This morning at 10:04 a.m., I received a letter from the member for Cumberland in which he raised a question of privilege in accordance with the provision of rule 12 of the Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan. The Government House Leader has been informed of the details of the case and has provided me with a written response in accordance of rule 12(4).

At 10:25 a.m., I received a letter from the Government House Leader in which he also raised a question of privilege in accordance with rule 12. The Opposition House Leader has been informed of the details of the case and has also provided me with a written response.

As there has not been sufficient time to carefully consider all matters related to either of these questions of privilege and to determine whether a prima facie case has been established in either instance, rulings on both cases will be deferred.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you this afternoon it gives me great privilege to introduce seven guests seated in the west gallery. We’re honoured to welcome — and I’m going to ask you to give a quick wave — Don Meikle, the executive director of Egadz in Saskatoon, along with his team and some members of the Saskatoon Youth Advisory Team. Also from Egadz, I’d like to welcome Amanda Griffiths, Emily Leonard, and Faiza Qayoom. And from the Saskatoon Youth Advisory Team, we welcome Makaya Laliberte, Maelyn Brown, Izzabella Ross and Kiana Campeau.

Mr. Speaker, earlier today we made the official announcement of Fusion Plus which you’ll hear more about in a member’s statement in a few minutes. Following the announcement, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Don, his team, and members of the youth advisory team.

I’m incredibly proud to hear about the work that they’re doing, the vision that they are bringing to supporting young people in Saskatoon, and the strong partnership they continue to build with our government. Their leadership and lived experience helps strengthen our support for youth in our province, ensuring that the right services and supports are in place to help them achieve success.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I invite all members of this Assembly to join me in welcoming these seven guests to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you it’s my honour to join with the minister opposite in welcoming these guests from Egadz in Saskatoon to their Assembly. I want to thank Don and the entire organization including the youth advisory team which is here today for the work that they do to support young people in our community. I know that as a former teacher, I had an opportunity to visit Egadz to learn about the important work that they do there. And I think for all of us in the Assembly, we know that supporting young people growing up often in vulnerable situations really takes a team effort.

So I want to thank Don and his team for the role that they play in our province in supporting young people. Thanks to Egadz for all the important work that they do. And on behalf of the official opposition, I invite all members to join me in welcoming Don and the youth advisory team from Egadz to their Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to join the Minister of Social Services and the member across the way to pile on — because I know he loves the attention — Don Meikle from Egadz.

Don and I worked together over 20 years ago, Mr. Speaker. Don introduced me to what was then Restorative Circles Initiative. He was the executive director while working at Egadz alongside that. He’s ever the workhorse, Mr. Speaker, and Don taught me a lot about working with young people, particularly those facing challenges that put them at risk.

And there’s no one in this Assembly with a bigger heart than Don Meikle. And I’d like all members to please join me in welcoming Don and these youth from Egadz and the Youth Advisory Committee to this Assembly.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like welcome members of Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan. I will say your first name. Please wave: Khalifa, Vaidehee, Vanessa, Adam, Mehmaz, Hani, Jasmin, Lexi.

Mr. Speaker, they are here today for a very important cause. They’re asking the provincial government to sign the funding agreement to start pharmacare which will include coverage for the contraceptives and diabetic medications. I will ask all the members to join me to welcome these students to their legislature.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ll join with the member opposite and welcome the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan here to this, their legislature here this afternoon. I know we’re going to have an opportunity, myself and some of my colleagues, to sit down with these students and review a report that they wrote and have an opportunity for some discussion and dialogue about important issues relating to health care here in Saskatchewan.

We’re so grateful really for the wide variety of medical students that we have in this province, and have made significant investments to create more opportunities for medical students in this province. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to meeting them later this afternoon and would ask all members to welcome them to this, their legislature.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Seated in your gallery it’s a tremendous honour, to you and through you, to welcome Parry Philips to his legislature. Parry was here this morning with the Surface Rights Association of Saskatchewan, a wonderful organization of producers from largely southeast Saskatchewan that were with us here today.

But I want to welcome Parry to his Assembly. He’s been putting a crop in for over 40 years down in that beautiful Benson-Stoughton country. Estevan I think is where he hangs his hat right now which is an incredible producer.

