Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you this afternoon and joining us on the floor of the legislature is the chief executive officer of Inclusion Saskatchewan, Christina Martens-Funk, who also happens to be a constituent of mine. So welcome to your Assembly, Christina.

Along with Christina, we also have Bluesette Campbell. She’s the board Chair. And we’d like to thank the board of directors and all the staff for all the work that they do to make this province a more inclusive place for people with intellectual disabilities and neurodiversity, Mr. Speaker.

Inclusion Saskatchewan is celebrating 70 years this year and working on advocacy on behalf of persons with intellectual disabilities. Later on this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, we’re going to be hosting a reception in room 218, and I encourage all members to join us at that reception to learn more about what Inclusion Saskatchewan is doing for the people of our province.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to invite all members of the Assembly to welcome Christina and Bluesette to this, their Saskatchewan legislature.

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to join the Minister of Social Services in welcoming Christina and Bluesette to their Legislative Assembly. Inclusion Saskatchewan truly is a phenomenal organization. They really spearhead the “nothing about us without us” when developing their policies.

I have had the opportunity to work with Christina on a number of different projects. She’s always very insightful. The whole team at Inclusion Saskatchewan is always able to provide good insight and assist us as we work towards a more inclusive Saskatchewan.

I’d like to ask all members to join me in welcoming Inclusion Saskatchewan, Christina, and Bluesette to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s very rare that I actually get to introduce a guest from my constituency in northwest Saskatchewan, but today is one of those days. And I want to welcome Bluesette Campbell to her Legislative Assembly. I’ve been able to introduce Bluesette once before, I think a number of years ago. But Bluesette is a long-time advocate with Inclusion Saskatchewan, now the board Chair with Inclusion.

Bluesette and her husband, Mark, ranch just south of Dorintosh, Saskatchewan. And Bluesette’s been a friend of mine for a very long time. So I actually had the honour of nominating Bluesette for the Queen’s Jubilee Medal a number of years ago, which was a very well-deserved honour, I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, as well.

So with that I would ask all members to join me in welcoming Bluesette 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 today 51 students from Henry Braun elementary school in grades 4 and 5 — if we can all wave to them. They are accompanied by their teachers Jennifer Leach and Joe Filson, Mr. Speaker.

It is not the first time these teachers have reached out to come to see this Assembly, and they do a wonderful job educating students about parliamentary democracy. They are being accompanied today by parent chaperones Josie Hansen and Cassie Horvath.

And yes, Mr. Speaker, I know I need to compete with the MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] from Lumsden-Morse, so I do have ice cream sandwiches here today.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to implement rent control now.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that Saskatchewan tenants are currently experiencing the highest level of rent increase in the country; that rent in Saskatchewan has risen by 4 per cent in the last year alone, far outpacing wage growth and putting more pressure on families, seniors, students, and low-income residents; that without rent control landlords can implement unchecked rent hikes, making housing increasingly unaffordable and unstable; that with rent control, residents can budget more effectively, potentially putting them in a position to save for a down payment on their first home; that provinces such as British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Prince Edward Island have already implemented rent control measures to protect tenants and maintain housing affordability.

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

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

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to rise to present a petition on behalf of Tammy O’Brien, a constituent of mine in Stonebridge. She’s recovering from a brain tumour operation in Edmonton. She’s brought 319 signatures. I rise today to present our petition calling for financial support for travel expenses for medically necessary treatments not available in Saskatchewan.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following. Many Saskatchewan residents requiring specialized care unavailable locally must pay substantial travel-related costs out of pocket, creating a financial barrier to essential medical treatment. This undermines equitable access to health care and places undue hardship on patients seeking medically necessary services outside the province.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to amend provincial health care policy so that the Government of Saskatchewan provides financial support for reasonable travel-related expenses including travel, accommodation, and meals incurred by Saskatchewan residents who must leave the province to obtain medically necessary treatments not available within Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, this petition has been signed by citizens from Lloydminster, Clavet, and Saskatoon. I do so present.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition calling for real action on climate change.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that Saskatchewan, like other jurisdictions, continues to experience the challenges brought on by climate change, severe forest and grassland fires, increased flooding, and drought; the costs of increased climate change continue to grow through increased crop insurance and provincial disaster assistance programs payments; that Saskatchewan has the second-highest per capita greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will say the prayer that reads as follows:

Respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to take real action on climate change.

The petition has been signed by residents of Saskatoon. I do so present. Thank you.

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition calling for adequate and equitable SAID [Saskatchewan assured income for disability] rates.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that current SAID rates mean that individuals who rely on the program live in what is referred to as deep poverty, defined as less than 75 per cent of the poverty line; that after the implementation of the program in 2012, it took over seven years for an increase to be made; that the increases are insufficient and have led to an overall 20 per cent decrease in benefits when adjusted for inflation.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately increase the SAID rates to account for inflation and the cost of living; that the government respect the constitutional rights of persons with disabilities in Saskatchewan by halting discriminatory practices and align policies with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; that index the SAID basic amount to inflation going forward and provide targeted relief to those in deepest poverty, such as single individuals paying market rent.

The undersigned residents reside in Regina. I do so present.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise once again to present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan to open up Saskatchewan Housing Corporation units for occupancy. There are four times as many homeless people in Saskatoon than there were three years ago at nearly 2,000 people — their population the size of Watrous, Mr. Speaker.

We need to open up vacant units, restore direct payments to landlords for those who are on SIS [Saskatchewan income support], and provide mental health and addictions supports, not have people waiting 46 weeks for treatment.

I’ll read the prayer:

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

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

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

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, I seek leave to introduce guests.

Speaker Goudy: — Member has requested leave to introduce guests. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now that they’re here, I’m very happy to introduce them. Seated behind me in the west gallery, Mr. Speaker, are 25 grade 5 students from Douglas Park School. They are accompanied today by their teacher, Devon Floyd. Always good to see him.

We do hope that they’ve had an enjoyable experience in the legislature so far, and I’m very much looking forward to having them ask me some hard-hitting questions after question period. I ask all members to join me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Ramadan Reflections

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m so proud to rise to recognize the holy month of Ramadan. It’s a time of great importance in Muslim faith worldwide.

During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset to honour God, to practise self-discipline, and to reflect on many blessings we have in our lives, such as food, water, and shelter — blessings others around us may not. Blessings we should be grateful for. Ramadan reminds us of important values like generosity, kindness, unity, and respecting others. It is a chance for all of us to come together, no matter where we come from.

Mr. Speaker, I’m honoured to represent such a strong, compassionate, and generous community. And I thank all the Muslim community for all the work they do to make Saskatchewan a vibrant and welcoming place.

I would like to extend my blessing and sincere wishes of health and happiness to all those who celebrate this holy month. I invite all members to join me in recognizing this holy month of Ramadan. Ramadan Mubarak. Ramadan Kareem.

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

Moose Jaw Film Festival Showcases Saskatchewan Talent

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last Saturday night I was honoured to bring greetings on behalf of our government at the first annual Moose Jaw Film Festival. The Mae Wilson Theatre was filled with incredible talent from across our province. There were over 100 submissions across 20 different categories, truly showcasing the depth of creativity and skill we have in Saskatchewan.

[13:45]

Mr. Speaker, film productions create jobs and attract spending to our communities. They hire local crews, book hotel rooms, buy local supplies, and help build the skilled workforce that we need.

I would like to thank Creative Saskatchewan, the official film commission in our province. Their advocacy, mentorship, funding, and expertise keeps this sector at the forefront. It also fosters the culture of talent and creativity we have in the province.

I also want to thank the organizers, volunteers, and everyone who was a part of this incredible evening. I’m already looking forward to the second annual Moose Jaw Film Festival, and I hope to see you there. Thank you.

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

Partnership of Parliaments Trip to Europe

Vicki Mowat: — On behalf of the official opposition, I was honoured to join the Partnership of Parliaments trip to Germany, Austria, and Czechia this September, alongside the Speaker and the MLA for Dakota-Arm River. It was an incredible opportunity to learn about European parliamentary systems, strengthen Saskatchewan’s international partnerships, and discuss global issues with legislators and officials abroad.

In Berlin we met with representatives from Canada’s embassy, the German mechanical engineering and agricultural sectors, and the Saskatchewan Germany office, focusing on shared challenges in trade, security, and energy.

In Austria we engaged with members of the Lower Austrian Landtag, toured energy and agricultural sites, and learned about sustainability models that can inform our work here at home.

In Munich and Prague we explored the political and economic realities shaping Bavaria and Czechia while celebrating existing academic ties between the University of Saskatchewan and the Czech University of Life Sciences.

