Brad Crassweller: — To you and through you, Mr. Speaker, it’s my privilege on behalf of our Premier and the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport to welcome a very special group to the legislature today, seated in the west gallery. The Sikh Society of Regina is here today as we celebrated the Sikh flag-raising ceremony earlier today in front of the Legislative Building.

It was a great ceremony with many people in attendance. Our provincial motto, “from many peoples, strength,” was on full display. And as Legislative Secretary for Parks, Culture and Sport, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the many opportunities I’ve had, been given, to be a part of the variety of Indo-Canadian events throughout the year.

I want to thank the Sikh community for being here today and thank them for all they do to enrich our diverse communities and our province. Our government values the relationship we have developed and will continue to develop with the Indo-Canadian community. Because it’s in and through those relationships that we can work together to build stronger communities, stronger cities, and a stronger province.

I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming the Sikh community to this, their legislature. Thank you.

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

Bhajan Brar: — Mr. Speaker, I request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Bhajan Brar: — Mr. Speaker, today is a special day for the Sikh community, Khalsa Sajna Diwas and Vaisakhi. So there are a number of guests sitting in the west gallery . . . [inaudible] . . . community and other people.

I would like to take the name of them: Manjit Singh Bariar, Hardee Singh, Satwinderpal Singh, Jatinder Singh Brar, Jagpal Singh, Fatehveer Singh, Manpreet Singh, Jashanpreet Singh Ahuja, Manmeet Singh, Ajitpal Singh Bhullar, Lovedeep Singh, Sarabjit Singh, Avtar Singh Virk, Gurjinder Singh, and Kuldeep Singh.

So I request to all members, please join me to welcome them to their Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know I have some other colleagues that will have more words to share about this specific guest, but I do want to recognize an old, former colleague, Ken Francis, the former MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] for Kindersley. It’s good to see him back in this room. I miss him being in this room with us. He became a good friend over the years that we had the opportunity to serve together. And I just ask all members to join me in welcoming Mr. Francis to his legislature.

Just while I’m on my feet though, I’d like to introduce another mayor from the western half of the province, and that’s the mayor of my hometown, Mr. Ames Leslie, the mayor of Battleford.

Ames has been a long-standing figure in local Battlefords politics. His family goes back many years in our community. And I just want to . . . I had an opportunity to work with a couple of great mayors in my community as well as reeves of surrounding rural municipalities. Very fortunate to have a mayor like Ames, who’s a positive voice for our community at a provincial and a national level. Mr. Speaker, I would ask all members to join me in welcoming Ames to this, his legislature.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to join with the minister opposite to welcome these two individuals to their Assembly as well, but to start off, to welcome Ken Francis back to his Assembly. Of course he served as an MLA, and it’s wonderful to have him here today.

I like having him up there, Mr. Speaker, because I know I’m safe from his cross-check when he’s seated up there in the gallery. We miss him on the floor of this Assembly most of the time, Mr. Speaker, and certainly his team missed him out at the MLA hockey game this year.

But I’m pleased to welcome Ken Francis back to his Assembly and to thank him for his continued service to his province. He’s here with SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] of course this week, continuing to represent the people within his riding. So I ask all members to join with me in welcoming, as was said, a very old friend, Ken Francis, to his Assembly. Very old, Mr. Speaker, very old.

I’d also like to welcome Ames Leslie, a leader in this province, the mayor of The Battlefords, to his Assembly. Certainly he leads in so many ways. He’s a strong leader as well within that SUMA community, and it’s wonderful to have him here in his Assembly. We thank him for his service and leadership to his community. And on behalf of the official opposition, we provide a very warm welcome.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Highways.

Hon. Kim Gartner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to you and through you and to all members, it’s my pleasure to introduce some representatives from the town of Kindersley. They proudly represent a community in my riding that is the hub of economic activity in this province. Joining us today is Deputy Mayor Warren Schafer, CAO [chief administrative officer] Marty Baroni, director of infrastructure and engineering Chad Levitt.

And joining them, Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome my predecessor and the mayor of Kindersley, Ken Francis, who is no stranger to this Chamber, having served as the MLA for the Kindersley constituency from 2018 to 2024. He’s known to many in this Chamber as possessing a quick wit and a very sharp sense of humour. Ken also has a very special appreciation for our highway line-painting program — that’s an inside one. Mr. Speaker, I know him as a mentor. I know him as a strong advocate for Saskatchewan and for his home community of Kindersley.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to welcome these fantastic municipal leaders to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I want to join the Minister of Highways in welcoming Mr. Ken Francis to this, his Legislative Assembly.

Quick story, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Francis had the opportunity to serve as the Saskatchewan lead of the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region, Mr. Speaker, and the North American Strategy for Competitiveness organization. After he announced his retirement, I had the privilege of assuming those responsibilities. And it didn’t matter where I went across Mexico, United States, or Canada, Mr. Speaker, I always got the first question when I walked into those meetings: are you the new Kenny Francis? And I always said, yes, I’m just a little bit younger and better looking.

Thank you to Mr. Francis for all of his hard work in that area and his true advocacy for everything that this province produces and truly put it on the North American map. So to you and through you, Mr. Speaker, welcome Mr. Ken Francis to this, his Legislative Assembly.

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

Erika Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet and join with the members opposite in welcoming to our legislature here this morning these community leaders from Kindersley and Battleford while they’re here attending the SUMA convention, where we’re having such a wonderful opportunity with conversations with community leaders from right across this province. And I’d just like to ask all members to join me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of SaskBuilds.

Hon. Sean Wilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not introducing Ken Francis.

In the west gallery, I have four elected officials from Canora-Pelly. From right to left — just lift your hand up when I call your name — Kerry Trask; Dave Wasyliw; and one of Buchanan’s finest, Denise Leslie. They are three councillors with the town of Canora, and they are joined with a mayor — not the mayor of Canora, the mayor of Kamsack, Beth Dix.

After I got elected . . . You know, I was a Buchanan boy, a little bit scared to go into Kamsack country, a little far away. But Beth has become one of my besties, and I’m really, really excited she’s here. I’ve been bugging her from the minute I got elected to come to the House, so it’s a real special day for me to have her here.

So I invite everybody to welcome all four of them to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What a pleasure it is to be on my feet to welcome a crew of grade 12 students from Scott Collegiate, and their teachers Ryan, Jon, and Quinn. It’s always such a pleasure to welcome students. I do have a soft spot for these kids over at — well young adults — over at Scott located in the heart of North Central over there at the mâmawêyatitân community centre.

I’ve had the privilege of attending some of the graduations over the years, and I can tell you that those classes keep getting larger and larger. It’s a real success story, and it’s as a result of the hard work of these tremendous young people and also the dedication of their teachers, of their educators.

So it’s really my pleasure to welcome them here today. I will be meeting with them after question period. I hope they’ve prepared some tough questions, and I really look forward to spending a little bit of time with them later today. So I’d ask all members to join with me in welcoming these wonderful young people to their Legislative Assembly.

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

James Thorsteinson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s always an honour and a pleasure to get on my feet and introduce a constituent from the great constituency of Cut Knife-Turtleford, Mr. Speaker. And there would be no Cut Knife-Turtleford without Cut Knife. So it’s my pleasure today to introduce long-time administrator, a past president of the rural administrators association, and currently the mayor of Cut Knife, Mr. Don McCallum. I ask all members to join me in welcoming him to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to welcome the grade 5 class from Lindale School in the beautiful city of Moose Jaw. Lindale is a special school, one that my three boys are also fortunate to attend. This school is full of incredible students and incredible teachers. I’d also like to welcome the student chaperones, Kurt Luchia, Cody Holzapfel, Alana Noble, and Tyler Hall.

