Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s a real pleasure today to be able to introduce a very good friend of mine who’s visiting us from Ontario, somebody who really doesn’t need a whole lot of introduction, I think, in Canadian political circles. But the Hon. Monte McNaughton. Monte, welcome to the Assembly.

Monte was first elected in 2011 as an MPP [Member of Provincial Parliament] from Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. Monte served in a number of portfolios — Infrastructure; Labour, Training, Skills Development, and Immigration — really a cornerstone of the Ford government. 2023 Monte made the decision to retire and enter into the private sector.

We’re going to be having a chat later today. But I just want to say, welcome, Monte. I know this is your first question period here in Saskatchewan. Be interested in comparing notes at Queen’s Park. So welcome, Monte, to Saskatchewan and this Legislative Assembly.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join in with the minister opposite in welcoming Monte to our Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. On behalf of the official opposition, thank him for all of his service and ask all members to join me in welcoming him to this Assembly today.

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

Barret Kropf: — Mr. Speaker, I’ve got a couple of quick introductions. The first one is, seated in the gallery to the west is Mr. Kevin Trew, the CAO [chief administrative officer] of the community of Outlook, who’s been in town for SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association]. And also works really well with the Outlook Ice Hawks I’m going to have a member’s statement about afterwards. So welcome to your Legislative Assembly, Kevin.

And there’s a school up in that same gallery, Mr. Speaker, from Pense. And now Pense is not in my constituency of Dakota-Arm River. But because my colleague from Lumsden-Morse is away from us today, we have the opportunity to introduce a group of grade 7s, 19 of them, with their student leader and teacher, Benton Froc. And so we just want to welcome you.

And I just want you to know that the member from Lumsden-Morse prepared a vegetable dish of carrots and celery for you as a snack afterwards. But I arm-wrestled him, and afterwards when I meet you in the gallery, I’ll have some ice cream for you. So I want to say welcome to your Assembly and hope you enjoy the visit.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cannington.

Daryl Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to welcome in a grade 8 class from Oxbow Prairie Horizons School. My high school, Mr. Speaker; it went by a different name back in the day. But I’d like to welcome 19 grade 8 students. Their teacher is Alison Ball — if you could give us a little wave — and their parent chaperones today: Chelsie Shier, Wes Smith, Channy Brown, and Michelle Irwin.

And oh, by the way, I do have ice cream as well. I’m not throwing in the vegetables, but I do have ice cream. I will meet you down in the gallery, and we’ll have some hard questions. So I’d like everyone to help me welcome them to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It truly is an honour to also welcome my dear friend, Kevin Trew. Kevin worked for my First Nation for many years. And when I was a young . . . Well actually I’m older than he is, but when he was working for my Nation, he was very instrumental in ensuring that I had an education, that I received an education.

His love, his compassion for First Nations people, for working with First Nations people and empowering young people to get an education, to pursue higher education — I wouldn’t be here without Kevin Trew. And on behalf of my colleagues and also Kinistin, welcome to your legislature.

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

Hon. Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I seek leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to introduce, seated up in the west gallery in the front row, Isho Shamo and his father, Shmoyel. Their journey to Canada is a story that Hollywood creates. But, Mr. Speaker, they have the receipts to prove it.

Let me first start by talking about Isho. He currently works in my office as a communications ministerial assistant. At the end of this session he’ll be moving over to Social Services. That is my loss and their gain, Mr. Speaker. Isho is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces, serving as a corporal and a radio operator. Mr. Speaker, his dad is here with him, seated on his left today, and his father is his hero.

Shmoyel grew up in Iraq. And in those days dictator Saddam Hussein conscripted men to fight an eight-year war with Iran, followed by a mission to occupy Kuwait. Shmoyel left Saddam’s army and escaped war-torn Iraq during the first Gulf War and fled to a United Nations refugee camp in Türkiye. Shmoyel worked for the duration of the war as the head cook, preparing meals for all of the refugees in the camp.

After the war was over, he remained in Türkiye. But seeking opportunity, he reached out to the church and was told a meeting would be arranged with the Canadian embassy. The family received the best news ever: they would have an opportunity for a new life in Canada.

Mr. Speaker, this is the story about the struggle of a family in a war-torn country that found opportunity and made Saskatchewan their home — the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Shmoyel and his wife, Elizabeth and four children Silvana, Semona, Sandy, and Isho and his granddaughter, Sierra, all continue to make a life in Saskatchewan.

I ask all the members to please join me in welcoming Isho and his hero to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will join the minister opposite, that his friend is over here to our Legislative Assembly. Mr. Speaker, I’ve been an immigrant; I know how big a picture it is. Our happiness is for someone that they can call this place for their children. I will be requesting all members to join me in welcoming him to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet to welcome Peace and Miguel to their Legislative Assembly, and the rest of their entourage. They’re here for Poetry Month. Peace is the Poet Laureate for Saskatchewan, and Miguel, I seem to run into all the time at various arts and culture events across the province.

On behalf of the official opposition, I’d just like to say that we really look forward to the opportunity to seeing you with your scrolls. And she has a really unique way of presenting her poetry. I hope that that’s happening again today. And fortunately for my students, I taught them music and not language arts, because when I hear your poetry it’s so meaningful and special. And I’d like to ask all members to welcome Miguel and Peace to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join with the member opposite in welcoming Peace and Miguel to their Legislative Assembly. And I’m truly looking forward to hearing your works this afternoon in the library where you’re going to be entertaining us and sharing a lot of what your thoughts are in your wonderful poetry. I ask that all members please join me in welcoming Peace and Miguel and their guests to this Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — And I would like to join the two members introducing a few guests in the Speaker’s gallery here for the celebration of poetry event in the Legislative Library a little later today. So Peace, who’s been mentioned, you are an African Canadian, interdisciplinary poet and workshop facilitator, chorus-poem playwright residing in Saskatoon.

And the newest manuscript, The Goat’s Tongue, won the Metatron International Poetry Prize and was released fall 2026. Peace is also the recipient of the RBC SK Arts Emerging Artist Award and the Platinum Jubilee Queen’s Medal. Congratulations on that.

Also Tai Reign here with us from Peepeekisis Cree Nation, based here in Regina, Saskatchewan. Tai has performed across Canada and at the Voices of Today youth poetry festival in Toronto and co-created and performed two devised theatre productions: Lift/Break and The Rehearsal. Tai is the Youth Poet Laureate for 2025‑2026.

And then Miguel is here from Treaty 6 territory in Saskatoon, is a truth-teller often exploring community culture care through an anti-racist lens. He’s the author of Blue: a Novel and What Lies in the Valley. He is the 2025 CBC Saskatchewan Future 40 winner and a recipient of the Tony & Herb Rainbow Award through the Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts. Fenrich is the president of the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild.

So welcome to your legislature today. And I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming them here and spending some time hearing their poetry this afternoon in the library if we’re able to make it. Thank you for being here.

I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If you’ll permit me to just briefly join in on this welcome of the poets. I remember the moment I heard Peace and Dash last year, and I was just very affected. It was wonderful. And I think Peace is very generous with her time. She actually did a very small event in Regina Elphinstone last year that people still talk about today. It was incredibly impactful.

Sorry, I’ve heard so much about Tai Reign. I can’t wait to be there today to finally hear that live.

Certainly this is my favourite event that we hold here at the legislature, to be honest. I look forward to it every year, and I just can’t wait to be there this afternoon. And I just wanted to join with folks in welcoming these wonderful artists to their Legislative Assembly today.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition to open up vacant Sask Housing units. Mr. Speaker, we know homelessness is a problem in this province. It makes no sense to have 3,000 vacant units. People and communities are suffering; 700 vacancies in Regina alone. Every $10 spent now saves $22 in health care and social services down the road. People want action.

So with that, I will read the prayer:

The undersigned call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately renovate all Sask Housing units that require renovation and make units available and affordable and ensure that all currently vacant SHC units are made occupied.

The undersigned today are from Saskatoon. I do so present.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling on the government to suspend the provincial fuel tax.

[13:45]

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that gas prices are extremely high during the last many weeks due to conflict in the Middle East; that Saskatchewan people are struggling to keep up with the increased cost of food, shelter, and other basic necessities as wages have not kept up to the rate of inflation; that the Sask Party government could provide immediate cost-of-living relief to Saskatchewan families by suspending the 15‑cent-per-litre provincial gas tax; that the Saskatchewan NDP [New Democratic Party], the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, among others, have been calling for immediately gas tax relief for months.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I’ll read the prayer:

Respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to suspend the collection of the provincial fuel tax from gasoline and diesel for a period of six months to help families struggling with the high cost of living.

