Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today and ask all members to join me in welcoming a very distinguished guest to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, His Excellency Jashim Uddin, the High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Canada.

His Excellency is a highly respected career diplomat with more than three decades of service in the Bangladesh Foreign Service, having joined in 1994. Most recently he served as the Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh where he led the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and guided the country’s international engagement on both bilateral and multilateral fronts.

Throughout his distinguished career, High Commissioner Uddin has represented Bangladesh around the world including as ambassador to China, Qatar, and Greece, with concurrent responsibilities in Mongolia, Malta, and Armenia.

In these roles he has worked tirelessly to strengthen international partnerships, expand trade and investment, and foster co-operation across key sectors. He holds advanced degrees in international relations and modern international studies from the University of Dhaka and the University of Leeds and has completed extensive professional training in diplomacy and public administration.

Mr. Speaker, His Excellency is joined today by members of his delegation: Mr. Sazzad Hossain, First Secretary and Head of Chancery; and Mr. Shakhaowat Hossain, First Secretary at the High Commission. We are very pleased that, among all Canadian provinces, Saskatchewan has historically been the largest exporter to Bangladesh. They’re valuable customers of canola seed, potash, and milling wheat. And we import hats, headgear, and men’s clothing from Bangladesh.

On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and all members of the Assembly, I ask that we send our warmest welcome to His Excellency and his delegation. We look forward to strengthening the friendship between Saskatchewan and Bangladesh, particularly in areas of trade, investment, and cultural exchange. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on behalf of the official opposition to join with the minister to welcome His Excellency and his delegation that’s joined us here today.

So to His Excellency Uddin, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Canada, we extend the warmest of welcomes to you and your lead secretaries that have joined you here today in the Saskatchewan legislature. We thank you for building that very strong and important relationship, one that’s very important, certainly from a trade perspective. We value of course the relationship and the trade market with respect to so many agricultural products and crops and potash as well. But we value that relationship on many other fronts as well.

I also want to share with you that we have a very strong and growing and involved Bangladeshi community, Canadian community here in Regina and here in this province. They’re very active. They have a strong cultural community association here in the city of Regina. They have an active students’ organization as well. And we’ve had the privilege of building friendships there as well and being active.

I think of the member from Regina Coronation Park who’s forged deep relationships on this front. And I’ve had the privilege of joining him, along with other members of our official opposition, at these gatherings and celebrations. So we want to simply say thank you very much.

We ask all members of this Assembly to provide His Excellency a very warm welcome.

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d ask the House to indulge me on two introductions.

The first of which, very rare that we actually get school groups down from northwest Saskatchewan. I really am honoured to be able to introduce a school group we have visiting today from the great community of Leoville, Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. In the west gallery we have the Northwood Christian School. We have eight students — grades 5, 7, and 9 — who are visiting, accompanied by their teachers Brendon Friesen and Jeremy Thiessen.

Welcome to your Legislative Assembly, and it’s great to see you. And we’re going to get together afterwards, and I actually do have, not just ice cream, but Dilly Bars for everybody.

The second introduction, Mr. Speaker, somebody who really needs very little introduction to this Assembly. If I had more time, I’d find more clever things to say about him. But Tim McMillan joining us here today, the long-time MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] for Lloydminster, first elected in 2007, served in a number of cabinet portfolios alongside many of us in this Chamber, Mr. Speaker.

Tim went on to a distinguished career with CAPP [Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers], a fierce advocate for the energy sector and the oil and gas industry, Mr. Speaker. Has done some remarkable work in advancing some really successful investments here in this province.

So I want to say welcome to Tim. Thanks for being here. And I’d ask members to welcome Tim to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to join with the minister opposite and on behalf of the official opposition extend our welcome back to Tim McMillan, who I never had the pleasure of serving with in this Assembly, Mr. Speaker, but I know his reputation precedes him in a very good way. And I’m grateful for the work that he’s done in this Assembly and outside of it advocating for our oil and gas industry with CAPP and across the province.

And on behalf of the opposition, I’d like to ask all members to join me in welcoming back to his Assembly, Mr. Tim McMillan.

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

Doug Steele: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to introduce in your gallery a young curling team from Regina and area, the U15 [under 15] provincial champs, sitting up in there, and their families: Kohen Morley, Eddie Hebert, Ryder Wittal, and Burke Ackerman, and their coach — he’s hidden back in behind there — Jason Ackerman.

Also along with them today is Eric Morley and Nicole Morley — that’s my daughter — and Kaitlyn Hebert and Aaron and Colleen. Now did I get everybody? Have we got you? Anyway, I think we got it covered. We’ve got ice cream for you later, and we’ve got a member’s statement coming up by the MLA from Lumsden-Morse, yeah. Thank you.

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

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join with the member opposite in welcoming the curling team here today. The boys, they look like future Brier champs to me. But congratulations on your win this year to Burke, Ryder, Eddie, and Kohen; and to the folks, parents, and coaches that came along with them. So again welcome to you to your legislature.

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you this afternoon, I’d like to introduce three individuals seated in the west gallery that for most of us in this building don’t really need an introduction, but we’re going to do it anyway. I’d like to welcome these three individuals from Elmwood residences. We have Dani Carr, the executive director. We have the director of residential supports, Re Cooper; and the director of philanthropy, Maggie Stevenson.

Mr. Speaker, Elmwood is based out of Saskatoon and provides residential day program and community-based supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, helping people live as independently as possible while staying connected to their communities. Their work plays an important role in fostering inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for the individuals and families that they support.

On behalf of our government, I want to say thank you for not only the important work that you do to support Saskatchewan people and to help build strong, inclusive communities, but also for the great fundraiser you do every year at Fall Feast. It’s not unnoticed.

Mr. Speaker, wish to have all of the members of the Legislative Assembly welcome Dani, Re, and Maggie to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to join with the Minister of Social Services in welcoming some members of the Elmwood team. I have had the opportunity of getting to know, not just the residents at Elmwood but also the incredible staff over the past couple of years. And my first meeting in this role actually happened to be with the folks at Elmwood where they showed me their residence. They talked me through their plans for development, and gave me an overview of all of the incredible things that they do.

I would like welcome Dani and Maggie and Re to the Legislative Assembly, and thank them for everything that they do to support and celebrate the disability community. I’d like to ask all members to join me in welcoming these three fine folks to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I ask leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. To you and through you, it’s my pleasure to introduce some of the members of the 2025‑26 Saskatchewan Post-Secondary Student Council. Seated in your gallery, Mr. Speaker, are Muhammad Uzair, Excellence Agun, Elise Melanson, Irvin Applegarth, Sauvine Deugouelieu, and Morenike Ademiluyi.

Mr. Speaker, this auspicious group here, they join us from the University of Regina, North West College, Collège Mathieu, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic. I am very impressed by their passion for post-secondary education, and I find their aspirations for the future are very inspiring. They are a group of future leaders in Saskatchewan, and I must say I feel very confident in the success of our province with students like this leading the way.