I also wanted to tell a little story. Lindale is a school that supports many rural families. And our Premier had the privilege of meeting a young girl, Sadie Hall, at a 4‑H fundraiser last week. Sadie, can you wave? So he was very impressed with the meeting. And that is no surprise because leadership and commitment to community runs deep in the Hall family. Tyler Hall, her father — not here — was the Chair of TeleMiracle and did incredible work for TeleMiracle. And he followed in the footsteps of his father, who was also Chair of TeleMiracle.

So practically Lindale is actually in our Attorney General’s constituency, our Minister of Justice, Minister McLeod. So we’ll both be happy to meet with you afterwards and answer any hard questions you have with Timbits. Please join me in welcoming this lovely school to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you, through you, I have an incredible group of students that they are home-based schools and they go to SLDC, are some home schoolers.

Whenever I used to meet with them in different events, they were telling me, “Can you take us to the Legislative Assembly so that we can give a tour like a normal school coming to the Legislative Assembly?” So I promised with them. There are about 15 students — if you can give me a wave so we can see you, good — and they are accompanied by three parents.

They brought all of them by one incredible leader of my community, which I’m very proud of that, Ashiq Hussain. He’s a rolling-sleeve attitude. He said I will do this job and I will bring the kids over here. And they did the whole tour the whole day. And, Mr. Speaker, after question period, I will be facing their hard and smart questions, and we’ll take a picture together.

[13:45]

And I will request all members to join me and welcome this group of students to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cypress Hills.

Doug Steele: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to welcome a friend of mine from the Cut Knife-Turtleford area, Don McCallum. Himself and myself and Minister of Agriculture and the Deputy Premier, we worked in the SARM [Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities] organization for upwards of 20 years. He did great work. And I can see now he’s the mayor of Turtleford. So he’s moved on to another . . .

An Hon. Member: — Cut Knife, Cut Knife.

Doug Steele: — Yeah, but it’s close to Turtleford. I did that on purpose. No, of Cut Knife, just kidding. So I’d like to welcome you to your legislature there, Don. Thanks.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you to all members of this House, I’d like to echo all of the introductions that have been made here today.

First to the Sikh Society, Mr. Speaker; to our number of mayors that have joined us here today; to Don, who is my esteemed colleague from Cypress Hills, who has very much put into alarm the mayor of Turtleford, as you’ve taken over Turtleford from Cut Knife, Mr. Speaker; to Ames; to Beth; and to the former member from Kindersley, Mr. Speaker, to Ken Francis, who is a true friend to so many on both sides of the floor, I would say.

He had the opportunity to sit by some of the other members and maybe wasn’t so friendly during those particular years. But I can remember some treasury board meetings where maybe he wasn’t so friendly to some ministers as well, Mr. Speaker. He was a great fan of our line-painting program, in particular when we did it in the winter on top of the snow, Mr. Speaker. He loved to see that type of efficiency in the Ministry of Highways, only to be corrected by the current member from Kindersley, who is serving as the Minister of Highways, Mr. Speaker.

I want to also just welcome all of the students that have joined us here today from Scott Collegiate, other schools, Mr. Speaker. But I want to, as was mentioned earlier, just a special shout-out to Sadie from the Lindale School, Mr. Speaker. We had the opportunity to be at a 4‑H fundraiser in the community of Canwood — village of Canwood, not a large community — a tremendous fundraiser with a full hall and kids all over the place.

And I had the opportunity to have a visit with Sadie and her father, Mr. Speaker. And I just want to thank her for being up at that fundraiser, being one of the kids that was raising havoc in the place, Mr. Speaker. But a great day nonetheless. And welcome to you and all of your classmates.

Also to all of those that serve on councils, Mr. Speaker, that have joined us here today. And just maybe a special shout-out to one Brad Rock from the community of Shellbrook that works at the penitentiary in the city of Prince Albert, coaches some of the minor hockey teams in that community, Mr. Speaker. He has joined us here today.

And with him is Cheryl Ledding, who serves on town council in my community where I live, Mr. Speaker, the community of Shellbrook. Also is a teacher at the elementary school there, Mr. Speaker, soon to be a new elementary school there, I might add as well, Mr. Speaker. And I’ll say this because I have the floor and I have the microphone. She has the distinct honour of being the sister, Mr. Speaker, to the MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook. And she may argue that last point, but she doesn’t have a microphone and I do.

Mr. Speaker, I would just, to everyone that has joined us here today, to you and through you, I would ask all members to join me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I just hate to go after the Premier, but I will. We’ve got Kurt Luchia up in the gallery today with his daughter Elizabeth. They were Melfort citizens and always will be, no matter where they go in the world. But we appreciated having their family as friends of our family. And he’s been pursuing education as a doctor, and congratulations as you’re finishing that process. And glad to have you here today.

Also Ken Francis is getting a big head. Everybody keeps on talking about him. But you know, he is the mayor of one of the biggest towns in Saskatchewan. I come from the city, and so we always had that. But early on . . . and just to all the members, remember the people you sit with. These become friends no matter whether you’re on what side of the Chamber. I used to sit in the back with Ken Francis on this side, and I had him to myself for about a year. Nobody really knew who he was. COVID had hit and I thought, Oh, once everybody realizes who this fellow is, I’m going to lose my buddy to the rest of the crew.

And the member from Swift Current, myself, and Ken Francis became MLAs the same day. And I hope that in the future as we look back on our time in this Chamber, that we’ll have made those kinds of quality friends for life. And so anyways, don’t get a big head. Many of us mentioned your name. But God bless you, Ken Francis.

So we’ll move on to presenting petitions.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to present a petition calling for the acceleration of construction of a new joint-use school in the Harbour Landing area of Regina.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that Harbour Landing School and St. Kateri Tekakwitha School in Regina were over capacity in their first year of operation; that their building codes and fire safety regulation Act may be breached if fewer than 10 per cent of students are absent on any given day; that essential resources like the library have had their size reduced to accommodate temporary classrooms; that all children have the right to a well-rounded education in a safe environment.

We, in prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of the following: call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately provide the support needed to complete and open the second joint-use school in Harbour Landing as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, this petition has been signed by the residents of Regina, particularly from the Harbour Landing area. I do so present. Thank you.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present the following petition. The folks who signed this petition wish to bring to our attention the following.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to our attention the following: Saskatchewan has the highest suicide rate among the provinces. People die by suicide at a rate of 4.3 times higher than non-Indigenous people. Those are Indigenous people that are dying.

Saskatchewan continues to break its own records in overdose deaths. One in four youth in Saskatchewan have reported engaging in self-harm, and one in four youth reported have considered suicide in the past year. Mr. Speaker, long wait times and inadequate mental health and addiction services are leaving many children and youth without access to care when they need it.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to work with experts and community leaders on evidence-based solutions to the mental health and addictions crisis in Saskatchewan.

The folks who signed this petition reside in Birch Hills and Prince Albert. I do so present.

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present our petition calling for opening up vacant Saskatchewan Housing Corporation units for occupancy.

The undersigned residents would like to bring to our attention the following: that approximately 3,000 SHC [Saskatchewan Housing Corporation] units are currently vacant across Saskatchewan, including 129 units in Prince Albert, 280 in Saskatoon, and over 700 in Regina; the Sask Party government has cut the maintenance and renovation budget approximately 40 per cent over the last decade and failed to invest in housing stock; and that every $10 invested towards housing and support of chronically homeless individuals results in the savings of $21.72 related to health care, social support, housing, and involvement in the justice system.

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

Mr. Speaker, this petition has been signed by the residents of Saskatoon. And I do so present.

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

Erika Ritchie: — I rise today to present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan to step up for Indigenous students in Saskatchewan.

The undersigned call on the government to take immediate action invoking and supporting Jordan’s principle, which was established to ensure that First Nations children have equitable access to the services they need, including supports in schools. The 2025‑26 provincial budget reduces education funding, budgeting $4.428 billion, which is less than what was actually spent the previous year. This is an alarming move at a time when our schools are already stretched to the breaking point due to chronic underfunding and short-staffing.