The petition has been signed by the residents of Regina. I do so present.

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition calling for adequate and equitable SAID [Saskatchewan assured income for disability] rates. The residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that the Saskatchewan assured income disability program is for people with significant and enduring disabilities; and the increases are insufficient and have lead to an overall 20 per cent decrease in benefits when adjusting for inflation; that SAID disincentivizes employment by having very low employment exemptions of only $7,500 a year.

I shall read the prayer:

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

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

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly to address the affordability crisis. People have had enough of the burdens of increased cost for fuel, for insurance, for power rates, for groceries, for children’s clothing. So I would just like to share.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that inflation is the highest it’s been in more than three decades; that according to Angus Reid, 84 per cent of Saskatchewan people are feeling stressed about money, the highest such rates of financial insecurity in Canada; that half of Saskatchewan residents were living paycheque to paycheque before transportation and food costs skyrocketed; that the Sask Party government’s power, PST [provincial sales tax], and tax hikes make life more expensive.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request their Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to meaningfully address the affordability crisis in Saskatchewan.

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

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Remembering Bob Sass

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. On Friday the labour movement said goodbye to Bob Sass, who passed away on April 10th at the age of 87.

Born in the Bronx, New York in 1937, Bob brought his passion for workers’ rights to Saskatchewan in 1969, joining the Regina campus of the University of Saskatchewan before entering the public service, where he would leave an extraordinary mark on the province and beyond.

Bob served as a labour consultant, chief conciliation officer, and ultimately associate deputy minister of Labour. He became the first director of occupational health and safety in North America, helping to shape the modern framework of workplace safety. He introduced groundbreaking protections for workers, including early asbestos regulations, and helped establish the three fundamental rights — the right to know, the right to participate, and the right to refuse unsafe work — now used around the world.

His work helped lay the foundations for WHMIS [workplace hazardous materials information system], ensuring workers return home safely each day. As Lori Johb, president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour said, “Bob is a working-class hero. Hundreds of thousands of workers are going to go home safely at the end of the day because of Bob.”

But his impact extended far beyond health and safety, touching countless moments in Saskatchewan’s labour history. We were fortunate to have him and, as Bob reminded us, the struggle continues. May we honour him by carrying forward that legacy.

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

Outlook Ice Hawks Claim First-Ever Championship

Barret Kropf: — Mr. Speaker, the Outlook Ice Hawks joined the Saskatchewan Junior Female Hockey League in 2023. This season their record was an impressive team-best 16 wins, good enough for second place in the standings, one point behind the first place Regina Wild.

In playoff action the Ice Hawks faced and defeated the Saskatoon Prairie Blaze in the semifinals and went on to face the Regina Wild in the cup finals. In a best-of-three final, their work was cut out for them as the Wild hosted both games 1 and 3 at home. But after splitting the first two games of the finals, more than 150 fans from Outlook made the trip to Regina to cheer on the Ice Hawks to victory in the deciding game, where Mikiya Anderson scored the lone goal of the contest with 3 minutes and 11 seconds to secure the championship. Her game-winning goal allowed the Ice Hawks to claim their first-ever championship.

The Ice Hawks are truly a Saskatchewan team, with players from all across the province. They are coached by Josh Houseman from Central Butte, with assistant coaches Sam Ridgewell from Outlook, Meg Dyer from Saskatoon, Kevin and Catherine Trew as part of the leadership group. And their captaincy from the Outlook Ice Hawks is captain Tyrell Schroeder from Saskatoon, assistant captain Teanna Crossman from Rosetown, Mikiya Anderson from Warman, Taylre Becker from Saskatoon, and Austyn Eaton from Paradise Hill.

I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Ice Hawks on a championship, and wish them all the best on defending that crown next season.

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

Regina Pat Canadians Return to the Telus Cup

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, the Regina Pat Canadians are back at it again this year — back-to-back league champs and back-to-back Western Regionals champs, punching their ticket once again to the Telus Cup. They did so in front of a hometown crowd with C6 packed to the rafters.

A big shout-out must go to the Regina host committee of the Western Regionals as they organized an incredible few days of hockey, as the best U18 [under 18] teams in Western Canada competed to earn a spot in the Telus Cup, Hockey Canada’s U18 national championship.

The Cs have been a sight to behold all season. They’re a legendary squad, the Telus Cup champs of last year, led once again on the ice by Maddox Schultz, a hometown player and a rare generational talent. He was named MVP [most valuable player] of the Western Regionals.

The team is stacked with high performers. Liam Pue is a next-level talent. Ethan Young was named the league’s Top Defenceman and first team all-star. Nathan Gardiner, first team all-star; Ryker Doka, rookie of the year and second team all-star; second team all-stars Malaki Martin and Ben Meyer. They’re rock solid between the pipes with Meyer and Muntain, and they’re led on the bench by head coach Ryan Hodgins and an exceptional coaching staff.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members of this Assembly to let our Pat Cs know our entire community and province are proudly behind them as they head off to compete in the Telus Cup next week in Peterborough and to repeat as champs. Thanks, Mr. Speaker.

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

Swinging with the Stars Fundraiser Supports Hope’s Home

Hon. Alana Ross: — Mr. Speaker, Prince Albert’s Hope’s Home’s sixth annual Swinging with the Stars fundraiser was held on March 21st. It was sponsored by the Malcolm Jenkins family, and it raised over $200,000.

I had the pleasure of attending with the Premier, the Minister of Social Services, the Minister of Government Relations, and the MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] for Prince Albert Carlton for an evening of dance, fun, laughter dedicated to providing essential care and support and resources for kids and their families. As the Minister of Social Services said, “It’s a wonderful event that helps support children with complex needs so parents can just be parents.”

Hope’s Home provides daycare, early learning and development programming, respite services, supportive living, and transition care between the hospital and a community home. This event was sponsored by dance organizations in Prince Albert, including Bold Dance Productions, Prince Albert Dance Company, Ballet ‘n’ All That Jazz, and featured competitors from in and around the Prince Albert area, including Premier Moe’s daughter Taryn, all who brought their talent and enthusiasm to the stage.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, organized, and donated to such a worthy program. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Growing Saskatchewan’s Population

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to highlight a worrying trend in Saskatchewan. For the second consecutive quarter, Saskatchewan’s population has declined. It can sometimes be difficult to look at the beautiful place we all in these Chamber call home and wonder why more and more people are deciding to leave.

After 20 years of this Sask Party government, people are voting with their feet and leaving. And it’s not a mistake as to why: more rate hikes for power, fishing, hunting, along with kids’ clothes, groceries, and offering no relief at the gas pumps. It’s suffocating people working hard to make ends meet. All of these taxes and fees result in our reality. People are deciding between paying for their rent, whether they will eat that day.

Mr. Speaker, a small population is not without any consequences. A smaller population means smaller economy, less growth, and fewer opportunities. It’s clear that what Saskatchewan needs is a government willing to listen. Mr. Speaker, our campaign Your Future, Your Say is already engaging with young people, students, labour groups — that’s the ones that will help us to grow and reverse the damage that this Sask Party has done.

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

Ode to Mr. Speaker

Hon. Michael Weger: — He sits in his Chair.

No one speaks when he is standing.

Calm, considerate, fair.

You may be wondering, what did I just do?

I started my member’s statement with a haiku.

April is National Poetry Month. The theme is “Land & Sea.”

And at 3:30, well the library is where you want to be.

Mr. Speaker, today in the Leg it is once again poetry day.

Peace and Tai Reign are here, but I also have something to say.

If there are hecklers, toss them out. My words are all true.

After all, this poem that I’ve written, Mr. Speaker, it’s about you.

You dress in a robe and wear tabs not a tie.

Everyone thinks you’re a really great guy.

And if you ask Evan Bray, well he will tell ya,

that he thinks you’re a real nice fella.

Many honourable members in that Chair they have sat.

You can’t be the only one that has forgotten his hat.

Now Melfort is lucky to have you as their MLA.

You represent your constituency very well every day.

You have a love for all of your children that is beyond unreal,

and when it comes to your marriage, well you got the best part of that deal.

Now there’s a grin on your face, wouldn’t you know it,

it has been my honour, Mr. Speaker, to be your legislative poet.

Speaker Goudy: — I would have loved to have been able to call that offside. I recognize the member from Martensville-Blairmore.