I want to thank the Saskatchewan Surface Rights Association as well for their leadership and their initiative to ensure fairness and balance in the legislation. I mean, the fact is that this legislation is, you know, over 50 years old. The changes in practice in farming are significant through that period of time. Certainly the same on the energy front, on the oil and gas industry front.

So they’re urging and laying out some pretty clear and valued recommendations to improve that legislation, Mr. Speaker. I know they valued the time as well to meet with government here today and their representatives, and certainly we look forward to continuing to work with them. I ask all members of this Assembly to welcome Parry to his Assembly.

While on my feet, Mr. Speaker, it’s a tremendous honour to welcome Grant and Susan Wasnik to their Assembly, seated in your gallery. These are just the finest of folks, salt of the earth, Mr. Speaker, constituents of mine who stopped in for a visit here today. And what a pleasure it was to sit down and have a quick visit. I’ve gotten to know the two of them. I’ve known them through the community over the years. I’ve gotten to know them a lot better at the hockey rink this last year. I was able to coach their one grandson who is just an awesome, awesome kid — great, great hockey player, Mr. Speaker.

But Grant and Susan, they’ve built their lives here and an amazing family. Grant, what can I say about you? You know, amazing career with the Dairy Producers, then Dairyworld, then Saputo. Have worked right across Western Canada and continues to do so proudly. He’s played hockey, Mr. Speaker, with the IPSCO Ingots for over 40 years, Mr. Speaker. And this is a pretty legendary team, Mr. Speaker.

Susan and Grant are amazing grandparents. That’s where I get to see them in action now, Mr. Speaker. Susan herself has been a public servant for over 36 years with SLGA [Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority], Mr. Speaker. So it’s my pleasure to welcome both of them to their Assembly.

I want to also mention we also share interests not just in hockey but in hunting and fishing. And Grant has hunted with his dad and his family all the way through, now shares that with his grandkids as well, sort of in a similar way that we do as a family. And Grant’s dad, who is now in his 90s — his name is Jerry Wasnik — he played for the Roughriders, Mr. Speaker. In 1956 he was a Canadian running back, and he took his last moose at 88 years old, Mr. Speaker. So just an awesome family. I ask all members of this Assembly to give a very warm welcome to Grant and Susan Wasnik.

Mr. Speaker, while on my feet, in the east gallery I just want to give one shout-out real quickly to Luke Van Luven who’s seated up there in the Assembly with that awesome crew from St. Pius. Just a great hockey kid, Mr. Speaker, great golfer, rock-solid kid. Loves to fish as well, Mr. Speaker. And it’s a tremendous honour to welcome Luke Van Luven along with his classmates back to this Assembly.

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you I would like to join with the member opposite and also welcome Parry Phillips to his Legislative Assembly. We did have a great meeting this morning with the Minister of Energy and Resources. Of course he was here with a delegation from the Saskatchewan Surface Rights Association.

So it’s always good to hear from stakeholders out there, and we really look forward to continuing to work with him. So on behalf of the Minister of Energy and Resources and myself, please welcome Parry to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Carla Beck: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to extend welcome to all the guests who have joined us here today. But I’m on my feet to introduce a special group, a school group from Regina Lakeview. We have with us today, Mr. Speaker, seated in the east gallery, a group of 50 students from St. Pius School here in Regina; give us a wave — grade 4 and 5 if I got that right? — 6, okay 4 and 6 students. In the middle I’ve got 5 written down here.

Mr. Speaker, we’re joined by the students and Mr. Alla. We have Catherine here — I only have the first name — up here, and parent chaperones Ms. Lane-Graham and Ms. Knight. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to getting the opportunity to meet with these students after proceedings today. I know that they’ll have a lot of great questions. But until then I invite all members to join me in welcoming this group from St. Pius School to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I rise today to introduce a pillar of the Saskatoon community and a close partner of the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, Janet Uchacz-Hart, seated in your gallery, Mr. Speaker.

Joining her is her son Dylan Hart; Doug Rain, director of programming and partnership; and Jenn Clark, executive director, both from the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training.

Janet has been the executive director for the Saskatoon Industry Education Council, or SIC, since 2002 when she started as the sole employee and is now retiring this June. Janet has spent the last 24 years committed to building strong partnerships that have created countless opportunities that have impacted tens of thousands of students, educators, and employers across the province.

