Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to introduce some folks sitting in your gallery today. Today, many members will be aware, we have a reception later this evening with Diabetes Canada. And although I know many members will be sitting in committee tonight, I would encourage, if they have the opportunity, to take some time out of their schedule and to go and meet with the folks from Diabetes Canada and some of the residents in our province who live with diabetes each and every single day.

I had the opportunity to meet with this group earlier this morning and have a good discussion on how those living with diabetes, especially those with children and grandchildren of ours in our province, how that affects their lives and really the lives of their families as well. I had a really productive discussion and look forward to more discussions down the road.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to introduce Jeremy Storring, Randal Rusk, Jennifer Simmons, and Jason Holtvogt. I don’t see Joan King, but I know Joan King is in the building today, and she’s been a long time with Diabetes Canada. So I would encourage all members to join me in welcoming these folks to this, their legislature.

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to join with my colleague opposite today in welcoming the fine folks from Diabetes Canada, who do an excellent job of advocacy. We had a great meeting with the shadow minister of Education and the shadow minister of Health and the shadow minister of Seniors earlier today when they came.

So to Jeremy, Randal, Jason, and Joan, thank you. Thank you for coming here to tell your own personal story so that we know the narrative behind what is impacting families. I think it goes a great deal in helping the government understand why policies need to be put in place, and that’s ultimately to help the people of Saskatchewan and to make sure kids can stay in their classrooms and get the education that they need.

So I’d like to invite all members from both sides to join me in welcoming these fine folks to their legislature.

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. While I’m also on my feet, we have 58 students here that I would like to welcome from F.W. Johnson Collegiate, across from us here in the east gallery. They’re accompanied by Mr. McKillop, or Scott A. McKillop as he is better known to the community. An excellent educator, always advancing the rights of students to learn about their democracy, as we often see him bring his students here. And they’re accompanied today as well by Lori Benoit, who is a parent chaperone. I look forward to meeting with them afterwards and answering some tough questions.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Last Mountain-Touchwood.

Travis Keisig: — We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that a fundraising communication issued by the official opposition’s chief of staff encouraged recipients to “take a moment to think of the ones you hate so much,” followed by the direct naming of four elected officials; that this type of language is not consistent with the standards of professionalism, respect, and civic responsibility that Saskatchewan people expect from those who hold positions of influence within our democratic institutions.

Further, that the author of this letter continues to be paid by Saskatchewan taxpayers as a member of the opposition’s caucus team and is given a platform by the opposition to encourage hate; that individuals employed in publicly funded roles, regardless of political affiliation, carry a responsibility to contribute to a political culture that reflects decency, restraint, and respect for differing views; that in a province known for civility and public duty, there is a clear line between principled disagreement and rhetoric that directs hostility toward named individuals; that failing to address conduct of this nature risks lowering the standard of political discourse for everyone in the province.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan take the following action: call upon the Leader of the Opposition to immediately remove the author and individual responsible from any publicly funded role. The same individual who has previously been the subject of legal . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I have a clock actually that works up here, and I can see the time. I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m proud to rise in this Assembly to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan calling for the implementation of rent control.

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 increases in the country; 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 better position to save for a down payment on their first home; and 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. I will read the prayer, Mr. Speaker:

We, in the prayer reads as follows, respectfully request that 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.

Mr. Speaker, the undersigned residents reside in Regina. I do so submit.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present this petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following. The Office of Residential Tenancies, or ORT, currently publishes the names of tenants in its decisions. This practice negatively impacts individuals searching for housing in Saskatchewan because landlords have access to the decisions, namely on CanLII [Canadian Legal Information Institute].

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan revise the practices of the Office of Residential Tenancies to remove tenant’s full names from its decisions, replacing them with initials or non-identifying labels.

The signatories to this petition reside in Saskatoon. I do so present. Thank you.

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet to bring forth a petition where we collected all sorts of signatures in a very short period of time regarding the Saskatoon Willowgrove lack of a school in Brighton. I rise today to present our petition calling for the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to build a school in Brighton.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that the community of Brighton and the surrounding communities in Saskatoon have seen a sharp increase in population in recent years; that many schools in the city of Saskatoon are at or over capacity; that the community of Brighton was promised a new K to 8 [kindergarten to grade 8] school but have received no clear timeline on its construction; and that a new school is needed to fulfill the educational needs of thousands of new families that have moved into Brighton.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately prioritize the building of the Brighton school with definitive plans to open doors by the 2028 school year.

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

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

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

These residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring attention to the following: that in September 2024, ahead of the provincial election, the Ministry of Education promised to build a new joint-use elementary school and high school in east Regina, and there’s currently no timeline for the completion and opening of either school; that the four elementary schools in the east end of Regina are substantially over capacity; that there is no high school in the most rapidly growing part of the city; that in schools, the library, dance studio, and teachers’ lounge have all been converted into temporary classrooms; that all children have a right to a well-rounded education in a safe environment in their own community.

The prayer reads as follows:

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

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

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Remembering Victims of La Loche Shooting

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the people of the northern village of La Loche in their time of grief and healing. January 22nd marked the 10‑year anniversary of the tragic loss of four beautiful souls in a school shooting. There were many who suffered long-term injuries, including those who suffer from the distress of that kind of devastation. It is also quite sad to see that the future of a young man with great potential will never be realized, due to his actions.

Mr. Speaker, although faced with such difficult tragedy, I want to acknowledge the strong efforts being made by the people of La Loche in their collective healing. Their community has proven to be resilient as they continue to come together during this time of year to remember and honour their loved ones.

So I rise to grieve alongside the people of La Loche and ask my colleagues to join me in a moment of silence to honour them.

[The Assembly observed a moment of silence.]

Leroy Laliberte: — Mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to all my colleagues for joining me.

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

Hospital Foundation Donates to Child Trauma Research Centre

Barret Kropf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One of the greatest things this government has been able to do was open the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in 2019. Today that hospital’s foundation continues to contribute to our province beyond the doors of the hospital itself.

Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation wrote a cheque for $1.5 million to help with studies at the Child Trauma Research Centre at the University of Regina. The research funded by this donation will go on to serve the future of pediatric and maternal health in our province. Dr. Nathalie Reid, director of the CTRC [Child Trauma Research Centre], said, “This fund will empower us to engage with and respond to the urgent, emerging, and long-term social, familial, economic, educational, health, and well-being impacts of childhood trauma and resilience.”

Mr. Speaker, we’re incredibly proud of the work done by the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and the Child Trauma Research Centre at the U of R [University of Regina]. Having these two organizations collaborate is a representation of Saskatchewan’s community spirit and dedication to research advancement.

Thank you to CEO [chief executive officer] Troy Davies and the rest of the team at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation for this donation. And thank you to Dr. Reid and her team at the Child Trauma Research Centre for their continued advancement of pediatric and maternal care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Advocating for Small Business

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My wife and I have each run our own businesses for several years. My wife started her first business back in 2013 and started her second one in 2018. I myself started my own contract business after I retired from the RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] and before I got into politics.

It is through these experiences, Mr. Speaker, that we know just how challenging and rewarding owning and running a small business can be. So it was with some delight that I spent the winter break going out to nearly every business in my riding, talking with their owners, managers, and employees.

[13:45]

Some shared their concerns about finding enough employees to run their businesses, and some were still trying to recover from the COVID years. Some were just starting their first few months in operation, and others were celebrating many successful years in Saskatoon.

Many of them were started by newcomers to Canada and to Saskatchewan. They brought with them a desire not only to start and own something new in their community, but to find new ways to give back to the country and to the city that welcomed them here.

Having a background in business gives me some insight into the challenges these hard-working people face, and I am honoured to advocate on their behalf in this Assembly. The Saskatchewan NDP [New Democratic Party] will always stand up for Saskatchewan businesses and business owners. Thank you.

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

Sask Polytech Launches Applied Research Facility

Megan Patterson: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Advanced Education and myself were thrilled to be at the official launch of the new Sask Polytech Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre. This is an applied research facility located at the Moose Jaw campus, designed to spark bold ideas and strengthen business growth across the province.