Reaction to Opposition Statements

Hon. Jamie Martens: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Another day, another NDP attack on Saskatchewan people. This time it’s Saskatchewan Marshals and SGEU [Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union] members. SGEU has taken an extraordinary step of writing to the NDP to tell them to stop attacking their members.

SGEU president, Tracey Sauer, told the NDP, and I quote:

Do not expect SGEU to stay silent as you publicly attack our members, past, present, or future. We will not allow attacks on our members from any political party. I urge you to reconsider your approach and your political postering. Saskatchewan workers deserve better.

Mr. Speaker, the NDP attacking Saskatchewan people is now a pattern. They tell people to hate their political opponents. They call a former mayor a troll for standing up for his community. And they are told to correct their public statements by the city of North Battleford. They splice a clip to make it look like the president of SUMA was endorsing their power plan when she was actually talking about our government’s revenue-sharing program. And now they are called out publicly by SGEU for attacking Saskatchewan Marshals. Saskatchewan people deserve better.

Mr. Speaker, is the NDP leader going to do the right thing and apologize for their latest attack on hard-working Saskatchewan people?

[14:00]

QUESTION PERIOD

Regulation of Taxes on Groceries

Carla Beck: — Well, Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people, they sure do deserve better. Food prices continue to climb, shooting up over 5.5 per cent in the last year alone. Since this Premier took office, essentials like ground beef, like baby formula have gone up over 50 per cent. Still this Premier chooses to tax things that parents need to put food in school lunches or to put a meal on the road in between activities.

Mr. Speaker, why won’t this Premier show he has some understanding of how hard families in this province are struggling? Why won’t he show that and cut them a break at the checkout stand?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I would say that in this province and across Canada, we very much understand that families, municipal governments coming out of the SUMA convention, provincial governments, national government — all are feeling the inflationary pressures that we are seeing escalate across this nation.

That’s why in the last provincial election we campaigned largely on affordability measures for everyone that lives in Saskatchewan, whether you be a student, whether you be entering a career in a Saskatchewan community, whether you be a first-time homebuyer, a senior, or whether you be a family.

That’s why this government now has in this budget two and a half billion dollars of affordability measures annualized each and every year — permanent, sustainable affordability measures that are present each and every year. That’s a half-billion dollars, $500 million increase over where we were prior to that election. Delivered on every election campaign promise that we had made to the people of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, totalling $4,400 less in taxes in this province relative to under the NDP.

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

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, I’m increasingly worried that that Premier doesn’t seem to understand how hard families in this province are struggling. But there are things that he could and that he should be doing to give families a break.

Next door in Manitoba, Premier Kinew has brought forward legislation to crack down on predatory price gouging at the grocery store and elsewhere. Technology is allowing prices to be jacked up during peak periods on select items, often without people knowing that it is happening, but they’re paying for it at the checkout.

Mr. Speaker, does the Premier support a crackdown on predatory AI [artificial intelligence] pricing similar to what they’ve already got in Manitoba?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Credit to Premier Kinew and I’d say other premiers as well that have had a discussion with respect to just this. This is an important issue, predatory pricing using AI for online orders, Mr. Speaker, which is having an impact on the inflation that families are experiencing not just in this province but across the nation.

In discussions with the federal government, Mr. Speaker, this government is . . . Particularly the Competition Bureau nationally has the opportunity to take action in this space, to clamp down on this predatory pricing, to ensure that not just in Saskatchewan but across the nation of Canada that this is not happening, Mr. Speaker.

And so the government is engaged in these discussions, will continue to be engaged in these discussions. And the place for this to happen is nationally, Mr. Speaker, to protect all Canadians through the Competition Bureau.

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

Gas Prices and Affordability

Carla Beck: — Manitoba has proven that there are things that that Premier could be doing here, but he’s choosing not to.

There’s another issue, Mr. Speaker. People are feeling the pain at the pumps. And we’ve seen gas prices up around a buck seventy for weeks now. Still this Premier has blocked our repeated attempts to suspend the gas tax and give people in this province a break. He did it again yesterday, even after the federal government suspended their gas tax.

Will the Premier admit that he was wrong? And will he take action today to cut Saskatchewan people a break at the pumps? They need it.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, we recognize the impact inflationary pressures are having on residents in our province and across the country, around the world due largely to geopolitical forces. The price of gas has risen dramatically because of geopolitical forces. So it’s been a short period of time so far, Mr. Speaker.

The members opposite are calling for a temporary measure. We’ve instead decided to go for permanent measures to help residents of this province deal with inflationary pressures permanently, Mr. Speaker. There’s a whole suite that I went through on the floor of this Assembly before, but I would say the most impactful is that of income tax, Mr. Speaker — income tax cuts so people can keep more of their own money in their own pockets. We campaigned on that promise, and we’re going to deliver on that promise.

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

Carla Beck: — Well now the Finance minister has stood up and shown that he doesn’t understand how hard people in this province are struggling, Mr. Speaker. But we’ve done the math. This Premier’s fuel tax is costing households who live in the city $600 a year. For rural residents, that number jumps to 750. Money that would be better left in those families’ pockets so that they can cover the essentials.

Mr. Speaker, too often we’re hearing from people who are choosing between putting food on the table or filling up the tank. They need relief now, Mr. Speaker, and that government refuses to offer it.

I’m going to give him one more chance. Will the Premier commit today to suspend that fuel tax and cut families in this province the break that they so desperately need right now?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Finance minister.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, the members opposite are proposing, as I said, a temporary solution on the gas tax, Mr. Speaker, to provide some tax . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I’d ask for order, please.

Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — To provide some tax relief, Mr. Speaker. For that temporary period of time, according to our numbers, it would save the average family about $150.

Every dollar helps. I recognize that. But we campaigned on and promised on the income tax reductions, Mr. Speaker. In comparison to that $150, a family of four earning $100,000 is going to save $1,100. Not temporarily — continuously, permanently, going on into the out years. And we’ll continue to reduce that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Supports for Small Businesses

Aleana Young: — It’s clear, Mr. Speaker. There’s no relief on the fuel tax. There’s no relief at the grocery checkout. Maybe the minister doesn’t get it. When people are struggling, when people are struggling to get by, they have less money. When they have less money, they spend less money. This has an impact. And this 20‑year-old Sask Party government is failing Saskatchewan families, farms, and small businesses.

And, Mr. Speaker, it is not just me saying that. Today the CFIB [Canadian Federation of Independent Business] put out a report calling out what they called “an entrepreneurial drought.” And that drought is worse in Saskatchewan than almost everywhere else in the country. The last time this many businesses were closing in Saskatchewan was during the pandemic.

What does this say about the state of our economy under that Premier’s watch?

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

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And small business is big business in Saskatchewan. You’ve heard that mentioned from me, from this government many times, Mr. Speaker. Small business represents almost 99 per cent of the businesses that are now currently operating in the province.

In 2024 Saskatchewan had 154,000 small businesses. That was 98.8 per cent of our total businesses. During the time from 2014 to 2024: 147,000 small businesses in 2014; 154,278 businesses in 2024. To me, Mr. Speaker, that’s growth, growth over that time.

In 2024 Saskatchewan had the second-highest rate of small businesses per capita among the provinces, with 124 small businesses for every 1,000 people, Mr. Speaker. That sounds like growth to me.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m not sure what that sounded like to small businesses, because they know there are 500 fewer small businesses in Saskatchewan today than there were when this Premier took office.

But let’s see, let’s see what the CFIB found. They found that 41 per cent of small businesses in Saskatchewan feel unsupported by the Sask Party government, and only 8 per cent have a strong belief that this government has a clear vision for entrepreneurship. The most damning quote is, “In Saskatchewan, business exits have outpaced entries for four consecutive quarters.”

Again, Mr. Speaker, the last time this many businesses were closing was during the pandemic. How can the minister stand and defend a full year of more businesses closing than opening?

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

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Oh boy, Mr. Speaker. This is why we cannot take this opposition seriously. Mr. Speaker, remember this is the same critic, this . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I’d again remind us, we’ve got students who sit so nicely and listen so carefully to all the questions and answers, and I’d ask that us grown adults would be able to do the same.

Minister of Trade and Export.

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I guess just talking about the unseriousness of the opposition, this is the same critic, this is the same critic, the member from Regina South Albert, that was quoted: “Imagine being the CFIB and just getting to go to work every day and lie.” That is a quote. That is a quote, Mr. Speaker, that is found on her social media.