Across all meetings three themes stood out: the importance of defending democracy, confronting geopolitical instability, and building resilient economies. I’m grateful for the warm hospitality we received, and I look forward to welcoming European legislators to Saskatchewan in the future to continue the exchange of ideas and co-operation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Hudson Bay Hosts Provincial Snowmobile Festival

Terri Bromm: — Mr. Speaker, last weekend I — along with the member from Last Mountain-Touchwood; former member from Carrot River Valley, Fred Bradshaw; and accompanying family and friends — participated in the 2026 Saskatchewan Snowmobile Festival in Hudson Bay. A pancake breakfast on Saturday kick-started the day, followed by the ride and ended with an awards banquet and dance where we were joined by the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

It was an enjoyable and chilly day on the beautiful trails of Hudson Bay and area. Approximately 250 riders from around the province gathered for the annual weekend. Snow conditions were great with an above-average snowfall. Prizes were awarded for the oldest and youngest riders, with a prize for the most family members riding going to the member from Last Mountain-Touchwood.

The provincial rally has an important economic impact on the host community, ranging from benefits to restaurants, convenience stores, lodgings, and others. Hudson Bay was a great host for visitors from all across the province. Mr. Speaker, the Hudson Bay Trail Riders maintain approximately 700 kilometres of groomed trails and 11 warm-up shelters. The work to maintain these services is done by volunteers, and to them I wish to say congratulations on a job well done.

And I would ask all members to join me in congratulating these volunteers and the community of Hudson Bay and the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association on yet another successful rally.

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

Honouring Ukrainian War Casualties

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Sixty seconds. I want to talk about what 60 seconds means to me, Mr. Speaker. You know, most of my life I’ve stood to honour the sacrifice of Canadians who’ve died for our freedom with a minute of silence.

This last fall I spent nine days in Ukraine, and there are many things that were striking about my visit there. But one of them that really sticks with me is 60 seconds at 9 a.m. Every day at 9 a.m. literally the entire country stops. People leave their houses, their cars, their workplaces, and they stand in the street to honour the people that have paid the ultimate price for freedom in Ukraine and in the world, Mr. Speaker.

To give you a sense of the scale of the loss of life, I was in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk, which is slightly smaller than the city of Regina, and there was a two-sided memorial depicting the photos of the dead that stretched two-thirds of a kilometre long. That is approximately the distance between here and the Royal Saskatchewan Museum.

You know, Mr. Speaker, when we honour our dead we never, ever want their sacrifice to be in vain, Mr. Speaker. If the world lets Ukraine lose this war, Canada’s security and prosperity will be in peril. If the world allows Russia’s aggression to extinguish the light of freedom in Ukraine, then we risk making the sacrifice of our own dead having been in vain.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cut Knife-Turtleford.

Farm’s 50th Production Sale Raises Funds for STARS

James Thorsteinson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Every year the first full week of February is affectionately known by livestock producers in northwest Saskatchewan as Hereford week. Over the course of the week there is as many as six production sales within a hundred-mile radius, and cattlemen from across Western Canada converge on the area to bid on some of the best horned-Hereford bulls and replacement females you will find anywhere.

Some sales have come and gone over the years, but another producer in the area is always ready to take their spot in the sale schedule. One family, however, has been there for as long as I can remember. And this year Misty Valley Farms celebrated their 50th annual production sale at their farm north of Maidstone.

Their first sale was held in 1977 with Willow Flat Ranch at the Stockade building in Lloydminster. In 1986 they celebrated their 10th sale by holding their first sale at the farm. I was in attendance at that first sale, and my grandfather purchased a bull there. And I have been happy to attend most of their sales since.

This year to celebrate their 50th sale, they raised money for STARS [Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service] by auctioning tickets on a heifer, with every $100 spent earning you one ticket. Mr. Speaker, they raised an amazing $66,500.

I ask all members of the Assembly to join me in congratulating Misty Valley Farms and the entire Oddan family on their 50th annual production sale. And I look forward to attending many more in the future.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Martensville-Blairmore.

Opposition Statements Regarding Proposed Legislation

Hon. Jamie Martens: — Mr. Speaker, once again we are hearing how unserious the opposition is in addressing crime in Saskatchewan. Yesterday the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood made it known that he does not support Bill No. 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act. He claimed that it is “not the right thing” to address illicit drugs in our streets.

Allow me to reiterate to the members opposite what exactly the proposed legislation will do. It will strengthen accountability for drug traffickers. It will provide access to appropriate tools to hold those responsible for the harms caused by illicit drug activity and it will enhance community safety. Does this sound like not the right thing to do? Because on this side of the House we believe it’s the right thing to do.

We believe that drug dealers and traffickers should be held accountable for the damage that they cause to individuals, families, and communities. We believe Saskatchewan people have the right to feel safe in their communities.

If the members opposite still think it’s not the right thing to do, I would question what they think the right thing to do is. Oh wait, they’ve already told us. The member from Saskatoon Nutana on April 4th, 2023 stated that illicit drugs are “necessary to legalize.” This is something that even the NDP [New Democratic Party] BC [British Columbia] have backed away from and that we know it is the members opposite that believe.

Mr. Speaker, this is exactly how we cannot take the NDP seriously. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

SaskPower and Auto Insurance Rates

Vicki Mowat: — I’ll tell you what’s unserious, Mr. Speaker. Four times this week we’ve asked the Minister for SaskPower when he and the Premier knew they were going to hike power rates. When I asked the Premier in December if power rates were going up, he said nothing like that was being considered. Now families, farms, small businesses are due to pay $136 million more just to keep the lights on.

When did the Premier know that power rates were going up? If there’s nothing to see here, tell us the date.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And today there was a very, very exciting announcement that was made by my colleague and my friend Stephen Lecce in Ontario on the national energy corridor, Mr. Speaker. This was something that I alluded to yesterday in question period — very excited about it — and today we made this announcement.

Saskatchewan has been very deeply involved in this. And this is going to really be a new national approach to transmission infrastructure here in Canada that’s going to have tremendous benefits for us here in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, and which we have been at the very ground floor in working with our provincial and territorial counterparts, Mr. Speaker.

Look forward to talking about that maybe a bit more during a ministerial statement later today, but this is a really significant announcement for the country and Saskatchewan people. And SaskPower have been proud to be involved in the way that we were.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Another day and no answer from that minister, Mr. Speaker. The message that this government is sending is crystal clear: they’re above being accountable to the people that pay for their mistakes.

Saskatchewan people are already at a breaking point, and now rate hikes at SaskPower and SGI [Saskatchewan Government Insurance] are going to make life more expensive. Later today we’ll be introducing a bill to lower power rates and car insurance. Will the Sask Party government get on board and help lower costs for Saskatchewan people?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I addressed some of the SGI questions yesterday, and I’m going to redo that again today, Mr. Speaker. The reality is that SGI has the lowest average personal auto insurance rates in the entire country, Mr. Speaker. In fact if you were in Alberta, you would be paying probably three times more for your auto insurance than you are here in Saskatchewan.

The other reality, Mr. Speaker, with regard to the Auto Fund. This is a not-for-profit fund, Mr. Speaker, that is responsible for paying claims that come in from insured clients. We are going to make sure that that Auto Fund is appropriately funded, Mr. Speaker. And the reality is as well that the cost per repair of vehicle has gone up precipitously, which was pointed out today I would say as well by the insurance brokers, Mr. Speaker, in support of the change that SGI has in front of the rate review panel right now.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Opposition Leader.

Community Supports and Library Worker Safety

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, people continue to pay for this government’s mistakes and their failed leadership. Yesterday I stood on behalf of workers at libraries in Saskatchewan who are being subjected to constant harassment, violence, and threats. One worker was nearly abducted. Another witnessed a machete attack. They work in a library, Mr. Speaker. They shouldn’t have to face these issues alone. They deserve a government that has their backs.

When grilled about these serious issues yesterday, why did the minister shrug and tell these workers to simply call the police?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And this is just yet another example of why nobody takes the members of the opposition seriously, Mr. Speaker. Our government works to find solutions while members opposite just want to stoke fear. Our government, Mr. Speaker, takes all . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to mention that you can’t give intentions of the opposition to say that they’re wanting to stoke fear. And you know, you could say they’re stoking fear, other things. But to say the intention of that’s . . . So please, continue on.

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Mr. Speaker, our government takes all matters of public and workplace safety of the utmost importance. This is why our government has made significant investments into street outreach programs, funding additional police officers, alternative response officers, and complex-needs facilities.

Mr. Speaker, we’ve made significant investments to improve outcomes for people who are experiencing homelessness, committing more than $118 million in homelessness services across government. And as my colleague has stated numerous times, we’re working on 500 more treatment spaces across the province.