Under Janet’s incredible leadership, the SIEC [Saskatoon Industry Education Council] has become a leader in career development and learning. SIEC serves as a bridge between the incredible career opportunities we have here in Saskatchewan and the youth in our province.

During her time at SIEC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, several incredible programs and projects were accomplished. A few examples include the Sask youth internship program, which is a program for youth in grades 10 to 12 to explore work in the trades and apprenticeship options through summer employment opportunities. SaskCode is another program that helps provide professional learning to teachers and supports the integration of computer education and coding into kindergarten to grade 12 classrooms.

[13:45]

Janet will be missed, but we are looking forward to continuing to work with SIEC. And I ask the members not only to join me in welcoming Janet, Dylan, Doug, and Jenn to their legislature, but also to congratulate and thank Janet for her service.

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to join the minister opposite in welcoming Janet to her Assembly and to thank her on behalf of the opposition for her distinguished career of service to this province, in particular to our youth and young people.

I had a chance to meet with Janet and have a good conversation after she presented this past summer at the Midwestern Legislative Conference that we hosted in Saskatoon, which was just an excellent gathering. And she did such a great job, you know, representing her work and its importance and value.

And also just the incredible leadership that she’s brought to this space over the last number of years. She will be incredibly missed in this role, as she’s done such a fantastic job connecting our youth to career opportunities in the trades, in emerging fields like coding, as the minister just mentioned. She is certainly leaving big shoes to fill.

So on behalf of the opposition I invite all members to join me in thanking Janet for her career service and welcoming her to her Assembly here today.

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join the minister and the member opposite in welcoming Janet Uchacz-Hart.

I had the opportunity to work with Janet over many, many years and witness first-hand the commitment that she has. But as recently as last Thursday night I was at the culinary boot camp, which brought 16 students from across Saskatchewan to Sask Poly and partnering them with chefs and provided a wonderful meal. And at the end of the program there were tributes to Janet from both school boards and from community leaders across Saskatoon and Saskatchewan.

So again, Janet, I want to welcome you to your Legislative Assembly and thank you for an outstanding career and all that you’ve done for advanced education in Saskatchewan. Thank you.

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

Jared Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, you’ll remember last week when we had Team Ackerman here, the U15 [under 15] provincial champions, I went on about the Fieger family and I talked about Eddie Hebert. So I would be in trouble with his sister who’s here from St. Pius, Ronnie Hebert up there, if I didn’t give her a shout-out today.

Just a wonderful young person who I’ve watched grow up for the last I don’t know how many years now. You’re in grade 4, right, Ronnie? So she’s a spitfire and a lot of fun at family gatherings. So I wanted to ask all members to welcome Ronnie Hebert to her Legislative Assembly.

And before we clap for Ronnie, also if I’m going to introduce one of my cousin’s kids at St. Pius, I’ve got to introduce the other one. So Emeline, can you give us a wave? There’s Emeline Urzada, another one of my cousin’s kids from the same Rausch family but different families. So I’d like to say Emeline is a very talented dancer.

So I’d like all members to join me in welcoming these two special young people to their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

David Chan: — I ask leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

David Chan: — All right, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I’ve got the Leader of the Opposition beat here. I’m pleased to welcome 51 grade 12 students from Yorkton Regional High School to their legislature today. They’re accompanied by teachers Perry Ostapowich, Kathy Nelson, and Bernice Cartwright, or as some more affectionately like to refer to her as Kohkom B. I want to thank Mr. Ostapowich for bringing students to the legislature year after year.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I’d also like to give a special shout-out to a number of students who wrote in to my office with their request. There’s 15 of them, and so I’d ask that they each wave or stand or take a bow — this is your moment — as I call out your name.

So shout-out to Jasiah Lyttle. He’s the son of Adam and Maranda. Brianna Heddon, daughter of Dustin Heddon, and she tells me she enjoys participating in demolition derbies every summer with her family. Shout-out to Hunter Nagy. He’s a six-time provincial medallist in high school sports and has been scouted to join the Huskies track and field team.

