speaker, but to actually invest some money in maintaining and repairing the current school infrastructure that we do have. Every kid should go to school in a place that’s safe, that doesn’t have leaking roofs, that aren’t having to take classes in the library or in a broom closet, Mr. Speaker.

And with that, I would move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 38.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 39

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

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I think I will just let my comments on the meat of the bill, of Bill No. 38, stand and move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 39.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 40

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

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

Kim Breckner: — Mr. Speaker, it’s a pleasure to get on my feet and speak to The Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2025. It’s an Act that’s designed to increase transparency, public accountability, and consistency in enforcing animal protection standards.

Some key changes include creating positions for animal welfare inspectors to educate the public and livestock industry members on proper care, granting the authority to obtain telewarrants to relieve animal distress, and establishing a code of conduct for animal protection officers and inspectors.

It’s important that we protect animals as per international standards. We need to follow the guidelines as per the global standards, which are important for international trade, and we are a large trading province.

And on a personal note, I would dare to say nobody loves animals as much as I do, but I’m sure many would challenge me on that. And animals are not only our companions and for some people family members, but they’re a very important part of our economy. Our trade and livestock is so important to this province, and so it’s good that we are looking at modernizing this Act and updating it to meet these international standards.

And with that I will move to adjourn debate on Bill 40.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 41

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

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to be on my feet to discuss Bill No. 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act. As the former shadow minister for Parks, Culture and Sport, I certainly see the merits of this Act.

In many ways I’ve been able to be a part of different cultural cafes in schools and in the community, cultural cuisine nights in schools to highlight meals from all around the world, heritage fairs that focus on our province’s history and our country’s history. And that entails the highlights of immigrants who have come to this province. So I certainly, on this side, can attest for my colleagues that being able to proclaim any heritage day, week, or month is of great value.

I have some questions about it not being made annual or being a requirement to not make them annual. If we’re going to be making them, you would think that they would be annual.

And then other things that I find strange that the Sask Party government allowed their voting members to vote on: the vote that they had at their party convention involved removing permanent residents from the ability to do that vote. This isn’t a great look to expand a tent and not a proposed vote that aligns with the merits of this particular bill. We will continue to be present and available for so many different cultural groups in this province.

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 42

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

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to join into debate on Bill No. 42, The Saskatchewan Firearms Amendment Act, 2025. I know on this side of the House we are supportive of this legislation, supportive of the folks in this province who use firearms on a regular basis for a variety of reasons but not limited to hunting and outdoor enthusiasts in terms of shooting and various other uses for firearms. I know as a gun owner myself, a valuable tool to be used in a number of scenarios.

[15:00]

But I do want to take a moment to speak to the fact that in February I had the opportunity to join a number of gun owners at the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation convention in Yorkton that was happening on February 12th to 14th. And it was great to be in the room and chatting with all sorts of folks and hearing about how their hunts went and what issues they’re most concerned about and where they want to see government working on in the coming year.

And certainly lots of folks in that room who are concerned about their guns, concerned about keeping their guns safe and making sure that gun owners in this province are respected and recognized as law-abiding citizens.

But I want to just say one thing about Sask Wildlife Federation, the convention. I’m always just so impressed with this group of hunters, these conservationists in Saskatchewan. I think the contributions that members of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation have made to conservation in this province is incredible in terms of land that they have bought to preserve for wildlife for future generations.

Their motto is something that I take personally very seriously, and that is, “To ensure the wildlife legacy we leave to our children surpasses that which we inherited.” Great words and great work. And so I just want to take this opportunity to give a shout-out to Sask Wildlife Federation for another great convention and their advocacy.

And in terms of the bill here, I know we’re proud to support this legislation and making sure that safety is paramount and gun owners are being properly compensated in these situations. So with that I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 42.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 43

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

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

Hugh Gordon: — Seems to trip you up all the time; I don’t know why. Anyways, thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise on my feet today to discuss furthering debate on Bill No. 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act.

You know, I think off the hop, at first glance of the bill, Mr. Speaker, I think there’s a number of items in here that we could all be truly agreed are beneficial to municipalities and the different cities throughout the province. It seeks to, you know, bring some more clarity with respect to governing over, I guess, governing over and I guess regulating dangerous animals in the community. There’s a number of provisions within the bill that speaks to that, whether it’s, you know, animals that have been declared dangerous or have provoked people in the community or appear to have dangerous behaviour.

The Act also speaks to the designations of our municipalities, making obsolete organized hamlets, for example, and also regulating when a municipality’s automatically eligible for city status.