As I said yesterday in the media scrum, Mr. Speaker, violence in the workplace is completely, completely unacceptable, no matter the workplace. I’d ask the members opposite to focus on solutions and not merely complain about this.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, earlier today I told the minister that he would benefit greatly from spending a day working in the downtown Saskatoon library. Then perhaps he would understand the threats they face while on the job.

I gave him the heads-up, and I’ll ask him the question that I promised now: will the minister work in the Frances Morrison Library in downtown Saskatoon for a day, yes or no?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleague would be more than happy to do that, and he has confirmed with me that he would.

[14:00]

Mr. Speaker, the reason I’m standing is because this issue actually crosses many ministries, and yes, employees should feel safe in their place of employment. And I would say if individuals present a danger, that the appropriate authorities should be contacted, Mr. Speaker.

Our government ensures that supports are in place by providing significant funding to mental health experts — organizations in Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker, such as the Saskatoon Crisis Intervention Services, Family Service Saskatchewan, Salvation Army.

But, Mr. Speaker, our government has established police and crisis teams, and the police officers are actually paired with a mental health professional to better serve those experiencing a mental health crisis and divert them from locations that they are at — such as libraries — and help them get the supports that they need.

And these are the type of resources that this government is funding to get those individuals the help they need in an appropriate setting, Mr. Speaker.

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

Out-of-Province Travel for Medical Treatment

Keith Jorgenson: — And as we continue to say again and again, that plan is not working.

Today, Mr. Speaker, seated in your gallery is Tammy O’Brien. Tammy was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Her doctor recommended gamma knife radiation therapy, which is not available in Saskatchewan. When finding out that she would have to travel to Edmonton for a life-saving procedure, Tammy contacted the Ministry of Health’s office seeking support. And I quote, she said, “I told them I was on disability on a fixed income and this would create a hardship.” And they gave her a list of charities that she could access.

Is this the best care that Saskatchewan can offer its patients?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I welcome Tammy O’Brien to her Legislative Assembly. Tammy, if you would like, when we are done session today, I’d be more than happy to sit down with you.

But, Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding and I do know that the cost of the patient’s treatment was fully funded by our government. Saskatchewan patients receive coverage for most medical services performed out of province by a physician or in a publicly funded facility when they are referred, Mr. Speaker.

Accommodations, travel, and meal costs associated with accessing care are not insured services and are not covered or reimbursed, with the exception of targeted programs for pediatric patients and out-of-province breast biopsies, Mr. Speaker.

And actually, aside from those one-offs I just talked about, it is my understanding that this is the same policy that was in effect when the NDP had the opportunity to serve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Mr. Speaker, this makes no sense. The government opposite funds cancer diagnosis treatment, for travel associated with that, but not treatment for cancer. Mr. Speaker, no help, none, for people like Tammy. This government is nickel-and-diming patients and families everywhere. Now in addition, they’re demanding that they fundraise for their own life-saving care. She was told that she should start a GoFundMe page.

How does the minister opposite justify this awful treatment?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my understanding that Tammy was informed, as the member opposite mentioned, about financial assistance that is available for travel costs that all individuals are made aware of because those are not insured services, Mr. Speaker.

We have Hope Air which provides free flights, accommodations, airport transfers, and meal vouchers for families and individuals who must travel for medical care. There’s also Kinsmen Foundation and TeleMiracle which provides travel assistance for residents in need of vital medical treatment outside of their home community, Mr. Speaker.

So these are the type of options that are available for individuals who can’t afford to pay for their travel costs, Mr. Speaker, and we did make Ms. O’Brien aware of those. Thank you.

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Mr. Speaker, this minister is doing nothing, nothing to help those in need in the health care system. Let’s look at their record on patient care. Charging cancer patients to park while they’re getting chemotherapy, and then lining up patients in our ERs [emergency room], treating them in hallways, and now sending people who need life-saving care — not voluntary care, life-saving care — out of province and then making them foot the bill. This is unacceptable.

Will the minister apologize and pay Tammy the $852.72 that she’s out of pocket?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the province of Saskatchewan and this government are doing . . . We have a plan . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Fairly . . . People care in this . . . This is important. Minister.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for bringing that back for me, Mr. Speaker. This is important, and that is why after session I will be meeting with Ms. O’Brien if she wishes. Thank you.

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

Funding for Saskatchewan Polytechnic

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, yesterday I stood in the House and asked the minister to confirm there would be no more layoffs at Sask Polytechnic. He refused to do so. Within six hours, CTV and CBC News broke the story: there was more layoffs at Sask Poly.

The minister knew they were coming when he stood yesterday, and he said nothing. Will the minister commit today to no more layoffs at Sask Poly? Or will he keep quiet on even more job losses?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thanks very much, Mr. Speaker. You know, happy to talk about Sask Poly at any time on the floor of the legislature. A fine institution. A world-class institution. A well-funded institution that, you know, operates at arm’s length from the government, has a professional president and senior executive, Dr. Larry Rosia, who runs the facility very, very well.

You know, it’s not perfect by any means, and we’re in a situation started by the federal government that every institution in Canada is certainly facing some challenges.

And I would say the challenges that we are facing here in Saskatchewan are being addressed the best that they can. There are some layoffs. Again it’s not, you know, just totally perfect.

But again yesterday I had provided an example from the province of Manitoba. Today I can provide an example from the NDP province . . .

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, that minister will not take responsibility for his own actions. He tries to claim that the layoffs are only due to the federal government’s cap on international students. Our post-secondary institutions should not be dependent on the international students for their revenue in the first place.

Our post-secondary sector must be funded properly by the provincial government, but the Sask Party government has underfunded the post-secondary sector for years. These are the Sask Party government cuts.

When will the minister take responsibility?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Mr. Speaker, make no mistake about it. We are very proud of the funding that we provide to our institutions: Sask Poly, U of R [University of Regina], U of S [University of Saskatchewan], regional colleges — amongst the best in the country, bar none.

We had an earlier multi-year funding agreement that we are very proud of, and most recently in November we entered into another one — a four-year agreement with a three-year lift per year. Mr. Speaker, that compares very well to NDP British Columbia, which for the last two decades, the province’s share of funding has declined by 41 per cent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, one of the programs that’s being closed entirely is the health information management program. This is a health care field where we have a shortage of workers, and where we need trained people to work in Saskatchewan health care.

And now Saskatchewan students will have to study out of province. It was forcing our young people to leave Saskatchewan. And the Saskatchewan Health Authority and many other employers will have a very difficult time attracting workers from out of province. This makes no sense.

Does the minister realize these cuts will have a direct effect on our health care system?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Mr. Speaker, you know, we look at the programming very seriously. But it is operated at arm’s length by Sask Poly. Each and every program, I know the president likes to say we have a job waiting for every one of our graduates, certainly. Each of those programs is examined.

Very, very quickly, again, in British Columbia 177 programs were cancelled. You know, we can’t guarantee every program. We advise and we consult with Sask Poly and our other institutions to make sure that the classes are job related, and indeed they are.

Mr. Speaker, I’ll just remind the House and the member opposite about the NDP’s record on advanced education. Tuition fees jumped by 38 per cent in their final five years in government. Mr. Speaker, again, I’m happy to speak about post-secondary education on the floor and the record funding that they . . . [inaudible] . . . This government puts students first each and every day and will continue to do so.

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

Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability Program

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On a Friday, without any notice or warning, the Minister of Social Services made deep cuts to the program that so many people with disabilities rely on. These cuts will make it harder for people with disabilities to access supports and live their lives.

During a cost-of-living crisis, why is the Minister of Social Services making it harder for some of the most vulnerable people in Saskatchewan?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I would say quite the opposite is the fact here, Mr. Speaker. We’ve made it easier. We were told by different community-based organizations, by different SAID recipients themselves, by even some of our ministry staff, that the SAID program was very complex. It took a lot of time and it required recipients of benefits to do things like provide receipts, which took them time, and it took extra time to get paid.

Mr. Speaker, no current SAID clients are going to see a reduction in benefits when these changes take effect. I have made that very clear right from the beginning — not one single SAID recipient is going to see a reduction in benefits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Of course the minister has his own spin on it, and yet it’s now become a last resort to provide essential support. And the minister is referring to current SAID recipients yet not referring to any new SAID recipients.

So Peter Gilmer from the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry warned that these cuts were “the continuation of extreme deprivation for many people.”

We know that this government is facing a massive budget deficit due to their fiscal mismanagement. Why is the Minister of Social Services trying to balance the budget on the backs of people living with disabilities?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a government that recognizes the challenges faced by those living with significant and enduring disabilities. I would point out, Mr. Speaker, it was this government in 2009 that introduced SAID to this province of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. Over that time, Mr. Speaker, SAID benefits have increased 65 per cent. In that same time the consumer price index has increased by 43 per cent, which means a net increase to SAID recipients of 22 per cent in that time, Mr. Speaker.