The centre is built on Sask Polytech’s strong foundation of applied research and career-ready education. The centre equips entrepreneurs and industry partners with tools, mentorship, and expertise to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

The centre will be supported by experienced faculty and connected to the Sask Polytech award-winning applied research network. The centre is uniquely positioned to help businesses innovate and scale up.

The centre’s first major initiative is the Sask Polytech Startup Challenge and mentorship and pitch competition designed to helped early-stage entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses. This event will be held at the Town N Country Mall in Moose Jaw on April 16th.

As a previous business instructor at Sask Polytech, I am especially thrilled to see this come to fruition and cannot wait to see the impact it will have in our province. Thank you.

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

Addressing Women’s Health Care

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government likes to claim its patients-first 4th edition health care plan is the most ambitious plan ever. But ambitious for whom? Certainly not for the 51 per cent of our population who are women.

So how can they call something ambitious when it leaves women’s health care out almost entirely? When gynecologists and primary care workers are just left out of that picture and they leave for other provinces? When access to menopause and perinatal mental health supports, I might add, just gets worse? When we’re flying women to private clinics in Alberta? How can they call it ambitious when they avoid collaborating with the feds to get us the funds and the health care studies that we need here in this province?

Now that’s 51 per cent of my riding, Mr. Speaker, but that’s also 51 per cent of that Health minister’s riding, 51 per cent of the Premier’s riding. When the government labels something as ambitious again, it better not leave women out of the picture.

Health care is not ambitious if is completely incomplete. Health care cannot be bold and visionary if it is completely selective. Health care cannot say it serves the whole province when women contact my office in pain, when they’re leaving the workforce because the government can’t help them out.

The government needs to show up for women. That would be showing some darn courage, and that indeed would be ambitious.

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

Federal and Provincial New Democratic Party Policies

James Thorsteinson: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past weekend the federal NDP held their convention and elected an anti-energy activist as their national leader. The policy resolutions coming from the federal NDP convention this weekend will damage our economy and put Saskatchewan people out of work.

Just listen to these reckless policies. The NDP will take socialized ownership of the oil and gas industry. The NDP will undertake a review to increase taxes on the potash industry. The NDP opposes the development of nuclear power.

Oh, sorry, Mr. Speaker, I got my notes mixed up. Those are all policy resolutions from the most recent Saskatchewan NDP convention under that Opposition Leader.

Let’s get back on track. Avi Lewis did say, any political agenda that takes climate change seriously has no room for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion . . . Oh, wait. Apologies again, Mr. Speaker. That was the member for Regina Elphinstone-Centre that said that.

But surely it was Avi Lewis that said, instead of pipelines, we should build power lines . . . Oh, sorry once again. That was the member from Saskatoon Nutana.

Turns out an NDP member is an NDP member whether they’re in Regina or in Ottawa.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cannington.

Daryl Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let’s get into how dangerous the NDP policies really are for Saskatchewan under their new federal leader.

Policy no. 1: no approvals for new pipelines or natural gas terminals. That means no new jobs, no new projects, and no economic opportunity. Policy no. 2: they want to tax some of the largest employers in our province into oblivion. Policy no. 3: they would cancel federal approval of the billions of dollars in private capital being invested into Saskatchewan projects.

No. 4: nationalize industries like pharmaceuticals, resources, and grocery stores, stagnating job creation and innovation with bureaucracy. Policy no. 5: the NDP wants to impose a national rent cap that would eliminate new housing development. And their new leader has vilified resource workers claiming that major projects like pipelines lead to murder and sexual assaults.

Their new leader was a co-author of the Leap Manifesto, who we know had several vocal supporters from that side of the House. And it should be no surprise, as article 1.2 of the Saskatchewan NDP constitution says, and I quote, “The Party shall constitute a section of the New Democratic Party of Canada.” Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition can send out as many letters as she wants, they’re still the same old NDP.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

SaskPower Rates

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, under this Premier, under this government, Saskatchewan people are facing the highest rates of financial insecurity in the entire country. Whether you look at food bank use, mortgage foreclosures, children living in poverty, the people in this province are telling this Premier that times are tough and they cannot afford for them to get even tougher.

We already have the second-highest power rates in the entire country. This Premier promised them that they wouldn’t get any higher just before Christmas. We all know how long that promise lasted, Mr. Speaker.

People are speaking out. Whether it’s SARM [Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities], APAS [Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan], the CFIB [Canadian Federation of Independent Business], SIECA [Saskatchewan Industrial Energy Consumer Association], the biggest industries in this province as well as Saskatchewan people are telling the Premier no. Why is he refusing to listen to them?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, what was delivered over the last couple of weeks on the floor of this Assembly was without a doubt the best budget in the nation of Canada. Mr. Speaker, it was a budget that certainly protects the investments that are important to Saskatchewan people. Initiatives in health care like the patient-first initiative, expansion of acute care beds in the city of Saskatoon, continued construction of a number of health care facilities across this province. Expansion of training opportunities in our post-secondary institutes. The expansion of community safety, ensuring that our communities are protected today and into the future, Mr. Speaker.

All the while ensuring that we continue to have a strong economy, one of the strongest economies in the nation of Canada, Mr. Speaker, that is often leading on virtually every metric. And it’s that strong economy that allows us to ensure that we are making the investments on behalf of Saskatchewan people, Mr. Speaker, to protect services that are important to the Saskatchewan families that we represent.

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

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, leading on financial insecurity, and it’s about to get worse under that Premier. Let’s be clear: there was no engagement with industry or with Saskatchewan people with regard to this rate hike.

But it’s not just industry, Mr. Speaker, not just farms, not just small businesses who are speaking out. It is even the Saskatchewan rate review panel. The Chair, Mr. Al Johnston, said this about the Premier’s approach, and I’m going to quote. He said, “We’ve expressed concern to the government about that process. This isn’t the way that it was designed.” Further quote, Mr. Speaker: “It is not the best, the way that they have done it.”

If the Saskatchewan rate review panel itself is speaking out against this rate hike and the process, how can anyone in this province have confidence in the outcome?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, I would just say a couple of things with respect to that. There is an increase this year, an interim increase, to our power rates — 3.9 per cent — to ensure that SaskPower can continue to invest in the reliability of our power grid in this province, whether it be the investment in generational assets or whether it be the investment in transmitting that power to our homes.

Last week there was an organization quoted on the floor of this Assembly. I’ve reached out. I’ve actually been reached out to by a number of the partners, a number of the folks, Mr. Speaker, that are members of that organization. They had no idea, Mr. Speaker, and are engaging with the organization as well.

We saw actually a while ago, Mr. Speaker, the critic for SaskPower had indicated that giving a 10 per cent power rebate to big donors, it doesn’t seem like good policy to me. This is why people in this province don’t take the NDP seriously.

It’s not just what we saw at their convention this weekend with the motions that are being put forward and the initiatives by the NDP leader, Mr. Speaker. And it’s also because in 2004 there was an interim increase that went to the people of Saskatchewan under an NDP government. Wasn’t 3.9 per cent; it was actually 9 per cent.

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

Carla Beck: — This is exactly why people in this province are looking for change, Mr. Speaker. If the Premier actually cared about engagement, he wouldn’t have spent the weekend talking to these companies that he’s hiking rates on, Mr. Speaker, instead of blowing up the phone lines and begging for letters of support.

But let’s go on here, Mr. Speaker. These high electricity costs make life more expensive, and they make Saskatchewan businesses less competitive. Fair rates and a fair process — they’re fundamental to growing the trust that we need.

But more and more, the whole process looks like a sham to rubber-stamp that Premier’s rate hikes. Again I’m going to quote from the Chair, who said, “We’re at the pleasure of the government. So you know, they can tell us to pound sand.”

Mr. Speaker, I have a question for the Premier, who suggests this is an interim rate hike. If the panel decides that this process is flawed, that the consultation was inadequate, and that the rate hike shouldn’t go forward, will he cancel the rate hike? Or is he going to tell Saskatchewan businesses, Saskatchewan people, to pound sand?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, there was an interim rate hike, as I mentioned, in 2004 — 9 per cent under the NDP. There is an interim rate hike this year as well, Mr. Speaker.