With respect to bylaws, it looks to make it easier for cities to collect on past fines, bylaw fines, and add them to property taxes. I think it’s very important that our cities continue to remain financially viable. And we all know that when a bylaw fine is not paid, that is a debt incurred by the city. And it also makes it more difficult for them to provide the services and to keep the taxes low in the city or in the communities that they’re in.

Appeals with respect to, I believe it’s land assessments, value assessments, looking to streamline the process there.

Of course we’re going to want to talk to our stakeholders in our municipalities across the province to make sure the landowners aren’t, you know, unfairly dealt with or dealt with in, we’ll call it maybe a harsh manner. So that in fact that they have, you know, the ability to bring any concerns about any land assessments to the attention of the assessor, to the municipality, and that they’re treated fairly.

And then of course also it speaks to dealing with upgrading the ethics for councils and councillors from across the province, asking for example if they follow The Saskatchewan Employment Act harassment rules. And they must consider fairness.

They also go on to say that the councils can appoint Indigenous advisors in publishing documents, etc., etc. So these are a number of the points I think we would generally agree. You know, of course, we want to continue to consult with our stakeholders before we pass judgment on the bill.

You know, this appears to be some attempt here I think to streamline things. The government will say that they’re trying to cut red tape. Just so long as that red tape cutting doesn’t treat people unfairly and doesn’t overlook people’s rights to due process. I think we’ll generally agree with that.

I do think though that . . . Of course it’s important though that we have a government, a provincial government that actually looks to relieve the burden on our municipalities across this province when they’re dealing with things like homelessness and addictions and with crime and mental health. These are areas that our cities are all the more being impacted and are having to come up with remedies on their own because they don’t have that, I don’t believe they have that support from this provincial government. That would be an aside, of course, to the bill.

Mr. Speaker, with that I’d be happy to adjourn debate on Bill 43.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

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.]

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to enter some remarks on Bill No. 44, The Co-operatives Act, 2025.

So I needed to mention that the co‑operative movement is extremely important in Saskatchewan. And it’s a lifestyle. When we came to Saskatchewan in late ’99, so somebody told us you must join the Co‑op. So we joined Saskatoon Co‑op in early 2000. And moving fast forward in 2021 I was on the board of directors. I was the first person of colour to be elected on Saskatoon Co‑op in its history — it started in 1936. So I’ve seen many things first-hand.

So initially Saskatoon Co‑op was serving only Saskatoon city, then many amalgamations happened. Now it’s serving more than 7 to 10 communities surrounding Saskatoon. So many amalgamations happened when I was on the board of directors. So I’ve seen first-hand that we need to modernize this Act because there are certain things when you do the merger, acquisition, that need to move forward. And for example now, technology becoming digital, and AI, there’s so many things happening that they must use that.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, as I say, this bill is in the right direction. It’s a good bill to move on. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn the debate on Bill No. 44. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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.]

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So my comments on Bill No. 45 are the same as I mentioned on Bill No. 44. And with that I move to adjourn the debate on Bill No. 45. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 47

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 47 — The Response to Illicit Drugs Act be now read a second time.]

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet to speak to The Response to Illicit Drugs Act.

There’s no doubt about it; we’re currently facing a drug crisis in Saskatchewan. As the member for Saskatoon Riversdale, I see it every day in my constituency. Saskatoon Riversdale, the people there face some of the most difficult socio-economic issues. We see a lot of drug use. We see a lot of poverty, people struggling. And so I can speak to this as somebody who lives in the constituency and sees it every day.

And what we have to do in response to illicit drugs is to give people better quality of life. And how we do that, it’s not just the treatment and the spaces for treatment — which is so important that we have enough spaces and that people, when they want help, they can get that help right away — but also addressing the major stressors in life like having a place to live, a roof over your head that you can afford, that you know you can afford next year, and that the rent isn’t going to go up and you’re going to be homeless. Being able to afford things like groceries and clothing for your kids — which they grow out of very fast, I’m learning, and it’s not always cheap.

And so it’s not just about dealing with the aftermath of drugs or the consequences of drugs in that, you know, we’re looking at drug-related crimes, but how do we deal with the drug issue from a holistic perspective? And I stand up today to say that one of those pillars has to be creating a better quality of life so that people can live without those types of stresses, those existential stresses of affording food and shelter.

We’ll have lots more to say on this bill. And so I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 47.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.

Speaker Goudy: — The Government House Leader has moved that this Assembly does now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — This Assembly stands adjourned until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Thank you.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:11.]

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

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