This is a government that cares deeply about our disability community. We care deeply about every individual in this province, and we care deeply about families. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the SAID program, we will take no advice from the members opposite on how it runs. We know what we need to do in the disability community, and we’re going to continue to do that good work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Erika Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan people are struggling through an affordability crisis, and this government is dealing with a fiscal crisis of their own making. And it is in these times that the choices governments make show their true priorities. The executives of the Saskatchewan Health Authority got a $300,000 pay increase. The former Sask Party executive director got a $200,000 government patronage appointment.

[14:15]

And what did people living with enduring disabilities get? They got cuts to essential support they need to live their lives. Are these the priorities of the Minister of Social Services, to make those with disabilities receive less so that this government’s appointees can be paid more? Or will he show some real compassion and reverse these cuts today?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Again, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the SAID program, we will take no advice from the members opposite. It was this government that introduced that program in 2009, and we are providing benefits that outpace inflation, Mr. Speaker. And there are no cuts, Mr. Speaker. In 2025‑26 the budget increase to our investment in SAID was 314.5 million, Mr. Speaker. That is for all SAID recipients.

Since 2009 SAID benefits have increased by 65 per cent, Mr. Speaker. The consumer price index has increased by 43 per cent, which means benefits have outpaced inflation by 22 per cent. And I hear the member from Regina Walsh Acres wants to get in on the questions. I invite him to stand up and ask.

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

Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission Severance Payments

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it has come to our attention that the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission has spent nearly $750,000 on severance payouts over the past two and a half years. That is almost a third of their total annual budget spent on severance alone. That’s nearly $750,000 not used to do things like maybe protect and uphold human rights for the citizens of Saskatchewan.

Can the Minister Responsible for the Human Rights Commission please explain why such a significant amount of public dollars are being spent on severance payments? What is going on at the Human Rights Commission?

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

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And as the member opposite would know, that the Sask Human Rights Commission is an arm’s-length organization from government, responsible for human resources within their own organization, Mr. Speaker.

That being an arm’s-length organization, it is funded by government. However they are capable and willing to make the determinations on how and when employment occurs in that organization, Mr. Speaker. We are happy to support . . . We take human rights very seriously in this province, Mr. Speaker, and we look forward to working with the Human Rights Commission going forward. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

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

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, I don’t know about the members opposite, but I do know that the members on this side think that the expense of taxpayer dollars should be taken seriously. $750,000 is a lot of money, Mr. Speaker. $750,000 is a lot of money to a lot of people. It could also do a lot of good in this province. It could help support resources in our classrooms. It could help support people like Tammy and those like her who need reimbursements for health care expenses.

Why under this minister’s watch is $750,000 instead being spent on severance?

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

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And again, the Sask Human Rights Commission is an arm’s-length organization from government who has jurisdiction over their own human resources, Mr. Speaker. We continue to fund that organization to ensure that the people of Saskatchewan have access to the Human Rights Commission in a timely fashion and are able to have their cases heard, Mr. Speaker.

We look forward to working with them continually going forward from today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

National Energy Corridor Agreement

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And it really is a pleasure to rise today to talk about the national energy corridor agreement which I’d referenced earlier today in question period, really a historic agreement that has been negotiated and reached amongst all of the provinces and territories in Canada to address what the future of electricity transmission in this country is going to look like.

I actually joke with my senior team at SaskPower that the only people that get really excited about transmission are probably sitting around that table at SaskPower. But that being said, this is really very significant, Mr. Speaker.

Transmission, for folks who are watching, really that is the process by which power is produced at a generation facility and how that gets to your house or place of business so that when you turn on the light, the lights go on. That is really what encompasses transmission, Mr. Speaker.

And you know, this has been a lengthy negotiation, I can say, as well. I can say as well that with Minister Lecce, Saskatchewan really has been at the centre of this discussion as two of the jurisdictions — Ontario in Eastern Canada, Saskatchewan in Western Canada — that are really in a position to support our neighbours by having allocatable, dispatchable baseload power, which really uniquely positions us in Western Canada, and obviously Ontario as a large net power exporter in Eastern Canada.

But we have never really in this country before had a national approach with provinces and territories working together and the federal government as a partner in that process, in putting together a plan for what long-term transmission is going to look like. Really what we’ve had is a series of provincial grids that have been connected at points by interties. But even at that, really the way that the grid is set up is north-south, not east-west.

And well to point out as well, even with Alberta as an example today, which we had our transmission line wide open, but that really is a conversion station. The western grid, basically take Saskatchewan and go all the way south down to Texas — the ERCOT [Electric Reliability Council of Texas] system is different — but all the way south down to Texas and west, an entirely different grid than east of that. So even between us and Alberta, Mr. Speaker, we actually have to convert the power from AC/DC [alternating current/direct current] back to AC so that it’s on the same frequency that it can actually be transported between provinces.

Today Alberta, we’ve had that wide open a hundred and two fifty megawatts, selling power to Alberta at $370 a megawatt hour, which is profit for the people of this province. And thanks to the folks at Poplar River who are actually running that facility and being able to export power into Alberta, Mr. Speaker.

So that is the “what.” The “why” is because we need to actually have a national plan here, Mr. Speaker. And we have sat with the federal government on this as well, and I think you’re going to hear more news coming from the Government of Canada in this space. But SaskPower has really been a leader, and I want to give our team a lot of credit at the company for their degree of engagement and really their expertise that they have brought to this process at the national level with our partners in Ontario, OPG [Ontario Power Generation] and Bruce Power, who have been great partners here.

What this means for Saskatchewan though, in creating the infrastructure to be able to export our generation around the country — east, west, and to the United States as well, which we have been doing over the course of a number of cold spells this winter, Mr. Speaker — really is going to pave the way now, being a net power exporter, but to be a nuclear power generation powerhouse, which is what our energy security strategy lays out. And this has really been baked into the energy security strategy as far as transmission, the announcement that I made last week on transmission, along with our technology down-select on large-scale nuclear and our continuing work on small modulars as well.

Saskatchewan is uniquely positioned, and there are going to be some incredible benefits that are coming from that unique positioning, Mr. Speaker — which, I would add, the opposition would completely destroy. We are going to stay focused on our energy security strategy, Mr. Speaker, in a very serious way. You can’t power a power grid on pixie dust and good intentions, which is what the other members think across the way, Mr. Speaker. Physics and reality actually matters, Mr. Speaker. That is our focus, and I want to thank the good folks at SaskPower.

I want to thank the good folks at Poplar River, Boundary dam, all of our generation stations across the province, those who are making sure our transmission has stayed on and reliable during . . . I’m being heckled on this, Mr. Speaker, if you can believe that. The members opposite heckling our SaskPower employees doing this remarkable work. Well, pretty disappointing. Thanks again though to SaskPower, Mr. Speaker. Great announcement, look forward to the future.

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

Aleana Young: — Oh, why thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And my sincere thanks to the minister for providing a copy of those remarks in advance. Very appreciated.

But seriously, Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to hear that resources are being put to policies, regulations, and framework to ensure that energy and services can flow freely across Canada. It’s fundamentally important to Saskatchewan and to Canada that we connect provinces, harmonize standards, build, and do so strategically. And that of course begins with our technicians and planners, the good folks at SaskPower.

The federal government funding also announced yesterday will help support Saskatchewan’s transmission system. And we also need, and will continue to demand on this side of the House, significant and sustained federal funding for those interprovincial interties.

We heard a lot yesterday and we heard a lot on the call from other provinces in Canada about the importance of growing hydro, nuclear, renewables, natural gas. And we continue to look forward to clearer timelines and sustained updates on bilateral negotiations so that provinces can move beyond planning to plan.

And though this announcement is welcome, Mr. Speaker, it will do little in the short term regarding the generation costs that the Saskatchewan government is planning to incur and the rate increases that will follow. Farms, small businesses, rural residents, and industry are concerned and speaking up, and far too many families in Saskatchewan are already underwater on their bills. Mr. Speaker, affordability must be the priority.

This announcement today, Mr. Speaker, is great. We see the provinces talking to each other, which is progress indeed, but we don’t see that national strategy. We’ll be looking for it in the federal government’s forthcoming electricity strategy as we’ll be looking for that significant investment into interprovincial interties and into Saskatchewan’s electricity sector. Because, Mr. Speaker, if the federal government truly wants to build a strong economy in Canada, grow energy and job security for Canadians and for folks here in Saskatchewan, the best bang for their buck is investing in Saskatchewan’s electricity sector.