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

This petition is signed by the residents of Grenfell, Cochin, and Regina. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Celebrating Sikh Heritage Month

Brad Crassweller: — Mr. Speaker, it’s my pleasure to rise today to recognize and celebrate Sikh Heritage Month and the flag-raising ceremony that was held here this morning at the Legislative Building, as well as the singing by the Khalsa School students. This month provides an important opportunity to celebrate the cultural diversity that enriches Saskatchewan and strengthens our province.

Sikh Canadians have made lasting contributions to our culture, our economy, and our society, and their presence continues to play an important role in community life across Saskatchewan. Sikh Heritage Month encourages selfless service and equality. It highlights the importance of community responsibility, compassion, and respect for all.

This flag-raising event served as a visible recognition of Sikh Heritage Month and its significance to the shared values and traditions that enrich our diverse communities and province. Our provincial motto, “from many peoples, strength,” was well reflected today. Our government extends our appreciation to Sikh communities across Saskatchewan for their continued service and leadership. We value the relationship we’ve developed and continue to develop with the Sikh community as it helps us build a province that is strong, safe, and secure.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize Sikh Heritage Month and to reaffirm our shared commitment to respect, understanding, and inclusion in Saskatchewan. Thank you.

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

Celebrating Vaisakhi

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today people all over the world are celebrating Vaisakhi. Vaisakhi marks the first day of the month Vaisakh, and is traditionally celebrated every year on April 13th or 14th.

Historically Vaisakhi has cultural significance. It’s the festival of harvest. It’s happening just before the harvest in Punjab and northern India. People are singing, dancing to the beat of a drum, in celebration of oncoming prosperity.

Vaisakhi has special significance for Sikhs. On April 13th, 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th guru of Sikhism, created Khalsa order. The birth of Khalsa, the moment that reminds us the values of courage, equality, service, and justice. These values are not only central in Sikhism; they are the values we all share here in Saskatchewan. Vaisakhi reminds us to stand up for what’s right, to care for one another, and to give back to communities through seva, selfless service.

Vaisakhi is a community celebration. Families and friends come together, traditions are passed on to the next generation, and we are reminded that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. When we celebrate Vaisakhi we recognize the incredible contribution the Sikh community makes to our province through hard work, leadership, and a strong commitment to community service. Happy Vaisakhi to all.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Kindersley.

Rebuilding of Community Arena in Dodsland

Hon. Kim Gartner: — Mr. Speaker, it’s my pleasure to rise today and speak about resilience, pride, and commitment to family and community.

[14:00]

Following a devastating fire in 2025, the village of Dodsland is rebuilding its community arena. In many rural communities the hockey rink is the hub for winter sporting activities, also serving as a vital gathering space for all sorts of community functions. With a village population of just 200 people, this task of replacing this important piece of community infrastructure is daunting.

This community is demonstrating what belief in community truly means. In just a few months — through personal, corporate, and municipal contributions from around the district, province, and the country — they have already secured $8 million in private project donations. When added to the 3 million insurance claim, they are well on their way to meeting the construction goal of $12 million.

Mr. Speaker, when the replacement facility is complete, it will stand as a testimony to the extended Dodsland community. They will have invested their own hard-earned money and demonstrated their belief in sustainability of their community. They have not and will not lament the events around losing their arena. They will celebrate the new facility and the coming together as a community in a common goal.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the village of Dodsland, the village of Plenty, and all the surrounding rural residents. You are a shining example of what is possible when people take control of their own destiny.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Chief Mistawasis.

Saskatoon Business Builder Awards

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to congratulate and celebrate the North Saskatoon Business Association’s 20th annual Business Builder Awards gala. What an evening. Recognizing four nominees in 13 varied categories or highlighting the winners, there are far too many outstanding examples of creativity, entrepreneurship, hard work, and resilience to begin to name them.

I would make special mention of the Lifetime Achievement Award that went to Wayne Brownlee, someone I knew from working alongside him with the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation.

When I first met Keith Moen, executive director of the NSBA [North Saskatoon Business Association], I pointed out that there was so much that I looked forward to learning from him and the association. The first thing I learned was they’re not limited by the geography of their name, and then after that it is limitless as to the range of important roles they play in Saskatoon and beyond.

What strikes me is how always, whether it’s at the awards gala, Wanuskewin, UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] World Heritage Site event, sustainability programming lunches, advocacy initiatives, there are always so many persons that I’ve known previously — parents, former students. As well as sitting with the three members from the other side at the table the other night was the MC [master of ceremonies], Katrina German, CEO [chief executive officer] of Ethical Digital, who I’ve known for 15 years as the daughter of my next door neighbour. Saskatchewan really is a big small town. Bravo, NSBA.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Centre Helps Prepare Students for Health Care Careers

David Chan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The patients-first health care plan is about connecting residents to the right care in the right place at the right time. To support this, we’re giving more opportunities to Saskatchewan students who want a career in health care.

Starting this year, students can get introduced to a wide range of health care careers, including nursing and patient care, medical diagnostics and technologies, pharmacy, dentistry, mental health and addictions, and emergency care. Students will also be introduced to the responsibilities of emerging health care professions, including physician assistant and virtual health care assistant, all through the new health careers 20L course developed by the Sask DLC [Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre].

Mr. Speaker, the DLC isn’t just training the health care workers of tomorrow. It’s training the skilled workers who will build our province. To date the DLC has served approximately 13,000 students taking 41,000 courses. Mr. Speaker, schools also offer 146 health care job shadows, and we’re piloting three new high school to health care pathways in Moose Jaw, Gravelbourg, Maple Creek, Cabri, and La Ronge. We’re also continuing to support our future health care workers by adding over 900 training seats in 33 post-secondary programs.

Mr. Speaker, this government is proud to continue supporting our next generation of health care and skilled trades workers. Thank you.

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

Provincial Job Numbers

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the member from Last Mountain-Touchwood for drawing attention to the March 2026 job numbers. Yes, Saskatchewan saw an increase of 5,800 jobs in March. But, Mr. Speaker, in February this province lost 5,500 jobs. Saskatchewan ranks seventh in Canada in year-to-date job growth. These numbers mean Saskatchewan has only gained 300 jobs on a year-to-date basis. Over the past eight years, Saskatchewan ranks ninth in the country for job creation. That is not a record of leadership. That is a record of falling behind.

In its April 10th publication, the Alberta Treasury Branch analyzed job creation in Canada. They concluded, and I quote, “Alberta accounts for almost all jobs created over a one-year time period.” Their accompanying data? Well it places Saskatchewan sixth in the country for job creation over that same time period.

These numbers show job losses in key regions of our province: Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, Melville, Prince Albert, and the North. Hundreds of jobs lost in regions that cannot afford to fall further behind. People deserve facts, and Saskatchewan deserves the truth.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Lloydminster.

Opposition Leader Approval Rate

Colleen Young: — Mr. Speaker, the NDP [New Democratic Party] have spent much of this session spreading anger, division, and hate. We’ve heard them run down Saskatchewan. We’ve heard them personally attack people they disagree with and say that you should hate them. Mr. Speaker, that tells us what the NDP is all about. But it’s not, but it’s not what Saskatchewan people are all about.

Fifty-seven per cent of Saskatchewan people now disapprove of the NDP leader, according to a recent poll. That’s 57 per cent, Mr. Speaker. That’s the highest level of disapproval of any province’s opposition leader anywhere in Canada. And it matches the disapproval rate of the NDP’s worst leader, Dwain Lingenfelter.

Mr. Speaker, maybe, just maybe running down Saskatchewan and saying you should hate Saskatchewan people isn’t the best strategy. But more importantly, Mr. Speaker, it’s just wrong. Mr. Speaker, will the NDP leader finally admit that she was wrong to tell her supporters they should hate their political opponents? Will she finally do the right thing: admit she was wrong and apologize?