Mr. Speaker, in Saskatchewan, in Saskatchewan, 2018 . . . This is how we’re supporting small business, Mr. Speaker . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Sorry, there’s just a rule that you can’t say indirectly something you can’t say directly. And I’m just struggling with that one. We’ll wait until the end of that, so carry on, but I am concerned that we don’t say anything indirectly that we can’t say directly. So please carry on, but be careful.

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Here’s how we support small business on this side. In 2018 we raised the small-business income threshold from 500,000 to 600,000. The small-business tax rate has been reduced and will remain at 1 per cent. Our government announced the Saskatchewan Young Entrepreneur Bursary, working with the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce, providing $5,000 bursaries to young entrepreneurs, Mr. Speaker. Fifty-seven of them.

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

Provision of Electricity

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Facts are facts. Last quarter Saskatchewan lost 42 small businesses. The quarter before that it was 172. Declining business numbers, declining population numbers, and that is all because of this Premier and this government’s choices. Higher taxes, higher power bills driving people and investment out of this province. You need affordable power to run a business.

And the SaskPower minister, he knows this. He said, and I quote:

You know, there are other areas where we aren’t as competitive with regard to investment decisions, primarily around power generation where, you know, on a proportionate basis we’re just more expensive here.

What does that minister say to the SaskPower minister about his government’s choices and their record?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This is another example of why nobody takes the opposition seriously. In the exact same splicing video that we saw just a couple of days ago, the Leader of the Opposition admitted further details of their power plan, which is even more catastrophic than we thought it was. She said that they are going to, as a core part of their baseload power plan, import liquefied natural gas by truck from British Columbia and the United States to replace our baseload coal power generation, Mr. Speaker. This plan would be a catastrophe . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please. Debate is debate.

Minister.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Leader of the Opposition admitted just what a catastrophe their plan would be. Importing liquefied natural gas from British Columbia and the United States, Mr. Speaker, would cost $2.2 billion . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Member from Regina South Albert, please come to order.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Leader of the Opposition admitted that their plan would be even more catastrophic than we even first thought. $2.2 billion to import liquefied natural gas from British Columbia and from the United States and shut down our existing coal-fired power plants, putting 1,400 people out of work and devastating two communities. That is a terrible plan.

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

Funding for Kindergarten in Saskatoon

Matt Love: — Mr. Speaker, there is an exciting opportunity for families and schools in Saskatoon. Wayne Brownlee, a local philanthropist, a leader, and a board member of the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation, has made an offer. He will donate another $10 million to allow full-day, all-day kindergarten to continue in the city, provided that this government matches his offer.

Is the minister planning to agree to this generous proposal today?

[14:15]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I would begin by thanking Mr. Brownlee and his personal wishes here and his contribution that he has offered to make towards this program, as well as the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation for the work that they have done in this space over the past number of years funding this particular program in Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker.

I had an opportunity on a number of occasions to speak with the foundation about this and other issues, and we’ve talked about this particular initiative. Mr. Speaker, I’ve said to the board and to the representatives and through them to Mr. Brownlee that we will certainly as a government take a closer look at that offer and what that might look like in terms of the potential for a full-day, all-day K [kindergarten], not just in Saskatoon but perhaps in other parts of the province as well, Mr. Speaker.

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

Matt Love: — You know, Mr. Speaker, this is a lot of money, and it could make a real difference for our kids, our classrooms, and our struggling education sector in this province. Now the Public Schools Foundation has worked with a professor of economics to create a report laying out the incredible value that this program does provide today — the economic value, the improvements to our plummeting literacy rates that are among the lowest in the country. All of that evidence is available to that minister.

Has he looked at that evidence? And how can he say no to something that would create so much value for kids in Saskatoon?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Two things. One, yes I have. I’ve read the report. It’s been presented to me. I’ve discussed it with the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation. Some very good work done in there with respect to the 25 schools and the 29 full-day, all-day kindergarten programs they’re currently offering in Saskatoon.

Secondly, Mr. Speaker, I have not said no to this. I have not said that we are not going to be interested in taking a look at that. I have said that what we need to do on any of these sorts of initiatives as a government is do our due diligence, to take a look at what’s currently being offered, how is that working in Saskatoon, and have some conversations with stakeholders in the education sector, Mr. Speaker. This has been working very well in Saskatoon, but we also need to consider as well that perhaps there may be other communities in the province that might want to be part of this as well.

So, Mr. Speaker, it’s important for us to be able to have those conversations, to make sure that we make it a thorough and informed decision that takes a look at the long-term implications of this and the impacts, the positive impacts it can have on our education system, in collaboration with the K to 3 literacy initiatives that this government is investing in and other significant record investments in education.

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

Matt Love: — Mr. Speaker, issue after issue from this minister we hear the same thing: conversations but no action. Action that our kids need.

Now I don’t understand how a minister can turn his nose up to an offer like this, but of course it’s the second time that this minister has done this. When he was minister of Health, he rejected an offer of $2 million to put an MRI [magnetic resonance imaging] machine in Estevan. He only backtracked after the public found out what he had done.

After 20 years in government, the Sask Party is forcing concerned citizens to create their own solutions. And then when they do, they shut them down.

Why is that minister refusing to do his job and come to the table when solutions are literally handed to him?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Mr. Speaker, this is absolutely why you cannot take the opposition seriously, because they don’t think these things through. They don’t take a look at the full implication and the full long-term impacts of these sorts of decisions. These are very, very good decisions. And I know the member opposite, he’s out of questions, because now he’s speaking from his seat, Mr. Speaker.

But here’s a reality. The case of the Estevan MRI, we had a very significant donation come from a contributor from that community. But the important conversations that also had to happen, Mr. Speaker, were around, what about the staffing for that? What about the local foundation’s involvement around that? What about the capital for designing the hospital to be able to have that MRI in the facility or at least nearby? These are all very important discussions that have to happen, Mr. Speaker . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Member from Meewasin, please come to order.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So that is why we have to make sure that we do our due diligence to make sure that we have these conversations. We’re very grateful for the generous offer that’s coming forward from Mr. Brownlee and the foundation. We’ll continue to have those conversations. And we’ll do that this spring and then continue to do that in good faith with them through the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation, Mr. Speaker.

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

Provision of Neonatal Care

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday we raised major concerns about southern Saskatchewan’s smallest and sickest babies, who will now be denied surgery, emergent surgery, right here in Regina. They’re being now forced onto highways, onto helicopters, and sent to Saskatoon to receive critical, life-saving care. This is dangerous. It could cost lives, notwithstanding the amazing skills of our neonatal transport. They don’t even have equipment to deal with, for example, micro-preemies, Mr. Speaker. This can take hours to arrange this transport.

All we got yesterday from the Premier and that minister was a shrug, data relied on without context. The fact that these surgeries were only performed by one pediatric surgeon here in Regina itself an indication of this government’s failure to recruit and retain.

It’s a day later. Have the Premier and the Health minister rethought this devastating decision?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, I’ll remind the member opposite that we also shared some numbers and facts here on the floor of the legislature yesterday as well. And we perform nearly 2,000 pediatric surgeries every single year here in the city of Regina, Mr. Speaker. We have fantastic pediatric teams operating at the Regina General Hospital and a very generous community that has made significant contributions to improve that pediatric care.

Again the subset of surgical patients that we’re talking about, roughly one case a month, Mr. Speaker. We have the expertise located in Saskatoon at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, the specialized children’s hospital in our province, which this government was very proud to have a hand in building and ensuring that Saskatchewan’s pediatric patients can stay as close to home as possible, Mr. Speaker.

I have a great deal of faith in Dr. Kelly and Dr. Raazi and really all of our pediatric teams to ensure that our pediatric patients get the right care at the right time and in the right place.

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

Meara Conway: — Disappointing that he’s sharing that data again. He knows full well that is one pediatric surgeon — a highly, highly skilled pediatric surgeon — just one in Regina. No doubt there’d be far more surgeries and more opportunities for anesthetists, Mr. Speaker, if we actually had not failed to recruit and retain in this area.

Now the system-wide implications are much broader. We’re hearing now that our level 3 NICU [neonatal intensive care unit] status could be downgraded in Regina, impacting families and constituents of members across there. I can hear them chirping from their seat. The implications would be devastating, Mr. Speaker. Not to mention the Saskatoon NICU is often at or near or over capacity.