From growing our nuclear opportunity from rock to reactor, building a flexible and responsive grid, and investing in generation, transmission, and those critical interprovincial interties, this real investment can ensure energy security for Canada with Saskatchewan at the heart of that as a power broker for Western Canada. Thank you.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 612 — The Lower Power Bills and Car Insurance Act

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill 612, The Lower Power Bills and Car Insurance Act be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the member from Regina South Albert that Bill No. 612, The Lower Power Bills and Car Insurance Act be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government House Leader.

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

Speaker Goudy: — Point of order.

POINT OF ORDER

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, pursuant to rule 67(1) of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan:

Any vote, resolution, address or bill introduced in the Assembly for the appropriation of any part of the public revenue, or of any tax or impost to any purpose whatsoever, or to impose any new or additional charge upon the public revenue or upon the people, or to release or compound any sum of money due to the Crown, or to grant any property of the Crown, or to authorize any loan or any charge upon the credit of the Province, shall be recommended to the Assembly by Message of the Lieutenant Governor before it is considered by the Assembly.

This is commonly known, Mr. Speaker, as a Royal Recommendation, which is required before a bill can be considered that authorizes expenditure that impacts the government’s summary financial statements.

Mr. Speaker, further rule 67(1) of the Assembly is informed by section 54 of the Constitution Act, 1867, which states:

It shall not be lawful for the House of Commons to adopt or pass any Vote, Resolution, Address, or Bill for the Appropriation of any Part of the Public Revenue, or of any Tax or Impost, to any Purpose that has not been first recommended to that House by Message of the Governor General.

Mr. Speaker, as this bill does not have a Royal Recommendation and would clearly impact summary financial statements of the government, I would ask that this bill be ruled out of order and not be permitted to proceed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know that my colleague has done ample work on this piece of legislation. It is our view that there is no Royal Recommendation needed for this legislation. I’d ask that you review the bill and the rules and find that this point of order is not well taken.

[14:30]

Speaker Goudy: — One of the benefits of having two great House leaders is I find it quite . . . but when they’re both lawyers and you’re not. So can I ask till tomorrow to sit on this? Thank you. All right.

So thanks. So tomorrow we will consider first reading upon review of both of your points of order. Thank you.

Sorry, one other thing. I know there were no points of order on the earlier piece, but I was waiting. I thought there might be some points of order. But I just want to say from earlier — I didn’t want to stop because I know everybody doesn’t like me stopping all the time — but it was again talked about, the patronage appointments. No more of that. We can’t be saying that they’re appointing people, friends, and . . . That’s accusing of . . . [inaudible] . . . And on this side, we’ve got to start having the answers connected certainly to the questions.

And so anyways, those two things didn’t come up, but I want to make a point of order on those both. So let’s move on to orders of the day.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 24

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

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

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On my feet this afternoon to enter debate on Bill No. 24, The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act. As it says, this bill aims to streamline and eliminate barriers that may exist in trading goods and services between provinces.

These are certainly uncertain times when it comes to trade and commerce. It’s more important than ever for provinces to be able to rely on each other when it comes to goods and services across our provincial borders. Streamlining internal trade is important, but we also need to ensure that standards or certification in other provinces meet the corresponding standards we have here in Saskatchewan and that service providers are in good standing with their own regulatory authority.

Prioritizing Canadian interprovincial trade is certainly a positive step. And I would suggest the next step is for this government to prioritize Canadian procurement over US [United States] procurement, which for some reason has been woefully ignored by this government.

I know that my colleagues and the shadow minister will certainly continue to enter debate on this bill. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 24, The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion 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. 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 Saskatoon Silverspring.

Hugh Gordon: — Good day, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. I rise on my feet today to speak to Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, you know, this bill seeks to do a number of things in order to modernize the language and the processes around slander and libel in the province, such as tidying the laws for legal action for defamatory publications; changing the language to defamation, you know; highlighting what a plaintiff has to do in order to engage in an action; what the rights of the defendant are; streamlining some of the processes with respect to how those are adjudicated in our courts, trying to streamline them somewhat, for example, by combining cases for two defendants linked to the same essential question or issue so they could be dealt with in an efficient and timely fashion.

I think for the most part, you know, we would agree that this is long overdue. Defamation — slander, libel — has become all more acute, of course, in today’s digital age, certainly in social media. I’m sure it’s something all my colleagues in this Assembly sometimes and unfortunately are all too familiar with. But water off a duck’s back for us perhaps, but not so much for others who have legitimate and genuine interests in protecting their reputations and ensuring that the truth prevails in their cases.

I will make a note that section 12 and subsequent sections make reference to publications of “fair and accurate” reports, whether they be from a, you know, public meeting or public proceedings, or before a court or tribunal, or peer-reviewed material. I think there’s generally well-accepted recommendations in that legislation, although it doesn’t exactly define what “fair and accurate report” means. And of course in this day and age, we all know that “fair and accurate” can mean many different things to many different people.

So I guess it remains to be seen. And I’ll be curious to know how that reshaping of that language, that particular part of the bill, is defined going forward. Because I think we all have an interest in ensuring we can, you know, get to the truth of matters and speak truthfully on matters and not be penalized for that, but yet that in those instances where individuals or organizations have taken it too far in a malicious intent, that there is a fair and adequate and efficient process to deal with those situations.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I think I’ll keep my comments at that and move to adjourn debate on Bill 31.

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 from Saskatoon Silverspring.

Hugh Gordon: — As many of my colleagues have already done, I think my comments will be simply of reference to my earlier comment on Bill 31. At first glance Bill 32 is a simple change of language from “slander” and “libel” to “defamation,” so that is more clear in the legislation going forward. And with that I will move to adjourn debate on Bill 32 as well.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 33

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

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

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On my feet here again to enter debate on Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025. The focus of this bill is to clear up and streamline the process for terminating credit union memberships, both from the members’ side and from the institution’s side.

Now if you’re from Saskatchewan, you no doubt have some history and some experience with credit unions. Credit unions have a deep history in this province, particularly in small-town and rural Saskatchewan. Most farmers back in the day used the credit union to secure and invest their hard-earned money. Credit unions provide jobs throughout the province and are vital contributors to our community.

Growing up we just called it “the credit union,” but over the years it’s expanded well beyond that. As a kid just about every weekend in my summer months were spent at my grandparents’ house in Bethune. The highlight of the day was going with my grandparents on errands around town, which consisted of a visit to the post office, the Co-op grocery store, the coffee shop, and of course the credit union. My great-grandfather, my grandfather, and my dad were all members of the Bethune credit union, and credit unions continue to be an integral part of small-town Saskatchewan.

As I said at the outset, this bill aims to clarify the process for credit unions and their members to terminate memberships and give notice of such terminations. I’m sure our shadow minister will consult with our stakeholders on whether these measures will actually improve efficiency or not, and we’ll no doubt enter further debate on this bill. So at this point, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 35

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

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise to enter debate on Bill No. 35, The Mineral Resources Amendment Act. You know, Saskatchewan has a resource-based economy. It’s the sort of foundation of our economy, employs many, many proud Saskatchewan people. And so it is a pleasure to talk about these important changes that are being proposed to be made.

You know, I think that we are supportive of this bill in theory. We want to make sure that mining and resource development, which powers our economy, can happen in an efficient and timely manner. And you know, there are a number of changes in here that appear that may help speed that process along and make that more efficient. You know, we’ll be talking to stakeholders in the industry as well as First Nations to make sure that this bill meets their needs, and you know, again continues the process of powering our economy, employing Saskatchewan people.

You know, there’s some people within my family that work in the resource industry, so I certainly appreciate the importance of the resource industry and being able to make sure that the industry has the legislative and regulatory tools that it needs to develop our economy. So with that, I would like to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 35, The Mineral Resources Amendment Act, 2025.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 Churchill-Wildwood.

Keith Jorgenson: — I’m getting my steps in, getting up and talking. You know, again pleased to be on my feet to enter some comments on Bill No. 36, The Change of Name Amendment Act. You know, as one reads through this it really does, I think, show how much our province is changing and evolving in terms of, you know, how we attempt to make sure that people who may have come from different cultures or have sort of different family structures are able to have their names recognized by the registry.

You know, and I’ll maybe tell a quick little personal story. My parents, when they were naming all of us, they often didn’t get along and so they had this really silly thing where one person got the legal name and one person got the middle name. And the middle name was a name that we use day to day. So me and my brothers all use our middle names in our day-to-day life.

My legal name is actually Barry and although I never, ever use Barry . . . You know, so actually in the lead-up to the election, I looked into the process of changing my name so that it would appear on the ballot as I’ve always been known by myself and the people that I know. So it’s an interesting process to go through.