Next, Matilda Cooper, the Regional’s very own author, specializing in psychological thriller and horror. A shout-out to Dawsyn Shaler and his grandparents Ron and Karen Shaler. Deacon Kriger, who tells me he’s eager for winter to finally, truly be over so he can get back to the baseball diamonds. Shout-out to Jake Holmes, who wants to become a journeyman electrician, and he’s working on his apprenticeship right now.

William Li, son of Matthew and Jenny. He’s passionate about politics, and I happen to know his parents, who are not only entrepreneurs and business owners in my community, but they also make amazing authentic Chinese cuisine.

Shout-out to Elijah Gibler, son of Trevor and Charlene; Brady Kitzul, son of Vince and Karla. Shout-out to Brady McNeil; Andriy Rieznichenko; Carson Waloschuk, who also wants to become a journeyman welder after high school.

Shout-out to Carson Kerluke; Adrian Off, who likes working on cars; and Sarah Latimer. Sarah, thanks for the wave. And she said she simply wanted a shout-out, but I infer it’s because she wants to be out of the shadow of her notorious, well-loved, well-respected father, Kent Latimer.

And last but not least, a shout-out to Trevor Reetz. In his email he asked me if I knew that pilots on the same flight never eat the same meal twice in order to avoid simultaneous food poisoning. Well, Mr. Speaker, I did not know that, but now we all know it and it’s in Hansard forever. So thank you, Trevor, for that.

Please join me in welcoming all of these students and their teachers to this, their Legislative Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — And I have a very important introduction to make too, who was here once before, flew under the radar. One of our Clerk’s most important office staff member’s son’s here, August Knight. So, August, you flew under the radar last time, but welcome to your Legislative Assembly.

So with that we will move on to presenting petitions.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise here today to present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan to step up for Indigenous students in Saskatchewan.

We, the undersigned residents of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following. We, the undersigned, call on the Saskatchewan government to take immediate action to stand up for Indigenous children and other vulnerable students by advocating for the full restoration of funding by Jordan’s principle. Jordan’s principle was established to ensure that First Nations children have equitable access to resources they need including food in school. The recent loss of this federal funding will leave a significant gap in Saskatchewan classrooms, especially for Indigenous students who rely on inclusive education supports to thrive. Funding cuts by the federal government have led to the layoff of many educational assistants from Saskatoon public schools, with more funding shortfalls expected in the future.

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 their classrooms safe and support every student’s learning journey.

Mr. Speaker, this petition has been signed by the residents of Martensville, Saskatchewan. I do present. Thank you.

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I present a petition calling on the government to reverse the ban on third-party educators from publicly funded schools.

The undersigned of this petition wish to bring to our attention the following: that on August 22, 2023 the Saskatchewan government banned all third-party educators from publicly funded schools. The topics that these organizations teach include consent, healthy relationships, and child sexual abuse prevention. With Saskatchewan’s worst-in-the-nation rates in intimate partner violence and sexual abuse, the government should be doing everything possible to reduce these rates, including prevention education, and that the decision to ban these educators will make Saskatchewan’s rates of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and sexual abuse worse, not better.

With that I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately reverse its decision to ban third-party educators from Saskatchewan schools and consult with experts in developing a comprehensive curriculum for Saskatchewan students.

The signatories to this petition reside in Saskatoon. I do so submit.

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

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet again on behalf of Tammy O’Brien and several folks in our province who think we need to investigate more supports for people who have to travel outside of province for life-saving medical treatment. I rise today to present a petition calling for financial support for travel expenses for medically necessary treatments not available in Saskatchewan.

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

I’ll read the prayer:

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

Mr. Speaker, this petition has been signed by citizens from Warman, the RM [rural municipality] of Dundurn, and Saskatoon. I do so present.

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today in the House to present this petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to immediately reimburse Regina taxpayers for the Costco deal.

The undersigned residents wish to bring to your attention the following: that the city of Regina had to offer Costco a $6.78 million incentive package to keep Costco at the originally proposed Westerra location; that the city of Regina was forced to offer an incentive package because the Global Transportation Hub attempted to outbid them; that a sale to the GTH [Global Transportation Hub] would have denied Regina the property taxes from development while forcing the city to enhance and maintain the roadwork and services; and that this additional 6.78 million cost will hit Regina taxpayers in the same year that they were hit with the largest tax increase in over a decade.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately reimburse Regina taxpayers for this Costco deal.