So what’s going to happen, Mr. Speaker? Are these babies now going to be sent out of province? Do the tiniest, sickest babies in southern Saskatchewan not also deserve the right care at the right place at the right time?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, this government has worked extremely hard to build the children’s hospital, recruit pediatric subspecialists to ensure that more and more of our pediatric patients don’t have to be transported out of the province like they used to have to be in years gone by.

This is a government that just presented a budget that has further investment in more beds at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, further investment in more bassinets at the NICU right here at Regina General Hospital, Mr. Speaker. It’s a shame that the members opposite voted against that budget. How could they do that to Saskatchewan?

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

Investigation into Conduct of Marshal

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a 24‑year law enforcement veteran, I know how important maintaining the trust and the confidence of the public is. Honesty and transparency are essential to ensure that the people have confidence in the work of the local police, the RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police], and yes, the Saskatchewan Marshals Service.

Last week the Information and Privacy Commissioner recommended that the Saskatchewan Marshals un-redact information regarding a serious misconduct investigation that led to the resignation of an officer. In a response we received today, the Marshals Service says that they won’t comply.

Why is the Minister of Community Safety refusing to release these records the independent commissioner says should be made public?

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

Hon. Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will reiterate to the member opposite that I do not direct the operations of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service. I’m involved in the strategic direction of the Marshals Service, but I do not direct the operations, Mr. Speaker.

I’m surprised to see the member opposite come back with this question after receiving a letter from the president, Tracey Sauer, of the SGEU — someone who I met with on March 16th personally, Mr. Speaker — where she said, “I feel I must make SGEU’s position clear [this is a quote]: any attack on one worker is an attack on all workers.”

Mr. Speaker, last month there was an email encouraging hate. On April 13th it’s an attack launched at the women and men in law enforcement protecting our province employed with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service. Who will the NDP attack next?

Speaker Goudy: — Sorry, I made a decision to have one more question due to the fact that I’d stood and we didn’t stop the clock when I was dealing . . . as I promised that I would in the past. So I recognize the member from Saskatoon Silverspring.

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Clearly the minister has never worn the uniform. Clearly that minister does not understand. And I will put my 24 years of service in uniform to the people of this province above his ride-alongs any day of the week.

Now, Mr. Speaker, in March of 2025 an officer was put on administrative leave pending an investigation and told to turn in his badge and his gun. As someone who has actually served in law enforcement, let me tell the minister that is not something that happens lightly. The public has a right to know what happened.

The question is not this individual’s identity; it is what this minister has done to address the concerns of this investigation and to prevent it from happening again.

So will the minister release the records today or list a single solitary thing that he has done to prevent a similar incident of misconduct from happening again?

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

Hon. Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pretty sure we have more women and men on this side of the room that have worn a uniform than on that side of the room. Again I would encourage the member opposite that what he should be doing is taking the advice of Tracey Sauer, who says in her letter, I quote . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please. The hon. minister is responding to a question; let’s hear him out with silence, please.

Hon. Michael Weger: — I quote, Mr. Speaker:

To recognize the broader work being undertaken by the members of the Saskatchewan Marshals Service including efforts to build relationships with communities and strengthen trust, particularly with Indigenous communities across the province.

Mr. Speaker, she goes on to elaborate on the BCRs, the band council resolutions that the Saskatchewan Marshals Service have been a part of with the First Nations. The Marshals Service are committed to communicating and engaging with every First Nation across this province, Mr. Speaker. They’re committed to keeping their communities safe.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 619 — The Consumer Protection and Business Practices (Banning Unfair A.I. Pricing) Amendment Act

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

Brittney Senger: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill 619, The Consumer Protection and Business Practices (Banning Unfair A.I. Pricing) Amendment Act be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the member from Saskatoon Southeast that Bill No. 619, The Consumer Protection and Business Practices (Banning Unfair A.I. Pricing) Amendment Act be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be read a second time?

Brittney Senger: — At the next sitting of the Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Bill No. 55 — The Medical Profession Amendment Act, 2026

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 55, The Medical Profession Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved by the Minister of Health that Bill No. 55, The Medical Profession Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be read a second time?

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Next sitting of the Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

[14:30]

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

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 Saskatoon Eastview.

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll keep my comments brief here today on this bill and the next one. You know, certainly we’ve been going through thorough consultation with those affected by this bill. That includes school divisions, locally elected leaders who know when and where schools are needed to serve growing communities.

I’ll take this opportunity to point out a community in my home city of Saskatoon, in Brighton. You know, there are over 9,000 people who live there today. There’s no school. There’s no school in the community of Brighton and I’m not sure that there will be one. By the time that community is fully built out, it’ll be nearly 15,000 people . . . Well I now have the member from Willowgrove chirping at me from his seat, Mr. Speaker, saying he’s certain, let’s get some facts.

Well let’s look at the facts. When that school was first requested, when it was identified by the city of Saskatoon, by Saskatoon Public Schools, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, all the mountain of evidence of when that school is needed . . . Now that member is still continuing to chirp . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Member, you’re supposed to be talking through the Chair. So I want to remind you of that, please.

Matt Love: — I’m talking about the bill while the member from Willowgrove, you know, continues to talk from his seat, Mr. Speaker. I’m happy to talk about this bill, because here’s a great example of how this government has failed so miserably to listen to local leaders to actually build schools faster. Not just name a bill “building schools faster” but to actually get the job done.

So to revisit a theme from question . . . I mean, I’ve caught the Education minister’s attention. You know, conversations are great. People expect action. And 9,000 people in Brighton expected action a long time ago, Mr. Speaker. Now I said I’d keep my comments short, and I’ve got a little bit of heckling getting me going here, Mr. Speaker.

But you know, we’re out there talking to people in Brighton. We’re out there visiting with these folks on the doorstep. I was out there this weekend chatting with folks in Brighton, folks who lived there for six years, their kids are growing. Some of them are already . . . they’ll age out of the school that they expected when they bought a house there six years ago.

You know, the pace that this government is building schools in growing neighbourhoods like Brighton is absolutely, absolutely a failure of their own making. Now the question is, will this legislation fix it like the title says? What about the contents of the bill? And I’m not going to spoil things for today, but that’s absolutely what we need to get into when this bill moves to committee

I’ve heard from stakeholders, municipal leaders, you know, leaders at SUMA, leaders in school boards, leaders from the SSBA [Saskatchewan School Boards Association]. I’ve done that work to consult and they have a lot of questions. And I’ll be happy to bring forward some of those questions, you know, and have a conversation with the minister and his officials when this gets to committee. But at this time, Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to allow Bill 38 to proceed to its next stage at committee. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion made by the minister that Bill No. 38, The Building Schools Faster Act be now read a second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion? I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Call in the members, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Call in the members.

[The division bells rang from 14:34 until 14:44.]

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion by the minister that Bill No. 55, The Medical Profession Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time. Or not. Yes, I apologize about that.

The question before the Assembly is the motion by the minister that Bill No. 38, The Building Schools Faster Act be now read a second time. I’m very sorry. Would all those in favour of the motion please rise.

[14:45]

[Yeas — 57]

Moe

Gartner

Kaeding

Marit

Cockrill

Reiter

Hindley

Harrison, J.

Cheveldayoff

Schmalz

Jenson

Weger

Keisig

Martens

Wilson

Beaudry

Rowden

Ross

McLeod, T.

Carr

Crassweller

Steele

Harrison, D.

Weedmark

Kropf

Patterson

Bromm

Hilbert

Chan

Thorsteinson

Kasun

Beck

Ritchie

Burki

Nippi-Albright

Mowat

Wotherspoon

Love

Teed

Young, A.

Clarke

Laliberte

McPhail

Conway

Sarauer

Breckner

Blakley

Grewal

ChiefCalf

Jorgenson

Brar

Gordon

Warrington

Pratchler

Senger

Roy

McBean

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

[Nays — nil]

Clerk Assistant: — Mr. Speaker, those in favour of the motion, 57; those opposed to the motion, 0.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried. The second motion has been agreed to. To which committee shall this bill be . . .

Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.

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

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

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

Bill No. 39

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

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

Matt Love: — You know, I don’t know if members opposite have learned this about me yet, but I’ll take any chance I can get to stand in this Assembly — or pretty much anywhere — and talk about our classrooms and our schools and . . . [inaudible] . . . our students have. Mr. Speaker, it’s kind of what got me into this business and it’s what gets me out of bed every single morning.

Now I’m going to just take a moment here with this bill to point out that if this government actually wanted to build schools faster, they wouldn’t be delaying schools in this year’s budget as a result of their failures. You know, I mean that’s about as plain as day as you can get. When they come forward with legislation or . . . Again this minister and his track record that he’s built of, you know, talking a lot but not taking any real meaningful action when it comes to the supports that our kids need and the schools that they need to learn in.