STATEMENT BY THE SPEAKER

Ruling on a Point of Order

Speaker Goudy: — Just a ruling on a point of order from yesterday. So yesterday, on Monday, April 13th, 2026, the Government House Leader rose on a point of order alleging that during question period the member from Saskatoon Silverspring “. . . expressly called into question the integrity of the brave men and women who serve for the Saskatchewan Marshals Service as well as the minister responsible.” The Government House Leader asserted that this was unparliamentary language contrary to rule 51(f).

In response to the point of order, the Opposition House Leader argued that the member’s concerns related to the minister’s actions and quality of work.

I committed to reviewing the record before a ruling today. And on page 2160 of the Hansard from April 13th, 2026 the member from Saskatoon Silverspring referred to the Information and Privacy Commissioner’s comments about withholding of documents in the public’s right to transparency. The member is recorded as having said:

It was 290 pages redacted and 93 pages withheld entirely. And this goes beyond transparency and accountability of government. This speaks to the heart, the credibility of every man and woman in a marshal’s uniform and, dare I say, the credibility of the minister.

So rule 51(f) of the Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan reads that no member shall “make a personal charge or accusation against a Member except by way of a substantive motion with notice.”

I reviewed the record and take into consideration the context of the remarks, and the member’s comments were directly directed towards the minister’s oversight of that entity and the alleged lack of transparency of the documents. Therefore I find the point of order not well taken.

But it is difficult to determine the intent of the member’s remarks when he states, “This speaks to the heart, the credibility of every man and woman in a marshal’s uniform and, dare I say, the credibility of the minister.” This could be interpreted as calling into question the minister’s honesty as well as every man and woman in a marshal’s uniform. And accordingly I would caution all of us to be careful with the way we word things in the Chamber.

But thank you. We’ll move on to question period.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Gas Prices and Affordability

Carla Beck: — Today in Saskatchewan, gas prices sit at a buck seventy or more a litre. And we now know that the federal gas tax is being removed until Labour Day. Mr. Speaker, this afternoon our team will bring forth a motion to suspend this Premier’s gas tax and give Saskatchewan drivers a break.

Will the Premier stand in this House today and commit to cutting his gas tax?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, affordability measures have been debated on the floor of this Assembly multiple times over the last number of days, Mr. Speaker, permanent, sustainable affordability measures totalling two and a half billion dollars in this year’s budget, totalling a $4,400 per year tax reduction for Saskatchewan families. And that would, I suspect, continue to be debated in the minutes and in the days ahead, Mr. Speaker.

But what that does, what those permanent tax reductions do is reduce the taxes for Saskatchewan families, ensure that Saskatchewan is one of the most affordable provinces, if not the most affordable province in the nation of Canada.

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

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people, they’re not feeling that. On March the 23rd we brought forth a motion for this government to suspend their gas tax. But this government, well they blocked it. Today they’re going to get another chance.

Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that Saskatchewan people are feeling the pain at the pumps. We’re talking about people who need their trucks for work paying $150 or more just to top up the tank. Mr. Speaker, remember that people in this province already have some of the highest rates of financial anxiety in the country, and this government is taking in extra revenue due to sky-high oil prices. Mr. Speaker, it is more than reasonable that this government take that money and suspend the gas tax to give Saskatchewan people a break.

Is the Premier going to do this? Yes or no?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — As you know, there was the best and strongest budget introduced and passed on the floor of this Assembly, Mr. Speaker, resulting in a $4,400 dollar tax savings for Saskatchewan families relative to under . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please. I’m going to ask that we listen to the answers and listen to the questions.

Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Relative to time under the NDP, Mr. Speaker. These are permanent, sustainable tax cuts that Saskatchewan families will have each and every year, Mr. Speaker. And what is reasonable is ensuring that we are always communicating in good faith with respect to how we talk to the people of Saskatchewan. We see policies from all over the board coming from the members opposite and the Leader of the Opposition.

Just earlier today, we saw the Leader of the Opposition back to splicing quotes, Mr. Speaker. We have seen this in years gone by. There was a social media post that was posted, Mr. Speaker, that was posted in . . . the Leader of the Opposition supporting their power plan, their fictional power plan, Mr. Speaker, overlaid with the president of SUMA . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Overlaid with the president of SUMA, Mr. Speaker, who appears to be also supporting that power plan when she says, “This is predictable and sustainable.” What the president of SUMA was actually referring to was the municipal revenue-sharing program introduced by this government, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, the question that I think Saskatchewan people have is, why is the Leader of the Opposition splicing quotes yet again, Mr. Speaker? The people of this province deserve better than that.

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

Power Generation Alternatives

Carla Beck: — Speaking of Saskatchewan people deserving so much better from their government, we see no relief at the pumps. We see no relief when it comes to power bills.

Mr. Speaker, it wasn’t that long ago that that Premier stood up in this Chamber and he promised the people of this province that he wasn’t going to hike their power bills. Well, he did it anyway — a $136 million hike, Mr. Speaker, onto bills for families, for farms, and for small businesses.

Now we already know that their plan, their power plan is the most costly, the most risky, and the most short-sighted, yet we saw this Premier and this government block our grid and growth plan to keep costs affordable for Saskatchewan people and to drive $33 billion in investment.

Mr. Speaker, why?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

[14:15]

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, in that very same splice video that the NDP released earlier today, they talked about their power plan, their fictitious power plan, Mr. Speaker, where the NDP herself said that that plan would rely heavily on LNG, liquefied natural gas.

This makes absolutely no sense, Mr. Speaker. We don’t produce LNG in Saskatchewan. You would have to import it, likely by truck from British Columbia or the United States of America. It’s 10 times the cost of natural gas, Mr. Speaker, 10 times the cost. And then in their plan, what they would do with that LNG that cost 10 times what natural gas does, Mr. Speaker, is they would apply the carbon tax to this.

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

Provision of Neonatal Care

Carla Beck: — Okay, Mr. Speaker, a little advice for the Premier. If he needs to be on his phone scrolling instead of doing his job, I suggest he go and look at gridandgrowth.ca, Mr. Speaker. It’s there for him. Because those lines, Mr. Speaker, show that he hasn’t even read that plan.

But, Mr. Speaker, turning to things that he should be paying attention to in this province right now, we’re also bringing to light an absolutely devastating memo showing that young babies in Regina will no longer be able to receive critical, life-saving surgeries. Mr. Speaker, these littlest ones instead will be forced onto the highway or onto a helicopter to Saskatoon. We’ve already heard from those front-line health workers that they fear that babies are going to die because of this.

Let’s remember, Mr. Speaker: this government has been in power for 20 years. How did that Premier let Saskatchewan health care get so bad?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’d like to have the opportunity to answer the question from the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Speaker. The pediatric teams in Regina do nearly 2,000 pediatric surgeries every single year for pediatric patients in the southern half of the province, Mr. Speaker. What’s being referred to here is a very small subset — roughly a case, maybe two cases a month, Mr. Speaker.

We have the expertise and the know-how at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. That’s exactly why this government built the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, so we could be recruiting more pediatric subspecialists to ensure that children in this province get the care that they need in this province and don’t have to travel out of province like they used to.

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

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, a little advice for this government, advice for free. Get off social media. Come up with a real plan for health care because a new cover on an old plan is not going to fix health care.

What do they keep saying? The right care in the right place at the right time, I guess, unless you’re a newborn, a preemie in Regina needing a bowel blockage surgery, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, or literally any other kind of emergent surgery, Mr. Speaker. This service existed in Regina for a reason, because it was needed. This is a hospital that services all of southern Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, and now it has been cancelled by that government, under their watch.