Mr. Speaker, these students attended their last council meeting a few weeks ago. I want to personally thank them for taking time out of their busy lives over the past several months to meet with ministry officials and share their insights and opinions. I can guarantee the House that the Ministry of Advanced Education is listening very closely to their feedback. So, Mr. Speaker, please join me in welcoming this impressive group of students to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you, colleagues.

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve got a number of folks to welcome here while I’m on my feet, so I beg your patience as I get through a number of important guests who are here with us today.

I’ll start by joining the Minister of Advanced Education opposite in welcoming these student leaders to their Assembly. I’d like to welcome Muhammad, Excellence, Elise, Irvin, Sauvine, and Morenike to their Assembly. And I’ll join with the minister in thanking these student leaders for their service to Saskatchewan, for helping craft that vision for advanced education. And certainly, I think in this Assembly, I would say that both sides appreciate and value the role of student voice in shaping our institutions and in shaping a vision for a brighter future here in Saskatchewan.

So I’d like to thank all of these individuals for their service, for their leadership. And I invite all members in the Assembly to join me in welcoming them to their Assembly.

I hope I’m not jumping ahead too much, Mr. Speaker, but I’ll take a chance while on my feet to welcome some guests seated in your gallery who are here for the teachers’ institute, such an important program for professional development for professional teachers in Saskatchewan.

[13:45]

You know, we have certainly a number of teachers seated here on the floor of the Assembly on our side who know how much work it is to take time away from your classrooms, to plan for a substitute, to prepare your students for your absence. It takes a lot of work for teachers to engage in professional development, but we also know how valuable that is. And this is such a unique opportunity to come here where we’re very fortunate to work every day, to come into this building. And so I want to acknowledge how much work it is for these teachers to come and engage in this learning.

We know that teachers take their jobs incredibly seriously, and professional development is part of that, part of that professionalism as practised by 14,000 teachers across this province. So again on behalf of the official opposition, I’d like to thank these teachers. I’d like to thank their schools, their school divisions for supporting this important learning opportunity.

And, Mr. Speaker, I’d also like to thank you for continuing this program and for your support for professional development in parliamentary democracy for Saskatchewan teachers. And I invite all members in the Assembly to join me in welcoming these teachers to their Assembly.

And finally, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to welcome some important guests who are here for a member’s statement. I’ll have more to say later. But you know, Mr. Speaker, one of the amazing things that I think we all get to do as MLAs — maybe one of the most rewarding parts of the job — is meeting people in our communities that we all represent and getting to know, you know, those gifted and talented folks that make our province such a special place.

And I’ve got one of those individuals here today for a member’s statement. So I’d like to welcome Don Sparrow. I met Don probably knocking doors in the community of Eastview and started following him online on social media. He is a well-known artist, writer, illustrator in the comic book style. So he’s a comic artist whose work has really travelled the world. Really a remarkable person.

You know certainly when we think of comics we might think of Superman and it’s not all Superman, but it is Superman. It is sometimes Superman. His work has really travelled the world and recognized here and abroad, and I’m looking forward to sharing more about that in a member’s statement later this afternoon.

I’d like to welcome Don along with his wife, Heather; his daughter Annalea; his son Donovan, who’s looking very dapper in that blue tuxedo up there; his daughter Daisy; his mom, Peggy; and his aunt Betty McRae. And I invite all members of the Assembly in welcoming the Sparrow family to their Assembly. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Everett Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I could just briefly on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, join in with my colleague, the member opposite, in welcoming the group of teachers who are here today from the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Institute of Parliamentary Democracy, the 24th edition I understand, Mr. Speaker.

Some familiar faces up in the galleries here today, also some new faces as well. I know I’ve had the opportunity to meet with them previously in my role as Education minister, and I know that as part of their professional development and learning experience they have here, they meet with members on both sides and members in various roles as well as they learn to deepen their understanding of parliamentary democracy.

And I just want to speak again about how important that is, how grateful we are as a government to see the members, the teachers from across Saskatchewan, and those who particularly participate in this particular initiative, Mr. Speaker. I’ll be meeting with some of them tomorrow. And of course there’s the banquet tomorrow evening as well. And a number of members from both sides of the House, I’m sure, will be in attendance at that. And so on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, I’d welcome all of the members from the SSTI [Saskatchewan Social Sciences Teachers’ Institute on Parliamentary Democracy] to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, really it’s an honour and pleasure for me to introduce a school. And a warm welcome to them that’s from Huda School, the grade 7s, amazing students, about 25 — just can you give us waves — that’s great.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve said often about this school that I’ve been teaching driver ed for so many years. My seven daughters have been through this school. Today there is one special person. My daughter Safa Burki is over there as well.

So, Mr. Speaker, their class is a very amazing, a very smart class. And they’re accompanied by their teacher, an incredible teacher, Olivia Caswell. Thank you, Ms. Olivia, for bringing your class to the Legislative Assembly to see the process. With that I will say, Mr. Speaker, I will take their questions. Sometimes they ask easy questions; sometimes they go very hard. But be easy with me today.

With that, I will request all members to join me to welcome this incredible group of students to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Provincial Secretary.

Hon. Jamie Martens: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to introduce someone in the west gallery that probably does not need an introduction since I think everyone in this Assembly knows him, and that’s Sutter Danychuk.

This amazing young man is an unbelievable community leader in all of Saskatchewan, for that matter, and as well the president of my constituency association in Martensville. And he now is going on to Ottawa this summer with an internship, so he will be sitting in another House possibly. And I’m hoping that I can live through him because how exciting is that.

So I’d like everyone to welcome Sutter Danychuk to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Lots of welcomes today, but I’d like to join in quickly if I may. To you and through you, I’d like to recognize some of the parents of the U15 curling champs there: my cousin Kaitlyn Hebert and her husband, Chris or Critter Hebert.

It’s been a real honour to grow up alongside Kaitlyn and see her become just an amazing human being, passionate mother of four kids. I don’t know how they do it, keeping all those schedules juggled throughout the week, getting them to all their activities and events. But they’re great parents.

Kaitlyn is a thoughtful, caring, passionate community member, and I’m really proud of her. Her husband, Chris, who I’ve gotten to know over the years, really passionate about sports and spends a lot of time giving in the community, especially as a coach. And so appreciate all of the work that he does.

But I do want to give a special shout-out to Edwin, or Eddie as many know him. I want to recognize that he . . . this guy is the nephew of two-time Olympic curling champion Ben Hebert. He’s the grandson to CFL [Canadian Football League] and Rider alumni Greg Fieger, who, as I was scanning the room as you were coming in, is seated in the west gallery here as well. So we’ve got a lot of sport greats here. But before I sit down, Mr. Speaker, I just want to say congratulations to Eddie and his team on the amazing job of being provincial champions.