And I would also say when you look at that even in terms of the safeguards the system has to build in when someone looks at changing their name to make sure that somebody who has potentially done something nefarious in their past isn’t able to sort of shed their past merely by changing their name. So I see that that is addressed in here as well.

So again, it’s a pleasure to be on my feet. With that, I would move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 36, The Change of Name Amendment Act, 2025.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

[14:45]

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 Chief Mistawasis.

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to be able to rise today to speak to Bill 37, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act. As has been noted by a number of these bills coming through, one has to presume there was good reason for these amendments to be made. I’m sure that lawyers and the people working in these fields have identified some gaps; they’ve identified some potential misuse of some of the technical work involved in vital statistics. Lots of good reasons, no doubt.

We’ve looked over, we are continuing to look over these and check with various stakeholders that there’s nothing untoward in any of this. Certain things jump out, but not being an expert in the field, I’m wondering that the police can search records in non-criminal investigations. Sounds like a problem, but I bet you someone is making sure that it’s not.

I like to have a story for everything, but I’m pretty sure I’ve already told the story of my three children carrying my family name, McBean. And the fourth child, by a clerical error by someone at the Hôtel de ville in Quebec, you know, he gets the hyphenated name. But what I say to him every now and again when he brings up to it, you know, a rose by any other name still smells as sweet. So going about the business . . . Although with my colleague from Churchill-Wildwood, I guess maybe putting your name on a ballot becomes an issue.

This said, we will continue to ask for validation and clarification on some of these through our stakeholders, and I move to adjourn debate on Bill 37, The Vital Statistics Amendment Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 38

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

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. So it’s a pleasure to rise to enter some comments on The Building Schools Faster Act. You know, I think one of our concerns continually is how our students end up being treated through their educational journey. And so I’ll maybe, you know, as a parent talk about what that’s been like in regards to the physical structure of the buildings that my kids have gone to.

So my kids have gone through the francophone system, the CÉF [Conseil des écoles fransaskoises] system. So my two oldest graduated from École Providence in Vonda. They frequently played their archrivals, St. Isidore-de-Bellevue just near Wakaw. And my son presently goes to École canadienne in Saskatoon. And you know, each one of those schools shows how this government has allowed our existing schools to rot and fall apart.

You know, my son’s present school in Saskatoon, École canadienne, it has had a portion of its ceiling collapse twice, once most recently this year. From my understanding there were some kids who sort of narrowly missed . . . Had left the room or hallway right before the portion of the ceiling collapsed.

I have a video from when I was at St-Isidore de Bellevue school of their daycare or their pre-kindergarten room — actually had water flowing through the room along the floor. Like actually had spring runoff that went through the building on a surface that little kids would then later be crawling around and playing on because it was for caring for very small children.

And for École Providence, where my two oldest graduated, you know, the school has been bursting at the seams for absolutely years. You know, the library was moved into sort of a hallway because the library was turned into a classroom. Kids are being taught in hallways. You know, we can do better than this. This isn’t the way that we prepare our kids for the next generation.

So it’s great to see we’re talking about building new schools in places where they’re needed, but we also have to remember there’s many, many, many kids in this province who are in schools that are not conducive to learning and in some cases are actually dangerous. We shouldn’t be sending our kids to school wondering whether or not a portion of the ceiling is going to collapse on their head while they’re doing their schoolwork.

So with that, I would move to adjourn debate on Bill 38, the building schools faster amendment Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 39

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

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Again, Mr. Speaker, good to be on my feet to talk about Bill 39, the sister bill to Bill 38. You know, I would again highlight the government’s need to look at the totality of the needs of learners in this province in terms of the facilities that they learn in, both new and old. And with that, I would adjourn debate on Bill 39. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 40

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

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to be on my feet today in the Assembly to enter into debate on Bill No. 40, The Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2025. Now my understanding of this bill is that it is intended to address gaps in enforcement and accountability. It outlines some new roles for animal protection officers and some new rules I guess regarding euthanasia of animals.

I want to say that for me this is an important Act because I am an animal lover. And I admit that I’m a city girl, and so my love of animals started with having pets in the home. But when I married my husband . . . He’s from the Blood Reserve. And people don’t know this about the Blood Reserve, but the people from the Blood Reserve are very skilled ranchers, and cattle ranching has been a big part of that community for a prolonged period of time now. And so I’ve learned kind of first-hand how my brother-in-law looks after the animals on his ranch. And now he’s passed that on to his son, and so that’s very, very important.

And then of course I moved to northern Saskatchewan, where people engage in hunting and trapping, and I developed quite an appreciation for that way of life as well. And what I learned from all of these perspectives is how important it is to take care of animals and ensure that they are being treated well.

And so when I look at this Act, what I would say is that I think on our side we’re in support of modernizing the Act. Anything that gets us in line with other jurisdictions and makes sure that animals aren’t in distress for prolonged periods of time, that we’re taking care of the welfare of animals is a good thing because they’re a big part of our lives and our economy. And if we don’t take care of the animals, you know, we’re not taking care of ourselves either.

With that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 40, The Animal Protection Amendment Act. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 Chief Mistawasis.

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again good to be on my feet. This is a bill that has caught our attention and our imagination since being introduced in the fall session, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act.

I have to admit that at first I was a little curious about the impetus for the introduction of this bill. We had gone through the process of a private member’s bill from this side brought on by our colleague from Regina Pasqua for the Sikh Heritage Month and then followed up with this bill.

But no matter the road that has brought us here, it’s important that we are identifying and celebrating all of the peoples that make up Saskatchewan to the degree that we do. I was curious and so I looked a little bit at the motto and found out that this motto really has only been brought into force in 1968. So it made me curious, well what was the motto of Saskatchewan before 1968? It turns out we didn’t really have one.

In 1905 at the induction of Saskatchewan into the Confederation, the first premier, Walter Scott’s party ran on “Peace, Progress, and Prosperity.” Sounds similar to something happening even right now. There were celebration banners — “Northwest Forever,” “The World’s Granary,” “God Save the King” — lots of things, but we didn’t have that motto. So I think we must applaud whoever brought that forth in 1968 to identify the very many peoples from very many parts of the world that make Saskatchewan the wonderful place that it is.

I thought a little bit more about what it is that that really means, and I kind of did a reverse engineering on it and remembered a wonderful song by a fellow, Joseph Naytowhow. Turns out it was co-written with Cheryl L’hirondelle. A beautiful song that . . . Joseph actually came to Victoria School and the whole school learned to sing it in French, English, and Cree. And the song title — I think I skipped over that — we are “All One People.” And it’s a beautifully inclusive idea that:

We are all one people,

We all come from one creation way on high.

We are . . . one nation under one great sky.

And as I’m thinking of this, does this go counter to the “from many peoples, strength”? And I think not. I think it is actually a perfect identification of that in multiculturalism, in the acceptance of people from all over the world.

The other thought that occurred to me was, why do we need this? Why do we need to be celebrating our multiculturalism? And as unfortunate as it is, I’m reminded and wish to put on the record, you know, in the mid-last millennium, European colonizers took over the world. Considering that it was terra nullius, they took over. They created a hegemonic world view that dominated for centuries. And things like recognizing multiculturalism, things like recognizing “from one peoples, strength,” things like “we are all one people” is a pushback to that colonization and that hegemony that we know best.

So with that, I applaud the creation of this bill, I think that it’s important for us to be recognizing these things, and I move to adjourn debate on Bill 41, heritage recognition, “from many peoples, strength.”

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 Westview.

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise again in the Assembly today and this time to debate Bill No. 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act. And I must say that this bill . . . the title of it is lengthy, reflecting the length and density of the bill itself. So I hope I can do some justice to it today.

Now this bill addresses a number of issues including dangerous animals, municipal designations, bylaws, appeals, and ethics. So we will start with dangerous animals. This legislation would allow a council or judge to declare an animal dangerous if its behaviour is menacing, if it’s known for attacking, or if it bites without provocation, and also if it has been raised as a fighting animal. And it makes it clear that raising animals to fight is illegal.

[15:00]

Moving on, it excludes animals that work in performance, security, or guarding a home. Moving on again, it gives the police the power of inspection for dangerous animals, and it also gives them the ability to seize animals that they believe are currently attacking, roving in packs, or are rabid. And you know, this is an issue that I understand, again first-hand from living in the North, because there are problems with dogs, for example, that are abandoned, and they get together and they form packs and they can be quite dangerous to the community.

Moving on to the second category of this bill is municipal designations, and this allows for changes to processes for hamlets becoming villages or for municipalities becoming eligible for city status.

Bylaws allows for unpaid bylaw fines to be added to your property taxes, and it can also allow for vehicle-related crimes to be set — and that doesn’t just include parking fines.