Why, Mr. Speaker? And what will the minister do to restore this life-saving service right here in Regina?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, I can tell you, this government is proud to talk about our patients-first plan, Mr. Speaker. The members opposite have talked about some sort of health care plan that they’re coming up with, but the bits and pieces we’ve seen are really discouraging for the patients of this province, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, as I said, we do nearly 2,000 pediatric surgeries in Regina every single year, Mr. Speaker. That is going to continue, Mr. Speaker. The small subset of cases, Mr. Speaker — roughly one a month — these will be moved to Saskatoon where we have the expertise and the continued professional development there to ensure that these services can be done in our province with highly trained professionals, Mr. Speaker.

And you know, Mr. Speaker, I’ll just say as well, our pediatric transfer team in this province, if pediatric patients do need to be transferred between hospitals, I think we can be incredibly proud of our pediatric transfer team and the incredible care that they provide for the most vulnerable patients in our province.

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

Meara Conway: — These are neonates, Mr. Speaker. And you know what’s discouraging to the patients of Saskatchewan? It’s that their best and strongest reason for cancelling this service is a low volume of procedures. You know, most babies don’t have to go to the NICU [neonatal intensive care unit], Mr. Speaker, but it’s life and death when they do. And even fewer newborn babies have to get emergency surgery, but it’s life and death when they do.

That’s what families deserve, is to get that care here. Not a trip up the highway, not a helicopter ride, not the risk of transportation at some of the scariest moments in their life. But they deserve that care, Mr. Speaker.

Low volume of procedures, that’s what’s in the memo. That’s the kind of heartless bureaucratic language that will be cold comfort to the families that rely on this service. So what will the minister do to get it back?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Yes, Mr. Speaker, as I have answered previously in the last couple of answers, it is a low-volume caseload — roughly one per month, Mr. Speaker. Pediatric anesthesiology is a very difficult-to-recruit subspeciality, Mr. Speaker. And maintaining safe care requires volume for our professionals to do that, our anesthesiologists and our surgeons, Mr. Speaker.

This is exactly why this government took the step of investing in the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, so we could attract these pediatric subspecialists, ensuring that Saskatchewan kids can receive care in this province, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I want parents and families in this province to know that their children are going to receive the best possible care that they can in this province, Mr. Speaker. And we’re going to do so at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital under many fantastic subspecialists that we have in this province.

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

Provision of Seniors’ Housing

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s clear that whether you’re a newborn baby or a senior requiring housing, this government is failing you. Mr. Speaker, today we are joined by Deborah Stumph and Rickey Lamha, long-time tenants with the Regina Housing Authority.

Debra has lived in her suite for 30 years. Rickey has lived in his for 12. They both recently received notice to vacate. Deborah has been told to vacate by May 31st because she’s aged out of her apartment.

This is ridiculous, Mr. Speaker. Will the minister do the right thing and reverse this decision?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And when we’re talking about housing authorities around this province, we have 240 housing authorities that are locally appointed boards, Mr. Speaker.

One of their responsibilities as a housing authority is to ensure that the right mixture of housing exists in each community, whether that be seniors’ housing or whether that be housing for singles or families, Mr. Speaker.

This can be a very difficult situation in Regina. We have plenty of seniors’ housing available. We are running low on family housing. We have $86 million committed in this budget for renovations and repairs across the province, including Regina, so that we can increase the number of family units. And we’re simply asking families — including, well, seniors — to maybe just consider having that suite available for a family, Mr. Speaker.

But what I will do is I am offering to meet with Deb and Rickey following the proceedings today so I can learn a little more about their situation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well let’s look at Rickey’s situation. Rickey received a call saying he must vacate his one-bedroom apartment when he turns 55 years old. Now he’s an amputee who lives in the heart of his community. His church is across the street. Same with the community pool where he gets his physiotherapy. His grandson can visit him every day. This has been home for him for 12 years.

Does that minister really think evicting Rickey to a different, one-bedroom apartment is a good idea?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. And again I would happy to meet with Deb and Rickey, and I welcome them to their legislature today.

Again, Mr. Speaker, these are decisions that are made by locally appointed housing authorities and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation works with those authorities in terms of how they best decide on the mixture of housing available in their community, Mr. Speaker.

So again, I’d be happy to meet with Deb and Rickey following proceedings and learn a little bit more about their situation and see how we can we can work with the housing authority to make sure we find the best path forward for both. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Deb and Rickey are constituents of mine. Deb has lived in her apartment for 30 years. That’s three decades. She was told she had to move and find her own place. Rickey has spent the past 12 years in his home in that same building, and he hopes to spend future years there too as well.

This minister’s policy is extremely flawed. It’s harmful. It’s inhumane. Why on earth is that minister evicting seniors from their homes?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I would like to welcome Deb and Rickey to their Assembly. And I’ve made the offer. Myself and my officials would be more than happy to meet with both of them following proceedings today. Thank you.

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The minister’s evicting our seniors — somebody’s grandparents, somebody’s parents, an amputee. It’s cruel. It’s mean-spirited and another sign that this Premier and the minister have lost touch with the people . . .

Speaker Goudy: — This will be the fourth question on this. And calling a minister mean-spirited, his actions may be . . . But please finish the question.

Joan Pratchler: — The people of Saskatchewan deserve better. Deb and Rickey deserve better. In what world does this minister living, where evicting grandmas who have lived in their home for 30 years, okay?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Again, Mr. Speaker, I’ve made the offer. And I will stick to that offer of inviting Deb and Rickey to meet with myself and my officials right after proceedings this afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Access to Addictions Treatment

Betty Nippi-Albright: — That Sask Party government has abandoned many vulnerable people. They’ve removed the funding for Prairie Harm Reduction but done nothing to make sure people can still get supports. We knew that this would make the drug crisis in Saskatoon worse. And now we can see that, in the numbers from the Saskatoon fire department, they responded to 157 overdose calls between April 1st and April 11th. That’s roughly 14 per day.

Where is the plan from this minister to give people the supports they need to stay alive?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Well thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the plan that we have is called the action plan for mental health and addictions, Mr. Speaker, where we’re offering people the opportunity for recovery.

There is no safe use of illicit drugs. And so we will continue to offer pathways to recovery through the recovery-oriented system of care by opening up spaces for individuals — whether that be in an in-patient bed, an out-patient bed, supervised sites, Mr. Speaker — where individuals can get the care that they need to be able to live that life of recovery in a community and be able to be with their families and live healthy lives, Mr. Speaker. We are offering recovery.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, when you’re dead, you have no life. I asked the minister about the addictions crisis in Saskatoon yesterday. Since then it’s likely at least 10 more people have overdosed. We don’t know yet if any more have died, Mr. Speaker.

This is an emergency, but the Sask Party government is not only failing to respond; they’re cutting supports with no backups in place. This will harm people, Mr. Speaker. People will die. Why won’t that minister take this drug crisis seriously and offer life-saving supports today?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, helping people overcome their addiction and supporting recovery to save lives, heal families, and strengthen communities is a priority of this government, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, keeping people where they’re at in a life of addiction is not helpful, Mr. Speaker.

We want to offer programs and services that will help lift them up out of that life of addiction, Mr. Speaker. And those are the . . . Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And those are the services that we are offering, Mr. Speaker. Leaving them in that life of addiction and continuing to keep them there is not helpful. What is helpful is offering them recovery. Thank you.

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

Funding for Municipalities

Erika Ritchie: — And what tired responses from that tired and out-of-touch government. Mr. Speaker, municipal leaders from across Saskatchewan are in Regina for the SUMA convention, and municipalities know that they’re not being . . . by this Sask Party government either. It’s local municipal governments that pay for the road, sewer, garbage collection, and police services we all rely on.

[14:30]

But municipal property taxes alone are not enough. One way the government could help municipalities is by taking the PST [provincial sales tax] off of construction labour for municipal projects. That’s what SUMA is calling for. Government shouldn’t be taxing government. Will the Sask Party end the tax on municipal construction projects today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, it’s PST that’s actually paying for municipal revenue sharing, Mr. Speaker. I would say, I come from the municipal sector before politics, and I would say this. The municipal revenue-sharing program in Saskatchewan is the envy of every municipal organization across this country, Mr. Speaker.