And I do want to say welcome to my aunt and uncle, Brenda and Greg Fieger, who are seated, like I said, in the west gallery. You don’t get to pick your family, Mr. Speaker, but if I got to pick, I would pick this family every day of the week. So to all members, I’d ask you to welcome the Fieger family to this, their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — So I’ll join with the two members. It’s that time of the year again. SSTI is here. If anybody knows what that acronym stands for, there’s maybe some extra ice cream left over. But still we don’t know what SSTI stands for, but every time it comes up I’m pretty excited as the Speaker.

It’s a big privilege to be able to connect with some critical thinkers. One of the pieces that everybody else may not see, but we have a number of teachers from across the province, critical thinkers, who get to sit in and listen to all the different aspects of governance, the different roles. And it’s nice for me to get some feedback and some insight into how they perceive all things here, which is a great yearly opportunity for me as the Speaker to connect.

So I’ll just go through some of the names: Lanna Abbott; Magdalena Berndtsson; Lucien Bissonnette; Joel Blair; Brenna Deobald; Jalissa Grant; Marie Guenther; Chad Jeannot; Mari Kales; Janelle Paproski; Bodie Robinson; Adedolapo Somefun; Kendra Worman, a Melfort girl; Matthew Zomer. And then we’ve got the comebacks, which is always great to have them organizing: Andrew Kitchen, Riley Sharp, Amanda Durocher, and Laura Sveinbjornson.

Also this year we have somebody from the ministry, Sebastien Potvin. And I’m not sure . . . When I saw that name, are you the descendant of a hockey great or no? No recognition in the eyes there so I’m guessing not.

But you know, they’ve had a chance to meet the Chief Justice and the judiciary, the Clerk’s office, Elections Saskatchewan, the Legislative Library. They’ve spent time with both Whips — I heard they had a pretty good time today together — Sergeant-at-Arms, caucus staff, Information and Privacy Commissioner. They get to see most all things.

They’re going to be summing up on Wednesday at 11 to 12 with a mock parliament, so we’d invite all the members to join in for that as well. We’ll be debating a good topic. And so anyways, please everyone, welcome to their legislature the SSTI once again.

And with that we will move on to presenting petitions.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan to step up for Indigenous students in Saskatchewan.

Those who signed the petition would like to remind us that Jordan’s principle was established to ensure that First Nations children have equitable access to the services they need, including supports in schools. A recent loss of this federal funding will leave a significant gap in Saskatchewan classrooms, especially for Indigenous learners who rely on inclusive education and supports to thrive.

Now these funding cuts from the federal government have already led to the layoff of 80 educational assistants in Saskatoon and will only increase the gaps that already exist in our schools.

I’ll read the prayer, Mr. Speaker:

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

The petition today is signed by residents of Nipawin, Regina, and Tisdale. I do so present.

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

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to rise and present a petition calling for mandatory intimate partner violence education.

The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention that Saskatchewan has the highest rate per capita of intimate partner violence — IPV, also known as domestic violence — in Canada; that the economic impact of IPV in Canada is estimated at 7 billion per year, a large portion of which is tangible IPV costs that are paid by the government for items like criminal and civil justice, health care.

Annual estimated losses to employers from IPV can be over $77 million in Canada. Workplace orientation would include all genders from all walks of life in all areas of the province. Employers and employees need to know the signs of IPV and where to call for help. Education is the key to changing the rates of IPV.

I’ll read the prayer as follows:

That the undersigned respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately mandate education on intimate partner violence, that it be included in the orientation process for all new employees across all workplaces in the province.

The undersigned today come from Elrose, Saskatchewan. 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 undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that the Saskatchewan assured income disability program is a program for people with significant and enduring disabilities; that after the implementation of the program in 2012, it took over seven years for an increase to be made; and that current SAID rates disincentivize employment by having a very low employment exemption rate of only $7,500 a year.

[14:00]

With that I’ll 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 SAID rates to account for inflation and cost of living; respect the constitutional rights of persons with disabilities by halting discriminatory practices and align with policies of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; index the SAID basic amount to inflation going forward; and provide targeted relief to those in deepest poverty, such as single individuals paying market rent.

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

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Celebrating Saskatoon Writer and Illustrator

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to recognize the work and the accomplishments of a constituent of mine in Saskatoon Eastview. Don Sparrow is a professional writer and illustrator who trained locally at the University of Saskatchewan followed by a postgraduate course in advanced illustration at Sheridan College.

Don has produced illustrations for projects near and far, including the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan, the Gateway Music Festival — which is lots of fun — and the Amazing Stories comic shop, as well as NBCUniversal. He’s also published several books, including one titled Waiting for Wednesday, a comic book memoir set in Saskatchewan in the 1990s, a period of time that’s often debated here.

In 2016 Don was recognized as the CBC [Canadian Broadcasting Corporation] Future 40 recipient for making a positive and lasting impact in his community. In 2024 Don was one of two artists from Saskatchewan picked by the federal government to represent Canada at the 51st Angoulême International Comic Book Festival in France. While there he was visited by thousands of locals as well as the Canadian ambassador to France, all while representing Canada and Saskatchewan with pride.

Saskatchewan is a place full of talented people, Mr. Speaker. And I’d like to ask members to join me in thanking Don for the way that he shares his gifts to promote arts, culture, and literacy and community building all across Saskatchewan and around the world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Lumsden-Morse.

Youth Curling Team Delivers Outstanding Season

Blaine McLeod: — Seated in your gallery, Mr. Speaker, is Saskatchewan’s own Team Ackerman, a youth Saskatchewan curling team consisting of four young men from Regina, Balgonie, and Grand Coulee. Team members include the lead, Kohen Morley; second, Eddie Hebert; third, Ryder Wittal; and skip, Burke Ackerman; and coach, Jason Ackerman.

Now, Mr. Speaker, Team Ackerman represents the Highland Curling Club in Regina, where they currently train at the Highland Curling Academy. The team competed in several bonspiels this year across Saskatchewan and Alberta. They began the bonspiel season in Prince Albert, where they won the U17 youth bonspiel. They also competed in the 2026 Saskatchewan Winter Games, representing Regina district this February.

In March the team brought home gold as the 2026 CurlSask U15 Provincial Championship. Most recently they competed in Canadian Olympic gold medallist Marc Kennedy’s junior curling classic in Edmonton, Alberta. The U15 division consisted of 24 teams with representation across three provinces. With a 4‑0 round robin record, the team qualified for playoffs in a six-team tie for first place. Now Team Ackerman wrapped up their season with first place in the Curl Regina U18 juvenile division.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House to join me in congratulating Team Ackerman for their outstanding season.

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

Regina Riot Anticipate Upcoming Season

Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This weekend on Sunday, April 26th, the Regina Riot will play the home opener of their ’26 season. The Riot are Regina’s only elite-level women’s tackle football program. Established in 2011, the Riot have been members of the Western Women’s Canadian Football League since the league’s inception.