But, Mr. Speaker, you know, I am looking forward to asking some questions. I am sincerely looking forward to getting to committee with this bill. I’d like this bill to proceed to committee so I can ask some questions. Because there are a lot of questions that my colleagues and I are hearing as we consult with those municipal leaders, school board leaders, leaders in building affordable homes that are needed in Saskatchewan. There’s a lot that comes together in this bill, and we will be asking those questions when this bill gets to committee.

But at this time I’m willing to see this Bill 39 proceed to the next stage, and we’ll have more questions when it gets to committee. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is a motion by the minister that Bill No. 39, The Building Schools Faster Consequential Amendment Act, 2025 be now read a second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.

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

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

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

Bill No. 43

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

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pleasure to be on my feet today to enter into debate on Bill No. 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act. Mr. Speaker, there’s been a number of my colleagues that have spoken to this bill. There’s a lot in this bill dealing with dangerous animals, municipal designations, bylaws, appeals, ethics.

But I want to take a moment before I speak to it just to congratulate the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association for their convention here in Regina over the last four days. Municipal leaders from across the province gathered here in the Queen City. And we took in a number of those presentations and dialogues and discussions, members on both sides of the House.

I want to congratulate SUMA, their administration, their leadership for another great convention bringing those leaders from across the province together to collaborate, to share concerns about issues, to share solutions on how to address some of those issues, and for their voices to be heard from provincial MLAs and ministers as well.

I will say that we did hear . . . You know, this bill has a number of changes that are being proposed here, and I know my colleague who’s the shadow minister for municipal relations has been diving deep into this bill and talking to a lot of stakeholders across the province. But I think if government really wants to do right by municipalities, they should stop downloading their responsibilities onto municipalities across this province.

And I feel like it’s timely that I’m speaking to this bill today. We just came from the bear pit at SUMA, as well as dialogues with ministers, and certainly heard from a number of municipal leaders today about concerns about downloading from the provincial government onto municipalities.

I think about one of the speakers who spoke about the increase in homelessness that they’re seeing in their city. Then that question received a large round of applause from other delegates at the bear pit there. But when the provincial government doesn’t address the needs or the real dire situation when it comes to how many people are homeless in this province, municipalities are left holding the bag and trying to find solutions. That is a perfect example of provincial downloading onto municipalities.

One councillor brought up the fact that, you know, when the STC [Saskatchewan Transportation Company] shuttered in 2017, all of a sudden many people from across the province had no way of getting back to their home community and were left stranded in towns, cities across the province. Again a downloading. Municipalities are forced to then deal with the results of those individuals not being able to get back to their home community.

And I think about the request today for the provincial government to cut the PST on construction for municipalities — I think a very fair call. That’s something that we’ve been calling for for a long time on this side of the House, would spur construction in the province, would allow municipalities to stretch their dollars further.

The government talks about municipal revenue sharing which I know municipalities appreciate very much. However when they’re clawing as much back in PST on construction, it doesn’t help municipalities that much, Mr. Speaker.

So with that, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 43.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 47

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

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to be on my feet and put a few comments on the record about Bill 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act. You know, Mr. Speaker, we’ve heard some debate in this Assembly during question period, during debate on this bill. And I’ll start my comments by saying it is good to hear members opposite in the Sask Party government admit that we have a crisis on our hands in this province when it comes to illicit drugs. You know, during their time in government we have seen this problem get worse and worse and worse. And in my city, in Saskatoon, you don’t need to look hard to see the evidence.

But I’m also going to acknowledge for a moment, Mr. Speaker, that I want to be careful in my comments and in my belief as an elected leader that we don’t equate poverty, houselessness always with addictions. We have to be careful with that because there’s a lot of addiction that’s also invisible, that is unseen. And I have constituents who have lost family members to addiction that is . . . It’s not destitute. These are high-functioning folks in our society, folks that you might not know on the surface have entered into that struggle with addiction.

But I also know in Saskatoon we have a lot of issues that are very visible. And I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, Mr. Speaker, but in the city of Saskatoon, last year the Saskatoon Fire Department reported that there were encampments of unhoused people in every single community within the city. We have them in Eastview. We have them throughout my constituency, which is not close to the core of the city, but has a lot of, you know, places that are drawing folks to come and live outdoors, especially in the warm months.

We’re going to see that situation get worse this summer because of the actions of this government — the actions to cut supports for things like Prairie Harm Reduction, supports that keep people housed, to keep people connected to supports, to keep people on a good track. And so we’re going to see this problem get worse this spring and this summer in communities around Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker.

Now when it comes to treatment for addictions, Mr. Speaker, we have seen the minister claim that data doesn’t exist when it comes to, you know, tracking how long it takes to access services, to knowing how many people are waiting. And we’ve seen my colleague the member from Saskatoon Centre, time and time again in question period, truly educate that minister that that data does indeed exist and it’s not good. Certainly doesn’t support that the work of this government is hitting the mark when it comes to providing folks in Saskatchewan who are struggling with access to the treatment that they need.

And, Mr. Speaker, I also want to point out that I don’t think that, you know . . . Supporting a family member, a loved one, a relative, a community member who’s struggling with addictions — that’s not a partisan issue. We’re going to have people on both sides of this Assembly and in most if not every community in this province that have these personal connections, that lived experience.

[15:00]

But I will say that the other day, when I sat in my chair and heard my colleague from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood speak about his own experience and speak, yes, passionately, yes, emotional at times, but also provide a very, I would say, intellectual position on this bill that brought together not just his own family experience and the family and the students and the community members that he served in his life, but also just a very reasoned entry into what has gone so wrong under this government.

I would encourage all members opposite . . . When I say this, you know, sometimes in here we say that we should listen to each other’s speeches. Sometimes it’s because there’s maybe some jabs in there and we’re, you know, taking shots at each other, and that happens both ways. But on this issue I truly do encourage all members to listen or read that speech that that member gave because it was important. And I think he had a lot to offer, and I think it was one of the better, if not one of the best, speeches that I’ve heard in this Assembly.

Now, Mr. Speaker, at this time I want to talk about a few other concerns that I have here, or maybe just, you know, thoughts on this legislation. We know that it is important in this province to be tough on crime. We know that there’s a lot that we can do from a law enforcement perspective when it comes to dealing with the flow of illicit drugs in our communities.

You know, sometimes I think maybe members opposite, they want to paint our approach as ideological. And actually what that member from Churchill-Wildwood spoke about the other day was some of the attacks that have come his way, you know, accusations that members on this side love drugs or want to provide people with crack pipes. Couldn’t be further from the truth.

And when those kinds of statements are hurled at somebody who has really heartbreaking, personal, lived experience . . . not just how hurtful it is, but how wrong that is from a moral standpoint to make those kinds of statements at another member, at any member of the public, I would say, as well. Because you never know what somebody is dealing with.

But certainly our position with this issue, it’s not driven by ideology or by, you know, some of the things that are often said about us by members opposite, but by the reality that we do need to be tough on crime. And I do believe this about members opposite. There’s no one in this Assembly that believes that the flow of illicit drugs is just A-okay. Absolutely not.

I mean, let’s at least start from a reasonable standpoint where we can all agree that no one in this Assembly or in the public . . . This is not something that we should say about anybody here or anywhere in this province. Of course we’re not okay with that. That would be an unreasonable position to take. We know that we need to do more to stop the flow of illicit drugs into our communities and within our communities.

Mr. Speaker, that is what I understand this bill is trying to address in some ways. I understand that there are changes to how, you know, public employees, how their work and their jobs can be impacted, or in some cases termination for breach of contract if they’re charged with a drug crime. And so we have questions about this. Is this a step that is going to have an impact on the flow of illicit drugs in our communities?

You know, we know that there are things that law enforcement, that legislation can do in terms of being tough on crime, but we also know that we have to address the root causes of crime. And to kind of bring us back to where I started, talking about some of the housing issues that we have in Saskatoon, the very fast rise in unhoused people in our city over the last number of years, I think many have pointed to as the direct result of policy and legislative changes brought forward by this government.