This year for example, even in a difficult budget year, Mr. Speaker, because we have stayed to that formula — three-quarters of one point on the PST, Mr. Speaker — municipal revenue sharing has increased for all our municipal colleagues across the province, Mr. Speaker, has increased over 8 per cent.

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

Erika Ritchie: — Well, Mr. Speaker, it’s just not so. I’ll quote from SUMA: “For every $100,000 a municipality pays in PST only $12,500 makes it back into the pool.” Where is it then . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please.

Erika Ritchie: — Now that money is then spread out over the entire municipal sector. This was made substantially worse in 2017-2018, as the minister will recall, when a PST exemption on construction labour was removed, costing the municipal sector approximately $29 million annually.

Why is the Sask Party ignoring municipal leaders, who are here today, across this province? And why won’t they give municipalities the funding they need to provide the services that we all count on?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, this government has never ignored municipalities, nor the leaders that are here today, Mr. Speaker. In fact one of them was introduced like a dozen times.

Mr. Speaker, I would reiterate, municipal revenue sharing is the envy of municipal organizations across this country, Mr. Speaker. In fact, in fact the president of SUMA was actually speaking about municipal revenue sharing when the members opposite spliced it into their grid program.

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

Celebrating Sikh Heritage Month

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. One year ago this Assembly passed the bill that I brought forward to this Assembly, The Sikh Heritage Month Act. It recognized the incredible contribution of Sikh in Saskatchewan who contribute to our province in so many ways.

Sikhs are leaders in business, in health care, in education, in art and culture. And everyone I talk to is so proud that, in Saskatchewan, Sikh Heritage Month has been made into law. Will the minister join me in celebrating Sikh Heritage Month and in celebrating the incredible contributions Sikh make to Saskatchewan?

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We recognize the amazing contributions that the Sikh community and other communities have made to this beautiful province. In fact, we have a bill that is before the House today that actually recognizes the strengths that many people bring to our province. And we celebrate the designated days, weeks, and months of all heritage throughout that make up this beautiful province of Saskatchewan.

With the opposition’s consent, we could pass that bill through all stages today and recognize all the different people who make up this wonderful mosaic of Saskatchewan. Will the NDP opposition agree to pass the from many peoples, strength bill through all stages today? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Addressing Intimate Partner Violence

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, for the last 20 years that the Sask Party government has been in power, Saskatchewan has had the highest rates of intimate partner violence in Canada. This is a rich province. We shouldn’t be in last place when it comes to protecting women and children year after year, yet we are.

Time and time again we’ve called on this government to pass a motion calling for this problem to be declared an epidemic in Saskatchewan. We could all unanimously declare that to be the case today with the government’s consent. Will the government join with the opposition today in declaring intimate partner violence to be an epidemic in Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As we have said many times in this House, our government recognizes interpersonal violence as an issue in our society. That is why we invest over $70 million annually across government and support our community partners in providing supports to the people experiencing interpersonal violence and in the areas of prevention, intervention, and accountability.

Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to working with our community partners to protect all people in Saskatchewan and eradicating this problem. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

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

Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, I’m instructed by the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice to report Bill No. 31, The Defamation Act with amendment.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be considered in Committee of the Whole? I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, I request leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on this bill and that the bill and its amendments be now read a third time.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this amendment be read a first time?

FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF AMENDMENTS

Bill No. 31 — The Defamation Act

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, I move that the amendments be now read a first and second time.

Speaker Goudy: — It is moved by the minister that the amendment be now read a first and second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First and second reading of amendments.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister may proceed to move third reading.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 31 — The Defamation Act

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the bill be now read a third time and passed under its title.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the minister that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title. Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice.

Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, I’m instructed by the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice to report Bill 32, The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025, a bilingual bill, without amendment.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be considered in Committee of the Whole on Bills? I recognize the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on this bill and that the bill be now read a third time.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister has requested leave to waive consideration of Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 32, The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025 and that the bill be now read a third time. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister may proceed to move third reading.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 32 — The Defamation Consequential Amendments Act, 2025/Loi de 2025 corrélative de la loi intitulée The Defamation Act

Hon. Tim McLeod: — I move that the bill be now read a third time and passed under its title.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the minister that the bill be now read a third time and passed under its title. Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

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

MOTION UNDER RULE 61

Temporary Removal of Tax on Fuel

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, before orders of the day, I seek to move a motion under rule 61.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is an important motion that I hope we can all be united on regarding the exceptional strain that’s placed on families, farms, and businesses with the extraordinarily high fuel price. Of course the conflict in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has driven up the price at the pumps for families, farms, and businesses in an awful way. Their prices are sky-high; people are paying the price.

At the same time, this provincial government has experienced a significant, additional, unplanned boost to its revenues. We’re calling on this government to offer corresponding relief at the pumps.

If leave is granted, I would move the following motion:

That the Assembly calls upon the government to temporarily cut the 15‑cent-per-litre fuel tax and the marked diesel tax to provide relief for drivers and farms while oil prices are driven high by conflict in the Middle East.

Speaker Goudy: — The member from Regina Mount Royal has requested leave to move without notice a motion of urgent and pressing necessity under rule 61. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave is not granted.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave that notwithstanding Orders of the Day the House proceeds to government order no. 3, Bill 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act so that we may pass Bill 41 through all stages today.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister has requested leave. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government House Leader.

MOTIONS

Second and Third Reading of Bill No. 41

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the House for leave. Mr. Speaker, I move:

That this House proceeds to adjourned debates on government order no. 3, Bill 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act;

That Bill 41 proceed through all stages today; and further,

That after consideration of this bill, the House moves through orders of the day as scheduled.

Speaker Goudy: — So the Government House Leader has moved:

That this House proceeds to adjourned debates on government order no. 3, Bill 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act;

That Bill 41 proceed through all stages today; and further,

That after consideration of the bill, the House moves to orders of the day.

Is it agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

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: — Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion moved by the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport that Bill No. 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) 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.

[14:45]

Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — To which committee shall this bill be committed?

Hon. Alana Ross: — I designate that Bill No. 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act be committed to the Committee of the Whole on Bills, and that said bill be considered in the Committee of the Whole on Bills immediately.

Speaker Goudy: — This bill is committed to the Committee of the Whole on Bills.

Deputy Clerk: — Committee of the Whole on Bills.

Speaker Goudy: — I do now leave the Chair.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON BILLS

Bill No. 41 — The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act/Loi sur la reconnaissance du patrimoine (Nos origines multiples, notre force)

Deputy Chair Keisig: — The item of business before the committee is Bill No. 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act. Clause 1, short title, is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Keisig: — Carried.

[Clauses 1 to 7 inclusive agreed to.]

Deputy Chair Keisig: — His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, enacts as follows: Bill No. 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act.

I recognize the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

Hon. Alana Ross: — I move that the committee report the bill without amendment.

Deputy Chair Keisig: — It has been moved that the committee report Bill No. 41 without amendment. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Keisig: — Carried. I recognize the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Mr. Chair, I move that the committee rise, report progress, and ask for leave to sit again.

Deputy Chair Keisig: — It has been moved by the Minister for Parks, Culture and Sport that the committee rise, report progress, and ask for leave to sit again. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair Keisig: — Carried.

[The Speaker resumed the Chair.]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Chair of Committees.

Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am instructed by the committee to report Bill No. 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act without amendment.

Speaker Goudy: — The minister may proceed with third reading. I recognize the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 41 — The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act/Loi sur la reconnaissance du patrimoine (Nos origines multiples, notre force)

Hon. Alana Ross: — I move that this bill be now read the third time and passed under its title.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 41, The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act be now read the third time and passed under its title. Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — Call in the members.