Competing against teams from Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Lethbridge, and Grande Prairie, the Riot have been perennial championship contenders, never finishing worse than second in the conference. In July 2015 the Riot claimed their first title by defeating the Edmonton Storm in the WWCFL [Western Women’s Canadian Football League] championship game. I was on the coaching staff of 2017 and 2018 team that won back-to-back championships.

Current head coach Claire Doré has been coaching with the team since her retirement in 2018, and is supported by a host of hard-working, passionate, and qualified position coaches.

The Regina Riot are more than just football players. They are students, business owners, mothers, and avid volunteers within the Regina community. The Riot board, coaches, and players are committed to growing the sport of women’s football in this city, in the province, and in the country. Many of the Riot players, along with those from Saskatoon Valkyries and other programs, will be representing Team Sask at the senior women’s Canadian championships this August in Saskatoon.

Best of luck to Head Coach Claire Doré and the Regina Riot in their upcoming season.

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

YWCA Prince Albert CEO Celebrates 25 Years of Service

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On February 19th, CEO [chief executive officer] Donna Brooks celebrated 25 years of service with YWCA Prince Albert. Donna started as a manager in 2001 and became CEO in 2003. She has overseen the transformation of an organization in trouble, with two locations and a dozen staff, to a thriving non-profit organization with 12 locations and over 200 employees. Her unwillingness to give up and her drive to help others has made a difference in many lives, including clients, staff, and volunteers.

For more than a century, YWCA of Prince Albert has led the way with innovative programs and services to meet the changing needs of our community, providing shelter and supportive housing for women, men, gender-diverse individuals, and youth; newcomer and settlement services, including English language instruction; preprogramming for employment and housing; and advocation for vulnerable members of our community.

In her limited spare time, along with her spouse and fellow band members, Donna provides entertainment at seniors’ facilities around the area. Thank you to Donna Brooks for the steadfast commitment she has given to the people of Prince Albert. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Management of Health Care System

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Sask Party’s bad-news budget gives the people of Saskatchewan no relief when it comes to fixing the health care crisis across our province. Over the past year we have seen rural health care centres unable to keep their emergency rooms open, leaving people in an emergency travelling further and further from their home. Urban health care centres have been overcrowded and understaffed, leaving health care workers burnt-out and patients waiting days in hallways.

Another year has gone by and still no contract for health care workers. But I’m relieved to know, Mr. Speaker, that after eight years this Premier is finally ready to have a conversation about the state of health care. All this to say that solving these issues costs more than a 0.3 per cent increase, making this a bad-news budget for health care. What’s certain is that 0.3 per cent increase is not enough to fund their rewrapped patients-first health plan.

Considering this is the same plan this Sask Party government has introduced now four separate times — remember their promise to eliminate emergency room wait times by 2017, Mr. Speaker — and yet the government continues to dump money into the broken AIMS [administrative information management system] system and Calgary mammograms when there is nothing budgeted for new health care worker contracts.

The people of Saskatchewan have watched as this Sask Party government has broken our health care system, and their record shows they are not up to the job of fixing it.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cannington.

[Interruption in the gallery]

Speaker Goudy: — Now I recognize the member from Cannington.

Food, Fuel, & Fertilizer Global Summit

Daryl Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tomorrow is the start of the 2026 Food, Fuel, & Fertilizer Summit, which will be taking place right here in Regina. This is the fourth year of the summit, and this year’s focus is on global trade, tariffs, and economic security. With realignment in global markets, the summit will explore how Canada can strengthen infrastructure, expand into new markets, and secure our position as a resilient, reliable supplier.

The summit will see representatives from across Saskatchewan and Canada, featuring key stakeholders like Bunge, Cameco, BHP, CN, Mosaic, K+S, Cargill, and many more, including international representatives from across the globe. Over the next two days attendees will hear some excellent key speakers at the event, including our Premier; Cameco CEO, Tim Getzel; Mosaic president and CEO, Bruce Bodine; head of Bunge Canada, Kyle Jeworski; and more, all sure to make another great summit.

Mr. Speaker, with the rapidly changing world and global economy, it’s now more important than ever that we promote our great wealth of natural resources and show that Saskatchewan has the food, fuel, and fertilizer the world needs. I would like to thank all organizers, sponsors, organizations, and speakers for attending and participating, and the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce for once again hosting what is sure to be another terrific Food, Fuel, & Fertilizer Summit. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Lloydminster.

Reaction to Opposition Statements

Colleen Young: — Mr. Speaker, the NDP [New Democratic Party] Opposition Leader has had a very bad, terrible few weeks. She has refused to take responsibility or accountability for her taxpayer-funded chief of staff openly promoting hate. We know she spliced together an ad that had misinformed people. She has annoyed SGEU [Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union] by disparaging unionized employees at Saskatchewan Marshals Service. Her own NDP membership is publicly rebuking her.

And now over the weekend she attacked Saskatchewan beef producers with a social media post saying ground beef costs $25, and that there is PST [provincial sales tax] on beef. Mr. Speaker, both are untrue and unfair to Saskatchewan ranchers.

Quoting Adrienne Ivey, an award-winning Sask farmer:

It is not tolerable to me that a politician of any stripe is willing to throw beef producers under the bus to discourage people from buying our product, all just to make a political point. We work so hard to raise beef. Our market is so precarious. We do not need politicians scaring people off buying our product with fake prices that are not accurate.

Other cattle producers agreed and told her to take down this post. Will the NDP leader take responsibility for once, apologize, and take down her attack on cattle producers?

QUESTION PERIOD

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Suspension of Provincial Fuel Tax

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Effective today, the federal government has taken off its 10‑cent-per-litre gas tax until Labour Day. This will provide some very welcome relief, as prices at the pumps have been near or over $1.70 per litre for three weeks and counting.

Still this Premier refuses to suspend his own fuel tax of 15 cents per litre. This tax costs Saskatchewan’s families $750 annually or even more.

Why won’t the Premier cut the people of Saskatchewan a break?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Finance minister.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, we recognize the pressures that inflation is causing families across the province and across the country. In fact the last election was fought largely on affordability measures, Mr. Speaker. We were given the privilege of forming government, and we have either kept every one of those promises or are in the process.

Mr. Speaker, while the members opposite are talking about temporary measures and gas tax, we’ve opted for permanent measures: the graduate retention program, the active families benefit, or probably even more impactful are the changes to income tax.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people remember that election very well, and affordability was not the number one order of business for this government.

People in Saskatchewan have higher financial anxiety than anywhere else in the country. People are borrowing money just to buy food. Record food bank use, rising mortgage defaults, and more and more people forced onto the streets.

Why won’t this Premier take every extra dollar from those windfall profits and give it back to Saskatchewan people just struggling to get by?

[14:15]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, the member opposite talks about windfall profits — same phrase the Leader of the Opposition has used many times — and literally the same day, the opposition critic for Finance stood on his feet and complained about the level of the deficit. Mr. Speaker, they can’t have it both ways.