I want to address, to ensure the reliability of our power grid, Mr. Speaker, which will get me to the competitiveness of what we’re seeing happen in this province today, and the comments about ready for change, which are two things I do want to address in that question.

First with respect to the competitiveness of Saskatchewan relative to other provinces in other areas around the world, we’re seeing over 60 projects now — over $62 billion invested in our province — many, if not all of them, using significant amounts of power, Mr. Speaker. Many of them choosing to make those billion-dollar investments in this province. Two of the three largest investments in the nation of Canada today are right here in the province of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

With respect to Saskatchewan people being ready for change, they should know what that change might look like, Mr. Speaker. That change would include shutting down the energy and natural resource industry, Mr. Speaker, not allowing for that competitive opportunity here in Saskatchewan. That change by the NDP leader would be, and I quote, “using the full power of public ownership,” Mr. Speaker, to build non-market housing, to nationalize the companies that are building those houses, to nationalize — like they did before — the natural resource sector.

The fact of the matter is, what the change might look like under the NDP is they would shut down half of our economy, and they would nationalize the other half.

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

Rental of Constituency Office

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, the Premier can misattribute quotes all he wants. He can point fingers. The reality is that he has still has a lot, a lot to answer for when it comes to SaskPower.

[14:00]

And he also has a lot to answer for when it comes to the Minister of Advanced Education. Mr. Speaker, we learned this morning that the minister has been breaking the rules for years regarding his subletting his constituency office . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Sorry. I’m just going to let you know that type of questioning would be out of order. So please move on to a different question.

I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people have so many questions about the sublet scandal and the Minister of Advanced Education. The legislature rules . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to ask the member to apologize and withdraw that. I had just ruled that type of questioning out of order.

Jordan McPhail: — Apologize and withdraw, Mr. Speaker.

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

Provision of Emergency Health Care

Meara Conway: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday at 6:10 a.m. the status of Saskatoon hospitals was changed from normal to bypass, Mr. Speaker. So what happens when a hospital, let alone hospitals, go on bypass? Patients are often redirected. ICUs [intensive care unit] are unable to admit people. People are even turned away from the ER [emergency room].

Mr. Speaker, this is terrifying. It should never come to this in Saskatchewan’s largest city. So to the minister: can he explain? Does he know what happens when all of the hospitals in Saskatoon are on bypass?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, I’m going to take the opportunity to correct the record in my first answer because I assume I might get a couple questions on this today. At no point over the weekend were all Saskatoon hospitals on bypass or closed to patients, Mr. Speaker. All emergency departments were open to patients, accepting patients. And we’re not aware of any patients that were turned away, Mr. Speaker.

Now we understand from time to time there are pressures that our system faces, particularly in a city like Saskatoon where not only serves the residents of Saskatoon but also really folks from all over the northern half of the province, Mr. Speaker. This is exactly why we released the patients-first plan a couple of weeks ago, funded it in the budget that was voted on last week, Mr. Speaker, and exactly why we’re adding 146 acute care beds just in the city of Saskatoon, in those facilities, to serve the patients that live in Saskatoon and use Saskatoon to access health care.

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

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, we have photographic evidence that shows that Saskatoon hospitals were categorized from normal to bypass yesterday at 6:10 a.m. Can the minister explain himself, Mr. Speaker? “Nothing to see here” is not an acceptable answer.

Our ERs are bursting at the seam. Our ICUs are often unable to admit. And there’s a crisis on our medical wards too, Mr. Speaker. Because at the very same time in Saskatoon, there are 200 patients categorized as being in alternative-level-of-care beds, meaning that they should not be in hospital, that they should be discharged. But there is nowhere safe for them to go, Mr. Speaker, after a decade of neglect from this government. No home care, no long-term care, no primary care, no community supports for these people, Mr. Speaker.

So people who need care right now in Saskatoon are not getting it. And yes, people were turned away from the ER this weekend in Saskatoon.

What is the minister doing right now so that every hospital in Saskatoon is not also categorized as bypass next weekend? Because a 0.3 per cent increase to the health budget ain’t gonna do it.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — I think it’s incumbent on the 61 MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly] that stand on the floor of this Assembly to provide as accurate statements as possible when it comes to the health care of this province, Mr. Speaker.

I will reiterate once again, Mr. Speaker — I knew I would have to repeat myself on this one — not at any point in the weekend were all Saskatoon hospitals on bypass or not accepting patients. That is absolutely important to note, Mr. Speaker.

You know, Mr. Speaker, the member opposite talks about primary care. The member opposite talks about long-term care, Mr. Speaker. The largest ever long-term care investment in this province — my colleagues were there today — 240 beds here in the city of Regina, not to mention the 146 acute care beds, ICU and pediatric beds, that were part of this budget that we voted on last week, Mr. Speaker. If the member acknowledges that these are important investments, why did they vote against it last week?

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

Meara Conway: — So what does the minister think that means when a Saskatoon hospital goes on bypass? We haven’t gotten an answer. And there’s a fundamental difference between the Health minister and myself: I actually spoke to front-line emergency room nurses over the weekend. Did he? And, Mr. Speaker, I will put their account over his any day of the week.

And it’s not just Saskatoon patients that this government is failing, Mr. Speaker. They’re doing it right across the province. Prince Albert was also placed on bypass in the last two weeks. So was North Battleford, the minister’s own riding. All across this province, people now have to worry about whether they’re going to be turned away at the ER.

What will the minister do to stop this from happening, including in his own backyard? Because this old plan with a new cover, a 0.3 per cent bump to the health budget, and one band-aid after another ain’t gonna do it.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Now, Mr. Speaker, I will remind the member opposite there’s nearly a $400 million increase to the health care budget in this year’s budget that was voted on in this House on Thursday. The government here voted for that plan, for the patients-first plan, for the most ambitious health human resources action plan, Mr. Speaker. But the members opposite, they voted against that.

You know, we’ve seen this before, Mr. Speaker. Previously we’ve seen the Leader of the Opposition say that pediatric patients were being sent to North Dakota. That was not true. We’ve seen, Mr. Speaker . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — We’ve seen the members opposite misinterpret reports from emergency rooms, Mr. Speaker. And this is happening again right here, Mr. Speaker, with this example. Members, the critic, stood in front of a hospital in Saskatoon today and said that she couldn’t find a patient that was actually turned away, Mr. Speaker. That’s because there were no patients turned away in Saskatoon this last weekend.

Mr. Speaker, this government’s going to stay focused on the health human resources action plan, on the patients-first strategy, and ensuring that we’re building hospitals across the province.

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

Funding for Food Banks

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week we heard that the Moose Jaw Food Bank was forced to limit clients to one visit a month because they couldn’t keep up with demand. We are now aware that this problem is not just limited to Moose Jaw. The North Battleford food bank is being forced to cut back on the amount of food it provides to clients. That food bank feeds at least 10 per cent of people in that region.

Demand has risen drastically over the last year. What does the minister plan to do to keep 1 in 10 people in The Battlefords from going hungry?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And with regards to the food banks, the Food Banks of Saskatchewan were allocated $2 million — $1 million per year for two years, Mr. Speaker. That was during a time of unprecedented inflation that we saw across the country of Canada, Mr. Speaker. Every province was affected by food inflation.

This government has introduced a budget two weeks ago and voted on last week that will provide additional affordability enhancements. Two and a half billion dollars of affordability measures built into this year’s budget, things that include the doubling of the active families benefit, Mr. Speaker. We’re also taking more individuals off the tax rolls and enabling individuals in this province to keep more of their own money in their own pocket to be able to spend it where they think they need to spend it, Mr. Speaker.

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, a tax cut does not go a long way when somebody can’t even access a computer.

Mr. Speaker, the minister doesn’t seem to understand why food banks are struggling so badly. Well setting aside 20 years of neglect and disrespect under the Sask Party, he should take a look at the most recent budget. That bad-news budget completely eliminated the $1 million grant to food banks. They chose to do this when demand is higher than ever. Now in North Battleford, in Moose Jaw, people are being turned away hungry. Their kids are turned away hungry.