So while we do need to address, you know, high rates of crime in our communities, we have to get at those root causes. Many of them are rooted in housing, mental health, access to treatment. Many of those are rooted in trauma, and I would encourage all of us to learn what it would mean to have a trauma-informed approach to addressing these issues in our province.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I think I’ve talked long enough on this bill. I see some of my colleagues nodding. I have talked long enough on this Bill 47. I think that there’s still many questions and lots of consultation that needs to go in, which is always a concern for us in opposition to ensure that the government has fully consulted when they bring forward legislation. But at this time I’ll move that we adjourn debate on Bill 47.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is a motion by the minister that Bill No. 47, the response to illicit . . . Oh, he adjourned debate. Wow, I’m really doing good today showing you what not to do as the Speaker.

All right. The member has moved to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Sorry.

Bill No. 48

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

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak on The Compassionate Intervention Act and I’m speaking as a mental health nurse. And I worked in recovery for the last five years before I was elected as an MLA. Worked with an NGO [non-governmental organization] here in Regina, a stone’s throw away from the legislature on the streets of Regina, and in recovery.

And all the mental health workers and the mental health nurses that worked together with us all on the team will tell you that recovery is one very small part of addressing the addictions issue and some of the crises we have on our streets and in our towns today. You can’t have recovery if you don’t have a decent prevention program as well.

I’m going to make it very clear that the opposite of addictions isn’t sobriety. It’s connection. The opposite of addictions is not sobriety. It’s connection. And those addiction tendencies would have started well before the drugs have damaged the minds and bodies and souls of our children, our family members.

Children see disconnection when they see mom and dad fighting. Children see disconnection when they see dad beating mom and tell me about it as a principal or teacher the next morning. I had one child in grade 3 tell me, “You know, Madame, I can’t do my reading today because my uncle raped me.” That’s disconnection.

Children feel disconnected at school when their teachers don’t have enough time to spend time with them. The youth feel disconnection when they’re challenged by all the societal expectations and demands of affluence or perfection or acceptance from somebody, anybody. And if it’s the drug dealer or the buddy that’s trying to give them that mess that they’re going to smoke or inject tomorrow?

And when we ask for harm reduction, that’s part of prevention. And that’s why clean crack pipes matter. When you come into the emergency room and I’m going to help you if you have a heart attack, I’ll ensure that you have a clean needle. That’s what harm reduction is.

Prevention means giving dignity, the dignity to have your basic needs met. And the number one basic need that needs to be met so that people feel connection is love and compassion. And when we’re working with our clients in mental health, whatever stage that they are in in that recovery process — which by the way is a lifetime — if we can find that one person that they know they will be unconditionally loved by, we can help them. It just takes one. And sometimes for those kids, we can’t find one so we’re the person.

I was the principal of many different kinds of schools in this area, rich schools and very impoverished schools. And often it was in the most affluent, rich schools that these parents would come in and want to register, and those were typically French immersion schools. And they’d say, you know, we want our kid to have a leg up. How can we make sure that our kid in kindergarten’s going to be one of the smartest ones there?

And I said, “Hey, there’s only two things. The second one is read to them.” And I saw every one of their jaws drop when I said the number one thing you can do to ensure your child is successful in school is to ask yourself this question: do your children know that they’re loved by you? Dead silence in the room when I would ask that question. I said that’s the number one thing that will ensure that your children will have success in this school or any other language-based school. Second thing was read to them.

Do we need a recovery program as part of this solution to address the addictions crisis? Yes. I know. I worked in one for five years and I’ll probably go back there. But what 100 per cent of every worker will say is we need prevention.

There’s a lot of farmers going out seeding right now. What are they doing? They’re making sure that those drills and everything are ready to go. Somebody, probably their kids, are cleaning the granaries to make sure that there’s nothing in there, that they can put the crops in afterwards. That’s prevention. That’s doing things ahead of time so the bad thing doesn’t happen. That’s cheap and affordable. And if you want to have recovery done right, well you’d better ramp up your prevention.

The organization I worked with, we were leading edge 30 years ago on how we deal with recovery. Number one, we said we’re putting a roof over your head and we’ll deal with your addictions afterwards, and we will visit you every day.

And this idea of not using illicit drugs, all this stuff, that tells me people don’t understand what it’s like in recovery. When I’ve got somebody going through DT’s [delirium tremens] with alcohol, you know what? We have a managed alcohol program. Because you can’t take them off like that because they’ll go into a bad state and they might die. So you have to take them off slowly.

That’s recovery. It’s not black and white. And there’s a whole line of compassion and a whole bunch of really ugly stuff you have to hear, see, do, clean up, and help them with in that process. Recovery is not a snap of the fingers and it’s done. It’s long term and it’s not pretty. But they need to know there’s going to be somebody there that cares about them. And number one, you have to build connections. They need to know that their body’s going to be safe, that their mind’s going to be safe, and that their spirit is going to be safe. And then once they’re in recovery, that is lifelong.

I was working when they were in recovery and coming back. Many clients who used a bad batch of drugs or continuous use of drugs, I’m the one that had to give the antipsychotics to make sure that they could maintain a decent life and stay safe for that day so that nothing would happen if they went out on the streets. It was me that had to convince them why they had to take this drug and why it mattered. And it was me that had to help them with all the other things that happen when you have to give them those drugs.

Most of the antipsychotic drugs that are out there have wild side effects. It was me and my other nurses that had to deal with that. You have irreversible damage of the brain with some of these drugs and poisons that are out on the street. Mix them together and now you’ve got another brand new poison. And there’s not very many antidotes that you can give for them. You can give them naloxone for opioids. As a nurse in hospital I gave lots of opioids. I also gave Narcan to bring families back to life when someone had got too much opioids. The irreversible damage of the antipsychotics and the meds we give them in recovery, they have to have that then for the rest of their lives.

[15:15]

Some of the things that happen in the body afterwards, you can have crazy high blood pressure for life, crazy diabetes, vascular problems, immune systems. The side effects of many of those drugs are liver damage, vascular damage, chronic and morbid obesity. But at least they’re alive. And when they have a connection, they wake up every morning so they can have somebody there that cares about them.

Prevention is evidence based. Recovery is evidence based. And if we’re going to put recovery as part of it, then you have to have the other side of that coin too, which is prevention. What we call in nursing, those are called social determinants of health. And those are some things like education, housing, food security, health care when and where they need it, which is right then and there.

And all I can say is, if we’re losing hundreds and hundreds of people every year to addiction and all the other stuff that goes around with that, it tears families apart, whole communities apart. That’s why we have to make sure we address the social determinants of health.

And yes, we do support evidence-based treatment for addictions, and we do support evidence-based prevention. And if we’re going to put compassion on the title of this Act, then we’d better ensure that it’s in the pages too and it’s imbued in the action that this Act is going to help serve these people. And with that I move to adjourn debate.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

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.]

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet to bring remarks on Bill No. 49, The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2026. I’ve always been taught to give credit where credit is due. Even when we disagree on things, you know, we all want to accomplish positive change for the people of Saskatchewan.

There is some good things within here that provide relief to everyone. The tax credits going up by $500 over the next four years, that provides a benefit to most people in Saskatchewan. The tax credits for firefighters, very much appreciated. First responders, we’ve talked to many since this has been debated, and it’s good news.

I personally don’t see any home renovations in my near future, but for the people of Stonebridge I certainly think that they find that of benefit. I do have some concerns with people on low income, no income, supports for them being only inflationary, but there is something, I suppose. And as I discussed yesterday, you know, supporting chemical fertilizer production in our province is very important. So all of those things are good.

Sharing gratitude to not just my colleagues on this side for all of the great work they do, but recognizing that we’re all in here, government side and opposition side, to try and make life better for the people of Saskatchewan. I think that my family and my friends would like to hear that.

Different members on the other side, whether it’s the Minister of Advanced Education, the Minister of Education, the Minister of Highways — seems like I get along with a few of the ministers on their side — to you, Mr. Speaker. It’s great when we’re outside of this Chamber and we can have communication with each other that’s cordial and respectful and enjoyable.

I think a lot about Foghorn Leghorn and the dog in the Looney Tunes cartoons. They’re very amicable with each other in the morning, and then when they check in they start chasing each other around. But it’s their job to chase each other around for the benefit of, in our case, the people of Saskatchewan.

So all that being said, we would like to see more being done for cost of living when it comes to SaskPower rates, gas tax, PST on groceries, kids’ clothing, rent control, and increases at SGI [Saskatchewan Government Insurance]. So when we look at SGI, it’s unfortunate to see that when people are in an affordability crisis that they’re going to see 3.75 per cent this year, 3.75 per cent next year. I think SGI and the government have an opportunity to give people a break. They made $15 million last year. They’re trending in the right direction.