We chose in this last budget to protect Saskatchewan. We didn’t increase taxes, Mr. Speaker. In fact we cut taxes, so people could keep more of their own money in their own pocket. We didn’t cut services, because people of this province deserve those, Mr. Speaker.

We’re very proud of that budget, Mr. Speaker. We recognize the affordability pressures people are feeling. That’s why we’re acting.

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

Legislation regarding Availability of Emergency Health Care

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now last week the House voted for second reading of my bill, Bill No. 606, The Provincial Health Authority (ER Closure right-to-know) Amendment Act. Now the bill passed second reading unanimously, with every government MLA voting yes.

And I really appreciated that, Mr. Speaker. I did. But I was surprised that when we asked for leave to have it passed through all stages, their MLAs said no. And I wasn’t sure why they refused, because I thought that they were supportive of transparency in health care.

Now this is an easy problem to fix. I’m not worried, Mr. Speaker. Will that minister and his colleagues today send my bill through to committee and third reading today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I indicated in the House several times last week, certainly we support in concept Bill No. 606 brought forward by the member opposite. And you know, this is something that the Government of Saskatchewan is already working on: ensuring that people have accurate, reliable, and as up-to-date as possible information about the health care services available in their community as well as the next community down the road, Mr. Speaker.

That member opposite knows well there’s a process on how bills are debated in this House. More conversation needs to happen with the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority, Mr. Speaker.

We’ll continue doing what we’re doing in terms of advancing the process that we have for notifying patients of any temporary disruptions, Mr. Speaker, and we’ll look forward to future debate on this bill. Thank you.

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now I don’t understand why they’re refusing to pass Bill 606. I assumed that when they stood up and voted in favour on Thursday that they’d all turned a corner. I thought that they were passionate about transparent, safe, accessible health care in rural Saskatchewan instead of keeping rural Saskatchewan people in the dark about their local ERs [emergency room]. But now they appear to be stalling.

So what’s the point of dragging this out, Mr. Speaker? Are they divided over there about this bill? Why is the minister and his colleagues delaying the passing of this bill today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Obviously members on this side had an opportunity to review the text of the bill last week ahead of the vote. Much of what’s in the bill is already being actioned by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. We will have an opportunity to debate that bill at a later date here in the legislature, which is what we do each and every single day, Mr. Speaker.

But again the focus of this government is to continue the work going on on our most ambitious health human resources action plan, providing the incentives and the training opportunities, Mr. Speaker. Because really what we’re trying to focus on is getting rid of temporary disruptions altogether.

Mr. Speaker, with the package of incentives that we have in place, the training opportunities, we’ve been able to reduce chronic nursing vacancies by 61 per cent in this province. That’s the work that we’re going to continue working on.

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

Future of Information Services Corporation

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Now we are deeply concerned about the cost implications related to reports of the sale and full privatization of Information Services Corporation, or ISC [Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan]. And it’s clearly what the Sask Party government is setting us up for.

Now we’ve known that this legislation is coming, and we’ve known that this has been in the works for months. Now stakeholders, Mr. Speaker, they weren’t consulted, because the Premier knows full well that the sale of ISC will not be popular for people involved in land sales or real estate.

Can the Premier tell this House whether any bidders in the current sale process for ISC have requested or made their offers conditional on changes to legislation?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As the House is well aware, as we’ve been discussing this for a year, there is a strategic review that is under way and has been initiated by the board of ISC, Mr. Speaker.

The government has been supportive of the strategic review being undertaken with the provisions that the golden share and the best interests of the Saskatchewan public are top of mind in that review, including keeping the head office in Saskatchewan, protecting jobs here in this province, potentially even growing ISC into new markets, and ensuring land titles fees remain affordable. Those are the cornerstones of the strategic review, Mr. Speaker.

No recommendation has been made, and we would look forward to, when that strategic review is completed, making decisions at that point.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The minister knows full well that one bidder has emerged for the potential purchase of ISC, and that is a fully private company out of Quebec. And changing the legislation and regulations during a strategic review process is curious at best.

And, Mr. Speaker, the minister is right. That government made commitments to the people of Saskatchewan in 2012 to protect ISC from full privatization and, by extension, protect the public interest. The province was to maintain control of any corporate restructuring, supposed to ensure that the company’s head office would remain in Saskatchewan and that a cap of 15 per cent on ownership stake exists.

To the Premier, let’s be crystal clear: will all of those critical promises related to ISC be kept going forward, yes or no?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As I’d just indicated, the House is aware and the House has been made aware of the fact that a strategic review is under way at ISC. This review was supported by the government under the conditions that the golden share is maintained, that the head office remains in Saskatchewan, that the jobs that are existing in Saskatchewan continue, Mr. Speaker, and as well that we look to find a path to grow ISC as we go forward.

So those are the directions to the directors representing the province of Saskatchewan on the ISC board. And I know that they’re going to do very good work.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A lot of words when a simple “yes” would have done. But we know this government. They love to sell off Crowns. They love to hand off profits and affordability for the general public along with it.

Now, Mr. Speaker, with this legislation we’ve seen no consultation with impacted stakeholders. We’ve seen no transparency around the potential buyers interested in ISC.

Now, Mr. Speaker, are these legislative changes being driven by what’s in the public interest or by what is in the interest of buyers who are looking to complete this sale?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The best interests of the Saskatchewan public and the Saskatchewan economy have been top of mind. That’s the direction that we’ve given to the directors representing the government on the ISC board, Mr. Speaker.

The strategic review continues. We look forward to a recommendation from the board to the government, Mr. Speaker. We did support the strategic review being undertaken, and we are going to make sure that the interests of this province are top of mind through this entire process.

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

Provision of Health Care

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week we saw two more examples of just how badly this Premier has failed when it comes to Saskatchewan health care, particularly right here in Regina. First we learned that our tiniest and sickest babies in Regina will be forced onto the highway or into a helicopter at a time of overwhelming fragility, Mr. Speaker. They’ll be forced to receive care in Saskatoon because surgeries will no longer be available here.

Then we learned that the urgent care centre in Regina was forced to reduce its hours due to a lack of staffing for the 10th straight weekend. The 10th straight weekend.

Will the Premier finally admit that it’s his government that broke our health care system and they just aren’t up to the job of fixing it?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. I answered several questions on the floor of this legislature and in other forums last week in regards to some of the surgical changes made to a very small subset of pediatric patients here in the city of Regina.

Mr. Speaker, as I indicated last week, we do nearly 2,000 pediatric surgeries a year in the city of Regina at Regina General Hospital. And we’re quite proud of that, Mr. Speaker, as well as the teams that we have here and the additional investments that we’ve made in several units treating pediatric patients right here in the city of Regina.

Mr. Speaker, for a small set of those patients — roughly a case or two a month — we have the expertise and the trained staff in Saskatoon to look after them. Mr. Speaker, that is what I would want as a parent. I would want my child receiving care from the best anesthesiologist and the most trained surgeon possible.