This bill also allows for appeals whereby you must talk to the assessor before filing an appeal. And it makes legislation for ethics, so councils must have a code of ethics and an orientation for new councillors to follow The Sask Employment Act’s harassment rules. And I think this is really important. It allows for the council to be able to appoint an Indigenous advisor. So I find that to be a very important part of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I want to say that there is a lot to discuss here in this bill. It is a very, very dense bill. And I know that we have our shadow minister of municipal relations who will be looking into speaking with stakeholders, and I’m looking forward to hearing on that front.

But what I really want to talk about is something that I’m finding as I’m talking to stakeholders in housing is, you know, some of the problems in downloading provincial responsibilities onto municipalities. And what I’m finding is, for example, the fire department has been very overtaxed in Saskatoon with responding to overdoses. We’re also hearing from front-line workers, not just in libraries but public transit workers.

You know, cities are doing the best that they can. The city of Saskatoon is doing the best that it can to address houselessness in the city of Saskatoon. And when there aren’t enough shelters or warming centres for people to go to, they’re trying to open up public spaces in the city, including libraries and buses, for unhoused folks to be able to access. But that’s putting people like library workers and transit drivers in situations that they weren’t trained to handle sometimes. And so the downloading of services onto municipalities is definitely a problem that we would just like to point out. So thank you for that.

And with that I move to adjourn debate on Bill 43. 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. 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 Nutana.

Erika Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Always a pleasure to be on my feet, and in particular for Bill No. 44, The Co‑operatives Act, 2025.

Now as I understand it, this is a bill that is amalgamating two existing bills, consolidating them into one large bill while at the same time making efforts to update . . . It’s part of a larger effort I believe that’s under way to update business legislation to support economic growth in the province. And certainly as a proud member of several co‑ops here in Saskatchewan, I support any sort of improvements that are being undertaken that will ensure the ongoing viability of our co‑ops, allow for greater investment so that they can continue to expand their reach, grow their businesses, and be able to provide the range of goods and services that they do here in Saskatchewan.

And you know, co‑operatives have a very long, proud history here in Saskatchewan. You know, over half of Saskatchewan residents belong to a co‑op, and certainly we see how vital these businesses, these co‑operative enterprises, are to our communities overall. You know, how many times will you visit a community, and there’s the local co‑op, you know, the grocery store, the hardware store, the gas station, the ag services products. All those things are so vital to ensuring the vitality of our communities right across this province, right straight from the South all the way up north.

I did have the great honour and privilege to sit on the board of the Saskatoon Co‑op after a very sort of fractious kind of a situation that had happened a couple years ago where there was a collective bargaining disagreement and a strike that ensued from the local union. And I had already been interested in becoming a member of the board, and it turned out to be a very, like I say, a very kind of fractious time to get on the board. But I was very happy to represent the interests of the workers at that co‑op and looking for that balance between the workers and the members and the overall governance that was there.

And I have to say that one of the things that really impressed me with the overall federated co‑operative model was the governance structure and the training that’s provided for their board members. You know, it is top of their class in terms of the education that board members receive through a series of modules.

Incidentally there is also, you know, revisions and amendments occurring under Bill 44 for municipal councillors to also receive training. And I think that when board members are put into these positions where they’re overseeing, you know, very significant sums of money and policy development and providing services and programming to their communities, whether it’s on a municipal council or on a co‑operative board, that that training is really essential in order for them to be good governors of these institutions.

I did notice that with some of the changes that are being proposed, that there will be the ability for there to be multi-stakeholder co-operatives that are owned by more than one type of membership class such as consumers, producers, workers, volunteers, or community supporters. You know, I welcome seeing this kind of a change so that there’s more flexibility. I think that co-operatives here in Saskatchewan can play a very significant role. And having that flexibility in terms of how they’re structured, I think it can only be a great improvement.

In particular, I think that the opportunity around worker co-operatives is especially opportunistic. There is I think many cases where it provides a governance model that can ensure that, you know, the workers in a business enterprise are the ones that are directing the decision making and benefiting from the fruits of their labour. So I look forward to seeing some of that in the coming years.

I know that there’s some other improvements around electronic technology, simplifying liquidation and dissolution procedures.

I know it’s another sort of common trend; we’ve seen a lot of amalgamations happening with smaller co-ops. Certainly the Saskatoon Co-op has gone through that over the last number of years, and I think that’s been to the benefit of the members where they can sort of, you know, with skill, have better services that they’re offering to their members. And you know, any way that we can sort of facilitate some of these kinds of transitions happening within the co‑operative sector are important.

And I would note that it’s interesting, or more than just interesting, but encouraging to see child care and daycare facilities also be a very active area of co-operatives here right across the Western provinces.

Yesterday I made a comparison or an analogy of the Salvation Army sort of being like the fascia of our province in terms of the way that they offer services. And you know, I’m thinking about the co-ops in a similar fashion. Like they’re kind of like the circulatory system of our province, you know. They’re everywhere, and they’re offering services and programs and really like the lifeblood of our province. And I’m certainly supportive of any measures that can ensure that they continue to be, and hold that role in our province.

I know that the shadow minister for this portfolio will be doing that stakeholder engagement to understand where and how some of these changes are providing those positive and constructive changes and amendments. And I’ll leave them to do that good work and, with that, move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 44.

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 Nutana.

Erika Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pleasure to be on my feet once again. As I understand it, there are a number of consequential amendments that are a companion to the previous bill and a range of changes that are happening there.

You know, one thing I talked a little bit about sort of, Saskatoon Co-op. I did also want to mention a few others, co-operatives that I’m a member of and excited about the work they’re doing. One of those would be the SES Solar Co‑operative. And they celebrated 10 years anniversary back in the fall, and I’ve been a member of their co‑operative for almost that long.

And it’s been exciting to see them show a leadership role in delivering renewable power within the city of Saskatoon and in partnership with the city. I think it’s an incredible example of how individuals can pool their capital resources together and deliver on a project and a program that needs leadership shown. And so that’s been a really exciting co‑operative initiative to be a part of over the years. And I was happy to attend their annual meeting at the Diefenbaker centre back in the fall.

Another one has been the Steep Hill Co-op, which is located in my constituency of Saskatoon Nutana right on Broadway and for 50 years has been providing groceries and products to the local community. And when the local other sort of mainstream grocery store closed down a couple years ago, they became sort of the central hub.

They’ve since that time expanded their range of products and produce that they provide to the community and in a very responsive way. And so it’s a good example of how you can have some of that, local solutions being provided within a community where those larger retailers, you know, simply aren’t able to sort of deliver on the unique needs of that community.

[15:15]

I want to give a shout-out to the Saskatoon Community Clinic. I’m ever grateful for the broad range of services that the community clinic has been offering ever since we had medicare come to Saskatchewan in the early ’60s. They have been absolutely crucial to the health and well-being of my family.

They’re able to offer, you know, within that model because they have physicians on salary. And yes, Danielle Chartier is their member services representative who’s a former member of this Assembly. And they offer X-ray services and occupational and physiotherapy and a pharmacy on site, and the list goes on.

And they’re a really great model of how we can be delivering health services within our community and in a very effective way, through that sort of team-based approach with, you know, nurse practitioners, doctors, other health care professionals all within one facility. And so you’re not sort of being farmed out to different places. And I can’t speak highly enough about that.

The only trouble is of course that in that case, you know, physician retention and recruitment continue to be issues, like it is everywhere else across the province. But they work extremely hard in providing those range of services and also serving, you know, populations that would otherwise fall through the cracks.

They had their annual meeting back in the spring. I was happy to be there and learn about some of the special services that they’re offering to newcomers to Saskatchewan — very active with that population. Also very active with vulnerable populations, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues. As well they have programs for people who are transitioning. And it’s because of that co‑operative model where, you know, it’s a different sort of fee-for-service system and that involvement from the community to provide that range of services.

And so I think you can see here that, you know, whether it’s banking, health, energy, food, gas, agriculture, like co-operatives are active right across the economy and in health and human services here in Saskatchewan, providing those vital services. And so it will be especially important that, as these changes are going through, that they’re done thoughtfully in a right way to ensure the continuing continuity and viability of these organizations and the wonderful work that they’re doing to support our communities.

So with that, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 45.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

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 Westview.

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to again rise in the legislature today and to have the opportunity to speak to Bill No. 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act.

Mr. Speaker, it’s a great privilege to be here and be able to come into this space and speak to these bills and to have some input into them. And so today I want to speak briefly about the contents of the bill, but then I also want to talk a little bit more about the position that our side takes on this bill. And I also want to speak from some personal experiences that I’ve had in the last six or seven months that relate to the bill as well.