And again in terms of cordiality and working together, we all heard at SUMA, connection and relationships. That’s important for us to get the work done. If it’s not a zero per cent increase this year, maybe it’s a 1 or a 2 per cent increase. Maybe it’s only an increase this year and not next year. We need to work with each other to find that happy medium at times.

When it comes to rent control, it’s very important to me and my community and the seniors there. When it comes to the home renovation tax credit, Jean and Lynda and Sterling were here, and they were told by the Minister of Social Services that they could access home renovation tax credit. That does nothing for someone who rents their house, Mr. Speaker.

And when it comes to the gas tax, we think that there’s a real opportunity for the government to take this win, to move forward and give people something to be excited about in terms of relief at the pumps. Every year, annually, for various reasons in the summer, prices go up. That’s going to happen again this year on top of what’s already happened. So it’s okay.

I used to be a teacher, and there was a teacher named Harry Wong, and he had the motto, “steal, steal, steal.” And in that sense, it is so that you can, if you have a good idea, use it. And we have seen the government side do that when it comes to the 1 per cent small-business tax, as the minister mentioned earlier. If we have good ideas, we can share them with each other.

We want to work with the government, but we don’t think that there’s enough here. We are glad to see what is present. But with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 49, The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2026.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 50

[The 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.]

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise and join in debate on Bill No. 50, The Financial Administration Amendment Act. What I found interesting about this bill is that the Ministry of Finance can create and administer grant programs; the Ministry of Finance employees are immune from civil litigation for all actions carried out in good faith; grants, programs, etc. can be paid retroactively within the calendar year.

Of course we support responsible, efficient financial management. But it’s important to us that we communicate with our stakeholders because this government has a history of centralizing power and making things less efficient. People and businesses in this province need grants right now because under the Sask Party government, the economy is struggling and people can’t invest in their future.

I trust that the shadow minister will handle their consultation. And with that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 50.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 51

[The 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.]

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to enter debate on Bill No. 51, The Corporation Capital Tax Amendment Act, 2026. My understanding is that this is a housekeeping bill, which is cleaning up outdated references. But there is a missed opportunity for this government to provide some tax relief, which is badly needed for our businesses.

We all know that gas prices are extremely high due to the last many weeks due to a conflict in the Middle East. And the member from Regina Mount Royal put forward a motion yesterday to suspend the provincial fuel tax. But this government said, no. Our leader today asked for the suspension of provincial fuel tax. Again the government said, no.

The same stories follow when we talk about the power hikes, the power rates. It’s a really hard thing to many businesses when we increase the power rates, many small and large businesses. And the member from Regina South Albert put forward a motion to cut these rates, which have increased earlier this year. But again the answer from this government is a big no.

We can talk about many of the things . . . Like I was at the convention, SUMA convention, this morning, and one councillor asked a question about removing the PST on the constructions. Again this government is saying, we will talk.

So there is an economic crisis in this province, in this country, and these businesses need the relief right now. And we all know that small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and many of these small businesses are struggling in the current climate.

I can give you one example, that the restaurant across from my constituency office closed last month. And many other restaurants I talked to, they are really struggling, and they are, I will say, months away from being closed. So I mean they do need relief right now, the tax relief right now, in terms of gas taxes, power rates, for construction, whatever you call it.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, I’ll move to adjourn the debate on Bill No. 51.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 52

[The 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.]

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to enter debate on Bill No. 52, The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026. If you look at this bill it’s basically adding a non-refundable application fee for the investigation permits. And one thing is not clear: how much.

And we all know that preserving heritage property is extremely important. They are the true treasures. We all know that. In my constituency last year, two heritage buildings were demolished. And some would say that it’s just a building. It’s not the building. They have the history. They have the culture. They have the arts. And once they’re gone, they’re gone forever.

I can talk about one more heritage property we all love in Saskatoon — Wanuskewin Heritage Park. I love going to that park all the time. If we have any guests from out of province or out of the country, we always take that guest to that Wanuskewin Heritage Park. This is unique. This is one of a kind in Canada. And now they are in the process of getting approval from UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization], being a World Heritage Site. Hopefully they will get approval soon. And once they’re approved, they’ll put Saskatoon and Saskatchewan on the world map.

What I’m trying to say is that these heritage properties, these heritage sites are extremely important because they have our history. They have our culture. And they have, many times, the art. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I will move to adjourn the debate on Bill No. 52. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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.]

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

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure and honour to be entering into debate on Bill 53, The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act, 2026.

[15:30]

Mr. Speaker, we all know about, that if we are giving incentives to companies, businesses, they will stay a long time in our province. And our province will be taking advantage in a shape that they will be producing more jobs as well. Mr. Speaker, we know about, that initial support for any company, for anything, is really, really important. And it’s a preliminary thing that we can keep their feet deep into the communities.

But one thing I’m a little bit worried about that as well, Mr. Speaker, that we have to support them for a certain time. It should not be open ended. Exactly like when we’re growing tomatoes in our pots, in our home, in our garden, we put the support for it until it ages there. We’re not keeping forever. We are not putting so much expensive things that it’s becoming overhead for us.

Mr. Speaker, as my colleague from Saskatoon Sutherland, he talks about the businesses as well. Exactly when we’re talking about big companies, we have to look to the small businesses as well. And that’s what I heard loud and clear from small businesses, especially from restaurants, retail sector, and from trucking companies as well, that they have been struggling. We should say, if you are doing one amendment, one incentive, we are doing for one, we should have to apply that on others as well so we all together can go and thrive. And it will be making really kind of frustration among the business community that one is treated with incentive, another one is being ignored on that one as well.

Mr. Speaker, when we’re doing some kind of incentive, we make sure that those companies, those businesses must have to create a certain amount of jobs inside the province. That’s one of the things that we have to be taking advantage from them for giving them support. This is very important as well. And again make sure when they are doing some business here, they should have to process up to a maximum end products to be done over here in the province. They should not be doing that, where they are taking the incentive from here and then taking or processing raw materials somewhere else and it would be taking jobs from more people. Make sure we have to be putting that thing in there as well.

Mr. Speaker, as we talk about that, that now in this time, hard time, that we are facing a lot of difficulties in our businesses. Especially the fuel tax is really high. And the member from Rosemont, he moved a motion today as well for tax relief. And I think if we can do that one, that would be really one of the good things for the companies as well, for the small business as well.

Make sure when we’re doing something with those companies, giving incentives, we have to make sure when we’re supplying energy or power or water, they should have to be on commercial rate, not on the business one, so all communities are not in suffering.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve been born and raised at a village. We were just having the same farming as people normally do here. But one thing I’m for sure, that chemicals are good. It makes it mass production in a lot of things. But I’ve seen — and most of the people on this side of the House and the other side of the House will agree with that — if you go to a store and you look to the shelf and you see organic product and non-organic product, the price is very big difference.

When we make sure, when we are taking care of those kind of things, to support them, they should have to support the chemical in such a way so it is not really harmful and should be the best product that we have too. And those companies should be having R & D as well, research and development, to make sure that they are providing something and other companies providing some product, that their product will be more hygienic and more healthy, organic, that they will be not having a business with that as well, Mr. Speaker.

And when we are doing incentives, we have to make sure that we are not doing with one big, giant company. We have to do that with small other companies as well, so we have competition among them. Competition, healthy competition always brings us a lot of output in a good way, and we make sure we are not ignoring with that.

Mr. Speaker, on this portfolio I think the shadow minister in charge of this ministry, he will dive deep into that. And with that I will be adjourning debate on Bill 53, The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act, 2026. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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.]

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise to join in debate for Bill No. 54, The Correctional Services Amendment Act. As we know, crime in Saskatchewan is rising significantly. I talk to a lot of people in my own constituency that are concerned about going downtown in Saskatoon. As I’ve said many times before, my mom owns a small business on 20th and Avenue M near St. Paul’s Hospital, so there’s certainly a lot of safety concerns and they need to be addressed.

We will definitely be consulting with stakeholders on these changes to determine whether they expect it to create a safer environment in correctional facilities. As we know, our prisons are overrun and crime rates are really out of control. We need to ensure that there aren’t dangerous conditions for inmates and workers.

And now on that note, I’m going to leave things with our shadow minister of Justice, who I know will be consulting with many stakeholders and ensuring that this will be in the best interests of the province. And with that I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 54.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To facilitate the work of committees, I move that this House do now adjourn.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that this House do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried. This House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:37.]

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

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