Mr. Speaker, that’s why we have a children’s hospital. That’s why this government made that investment. That’s why companies like Mosaic . . . I was with them this morning announcing $2 million to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation to continue the fantastic programming that we have to all pediatric patients in this province. Mr. Speaker, I think that’s something that this province can be very proud of.

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

Meara Conway: — Just a reminder to the Minister of Health: the Regina urgent care centre was supposed to operate 24‑7. That’s how it was announced to people. That was a key election promise. And it’s a key strategy, in fact, in addressing the overwhelming and unprecedented pressures in our hospitals. But nowadays it struggles to stay open past 4 p.m. Worse than bank hours, Mr. Speaker.

And the grand solution from this Premier and that Health minister? To hire in yet more communications resources in the form of a new marketing firm, Mr. Speaker. For the record, when we’re in charge of health care, we won’t need to hire expensive marketing firms or buy billboards to tell people that health care is working. They will be able to see it with their own eyes.

When will this Premier turn his attention to actually delivering high-quality health care? When will he turn his attention to hiring real doctors instead of that other kind?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — You know, I’ll address the member opposite’s urgent care centre question first, Mr. Speaker. Initially the Regina urgent care centre was announced as a 24‑7 initiative. But you know, again reviewing the data, looking at what the system needs are, it’s a better use of resources to have those overnight staff available at Regina General and Regina Pasqua. It’s not a bad thing to review the data and realign resources to best serve patients, Mr. Speaker . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order. Order, please.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, the members opposite talked about a plan for health care. They haven’t produced a plan. They haven’t even presented a plan to the people of Saskatchewan.

What we have is, we have the patients-first plan — 50 next steps to improve health care for people in this province, Mr. Speaker. Steps in there that will do exactly what we need to make care available at the right time in the right place and as close to home as possible, Mr. Speaker. That is what we’re going to stay focused on.

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

Addictions Services and First Responders

April ChiefCalf: — Mr. Speaker, the overdose crisis in Saskatoon continues to get worse and worse. This morning the Saskatoon firefighters’ union spoke out. Here’s what they said, and I quote:

Firefighters are increasingly being dispatched to medical emergencies involving suspected overdoses, many of which are life-threatening and require rapid, highly coordinated intervention. While your Saskatoon firefighters remain committed to delivering the highest level of care, the current pace and volume of these calls are stretching resources and placing added pressure on an already demanding system.

What does the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions say to firefighters who risk being overwhelmed by the overdose crisis in Saskatoon?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What I would say is, I would say thank you. Thank you to all those front-line service health care workers, firefighters, outreach teams, whatever they might be, that work out there on a day-to-day basis. I say thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[14:30]

This government is committed to helping people overcome their addictions. That’s why within our mental health and addictions action plan we are focused on providing a recovery-oriented system of care for those individuals. And what that means is actually not using drugs, Mr. Speaker. It’s getting them into a recovery space so that they can live safe, healthy lives in recovery, and that’s what we will stay focused on.

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

April ChiefCalf: — Mr. Speaker, firefighters in my city don’t want words; they want action. They’re calling for this government to step up with targeted resources, with increased funding for front-line supports, and for a coordinated strategy that addresses the root cause of this overdose epidemic. Instead we see this government cutting the supports that keep people alive.

Will the minister listen to the firefighters and act on their call for more help in Saskatoon?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. We will continue to work with our firefighters, our community-based organizations, our outreach teams in Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker.

And for them to insinuate that we are cutting funding within this province is not a fact, Mr. Speaker. The facts are that within the mental health and addictions budget . . . We have increased it 8 per cent this year, Mr. Speaker. That’s on top of last year — we also had an 8 per cent increase.

And those increases are going specifically to work with individuals when it comes to recovery, Mr. Speaker, providing people the resources that they need to find a space in a bed. We have set a goal of 500 additional spaces within the province. We are at 312 of those spaces. We’re hoping by the end of this fiscal year to be at that full 500 and re-evaluate after that, Mr. Speaker.

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

Funding for Post-Secondary Education

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan Polytechnic has announced another round of layoffs. A total of 181 staff fired under that minister since last April — 30 this month alone, Mr. Speaker. That minister is sinking the advanced education sector.

We have debated this numerous times, and layoffs continue to happen. Sask Poly’s comment: “This is a challenging time for Sask Polytechnic.”

When will that minister get serious about protecting the employees and students at Sask Poly?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And with all due respect, we have been and continue to be very serious on this topic. We have some of the best institutions of advanced education across the country right here in Saskatchewan, and Sask Poly is one of them. We have amongst the best funded institutions across the country as well. I’ve talked about the multi-level funding agreement on the floor of this legislature many times.

We will continue to put students first. We will continue to support the management of these institutions. Yes, they have to make some difficult decisions, but that’s what competent management does. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, under that minister, Sask Polytechnic only knows layoff after layoff after layoff. A Labour minister that’s known for firing people. Thirty staff this month only: 18 faculty, 9 professional service employees, and 3 out-of-scope employees. Almost 200 in the last one year, Mr. Speaker.

He can’t keep hiding behind the federal government. His title is the Minister of Advanced Education. He is responsible.

Why is that minister firing so many Saskatchewan Polytechnic staff? And when will it stop?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Pretty rich over there from a party that didn’t even mention advanced education in their policy document in the last election, Mr. Speaker.

That being said, you know, we’re working hard. We don’t want to see any layoffs, but when you look across the country . . . I’ve mentioned many times the British Columbia situation, over 1,000 layoffs; the Manitoba situation; and now on the weekend we heard about Alberta and SAIT [Southern Alberta Institute of Technology] and Bow River college as well, Mr. Speaker. This is amongst . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to ask the members on the opposition, a number of you speaking out. I’ve heard you quite often through this time. Let’s listen to the minister and his response.

Minister of Advanced Education.

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — We take no glee in these numbers, Mr. Speaker. It’s a federal government decision that is affecting our country and our economy greatly. 21,271 layoffs across the country; some 1,700 programs across the country; some $6.5 billion in economic recession coming from the federal government.

We’re lobbying hard. I’m in touch with colleagues across the country, ministers of advanced education from NDP Manitoba, from NDP British Columbia, and right across the country to ensure that the federal government makes a better decision.

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

Regulation of Grocery Prices

Brittney Senger: — Mr. Speaker, last week I introduced critical legislation to crack down on AI [artificial intelligence]-driven price gouging to save Saskatchewan people money on essentials. The Finance minister tried to pass the buck to the feds — classic.

Today we learned the price for fresh vegetables in grocery stores saw the biggest spike in almost three years. Clearly the price of food is out of control.

Will the Premier pledge his support for my legislation to take immediate action and not wait until tax season?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, obviously this is a very concerning issue. The Premier addressed it on the floor of the Assembly last week, as did I. This is a situation that’s causing concern across the country. Our officials are talking to other provinces.