Will the minister reverse this callous and dangerous cut to food banks? Or will he let families and children in North Battleford go hungry?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Well like I said in my previous answer, Mr. Speaker, the Food Banks of Saskatchewan program — the $2 million over two years — that was done at a time when inflation was running wild right across this country, particularly when it came to food. Inflation rates were 7, 8, 9 per cent, Mr. Speaker. This was a government that answered the call of the food banks at that time, Mr. Speaker.

This opposition had the opportunity last week to vote in favour of a budget that is going to provide additional affordability measures — $500 million in additional affordability measures this year — including a number of things like increases to the seniors’ income program, Mr. Speaker. Other affordability measures like doubling the active families benefit and taking an additional, I believe it’s 42,000 individuals right off the tax rolls in this province, Mr. Speaker.

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

Transportation Funding for Northern Saskatchewan

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This Sask Party government’s bad-news budget cuts northern roads by $36 million. 122 million last year to 86 million this year. It’s right there in black and white.

These roads are essential for the people who live in the North to travel, but they’re also essential for the world-class job creators that need to move people and goods in and out of the North. These roads are already in rough shape, putting people, jobs, and investment at risk. And more cuts is going to make that worse.

Why is the Sask Party cutting the northern roads that are essential to its strong resource sector?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Highways.

Hon. Kim Gartner: — Mr. Speaker, the members opposite seem to be presenting budget numbers that are deliberately divisive. They are being very selective and avoiding actual fact.

Let’s look at the past few budgets and the funding for northern. ’24‑25, $67 million. ’25‑26, $122 million. A $55 million increase, Mr. Speaker. This year, $86 million. That $55 million is largely because we invested in a major bridge project between Air Ronge and La Ronge. The member opposite should ask their member from Cumberland if he’s ever driven that bridge. I’m sure he noticed the construction site.

We’re continuing to work with our community partners because it’s a priority of this government to deliver a safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation system, supporting Saskatchewan people, communities, and . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Can you pause the clock just for a second? Pause the clock just for a second. Yeah, just pause the clock for a second. I just was going to mention, “deliberately divisive” is giving intent to the opposition, and I’d ask that you don’t put intent on the other side. So I ask you to apologize for that, please.

Hon. Kim Gartner: — I apologize and withdraw.

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m going put the hours that my two northern brothers here have logged on the roads in the North up against anybody else on this side of the House, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, if the Sask Party government wants to attract jobs and investment here, they need to make sure that we have the infrastructure that companies need when they’re looking to make those investments. That means stability and predictability on things like power rates as well. And it also means reliable, safe roads for our mining and forestry sectors. While there’s a nuclear renaissance happening around this world, this government cuts funding for the roads into the world’s richest uranium deposits.

Can the Minister of Energy and Resources please explain to this side of the House how any of that makes sense?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Highways.

Hon. Kim Gartner: — Mr. Speaker, the ’26‑27 budget provides $86.3 million to build, operate, and maintain the transportation system in northern Saskatchewan . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please.

Hon. Kim Gartner: — Mr. Speaker, this year’s investment is consistent with the five-year average of over $80 million annually. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, the Minister of Highways does not allocate funding on specific regions of our province. Budget allocations vary from year to year as projects progress from completion and new projects enter the planning construction phase.

[14:15]

To illustrate this point, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to quote the mayor of La Ronge, Joe Hordyski, and his reaction to this year’s budget. He said, and I quote, “It is typical for these costs to fluctuate, noting the region recently received a $28 million highway upgrade from La Ronge to Sucker River and a new $15.8 million bridge in Air Ronge.”

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

Restrictions on Farm Landownership

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, for almost 20 years, that Sask Party government has failed to protect Saskatchewan farm land from illegal foreign acquisition and ownership. They’ve had ample opportunity to close loopholes that are supposed to protect that farm land.

We’ve been calling for action for years. We brought forward a bill to crack down that includes mandatory statutory declarations enshrined in law, fines of up to $10 million, and the ability of the courts to order the forfeiture of proceeds where land has been purchased illegally. Breaking the law shouldn’t pay.

Will the minister support our bill?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. David Marit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This government has always listened to the producers of this great province in the agriculture sector. That’s why, even years ago, previous Ag ministers strengthened the regulations, Mr. Speaker. We implemented all of the auditor’s recommendations, including signing the declarations on any sales of land.

Mr. Speaker, let’s make it very clear: in this country you have to be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to own land in the province of Saskatchewan. That is by law, Mr. Speaker. The Farm Land Security Board is demanding that statutory requirement. We continue to work . . . We have the strongest rules in place for farm landownership here in the province of Saskatchewan. We’ll continue to do that. We have a great board in the Farm Land Security Board, which is made up of farmers and ranchers, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Safety of Overpasses

Darcy Warrington: — There is an epidemic of overpass collisions in our province, Mr. Speaker. In the last month, four overpasses have been hit by trucks carrying oversized loads in Saskatoon alone. The price tag to repair the damages is estimated to cost the city of Saskatoon at least $900,000.

Fines charged by the government are nothing more than a slap on the wrist, and they’re obviously not working to prevent oversized loads from crashing into overpasses. These cause delays for families, download more costs to municipalities, and interrupt the flow of goods and people, damaging our economy.

What is the Minister of Highways going to do about this epidemic of overpass crashes in Saskatchewan today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Highways.

Hon. Kim Gartner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our road network is what connects us to friends, families, neighbours, essential services, and the economy that drives our province. Maintaining a safe, reliable, sustainable transportation system is a key focus of this government so that everyone travelling on our roads gets to their destination safely. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Why is the member on her feet?

MOTIONS

Second Reading of Bill No. 612

Aleana Young: — Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding the government’s agenda and what’s printed in Orders of the Day, I would seek leave to move the following motion:

That the Assembly immediately consider second reading of Bill No. 612, The Lower Power Bills and Car Insurance Act.

Speaker Goudy: — Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave is not granted.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 49 — The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2026

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak to Bill No. 49, The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2026. These amendments will support the new initiatives that were announced in our ’26‑27 provincial budget. The changes reflect our government’s continued focus on making life more affordable and supporting economic growth. They also ensure that the tax system remains efficient, clear, and aligned with the Canada Revenue Agency administrative requirements.

I am pleased that the volunteer first responders tax credit will be doubled from 3,000 to $6,000 effective January 1st, 2026. As a result the maximum annual income tax benefit will increase from $315 to $630. These personal income tax credits are available to volunteer firefighters, volunteer search and rescue personnel, and volunteer emergency medical first responders. Over 4,000 volunteers in Saskatchewan claim these tax credits each and every year.

These amendments also provide a five-year extension of companies eligible for the Saskatchewan chemical fertilizer incentive that received conditional approval by December 31st, 2026 to meet the minimum $10 million capital investment threshold by December 31st, 2031. The Saskatchewan chemical fertilizer incentive provides a non-refundable, non-transferable 15 per cent corporation income tax credit on capital expenditures valued at $10 million or more for newly constructed or expanded eligible chemical fertilizer production facilities in Saskatchewan.

In addition to these new announcements, this legislation includes some minor technical amendments at the request of the Canada Revenue Agency. For example, we are adding the finalized indexed tax credit amounts for the 2026 taxation year, and we are making updates to tax credit formulas to ensure indexation adjustments are applied smoothly in the coming years.

Mr. Speaker, these legislative amendments reflect our government’s commitment to deliver for Saskatchewan. Whether it’s helping individuals and families with affordability, supporting our volunteer first responders who protect Saskatchewan, or ensuring that our tax system remains fair and effective, these changes provide a brighter future for our province.

I now move second reading of The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2026.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 49, The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to be on my feet today and enter some remarks on Bill No. 49, The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2026. As the minister has stated, this bill does a number of things such as increasing tax credits: the basic personal amount, the spousal or equivalent-to-spouse amount, and dependent child amount.

One thing we’re very pleased to see is the tax credits doubling from 3,000 to 6,000 for volunteer firefighters, volunteer medical first responders, and volunteer search and rescue responders. This is even more important given the government’s response that we saw to last year’s wildfires that was dismal, and the selfless bravery of the volunteers that saved many lives and communities.