[The division bells rang from 14:56 until 15:05.]

Speaker Goudy: — All right. The question before the Assembly is the third reading motion for Bill 41. All those in favour of the motion please stand.

[Yeas — 55]

Moe

Gartner

Kaeding

Marit

Cockrill

Reiter

Hindley

Harrison, J.

Cheveldayoff

Schmalz

Jenson

Weger

Keisig

Martens

Wilson

Rowden

Ross

McLeod, T.

Carr

Crassweller

Steele

Harrison, D.

Weedmark

Kropf

Patterson

Bromm

Hilbert

Chan

Thorsteinson

Kasun

Beck

Ritchie

Burki

Nippi-Albright

Mowat

Wotherspoon

Teed

Young, A.

Clarke

Laliberte

McPhail

Conway

Sarauer

Breckner

Blakley

Grewal

ChiefCalf

Brar

Gordon

Warrington

Pratchler

Housser

Senger

Roy

McBean

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

[Nays — nil]

Deputy Clerk: — Mr. Speaker, those in favour of the motion, 55; those opposed to the motion, zero.

Speaker Goudy: — I declare the motion carried. When shall the committee sit again? I recognize the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

Hon. Alana Ross: — Next sitting, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

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

MOTION UNDER RULE 61

Declaration of Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before orders of the day, I seek leave to move a motion under rule 61.

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

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is an important motion I hope we can all be united on, considering Saskatchewan’s incredibly high rates of intimate partner violence — in fact, the highest rates amongst provinces in Canada. If leave is granted, I would move the following motion:

That the Assembly calls on the Government of Saskatchewan to declare that intimate partner violence is an epidemic in Saskatchewan.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave is not granted.

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 38

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

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today in the Assembly to enter debate on Bill No. 38, The Building Schools Faster Act.

Mr. Speaker, of course many members before me have participated in the debates on this bill, including my colleague, the member for Douglas Park, yesterday. As my colleague has said, despite this being called The Building Schools Faster Act, it is hard to take the title of this bill seriously when this government has just brought forward a budget that delays the building of schools.

Mr. Speaker, constituents of Regina Pasqua understand school-building delay all too well. The joint-use school in Harbour Landing was first announced in 2020; however work did not begin on the school until 2025. From ’21, 2022, 2023 they did not do anything, though the previous member for Regina Pasqua took photos with shovels to announce this school again before the election.

Mr. Speaker, I have received hundreds of petitions from constituents of Regina Pasqua regarding that joint-use school in Regina Pasqua and asked that the construction be completed as soon as possible, but have received no response from the government. I also visit the construction site each week to see how the construction is going on. Currently this school is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2027. This is many years after the original announcement.

In the meantime the students in Harbour Landing are facing overcrowding and are missing out on important learning opportunities. Many students in the area are also being bused outside of the community to other schools in the city. It would be in the true spirit of this bill to ensure that schools that have already been announced are built as soon as possible.

This government has already announced a new school desperately needed in the east end of Regina in Regina Wascana Plains. That area of the city, like Harbour Landing, has seen the population continue to grow. They’re all well overdue for a new school to meet population demands. However with this last budget we have learned that this school will face delays. Mr. Speaker, I do not want to see the same situation in Harbour Landing and Wascana Plains. It is crucial that students in the east end of Regina receive a new school as soon as possible.

This bill also does not include schools that are in poor or critical condition that require repair. Many of my colleagues have discussed schools in their constituency, and they too are in poor condition. One school is Campbell Collegiate, the largest high school in Regina, that serves much of the south end of the city. Important repairs to that school are being delayed with this latest budget.

It is important for this government to also be providing those students with a safe learning environment, investing in repaired schools. But it is clear that after 18 years in power, this government has given up on maintaining our schools.

Mr. Speaker, I think that my colleagues and I have said our pieces on this bill. I know that our shadow minister for Education has been busy connecting with the stakeholders on this bill. And with this, I now move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 38. 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. 39

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

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — I recognize the member from Regina Pasqua.

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to be on my feet again to enter into debate on Bill No. 39, The Building Schools Faster Consequential Amendment Act, 2025.

[15:15]

I have already said my thoughts on this bill when discussing Bill No. 38, and I also do not have anything more to add to Bill No. 39. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to now move to adjourn the debate on Bill No. 39. Thank you.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — Carried.

Bill No. 43

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

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Centre.

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s good to be on my feet to speak to Bill 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act. There’s a lot in this bill and there’s a lot on dangerous animals, municipality designations, some bylaws, appeals, ethics. There’s a lot here, and my colleagues and also the shadow minister for this area has done extensive work in speaking with these stakeholders.

And the only thing I guess I want to say on here is . . . I won’t say much. But what I will say is, you know, the dangerous animals. Back when I was a young university student, I was working for one of the Crown corporations and our work was to go out into homes and do some work. And I got attacked by a German shepherd, and I’m so grateful that I was wearing some Nomex . . . not Nomex, overalls that were so thick. It was rolled up. He bit my arm, and I still have a big scar. But thanks to that heavy, heavy coveralls that I was wearing, that that dog didn’t rip my arm off.

And as a result of that, that dog . . . There really wasn’t any consequences, but the owners did feel very, very bad. And also I didn’t feel too bad because I thought the dog was doing his job of protecting their home.

Anyway, and I’ve really thought about that in smaller communities with dogs running around. And I know on First Nation communities, there’s lots of dogs that are running around and pose a lot of danger to children, to individuals.

The hamlets, the municipal designations, we know . . . Like I grew up in a small hamlet, you know, and there’s only two people that live there now. There’s a church that we can’t use anymore. There’s absolutely nothing in the area. And I often wonder about that little hamlet where I grew up, because it’s still home to me.

The bylaws here, I look at the unpaid . . . In this bill it talks about unpaid bylaws. Fines can be added to your property tax. I think there’s a lot in this bill. There’s a lot in this bill; there’s a lot to discuss. There’s lots for us to look further into in this bill.

And there’s lots going into regulations. What the Sask Party calls red tape reduction looks a lot like centralizing power in the minister’s office, which is a long-standing pattern for this government. And I think that’s remarkably obvious as of late.

So my colleagues and also the shadow minister for this area will continue the work that they’re doing in speaking with stakeholders out there. So I guess the question is, that many of us have and also the citizens in this province, if the government really wanted to improve the running of municipalities, they would stop downloading their responsibilities onto them and causing property taxes to skyrocket.

So with that I move to adjourn debate on Bill 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — Carried.

Bill No. 47

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

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — I recognize the member from Wascana Plains.

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Deputy Speaker. I rise to enter debate on Bill No. 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act. We agree that the drug crisis in this province is out of control and the government does need to do more, be doing more to address it. In light of what we’ve heard the last couple of days regarding overdoses in this province, this debate becomes more important each day.

We do need a proactive approach before we institute a reactive response. We’ve been trying to get a clear picture of barriers to accessing treatment for addictions, but the minister has claimed that data doesn’t exist even though we have seen with our own eyes that it does. That makes us worry a little bit about how seriously the minister is taking this crisis.

We’re losing hundreds of people each year to addiction, overdose, and drug poisoning. It tears families apart and whole communities. This is why it’s important to get tough on the causes of crime. This is a time to increase supports, not cut them as in the case of Prairie Harm Reduction recently. We support evidence-based treatment for addictions, but government responses need to be stronger, more encompassing, more meaningful to make an actual difference.

I know my colleagues and the shadow minister of Mental Health and Addictions will have more to say and more to add to this debate, but for now, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — 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.]

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — I recognize the member from Regina Pasqua.

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today on my feet for debate on Bill No. 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act. Mr. Speaker, before this, one of my colleagues from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood has participated on this bill.