We’re also having discussions with the federal government, Mr. Speaker. We believe this is a role that the Competition Bureau needs to play a significant role in. Again it’s very concerning, and we’ll continue to work on it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Population Numbers

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week we were so proud to host a second Your Future, Your Say event in Saskatoon. We talked about young people, about their hopes for Saskatchewan and how they’re seeing themselves reflected in it. Many young people have told us they plan to leave. We want them to stay here. But for the first time in a generation, Saskatchewan population is on the decline. Those are the facts, Mr. Speaker.

What does this Sask Party government say to the young people of Saskatchewan who are leaving under this government’s watch?

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

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And year-over-year numbers actually show an increase in population. Mr. Speaker, I come from a generation who was forced to leave under an NDP government as economic refugees to another province. We will continue to support this economy, Mr. Speaker . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Party debate going on there, teachers . . .

Please let’s listen carefully as the minister responds. And probably not a good idea to be laughing when the Speaker is standing.

Minister.

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Mr. Speaker, we will continue to support a strong economy. $60 billion in 60 projects in this province that will support jobs, that will support growth both in population and this economy. We will continue to do that as a government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — That ends question period. Just a real quick statement to some of the students that are here. Just want to say thank you for your patience and thank you to our security staff too for the outbreak. And never nice to hear your own Premier . . . comments made from the . . . So thank you for your thick skin, Mr. Premier.

I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Acres.

MOTIONS

Consideration of Bill No. 606 in Committee of the Whole on Bills

Jared Clarke: — Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding Orders of the Day, I seek leave to move the following motion:

That the Assembly immediately proceed to private members’ public bills and orders, Committee of the Whole on Bills to consider Bill No. 606, The Provincial Health Authority (ER Closure right-to-know) Amendment Act.

Speaker Goudy: — Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave is not granted.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

SECOND READINGS

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

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m standing today to move second reading of Bill 55, The Medical Profession Amendment Act, 2026.

Mr. Speaker, our government is introducing these amendments to The Medical Profession Act to expand the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan’s power to investigate the unauthorized practice of medicine by persons not registered under the Act, to increase the maximum fines for offences for individuals and corporations, to increase the time allowed to conduct an investigation and commence prosecution, and clarify that the college will have clear responsibility for prosecuting offences under the Act.

Mr. Speaker, the college has raised concerns that the Act currently does not explicitly empower the college to investigate and prosecute individuals who are alleged to be engaged in the unauthorized practice of medicine. These amendments will grant the college that clear authority.

Specifically these amendments will give the college the ability to seek an injunction to prohibit someone from practising medicine without a licence. The college will also have the ability to obtain a court order for search and seizure for individuals who are not registered with the college and may be unlawfully practising medicine. And finally, the amendments would allow the college to obtain a court order to compel a person to provide relevant information or records and answer questions.

The college already has this ability for people who are registered under the Act. These amendments mean the college will also have the legislative authority to investigate someone who is not registered with the college and is suspected of unlawfully practising medicine.

With respect to the fines, these amendments would increase the maximum fine amounts for individuals to $25,000 for a first offence and $50,000 for subsequent offences. The maximum fine for corporations would increase from $50,000 for the first offence and $100,000 for subsequent offences. Mr. Speaker, tougher consequences under the Act maintains the integrity of the medical professional and protects patients.

These amendments will enable the college to fulfill its public protection mandate more effectively. And, Mr. Speaker, these amendments to The Medical Profession Act are about ensuring that the college has the authority it needs to regulate the practice of medicine in Saskatchewan. This legislation is about the protection of patients who deserve to know that they are receiving the best possible care from a regulated or registered health care professional.

I want to thank the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan for the work it does licensing physicians in our province and for its commitment to the best interests of patients. Mr. Speaker, I’m now pleased to move the second reading of Bill No. 55, The Medical Profession Act, 2026.

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. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion? I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’ll be brief. I’d like to begin by thanking the minister for his second reading comments, which were extensive and, I think, speak quite thoroughly to the contents of this bill.

Of course this is a piece of legislation that reflects many of the changes that we on this side of the House have been calling for. That said, I know our critics have reached out to the college and will be meeting with them shortly. I might also like to extend our thanks on behalf of the work that they do for medical professionals and for Saskatchewan more broadly.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I think I’ll leave my comments there, and I know the critics on this side of the House will be having those important discussions and bring their remarks here into this Assembly. With that I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 55, The Medical Profession Amendment Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

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 Pasqua.

[14:45]

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to enter into the debate on Bill No. 43, The Municipalities Modernization and Red Tape Reduction Act. There is much to discuss in this bill. There are a lot of changes going into regulations. What this bill is calling red tape reduction really looks a lot like centralizing power in the minister’s office, which we know is a long-standing pattern for this government.

I know that our shadow minister for Government Relations has been speaking with the municipal stakeholders to see if this bill will actually streamline process. Our team had an opportunity to speak with many municipal leaders at the SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] convention which was held here in Regina last week. It was an honour to attend a bit of the convention last week, Mr. Speaker, and I want to once again thank all of the elected councillors and mayors for their work in their communities.

But the government should not transfer their own responsibilities to the municipalities. This is something that we have been hearing from municipalities about, and taxpayers have been seeing their property tax skyrocket. One thing this government could do to help municipalities is cut the PST on their construction projects. This is something that we have been calling for. This would help lower building costs and help municipalities stretch their dollars further.

Mr. Speaker, with that I would like to 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 Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise to discuss a few things regarding Bill 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act. We’re losing hundreds of people every year to addiction and overdose and drug poisoning. It tears families apart and it affects whole communities. We’ve been trying to get a clear picture of the barriers to accessing treatment and what some prevention options are going to be. This is why it’s important to get tough on the causes of crime and address the social determinants of health that impact addictions.

We support evidence-based prevention practices. We support those professionals, researchers, organizations, caseworkers who provide services in caring for a vulnerable population. And we support both prevention and recovery evidence-based programs. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill 47, The Response to Illicit Drugs Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 48

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

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s my privilege to stand and just enter a few brief comments in regards to Bill 48. You know, Mr. Speaker, I want to start off by recognizing the adjourned debate responses given my colleague, the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood, and what he shared in regards to the impact that the drug crisis in Saskatchewan has on far too many families here. I doubt there’s a family in or outside of this legislature that hasn’t been touched by either addictions or mental health challenges, Mr. Speaker, and it’s why I think it was so powerful that he shared his response in the way that he did.

This is an incredibly important piece of legislation, Mr. Speaker, as has been said time and time again by members. There are people in Saskatchewan — a very small group of people, Mr. Speaker — who may be unable to make decisions that are in their own self-interest. And I know through speaking to so many people in this province who have loved ones who have been in that state, going through that, there’s nothing you wouldn’t do to keep somebody that you love safe, even if you have to keep them safe from themselves, Mr. Speaker.