While we’re pleased to see these changes to promote affordability, it’s still not enough for people who need relief right here, right now. For example, I can’t say that a home reno tax credit is really that beneficial for people who are going to the food bank. Instead we need measures that people would see today at the register at the grocery store by taking the PST [provincial sales tax] off groceries and off kids’ clothes.

With those remarks, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 49.

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. 50 — The Financial Administration Amendment Act, 2026

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m here today to move second reading of Bill No. 50, The Financial Administration Amendment Act, 2026.

This legislation implements the on-reserve cannabis refund program that was announced in the 2026‑27 budget. The amendments explicitly include First Nations as eligible recipients. This strengthens the ability to support Indigenous-led economic development and ensures that First Nations can fully participate in and benefit from provincial initiatives.

These changes enhance capacity to provide direct support toward emerging sectors and organizations that may not have been eligible in the past. This helps foster diversification and positions Saskatchewan to take advantage of new economic opportunities. With clear authority to structure financial assistance, government can pursue strategic partnerships with high economic potential. Ultimately this enables more focused investments that deliver strong, measurable outcomes.

Mr. Speaker, I now move second reading of Bill No. 50, The Financial Administration Amendment Act, 2026.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 50, The Financial Administration Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to put some remarks on the record for Bill No. 50, The Financial Administration Amendment Act, 2026.

In summary, this bill allows the Ministry of Finance to create and administer grant programs, will permit compliance and cross-province transfers. It adds a clause of immunity for ministry employees who carry out their actions in good faith, and grants and programs can be paid retroactively within the calendar year.

So of course we support responsible, efficient financial management. We’ll do some talking to our stakeholders on this bill because the Sask Party government has a long history of centralizing power and only making things less efficient. People and businesses in this province need grants right now because under that Sask Party government, the economy is struggling and people can’t invest in their future.

With that, I seek to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 50.

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. 51 — The Corporation Capital Tax Amendment Act, 2026

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to move second reading of Bill No. 51, The Corporation Capital Tax Amendment Act, 2026.

Mr. Speaker, this bill will phase out corporation capital tax, or CCT as it’s known, on all Crown corporations over two years by reducing the tax rate from 0.6 per cent to 0.3 per cent effective April 1st, 2026, and then fully eliminating it effective April 1st, 2027. It will eliminate the 0.9 per cent telecommunications CCT surtax on Crown corporations effective April 1st, 2027. It will increase the CCT on large financial institutions from 4 per cent to 6 per cent effective April 1st, 2026, and it will eliminate the CCT on small financial institutions effective April 1st, 2026.

These amendments will align Saskatchewan’s CCT framework with other provinces and help to support growth and competitiveness for Crown corporations and small financial institutions. Saskatchewan is currently the only jurisdiction that applies CCT to Crown corporations and small financial institutions and has the lowest CCT rate on large financial institutions.

The tax rate increase to large financial institutions is expected to generate approximately $40 million of revenue annually. The elimination of CCT on small financial institutions accounts for less than $1 million in CCT annual revenues. The elimination of CCT for Crowns has no financial impact, as the Crown corporations are included in the summary budget. In addition the bill proposes to remove old and obsolete tax provisions, removing red tape.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to move second reading of The Corporation Capital Tax Amendment Act, 2026.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 51, The Corporation Capital Tax Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a few comments on Bill No. 51, The Corporation Capital Tax Amendment Act, 2026. This is a housekeeping bill cleaning up outdated references, and it seeks to remove red tape.

It’s good that we’re cleaning this up and making things a bit easier for the businesses, the financial institutions that are referenced in the Act. We should be doing more for all businesses in the province, including suspending the gas tax and being straightforward with them about the power rate hike, like the good folks at the Sask Industrial Energy Consumer Association called for back in December.

[14:30]

With that, I seek to adjourn debate on Bill No. 51.

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. 52 — The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to move the second reading of The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026.

The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026 introduces a new, non-refundable application fee for archaeological and paleontological investigative permits. This new heritage investigation permit application fee will be retroactive to April 1st, 2026.

Heritage professionals, archaeologists, and paleontologists require investigation permits to conduct heritage impact assessments for development projects on behalf of industry clients. Investigation permit applications and fee payments will be made through the new heritage resources screening online regulatory system. The new heritage resources screening system, launched this past February, was developed to streamline heritage regulations for industry and heritage professional clients.

The Government of Saskatchewan is preparing regulatory amendments necessary to bring the new fee into effect. These regulations are expected to be finalized shortly. Additional details will be made public once the regulatory amendments are completed.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I now move second reading of The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 52, The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m on my feet today to enter some remarks on Bill No. 52, The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026. Gosh, Mr. Speaker, this Sask Party government never met a fee that they didn’t like, and here we go with another one. We’re very curious to know what the fee is going to be.

And of course the preservation of heritage properties and sites is important work. Unfortunately in my constituency of Saskatoon Riversdale and throughout Saskatoon there’s a number of heritage properties that we have seen be demolished over the years. And that’s always a sad thing to see, but I am heartened by the number of incredible heritage sites that we do still have and that we’re developing. I think about the Wanuskewin Heritage Park and all the great work that’s happening there.

And so with that I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 52.

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. 53 — The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act, 2026

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And at the conclusion of my remarks, I will be moving second reading of The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act, 2026.

The Saskatchewan chemical fertilizer incentive, or SCFI, is a non-refundable tax credit on capital expenditures for newly constructed or expanded chemical fertilizer production facilities in Saskatchewan. This legislation supports continued investment in one of Saskatchewan’s most strategic sectors, fertilizer production, which plays a critical role in our province’s economy, our export strength, and global food security.

The program encourages investment and stimulates chemical fertilizer manufacturing in a capital-intensive, highly competitive sector. The current program sunsets on December 31st, 2026, meaning no applications will be accepted after that day. Proponents with conditional approval prior to that date will continue to have up to five years to make the necessary capital investments to receive the credit.

This program was created to ensure Saskatchewan remains competitive, closing a gap Saskatchewan had with other jurisdictions. Prior to the SCFI program’s inception, Saskatchewan had missed out on chemical fertilizer investments to other jurisdictions.

This incentive has been a key piece to supporting Saskatchewan’s growth plan goals. More specifically, it’s been imperative to diversifying the provincial economy and growing capital investment in Saskatchewan to $16 billion annually. And the results are impressive. Since the launch of SCFI in July of 2020, the SCFI program has incentivized an estimated $1.7 billion in capital expenditures. This capital has supported thousands of jobs and significant tax revenues.

Under the amendments, the Act will continue to help our economy grow by extending the eligibility date for capital expenditures by five years. It will also introduce a clear end date for applying for an SCFI eligibility certificate to ensure the incentive remains targeted and time-bound, while providing proponents with the certainty they need to advance investment decisions.

Saskatchewan’s low taxes, utility rates, and suite of incentives is what allows our province to be one of the best places in the world to invest and do business. Our province is focused on building opportunities in new and emerging sectors, growing existing sectors, and connecting the world to Saskatchewan. Through hard work and determination, generations of people from all walks of life have helped build the strong and resilient economy that we have, an economy that delivers and protects people who call Saskatchewan home.

I’m proud to be a part of a government that is fiercely committed to fostering a stable business environment, competitive incentives, and personalized support that makes doing business easy. This incentive supports our commitment to delivering a strong, competitive Saskatchewan economy. It’s just one example of the Saskatchewan advantage, the advantage that protects the people of this province.

Saskatchewan has the strongest economy in Canada, and our work continues to make it even stronger. Ranking first among provinces for growth and private capital investment, we reached $13.6 billion in 2025. That’s a 12 per cent increase from the previous year. That marks the fourth consecutive year for impressive growth in the area, and it’s because of incentives like the SCFI that our jurisdiction is seeing these results.

Statistics Canada latest GDP [gross domestic product] numbers indicate the Saskatchewan 2024 real . . . I’m not really sure why I’m getting heckled, Mr. Speaker, from across the side of the floor, reading a second reading speech on the economy.

Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2024 real GDP reached an all-time high of $83.6 billion. That’s an increase of 2.5 billion or 3.1 per cent. This ranks Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.7 per cent. An amazing accomplishment, Mr. Speaker, which I can tell the members opposite are not excited about.

This government is protecting Saskatchewan’s future by investing in people, supporting key industries, and strengthening economic competitiveness. I’m confident that the SCFI will help us continue to do just that. We are aware of additional interest in using the SCFI to make significant capital investments in our province. New investments generated by the program will bring in new corporate income and property tax revenues, new jobs and associated personal income tax, and more opportunities for local suppliers and services, all of which will further strengthen not only today’s economy but our brilliant future.

Saskatchewan has the food, fuel, fertilizer, and critical minerals the world needs, and our reputation as a reliable supplier of safe and sustainably produced, high-quality products is recognized globally. The SCFI will ensure that manufacturers here in Saskatchewan continue to have confidence in our province. With the amendments to SCFI, more businesses will be able to grow and to contribute to our strong economy. This is just one of the many ways that this government is protecting Saskatchewan.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to now move second reading of The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 53, The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to put some words on the record on Bill No. 53, The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act, 2026.

And while I assure this Assembly I won’t be as verbose as my colleague across the aisle here, there are a few things to note. So there are a number of details in this Act about eligible capital expenditures, how they’re being extended, and that sort of thing.

But what I think we really want to talk about when it comes to this bill and incentivizing the economy in general is that investors need a government that is reliable, that is grown-up, that can budget and not be off by a billion dollars. That can say, “Hey, this is what our power rate is going to be. Do you have some input?” And actually take that into consideration and not just go willy-nilly increasing costs for everybody including businesses that are, many of them, already on the brink.

This is a very difficult time and the wish-washing from the government about how much things are going to cost is not helpful. How much will the new coal refurbishment cost? A couple million? I don’t know. A couple billion? They need to get their act together and give the investors some confidence that there’s adults at the table.

And so I mean, yes, this is a great bill — incentivizing business — but let’s be a bit more grown-up and do the real work to make this a province that people have faith in investing in. And with that . . .

Speaker Goudy: — All right. 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. 54 — The Correctional Services Amendment Act, 2026

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Community Safety.

Hon. Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to rise today to move second reading of The Correctional Services Amendment Act, 2026. This Act is being amended in part in response to the Supreme Court of Canada’s recent ruling that found that Saskatchewan’s legal framework for major disciplinary hearings requires independent adjudication and the criminal standard of proof. Changes to the Act are needed to bring the entire legislative regime into compliance with the Charter.

The legislative amendments will strengthen inmate accountability, improve institutional security, and advance broader public safety goals. Administrative segregation provisions are also being amended to provide better oversight, time limits, and safeguards for vulnerable inmates to ensure compliance with the Charter based on recent court decisions in other jurisdictions.

Additional amendments include relocating certain provisions regarding inmate transfers to the regulations and addressing other matters.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I now move second reading of The Correctional Services Amendment Act, 2026.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 54, The Correctional Services Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to enter in comments on the debate for Bill No. 54, The Correctional Services Amendment Act, 2026. On this Act we’ll be consulting with our stakeholders on these changes and whether they expect it will create a safer environment in correctional facilities or not.

And this is a reminder that the crime rates in this province are out of control. Our prisons are overcrowded, creating dangerous conditions for inmates and workers. We need to make meaningful changes to address public safety.

With that, I wish to adjourn debate on Bill No. 54.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 24

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

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m honoured to rise today in the Legislative Assembly to enter into debate on The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act, or Bill No. 24.

Now, Mr. Speaker, it’s been said numerous times here in the legislature that we are experiencing very challenging issues when it comes to international trade and relationships, and we know that tariffs, global conflicts, and other disruptions to trade are impacting local producers and businesses. And with that in mind, I appreciate the opportunity to enter some thoughts into Hansard on this bill.

Now in summary, Bill No. 24 is intended to remove barriers and expand options for trade between our province and other provinces. The bill thus proposes that goods and services that are acceptable in other regions of Canada will also be accepted in Saskatchewan. In short, we will accept the regulations of goods and services from other provinces.

Again, Mr. Speaker, given the difficulties we are facing with trade with international partners, it makes sense to ensure that goods and services can be traded amongst provinces in our own country. And in fact we have put forward a very similar bill on our side because we recognize that reducing limitations on interprovincial trade will be good for people in Saskatchewan.

[14:45]

But on that note, Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that as the party of labour, we have included occupational health and safety standards in our bill. And this is because we want to ensure that Saskatchewan workers are protected and that their well-being is front and centre when it comes to our provincial economy.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues have already spoken at length on this bill. So at this point, I believe that this bill is ready to go to the next stage and be sent to committee. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is a motion by the member that Bill No. 24, The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act be now read a second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — To which committee shall this bill be committed? I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — To the Standing Committee on the Economy, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — This bill stands committed to the Standing Committee on the Economy.

STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

Ruling on a Point of Order

Speaker Goudy: — And as outlined in my ruling dated November 3rd, 2025, now that Bill No. 24 has passed second reading, and to prevent the Assembly from reaching contradictory decisions on questions of the same subject, I order that Bill No. 605 be removed from the order paper.

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

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 Coronation Park.

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure and honour to be on my feet to enter in debate on Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025. Mr. Speaker, credit unions are member-based co‑operatives, and they are not just like a normal banking structure we have. They normally pay back the profit to the communities, to local initiatives, and they invest in the communities.

Which I am really, really thankful for their efforts into strengthening our economy by contributing into our economy and local, especially business they are supporting. Like normal banks that we have, they normally pay the benefit to their shareholder. Might be the shareholder would be not even in the country.

In this bill, I was just putting my remarks, the importance and contribution of those credit union co‑operatives that we have. They are providing services in far-flung, in rural areas that you can see a lot. Their contribution is a lot. They’re giving back to the communities.

And I will just quickly go with that, that they are normally supporting small, medium-sized business entrepreneurs in local areas. They created job creation as well in the local areas, and their impact will be definitely on the local communities that they can . . . Local people, they will get jobs, for some high school kids over there as well. And they are also contributing into innovation as well to different kinds of institutions that they do it.

Mr. Speaker, they are doing community support investment, and they also do member engagement as well. With that I will say, Mr. Speaker, in the bill they are talking about, that they have to be looking into the membership, how the membership will have to go and how they can refine.

Mr. Speaker, as being working for a long time in workflow analysis, in solving . . . [inaudible] . . . project, we normally have so many things so redundant that we want to clarify them from time to time. So it is always important that we have to go back to make sure we can keep the things up to date, transparent, clear, crystal, and make sure it should be really efficient as well, that local system really efficient as well.

I will not be talking a lot about that because our critic will look into that, and we will look into that to make sure that they can see that they are meeting all the criteria by contacting with the stakeholders. With that I will be moving the debate on this bill to the next stage of the process. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is a motion by the minister that Bill No. 33, The Credit Union Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — To which committee shall this bill be committed? I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice.

Speaker Goudy: — This bill stands committed to the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice.

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 Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to be on my feet here today to enter some remarks for Bill No. 38, The Building Schools Faster Act; The Building Schools Faster Consequential Amendment Act, which I’ll speak to in Bill No. 39.

You know, Mr. Speaker, we’ve just gone through the budget process in this House. And last week we voted off the government’s bad-news budget, Mr. Speaker, that didn’t see any new affordability relief measures introduced during a cost-of-living crisis. And we saw a health care funding increase of 0.3 per cent over last year’s funding. And lastly we saw funding for education really also flatline. We saw per-student funding actually reduced by $33 when you take into account inflation and when you take into account population growth. So in fact we did see a cut to per-student funding, not the growth we were hoping to see. But we also saw, when you dived into the finer print of that budget, pausing of repairs as far as it goes with schools in the province.

And you know, I left some remarks on the record as far as the budget goes about the coincidental jumping of the queue of a school from Shellbrook to the top of the line. And there are over 200 other schools in worse shape, Mr. Speaker, than the school in Shellbrook. And at the time I said, you know, I think that there are a lot of answers to be had here from the Minister of Education and our Premier here in the province.