A lot of things can be said on this bill, but I can say the drug crisis in the province is out of control, and government is not serious about it. To address, it is not . . . The government has claimed that responsibility . . . the data does not exist and is closing its eyes. We are losing hundreds of people every year to addiction. The government should take the steps to stop it with this. I support the bill and request to adjourn the debate on Bill No. 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act. Thank you.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — Carried.

Bill No. 49

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jim Reiter that Bill No. 49 — The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate being able to get on my feet here today and enter into adjourned debate on Bill No. 49, The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2026. And for all those folks watching at home, Bill No. 49 and the following bills are bills that facilitate the work of the government’s budget, Mr. Speaker.

And so you know, I canvassed the budget pretty carefully. The clock is ticking down, and we do have committee work. I will quickly point to the highlights from my budget response speech.

Bill 49 deals with a lot of the tax credits that the government promises are baked into every budget under the quote unquote $2.5 billion dollars in annual affordability relief that they provide to the people of Saskatchewan. And I think at the time I said that, you know, a 2.5 billion in affordability relief baked into that budget is cold comfort for a lot of the folks here in this province who are absolutely struggling to get by.

I talked about health care workers stopping at the food bank on the way home from a shift, a full-time health care worker. We’ve talked about them having to donate blood plasma to supplement their income, Mr. Speaker. And it doesn’t even, you know, have anything to lift the almost 78,000 children out of poverty that we see here in Saskatchewan — the highest rates of child poverty in the country, Mr. Speaker.

And so, you know, we have called on this government to take action on those fronts. We’ve called on the government to take action on affordability. We had a motion on the floor of this Assembly here today that was voted down, that would see families seeing a 15‑cent reduction on their gas tax, in line with the moves from the federal government pausing their gas excise tax.

So you know, Mr. Speaker, I think, happy to see the government continuing to update their tax credit system. But you know, I was outside of Prairie Harm Reduction yesterday with my colleague from Saskatoon Centre representing 126 workers who are now out in the cold, workers doing important work for the very community members that these tax credits do absolutely nothing for. You know, you have to make money to get a tax credit.

And so, Mr. Speaker, I will end my remarks here, reiterating that, you know, this government did not put any new affordability relief measures in the ’26‑27 budget, and they have not taken up the opposition’s many opportunities to provide them with an option to provide affordability relief. So, Mr. Speaker, at this time I will adjourn debate on Bill No. 49, The Income Tax Amendment Act.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — Carried.

Bill No. 50

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jim Reiter that Bill No. 50 — The Financial Administration Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much. Back up on my feet here to speak to Bill No. 50, The Financial Administration Amendment Act, 2026, another budget bill that moves forward the agenda of the government, the legislative components of their recent budget, Mr. Speaker. I have laid a lot of comments on the budget on the record. At this time I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 50, The Financial Administration Amendment Act, 2026.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — Carried.

Bill No. 51

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jim Reiter that Bill No. 51 — The Corporation Capital Tax Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — I recognize the member from Regina Wascana Plains.

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Deputy Speaker. On my feet again this afternoon to enter debate on Bill No. 51, The Corporation Capital Tax Amendment Act, 2026. And again, as my colleague said yesterday, this is basically a housekeeping bill to clean up outdated language, tax rates that are no longer in effect, and references to repealed Acts, standards whereas goodwill can no longer be included under cumulative eligible capital for income tax purposes. The Act also introduces a new tax rate of 6 per cent for amalgamated financial institutions.

It is our stance on this side that the government should be doing more for businesses in this province given the strain this economic crisis has put them under. This includes following the lead of the federal government and suspending the gas tax for a period of time to give families, farms, and businesses in Saskatchewan some much-needed financial relief.

The recent SaskPower rate hike is going to wreak havoc on businesses in this province. I’m sure there will be a number of them that will have to close their doors because of this. This government needs to be more forthcoming about the power rate hike, as was called for by the Saskatchewan Industrial Energy Consumers Association back in December.

I know that my colleagues and the shadow minister look forward to weighing in on this debate as the bill moves forward. For now, Deputy Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 51, The Corporation Capital Tax Amendment Act, 2026.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — Carried.

[15:30]

Bill No. 52

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Alana Ross that Bill No. 52 — The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — I recognize the member from Regina Wascana Plains.

Brent Blakley: — Thank you again, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Rising to enter debate on Bill No. 52, The Heritage Property Amendment Act. As my colleague said yesterday, this bill is very straightforward and to the point. It moves to amend the current heritage property Act to add a non-refundable application fee for archaeological and paleontological — that’s a big word — investigation permits.

There are a number of these items, of these types of projects that are carried out in this province every year. These are not money-making ventures by any stretch. They serve to investigate, to discover, and to preserve our heritage here in the province. Whether you call it a fee or a hike or a tax, it comes down to again the government reaching into the pockets of the people, businesses, and organizations of this province.

This bill is a little suspect in that it doesn’t specify the amount of such a fee at this point. Depending on the amount of the fee that is levied, interested parties may go elsewhere to do their investigations, again chasing businesses out of Saskatchewan. It’s absolutely imperative that we keep and attract such ventures to this province.

Again, I know my colleagues will look forward to entering debate as this bill moves forward, Mr. Speaker. I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 52, The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — Carried.

Bill No. 53

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jeremy Harrison that Bill No. 53 — The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Stonebridge.

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It is a pleasure to be on my feet to bring remarks on Bill No. 53, The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act.

I was chatting with my father, a former farmer, retired in 2005 and still gets out with friends and family to seed and harvest. And he’s happy to hear that some of these barriers to further production of chemical fertilizer in our province, some of the barriers and the red tape is being removed and allowing the extension of the capital expenditures for five years.

It just creates a situation where it’s easier for businesses to invest hundreds of millions, billions of dollars into the production of what ends up being . . . Up to 10 per cent of the potash and the fertilizer produced here in the province ends up getting used right here at home in Saskatchewan, and the rest obviously helps us fund things like health care and education. So anything that we can do to make sure that we encourage the production for farmers, for these large businesses is the right move.

But it is important to incentivize businesses and job creation in this province by removing the fuel tax so that farmers can have a little bit left over to invest back into their farms over the next several years. And it’s also an opportunity for us to remove the 3 to 4 per cent this year and next year with SaskPower, $136 million. Those farmers need that money to keep doing successful business.

And with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 53, The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — Carried.

Bill No. 54

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Michael Weger that Bill No. 54 — The Correctional Services Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Stonebridge.

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. My internet went down, but fortunately it’s still working on my phone. I stand to bring remarks on Bill No. 54, The Correctional Services Amendment Act of 2026.

Like a near majority of my colleagues on our side — and my apologies for making reference to being a former career teacher again — I used to be a teacher. We would manage classrooms to ensure the students were in the best position to learn in a safe, positive, and efficient environment. Establishing concrete, understandable rules with known consequences can be an effective deterrent to disruption and an avenue to avoid deteriorating situations.

The same can be said of employees within jails or prisons, except their deteriorating situations can result in more dangerous and more violent situations. I think it can be said that the administrative segregation discipline system for minor and major disciplinary offences, and even temporary confinement, may serve a purpose for not only correction officers but also for those who are incarcerated.

Consultation with stakeholders is still paramount. Our shadow minister on this file is incredibly knowledgeable and will be asking all the right questions and doing all of the proper due diligence as always.

And all that being said, it should be pointed out that even if these parameters of this Act are deemed to be supported by the opposition, a major task at hand remains. How will a jail or prison in Saskatchewan accommodate a situation that requires more space when there’s less space available? What is the Sask Party government doing to address the root causes of crime? What is the Sask Party government doing to get tough on crime and to deter criminals from continuing on such a path?

We very much look forward to engaging in those conversations, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And with that I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 54, The Correctional Services Amendment Act, 2026.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — Carried. I recognize the Deputy Government House Leader.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you very much. I move that this House do now adjourn.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — It has been moved that this Assembly do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Deputy Chair of Committees Keisig: — Carried. This Assembly now stands adjourned until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:37.]

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

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