And I think it speaks to the importance of the work that we should do in this House, and in keeping debates of such critical import between the ditches and focusing on good public policy, Mr. Speaker, evidence-based public policy to ensure that issues like this do not become political wedges. Mr. Speaker, that would be beneath the level of debate that such an important piece of legislation requires and that the families and the individuals impacted by this expect of all of us.

My colleagues have spoken at length to the contents of this bill, Mr. Speaker, so I’m not going to go on too long here. But the systems that we have in place to support people who are struggling with addiction or mental health do not serve those individuals or their families or those who care about them well, Mr. Speaker. They are so inadequate for the needs that exist in Saskatchewan and across the country, Mr. Speaker. And we need to ensure that we are making good, thoughtful, important investments to provide the support for people across Saskatchewan — certainly of course the people who want that treatment, Mr. Speaker. The wait-lists and the inability to get any kind of care for addiction or for mental health struggles in Saskatchewan is just a travesty.

And I know this is something members on all sides are aware of, but it should not be that hard, Mr. Speaker. Because too often those things go hand in hand. When someone is struggling with mental health, too often that leads them to struggle with addictions. Obviously those two things are linked. And when we don’t have the supports for people who need that — whether it’s access to health care, whether it’s access to stable shelter or housing — we end up with the worst possible outcome for those individuals, for their families, who suffer incredible loss and trauma and frustration trying to keep the people who they love safe and whole, and often safe from themselves.

This is a huge, huge issue, Mr. Speaker, across Canada and right here in Saskatchewan. I said I wouldn’t go on and I’ve talked longer than I intended to speak on this, Mr. Speaker. But I do hope, especially to members opposite listening to this, that they’re doing that good work; that they’re engaging; they’re making decisions that are going to be in the best interests of Saskatchewan people, especially those most vulnerable people who may not be able to care for themselves; that there’ll be safeguards put in place and additional services provided to people, whether it’s for mental health support, whether it’s for addiction care, whether it’s for housing; and that we ensure those are delivered in a good way with strong oversight, Mr. Speaker, to keep people safe.

Because we do see this too often that when that oversight is not there, when the care of vulnerable people is driven by profits — as we saw unfortunately during the pandemic with the private provision of care for too many seniors across Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker — it’s challenging for vulnerable populations to be put at the mercy of for-profit levels of care.

And we need to be so careful at ensuring that we have the good supports in place to maintain a suitable level of care again for the most vulnerable people in this province, Mr. Speaker, whether it’s folks in child care centres, seniors’ homes, or again those struggling with mental health and addictions, Mr. Speaker. They’re amongst the most fragile and vulnerable people that we have in Saskatchewan, and we need to ensure that bills like this are consulted on, are done in a good way that will protect individuals, that will protect communities, Mr. Speaker, and do everything that we can to keep people and families whole.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I’ll move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 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 Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A lot of good debate on this bill. At this stage I’m prepared to allow this bill to move to its next stages.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion by the minister that Bill No. 49, The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2026 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 Deputy Government House Leader.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

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

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 Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again another important piece of legislation that I know the critic has done good work on. And at this stage I’m prepared to allow this bill to move to its next stages.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion by the minister that Bill No. 50, The Financial Administration Amendment Act, 2026 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 Deputy Government House Leader.

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

Speaker Goudy: — This bill stands committed to the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

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 Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Another important piece of legislation before this Assembly which at this time should be allowed to proceed to its next stages.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is a motion by the minister that Bill No. 51, The Corporation Capital Tax Amendment Act, 2026 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?

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

Speaker Goudy: — This bill stands committed to the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

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 Chief Mistawasis.

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my privilege and honour to rise to put in a few comments about The Heritage Property Amendment Act. We have heard members on our side address this, and I’ve been pleased to have an opportunity to study it a little more closely. Sort of wondering, is it really as simple as it appears in front of us? And then so I just did a little date checking, and in fact I was absent on the day back when this was introduced. And it really is as simple as it appears before us.

There is no question, and many have spoken quite eloquently about the importance of heritage properties — archaeology, paleontology, all of these things. But this amendment is really just about applying a non-refundable fee. And I think I heard it best from one . . . Someone said something about there’s not a fee or a tax that the government hasn’t been drawn to, and this is another example.

The other part of this that seems very concerning, even, is there’s little to no detail in the barely three paragraphs of this amendment. You know, the government will be preparing regulatory amendments. No details. There’s no background as to why this is going to be happening now. And a lot of that just sort of fits what we’ve seen on very many fronts, you know: no details, no transparency, no explanation in this case.

So I will move to adjourn debate on this, and we’ll see what we can get at some further point. Thank you.

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

[15:00]

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 Mount Royal.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll just enter in real briefly here today on Bill No. 53, The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act, 2026 because I look forward to asking some of the questions about this important industry at committee and make sure I have the full understanding of what government aims to do with this legislation.

It looks fairly straightforward around an extension of some of the periods that would be eligible for capital expenditures to be captured under this program. Certainly the fertilizer industry is a very important one to this province. The potash industry is very important. We also know producers know this industry very well. And it’s an international industry.

But right now they’re dealing with a whole lot of pressures on this front as well because as they’re organizing to get into the field. They’re dealing with significant and challenging cost increases on the input side, fertilizer being front and centre there with this awful conflict in the Strait of Hormuz that’s really driven those costs sky-high.

Same with gasoline. Of course we’re pushing for relief on that front. We’ve been pushing for the province to suspend its gas tax and pass some of that savings back on to families, farms, and businesses across this province. We’ll continue to push on that front because people in this province and farms and businesses certainly need a bit of a break.

As it relates though to this piece of legislation, I’ll look forward to committee and getting a full sense of its aims and what’s included here at committee. And we’ll make sure we engage in a good constructive way at that point. Thanks, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion by the minister that Bill No. 53, The Saskatchewan Chemical Fertilizer Incentive Amendment Act, 2026 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?

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

Speaker Goudy: — This bill stands committed to the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

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 Regina Rochdale.

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak on Bill 54, The Correctional Services Act. Crime is an indicator of the effectiveness of our social determinants of health implementation in our society. Crime stats rise and rocket when these aren’t addressed.

Just a quick review of what the social determinants of health are. They’re a broad range of personal, social, economic, and environmental factors that determine individual, population, and societal health. They include income, social status, employment, education, childhood experiences, housing, social supports, healthy behaviours, and so on.

Mitigating crime is a challenge. It’s a challenge for our communities, our front-line workers, and families. We will be consulting with our stakeholders on the changes that arise in this Act and whether they expect that they will create a safer environment in our correctional facilities or not.

This bill is a reminder that crime rates in this province are out of control. Our prisons are overcrowded, creating dangerous conditions for inmates and workers. And with that I move to adjourn debate on Bill 54, The Correctional Services Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

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

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that this House does 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 1:30 p.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:04.]

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

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