So first of all, just summarizing the bill, what the bill allows for is for the termination of a public employee who commits a drug crime or also if they have committed this crime up to three years before they have taken the job. And they cannot sue for wrongful termination. It also makes it a civil crime to commit a drug-related crime that injures someone through use of or exposure to drugs. So that’s briefly the contents of the bill.

Now what I would like to talk about, Mr. Speaker, is that . . . You know, it’s a little bit awkward to speak to this today because there was a member’s statement earlier today on this particular bill and things that were said about our side and where we stand on this issue. And it’s not that we don’t understand the importance of applying criminalization to illicit drugs. The point is that there has to be more to it than that. There has to be more to it than just addressing it through the criminal justice system and through legislation, right. Because what we want to understand is not just getting tough on crime, but what are the causes of crime?

And so why do people use drugs? You know, this is a question that I think we don’t ask often enough. And I think each and every one of us in this House . . . I would be really surprised if there was anybody in the House today that couldn’t say that there’s somebody in their personal circle that uses some substance, whether it’s illegal or legal, right. We all know that this is something that happens, and it’s something that has happened in my family and in my personal circle.

And so I just want to note that, you know, in the last seven months I have lost a family member to drug overdose, I have lost a former student, and I have lost a former co-worker. And it’s been really hard, you know, to think of this as just something that’s a criminal activity because all of these people had severe trauma in their lives and they had severe difficulties in accessing supports to help them, whether it was to find housing or deal with domestic violence or deal with residential school trauma. All of these issues that have led them to use — a lack of housing — have led them to use drugs as a coping mechanism for what they’re dealing with.

And so what I would like us to think about is, how can we put more supports in our society? We’ve talked quite a bit in the House about increasing funding and increasing beds for addictions treatment. And we’ve had difficulty just getting some answers to questions in question period in the House on that issue.

We know that people are really struggling to get housing in our province right now. I’ve been going out every Sunday. My husband and I, we make frybread and we go to a place where there’s a lot of unhoused folks, and we work with another group of people that are volunteers. And they just come together in the community and they feed people.

And you get to know people. And you get to know their stories a little bit better. And yes, some of the folks are using drugs. I know that. I also see grandmothers who are raising grandchildren and they’re struggling with poverty and that’s why they come every Sunday, to get food. And apparently they really like my frybread too. So I even went out and bought a deep fryer so I can make a higher quality of frybread than what I can make in the electric frying pan.

So you know, I think we also have to have compassion for people. We also need to understand where people are coming from. We need to understand that they need access to services and that government has a responsibility to provide those services. And it’s not just about locking people up in jail and throwing away the key or suing them. It’s about understanding why people are engaging in behaviours that they’re engaging in and doing what we can to provide supports, to understand them, and to help them.

And with that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 48

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Lori Carr that Bill No. 48 — The Compassionate Intervention Act be now read a second time.]

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

Hugh Gordon: — Good day again, Mr. Speaker. Again it’s an honour to be on my feet to address Bill 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act here in this Assembly. I think of all the bills that are before us for our contemplation, this is an important bill to also contemplate, probably the most important in this entire session.

I was listening to the member from Saskatoon Westview and her comments with respect to the previous bill, and I would argue that a number of those comments apply in this instance as well. I think everyone on this side, and I’m certain on the other side, understand full well the grip that this drug crisis has this province in — the impact, the effect that it has on our kids, our family members, our communities, and this province. And we wholeheartedly would agree that more needs to be done, that we need to step up, that we need to deliver for those in our community who are struggling with addictions, whether they have the capacity to deal with it or perhaps when they don’t.

Like the member from Westview said, my family too has been affected by drug addiction. Some have died; some have gotten treatment. Some have succeeded, and sadly some have not. And I wholeheartedly agree that more needs to be done, that we as a province and certainly we as an Assembly and members on all sides here have to step up to this occasion because our kids are counting on it, Mr. Speaker.

There’s a number of elements to this bill, Mr. Speaker, that on the whole of it, after having read it, appear quite robust, that some thought on the part of government has taken place. What’s yet to come of course are the regulations. But I would like to say that for certain, whether it’s information or consultations we’ve had with stakeholders — I’m sure the same stakeholders the government side has had — I know stakeholders that myself and the shadow minister for Justice and Community Safety have engaged with . . . we need more tools in the tool box to deal with this issue. And I don’t think any of us in this legislature should contemplate removing any tools from the tool box.

I think we need to examine them on their merits and ensure that there are enough resources, supports, personnel, and certainly funding to ensure that those tools in our tool box are working effectively. We on this side have voiced a number of concerns with respect to this government’s ability to deliver mental health services and addictions services. One only needs to look at the treatment centre that the government can’t open on time or on budget as an example.

But certainly for this bill, we cannot afford to muck it up. We have to make sure that this tool in the tool box is going to work effectively, that it has every chance possible to succeed. And I know those of us on this side are going to do what we can to ensure that this tool in the tool box will work as intended.

You know, as a former police officer — and I’m sure the Minister of Government Relations can attest — we know what it’s like, what it was like dealing with folks in the midst of a mental health crisis and the responsibilities we had as police officers when that individual threatened harm to themselves or someone else. We had that obligation, Mr. Speaker. It wasn’t an “if, and, or but” obligation. We had to rise to the occasion and deal with individuals unfortunately who were probably in the midst of the worst time of their life or family members who were also going through some trauma. And they’re dicey situations, I’ll tell you.

I could tell you a great story about a fellow that had threatened to kill himself, and when I attended and had a chat with him, he thought it might be a good idea to maybe do the same to me. But having the benefit of some experience and being somewhat quick on my feet, I was able to disarm that situation and de-escalate it and ensure that individual was taken to proper care in custody and delivered to a proper place to see a proper physician so they could get the treatment that hopefully that they received.

And that is the spirit I think behind this bill. And I think that’s the spirit with which we’re going to approach it as the opposition, that there may be opportunities for us here in this legislature to put something into place that’s going to help those who are most in need or, quite frankly, are not in a position to help themselves. And I think that’s understandable, and I think the spirit of that is commendable. And we will support that.

[15:30]

I will say though however, Mr. Speaker, you know, we’re going to continue to have conversations with stakeholders in the police world here in this province, different police agencies, police service unions. I know our shadow minister for Addictions is also having consultations with folks in the health care field to get their input. And as I’ve said, the bill appears to be rather robust. There’s been some thought put into this.

There might be questions about resourcing, might be questions about facilities, might be questions about cost or transportation or security, perhaps liability. There might be a number of questions.

But the proof will be in the pudding, as a number of our stakeholders have already told us — police agencies, chiefs of police, Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers. The proof will be in the pudding. The proof will be in the regulations. The proof will be in the fine print. And that’s where the rubber will essentially hit the road on this bill.

And that’s really where I think we have an opportunity to get a win here for the people of the province and a win for those who are dealing with these kinds of addictions. Because clearly, Mr. Speaker, enough has not been done and more needs to be done. And so if we are going to do it, let’s darn well make sure we do it right, and let’s not play politics with this. Literally, Mr. Speaker, people’s lives are counting on that we get this one right.

And so I would strongly urge all members of this Assembly, the ministers responsible, to do their part, to do adequate consultations with stakeholders across the province, whether they be in the police agencies, the health care providers, mental health, addictions providers. There’s a lot of layers to this bill. There’s a lot of moving parts to it that need to be sorted out and some assurance given to everyone who’s going to engage in this system that the government is proposing that it works right at every stage, right.

As a police officer, you know . . . because that’s one part of the bill where I think police officers are going to be asked to kind of be the focal point or the frontpeople for this system to work effectively. And quite rightly so in a number of cases, Mr. Speaker. As our police stakeholders have told us, you know, they know their people in their community that need the help. They know those that can’t help themselves. They know those who are on the razor’s edge of life and death. They know. They’ve already identified them, right.

But we want to make sure that those police officers are adequately supported and that this works as a win-win for everyone involved. As we said, we don’t want any tools to be taken out of the tool box, but any tools that are in that tool box have got to work appropriately. So we want to make sure that at every stage everyone has the support, the personnel, and the resources to make this work.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I will look forward to further debate on this bill. I will look forward to attending committee on this bill. I will look forward to continuing engagement with our stakeholders and the very important information and advice and concerns that they may have. And I will be watching with an eagle eye to see if the government is intent on ensuring that they have listened to that input from those stakeholders. Because as the worker bee in the RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police], it was always great for someone up top to tell you how things were going to happen, and it was awfully darn difficult to tell them whether or not you could actually do that. So to have that support at every level is important.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill 48.

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: — It’s been 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 10 a.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:35.]

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

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