Mr. Speaker, The Building Schools Faster Act . . . You know, this government has been in power now for 18 years. This is a mess that they’ve created, Mr. Speaker. And it’s just so interesting to see that in the last, you know, gasping breaths of this government, that they need to bring in an Act to kind of fix up all the mess that they made in building schools.

And I think, you know, a through line to this moment was when the government moved the responsibility of building schools from the Ministry of Education — and some might say politicizing the building of schools — into the Ministry of SaskBuilds, really bringing everything together under one thumb. And as we brought everything under that thumb, we saw that we couldn’t get schools built fast enough.

We also saw conflicts with municipalities across Saskatchewan. We heard from boards and divisions, you know, who have been frustrated about how difficult it has been to get schools built in Saskatchewan. You know, the promise of moving the building of schools into SaskBuilds was savings and efficiency, Mr. Speaker. We have not seen those savings. We have not seen those efficiencies. The system worked great before. Why change it?

And so, Mr. Speaker, I won’t belabour Bill No. 38 too long other than saying, you know, we have a community in Saskatoon of Brighton with nearly 9,000 people. I really, really hope that The Building Schools Faster Act gets that school in Brighton built, Mr. Speaker.

And you know, just two weekends ago we were out door knocking in White City, where absolutely every single door we knocked on, regardless of who those individuals voted for, they signed our petition calling on a school to be built in White City, one of the largest communities in Saskatchewan that doesn’t have a high school.

And I will note, Mr. Speaker, that in both of those communities — be it Saskatoon or in the White City, in the Balgonie area — we’ve got schools bursting at the seams. In Saskatoon specifically, every high school in Saskatoon is over 100 per cent capacity. I have a Bachelor of Education. I’ve got a lot of cohort who are teaching in Saskatchewan, across the province but specifically in Saskatoon, where we’ve got a high school like Centennial in Saskatoon, where at the break time the lineups for the bathroom just start, you know, like down the hallways. Lineups for the water fountains down the hallways.

You know, this is a school that is bursting at the seams, and we have not been able to get that school built in Brighton. Mr. Speaker, the promise of Brighton. My partner is a real estate agent selling houses in Brighton all the time. Why? Because people love the neighbourhood, and the promise of Brighton was that there would be a high school for their kids. There are 9,000 families living in Brighton. Those families want a school nearby, in their backyard, and the promise of that school has not been delivered.

So I will digress; we have committee to get to today. Mr. Speaker, building schools faster, I think I’ve canvassed, schools in poor or critical condition. Our members on this side have toured those schools. Mr. Speaker, with that I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 38, The Building Schools Faster 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 Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Standing on my feet to speak to The Building Schools Faster Consequential Amendment Act, 2025, which is Bill 39. I will ask that the comments that I’ve left on the record for Bill No. 38 be counted. And at this time then I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 39, The Building Schools Faster Consequential 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. 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 Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Jumping up, back on my feet here for a couple bills. This time I am speaking to Bill No. 40, The Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2025.

Mr. Speaker, on this side we will sometimes joke, you know, if you have a song in your heart to speak to a bill, speak now or forever hold your peace. And yeah, you know, me and the member from Saskatoon Stonebridge debated back and forth who loved animals more. Maybe, I don’t know, who had the bigger song in their heart.

You know, Mr. Speaker, over the last couple of weeks we’ve had budget responses, and it’s been fabulous to hear — I didn’t actually put this in my budget speech — just amazing to hear all the amazing families that are represented in this Legislative Assembly. Every family is different. You know, for my partner and I, we don’t have any kids, but we’re blessed with lots of nieces and nephews and cousins who are having babies. And so the family gatherings have lots of kids involved. But for us, you know, I think that the family, the children are going to probably be the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that we have as our “kids,” Mr. Speaker, and you know, a cat.

So when we have a bill before the House . . . And maybe it’s a stereotype of my community, but we do love pets. We love our animals. You know, I’m sure there’s a joke to be had there that I could get into. But you know, Mr. Speaker, just happy to see the government looking into ensuring that we have Acts that are up to date as it relates to the treatment of animals in our province.

We are an agriculture province. Those agriculture critters, the animals that we oversee, they are an important economic asset for so many folks. I think possibly the Ag minister or the former Ag minister talked about just how much, you know, a calf, the cost of a calf has increased over his time even probably in the legislature, and so important economic assets.

But it’s also, I think, really important — we talk about as a society — that we have to care for the least among us. And I really do believe that the care and treatment of animals is how we could and should be judged when we’re . . . Or how have we judged the least among us? How have we treated the animals in our care? Be it if they are house pets or if they are agriculture, if it’s an economic asset, they’re living and breathing creatures that deserve that respect and dignity.

[15:00]

And I know I kind of did some searching. And you kind of look at kind of faiths across the world — you know, the Bible or the Quran or, you know, faiths. But the Bible even presents that animal care is a moral duty, emphasizing stewardship over exploitation. We see that in Proverbs, highlighting that righteous people care for their animals. And so there is also kind of a faith-based element, I think, too. There are the faiths across the world, Islam or Judaism, that have very specific rules as to how the animals in our care that we will eventually consume be taken care of.

And so I think really important that we get this right, and that we continue to be up on the most up-to-date information as far as it relates to animal welfare and the care of the very important economic asset that Saskatchewan is known for and that folks across this province are so proud to be a part of.

So, Mr. Speaker, at this time I am happy to see Bill No. 40, The Animal Protection Amendment Act moved on to its next stages.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion by the minister that Bill No. 40, The Animal Protection Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — To which committee shall this bill be committed? I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Speaker Goudy: — This bill stands committed to the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Bill No. 41

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

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to enter into debate with respect to Bill No. 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act.

Mr. Speaker, I do so here on Treaty 4 territory, the homeland of the Métis in this wonderful province that’s been built upon that foundation, that Indigenous foundation, and built with wave upon wave of immigration from all around this world, and a province that has the motto “from many peoples, strength.” Mr. Speaker, this is something we need to be proud of and something that remains aspirational as well, where we need to continue to live up to that promise.

Certainly this is a province of people from many faiths, many ethnicities, many backgrounds, Mr. Speaker, and that’s in part what gives a tremendous strength to this province. And it’s valuable for us to recognize the heritage of many across this province, Mr. Speaker. I think of the Sikh heritage Act and the Sikh Heritage Month that we had brought forward — I had brought that forward — as a piece of legislation many years ago. And it had been voted down at that time, not supported, Mr. Speaker, which was unfortunate.

Now it has been brought forward in the last year here and has been supported and passed. And I’m glad to see as well that that bill will continue to be enshrined in law, Mr. Speaker, recognizing those immense contributions.

I think of the piece of legislation recently brought forward as well by the member from Regina Coronation Park, the Islamic heritage Act, Mr. Speaker. Again another important piece of recognition, important legislation as well, Mr. Speaker, that’s been brought forward.

So it’s important for us in this Assembly to be able to honour the many faiths and many peoples that give this province strength and to recognize their culture and their heritage, Mr. Speaker, in pursuit of that stronger Saskatchewan and stronger Canada for all as well.

With that being said, I know our critic will have lots of input around the committee process as well, Mr. Speaker. But again, you know, that motto of ours, “from many peoples, strength.” You know, let’s continue to all do our part, Mr. Speaker, to make sure that we can live up to that motto and that we’re able to benefit from the strengths of many across this province.

With that being said, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 41.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 Churchill-Wildwood.

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to rise and enter debate on this bill. You know, this bill does seek to make it easier for a town or a city or a village to run their municipality, you know, and on this side of the House we do support that in principle. We’re going to be doing some consultations with stakeholders.

I do feel like I need to say how ironic it is that the government is bringing legislation, which is great if we’re reducing red tape and making it easier to run a municipality, but on the other hand they do literally everything that they can to make it actually more difficult to run a city or a town.

You know, when I was visiting a smaller community in Saskatoon . . . I want to quote a gentleman who was working as an administrator in a village office who said — and I’m going to alter one of the words he said to make it sort of more appropriate for a legislative Chamber — so he says, “I just want to get back to running a blanking village.”