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

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

World-Class Research Facility Shines

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I’m very pleased to talk about the Canadian Light Source international research facility at the University of Saskatchewan, located in my constituency. Last month me and many of my colleagues received a guided tour of this incredible facility.

The CLS [Canadian Light Source Inc.] synchrotron produces different kinds of light to study the structural and chemical properties of materials at the molecular level. During this tour, we had the ability to see the systems that allow scientists to examine objects at the molecular level and make significant advancements in different fields.

CLS is being used to develop life-saving medicines and vaccines. One of the latest examples is the development of a malaria vaccine. CLS also serves to develop important advancements that serve both public and private interests. For instance, on our tour we learned how the synchrotron’s light rays can be used to understand how rechargeable batteries degrade over time, and subsequently what can be done to help to extend the lifespan of these batteries. These are just a few examples of how CLS contributes to world-class scientific research and development.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. Ingrid Pickering and Dr. Toby Bond for facilitating this tour and allowing us to learn more about this world-class institution in the constituency of Saskatoon University-Sutherland. Thank you.

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

Regina Pat Canadians Capture Bronze Medal

Barret Kropf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Regina Pat Canadians had the honour of competing at the 2026 Telus Cup national championship in Peterborough over the weekend, entering as defending champions hoping to replicate their feat from last year. Unfortunately the Pat Cs could not repeat as champs, but they still managed to capture the bronze medal.

Through the tournament the Pat Canadians managed to finish in first place in the round-robin play, earning a semi-final matchup against Halifax Macs. In the bronze medal game, they beat Okanagan Rockets by a score of 6 to 2.

The Pat Canadians star players were on full display. Adam Muntain led all goaltenders in goals-against average and save percentage. Defenceman Ethan Young tied for the most assists with 12 and second-most for points with 14. Liam Pue and Maddox Schultz are Regina Pat prospects, and Maddox led the tournament with 17 points and won the tournament MVP [most valuable player] for the second year in a row.

[14:00]

Congratulations to Head Coach Ryan Hodgins and your staff on another successful season. And a personal congratulations, Mr. Speaker, to a former player of mine, speedy forward Brady Vipond. I’d like to invite all members to join me in congratulating the Pat Canadians on their incredible season and their Telus Cup appearance, and wish them all the luck in their hockey journeys moving forward. Thank you.

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

Tax Burden on Saskatchewan Residents Increases

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to repeat some important content from my budget speech. Those 15‑minute responses don’t always get great attention, so I hope this 90‑second version might stick a bit more.

The people of Saskatchewan do not pay less tax than they did 20 years ago. The tax relief that is trumpeted almost daily speaks to one small part of the tax load. And I repeat: the people of Saskatchewan do not pay less tax than 20 years ago. Yes, a certain number of residents no longer pay provincial personal income tax, but the overall tax burden — PST [provincial sales tax], fuel, property, among others — as a percentage of income has risen significantly, especially for the lower income population of the first four deciles.

Last summer I employed an extremely capable finance student, Alastair Nicholson, who made this question a passion project, came up with numbers and graphs and tables to clearly indicate this. I wish I had the time and opportunity to share these. Basically over and over, 2002 tax load against 2022 tax load shows up to a 12 per cent increase in the tax burden of lower income earners.

That’s it. Out of time. The numbers don’t lie. The tax policies of this government are regressive and unfair. Every time someone on the other side stands to say otherwise, know that in our heads we are shouting two words we aren’t allowed to speak out loud.

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

Fusion Plus Initiative Helps Youth Build Independence

Hon. Jamie Martens: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this morning our government, along with Egadz, Foundations Learning & Skills Saskatchewan, and Saskatoon youth advisory team announced Fusion Plus, an important new initiative in Saskatoon that will support youth who are currently or previously in care or on their journey towards independence.

This partnership will build on the success of the original Fusion program and provide housing, education, employment readiness supports, and wraparound services to help youth build skills and achieve a better quality of life. Expected to be fully operational this fall, Fusion Plus will accommodate up to 40 youth at a time between the ages of 16 and 21.