And everywhere we go, Mr. Speaker, whether it be a city or a town or a village, we hear them say, we want to get back to running a city or a town or a village. But what this government does is they continue to download responsibilities for things that are provincial responsibilities. So whether it be . . . when I go to a small town and talk to the administrator and they say, why do we have to pay for private messaging apps to let people in our village know when our hospital is closed? That’s an excellent question. That is creating more red tape, more cost, more work for small municipalities. And it’s frankly the province’s job.

And it’s the same thing in my home city of Saskatoon when we talk to the people that run the city. They say, we want to get back to running an awesome city. We want to make Saskatoon the best city in the country to live in. But the city continues to have to pay for the costs of homelessness and social disorder that this government systematically has downloaded onto the city of Saskatoon.

You know, I think it’s interesting that when today in the Chamber and often in the Chamber, we hear the members love to talk about what happens in Ottawa, in Winnipeg, in Victoria, but they never want to talk about what’s happening in Saskatoon or St. Isidore-de-Bellevue or Prud’homme or Davidson or Kerrobert. And you know, we want to support cities and towns and helping them make it easier for them to do their job. And we’re going to do that by talking about the communities and the folks that matter here in Saskatchewan, not places and people far away from here.

With that, I move to adjourn debate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Honoured to be on my feet here to speak to Bill 44, The Co‑operatives Act of 2025. Again this is something that was debated by members of my caucus. I just want to say a few words to add to it.

Obviously it’s an enormous bill and would require some extensive consultations with stakeholders, and I’m sure that that’s been done a few times now. I would also like to speak a little bit about the co‑ops in the North because I was quite excited to see that we have a co‑op now up in Ile-a-la-Crosse and then one in Buffalo Narrows. And that’s nice seeing that they’re affiliated to the co‑ops in Meadow Lake.

Some people were asking, and I remember having a conversation just a week ago regarding the co‑op and the rebates. And I figure this is tax season now so we’re going to start seeing those rebates to see what kind of money we actually spent throughout the year. I know for us with the gas, it’s going to be pretty brutal, you know, and to see what type of rebate you get for groceries and everything else.

Mr. Speaker, one of the things that I also liked about the co‑op is that they’re community based and they’re giving back to the community. So coming now into spring and seeing that all of the ball teams and everything, I know I’ve seen a couple of posters now. Be hosting some barbecues outside these co‑ops to be able to be give back to these and help fundraise for these ball teams and some of the northern athletes. And I figure that’s really nice to see as well.

Now I’ve been a co‑op member for years and I know a lot of my family members and people from throughout the Northwest have also been co‑op members. And I used to wonder when I was a . . . with some of the people’d say, “Use my co‑op card or my number,” to be able to get that rebate. I kind of didn’t understand what that was all about growing up in the North until you start to get a little older and see what that’s all about, Mr. Speaker.

So again, I’m excited for the communities of both Ile-a-la-Crosse and Buffalo Narrows. And I know that they’re seeing first-hand the money that’s going back into the community because co‑ops are community based, Mr. Speaker.

But with this bill, you know, I know that we’ve had numerous debates on it now from our caucus on this side. I’m going to say that this can now move to committee, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is a motion by the minister that Bill No. 44, The Co‑operatives Act, 2025 be now read a second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — To which committee shall this bill be committed? I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice.

Speaker Goudy: — This bill stands committed to the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice.

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 Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Again to rise on my feet to speak to The Co‑operatives Consequential Amendments Act, 2025. Again I’ll just let my comments stay on record, and I’ll move to move this to a committee as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion by the minister that Bill No. 45, The Co‑operatives Consequential Amendments Act, 2025 be now read a second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — To which committee shall this bill be committed? I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice.

Speaker Goudy: — This bill stands committed to the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice.

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 Regina Coronation Park.

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour again to be on my feet to enter into debate on Bill 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act. Mr. Speaker, we all know in this House that drugs are not really a healthy substance. And most of the life that I’ve been spending in high schools with kids, whenever I was talking to them, some of them were smoking. And I just asked the question like, how you start smoking? Most of the university students, young people, they were saying it was peer pressure.

Mr. Speaker, sometimes small things become really, really very hard and painful for family, for community, and overall for the province as well.

One of my friends, his son was a really brilliant son. He went to a very private school, very well educated, a very talented person ever I met, young person. He went into some kind of situation, some depression. And stuff happened, and he leaned towards those kind of drugs. And eventfully, thanks, God, their parents put him in a very good treatment, and he recovered from that. So thanks, God, that he’s been recovered and he is again very professional in his study as well.

So, Mr. Speaker, if we’re talking about any drug or any illicit drugs that we can see in the market, of the people are using it, there will be somehow, some way, some reason behind that. And I will say that affordability is one of the biggest things that I have met with a lot of people, people especially when they are stressed financially. If they don’t pay their rent, if they don’t have money to pay for their rent or kitchen or they can’t do day-to-day things in a normal way, they normally stress. And when they get stressed, they want to get a release of the stress by leaning on one side or the other on some kind of drugs.

[15:15]

Mr. Speaker, I will be not saying that it is not something that we can’t work on to make sure our province, our communities be safer, but that it needs a little bit of investment in the treatment as well to make sure we take it very seriously. And if we’re losing one person due to that by overdose or poisoning themselves, that is not only one person. That is the entire family, and that makes a big hole in their family. I’ve been a witness that I went to so many young people’s funerals. When I see their families, they are completely collapsed.

Mr. Speaker, I will say that it is really unfortunate for the immediate family. But it is not immediate family, it’s the entire community as well. And those kids that I watch, when I see they passed away, when I went back to the classes, to the school, I could see their friends were not very happy.

Mr. Speaker, I will be not putting a lot of time into that, but our critic on this portfolio will look into the detail of that and will be getting hold of stakeholders. With that, I will adjourn debate on Bill No. 47, the response to illicit drugs. 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. 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 Regina Mount Royal.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thanks, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to enter in with respect to Bill No. 48, albeit briefly here today, The Compassionate Intervention Act, Mr. Speaker.

This speaks to issues and hurt and loss that cuts across this entire province, all of our ridings, all of our communities. Mr. Speaker, when we’re talking about those that are in the grips of addiction, they’ve lost themselves or lost loved ones to addiction, Mr. Speaker. And what we’ve seen in the last number of years in our communities and in our province — rural and urban, small town and big city, northern and otherwise — is awful, Mr. Speaker.

The kind of hurt and loss that families have endured, that communities have endured is nothing short of devastating and heartbreaking, Mr. Speaker. And you know, certainly we’ve provided much advocacy on this front over the years, Mr. Speaker, called for this to become a significant priority and for action to be taken. Unfortunately by all measures, this government and this issue is going in the wrong direction, Mr. Speaker, when you look at the loss across this province.

So certainly we will be supportive of important measures, Mr. Speaker, and we’ll be constructive in bringing forward improvements to that conversation and to that committee as well, Mr. Speaker.

Something that’s a real challenge right now in this province is just the lack of voluntary options that are there when somebody needs it, Mr. Speaker. We see this so often in our offices and in our advocacy, sometimes as families as well in our communities, Mr. Speaker.

But so often when someone’s reaching out, desperately pleading for help and looking for supports, those supports are far too off, delayed by weeks or months at a time in one’s life where minutes may matter, Mr. Speaker. And certainly we need to meet people where they’re at and seize that opportunity where somebody’s ready to engage with support and treatment that’s just not there, Mr. Speaker.

The delays to those that are suffering or in the grips of addiction, those delays of course can be incredibly tragic, Mr. Speaker. We see many lives that are lost. But we also have a window of opportunity when somebody reaches out — whether they be a young mom or, you know, a young child, or an older person in our community, Mr. Speaker — to say that they need help. We need to do all we can to make sure that that help is there at that moment and that the wraparound supports are there for the family as well, Mr. Speaker. We need to do a whole lot better on this front, Mr. Speaker.

With that being said, with respect to Bill No. 48, at this time I would move to adjourn debate.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To facilitate the work of committees, I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.

Speaker Goudy: — It has 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: — Carried. This Assembly stands adjourned until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:20.]

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

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