What makes Fusion unique is how youth with lived experience are directly involved in designing the program. The Saskatoon youth advisory team has played an integral role in guiding the program’s development by providing valuable advice on how it can best meet the needs of the youth that it will serve. Mr. Speaker, projects like Fusion Plus are helping youth build stability, confidence, and a strong path forward.

I invite all members of this Assembly to join me in thanking Egadz, Foundations Learning & Skills Saskatchewan, and Saskatoon youth advisory committee on their work, and congratulating them on this significant milestone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Lessons from Saskatchewan’s Past

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Sunday was a very special anniversary that I was worried the members opposite were going to forget to mark. It was the 44th anniversary of the election of Grant Devine as the premier of Saskatchewan, and the election of one of the worst governments in the history of this province.

It was a government that buried this province in debt, nearly bankrupted it, devastated our public services, and left a legacy of corruption that is still felt to this day. Hundreds of thousands of dollars of money the public entrusted to them was mishandled and embezzled. Multiple members and staff of that government even went to jail. It was a government that wasted money, used special warrants to get around the legislature, and refused accountability. You know, that’s starting to sound awfully familiar, Mr. Speaker.

Unfortunately even though there’s still a person or two from those dark days kicking around the legislature and even though they had to rebrand as the Sask Party, this government has been unwilling or unable to learn important lessons from their past. And of course, Mr. Speaker, those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. But fear not, Mr. Speaker. We can all rest assured that this side of the House is ready, willing, and able to clean up their mess once again.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Yorkton Students Participate in Skills Canada Saskatchewan Competition

David Chan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There’s so much good news in this province, so much to celebrate. A few weeks ago I attended the Skills Canada Saskatchewan competition here in Regina. If you’re not familiar with it, this is a province-wide event where high school students and post-secondary students compete in skilled trades and technology fields. That’s everything from welding and carpentry to robotics and computer programming and more. Much more. There’s many categories.

Mr. Speaker, this is the kind of thing we can all get behind. With all the investment pouring into our province, we are going to need a lot more skilled trades workers. This event gets kids excited about skilled trades and connects them directly to a career path. I was especially proud to see strong participation from Yorkton. I guess this is Yorkton’s time to shine. Around 20 students from my constituency took part, and 10 of them took home medals.

Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize each one of them for their achievements, and I think a number of them are here. So congratulations to Elder Schoenrock, Cody Sparwood, Reneil Recana, Yianni McDowell, Chaitasi Bhatt, Evia McDowell, Kenley Strutynski, Emmerson Balabuk, Jaydon Diduck, Tyler Walker, and Jens Vincent. So great work, you guys. Yorkton is proud of you.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize Krystal Nieckar and her team at Skills Canada Saskatchewan for the important work that they do. So many Saskatchewan industries rely on these trades. And after witnessing this competition, I’m happy to report there are some fabulous students gearing up to step into these roles and propel our province forward. Please join me in congratulating all participants in a job well done.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Moosomin-Montmartre.

Smile Cookie Fundraiser Supports Community Initiatives

Kevin Weedmark: — Mr. Speaker, if I have a little bit of icing on myself today, and there’s about a 99 per cent chance that I do, it’s because I spent the morning decorating Smile Cookies. Today marks the launch of Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Week 2026, one of the most delicious fundraising traditions in the country.

This morning before making my way to Regina, I had the pleasure of decorating Smile Cookies at the Tim Hortons in Moosomin along with a lot of volunteers. It’s a small act but it represents something much bigger — community members coming together to support causes and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to say that Moosomin has ranked first or second in the entire province for fundraising with Smile Cookie sales for several years running. This is a remarkable achievement for a small community, and it speaks volumes about the generosity and community spirit of the people that I’m privileged to represent.

This year Smile Cookie proceeds in Moosomin will support KidSport in the Whitewood-Moosomin area, ensuring that every child, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances, has the opportunity to participate in sport. And in Indian Head, Smile Cookie proceeds will go toward improvements at the Indian Head library, improving a vital community resource.

Mr. Speaker, Smile Cookies are $2 each, and every dollar stays in the local community for great causes across the province. So I challenge every member of this Assembly and every Saskatchewan resident to do their part and eat a cookie for a cause this week. Thank you.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Affordability Measures

Carla Beck: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week we held a debate on some emergency measures to save money for Saskatchewan people. Now these measures included suspending the gas tax, something that would save Saskatchewan families $750 a year; cutting the tax on groceries to save all Saskatchewan people $25 million a year; cracking down on AI [artificial intelligence] price gouging; and increasing grocery store competition to decrease grocery prices. Also a call to bring in desperately needed rent control.

Mr. Speaker, these are six measures that would save Saskatchewan people money. Can the Premier tell us which of these measures he plans to support?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, there’s a number of measures that have been brought in in this most recent budget, totalling two and a half billion dollars of affordability measures. They include lowering the personal income tax, Mr. Speaker, indexing it so that a family of four will now save about $3,400 over the next four years.

We today have the second-lowest utility bundle in the nation of Canada. Doubled the active families benefit, Mr. Speaker. Enhanced the children’s drug plan. There’s the first-time homebuyers tax credit that’s increased from 10 to $15,000. Mr. Speaker, there’s a PST rebate on new home construction. There’s a home renovation tax credit.

We doubled the first responders tax credit. Ten dollars a day for child care in partnership with the federal government, Mr. Speaker. And expanded supports for those that are living a life with diabetes by expanding the insulin pump supports as well as making flash glucose monitors more available for children as well as adults, Mr. Speaker.

There are many, many other tax incentives that are introduced and improved in this year’s budget — a grand total of two and a half billion dollars that are annualized each and every year, Mr. Speaker. There’s more on the list, and I’ll get to them in a subsequent question.

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

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, even as Saskatchewan people are struggling more than they ever have, we have a Premier who says no to a cut to offer relief on the gas tax. Mr. Speaker, he says no to relief at the grocery checkout and no to relief to deal with soaring rents in this province.

Mr. Speaker, does the Premier really not understand that Saskatchewan people report the highest financial anxiety in the country? Or doesn’t he believe them?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, we said yes to lowering the personal income tax for families across this province. We said yes to lowering the income tax credit by 5 per cent this very year. Yes to ensuring that we have the second-lowest utility bundle in the nation and are making decisions alongside our public utility companies to ensure that that is the case long into the future, Mr. Speaker.

This is unlike the members opposite, who have committed time and time again to LNG [liquefied natural gas] as their plan to power this province moving forward, Mr. Speaker, a fuel source that is 10 times the cost of natural gas. They’d no sooner introduce that very expensive fuel source, Mr. Speaker, driving up the cost of power in this province, and then they’d trip over themselves to apply the carbon tax to it.

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

Addressing Homelessness

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, it’s pretty sad that that’s all he’s got. But hey, you know what? Failing to deliver on the cost of living is not the only place that this government is failing. There are nearly 2,000 people in Saskatoon right now who are experiencing homelessness, Mr. Speaker. That’s three and a half times higher than what that number was just four years ago.

And just because this Premier and his government have walked away from the issue doesn’t mean that it has gone away. In fact, Saskatoon last year, the city of Saskatoon spent $4.6 million dealing with this government’s downloaded costs. That number, the $4.6 million, ends up on the property tax bills of Saskatoon taxpayers, Mr. Speaker.

Can the Premier please explain to the people of Saskatoon why he has downloaded his failure onto them?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, with respect to the financial agreement that this government has brought in, I believe in 2008 — I think it was Bill 1, when were elected in 2007 — was to provide municipal revenue sharing to our municipalities. What we’ve seen, Mr. Speaker, is that line item on municipal budgets has increased steadily, virtually year over year since its introduction, to I believe it’s just under $400 million that is transferred to municipalities this year.

They know the number well in advance. It is consistent, reliable funding that is available each and every year, no strings attached. They can utilize that funding in any way that they choose to serve the residents in their particular municipality, Mr. Speaker. This is unlike any program across the nation or unlike any program that was available in this province prior to this government being elected in 2007, Mr. Speaker.

When it comes to supporting those that are living without a home in our communities, Mr. Speaker, we have the provincial approach to homelessness, which was $40 million over two years. It’s been enhanced now after the first two years of its introduction. Add to that providing supports, whether it be in transitional housing, whether it be for those that are living a life of addictions. This very budget funds the last 200 — not last forever — but the last 200 of our commitment of recovery beds, Mr. Speaker. Over 300 available now; 200 more are funded in this particular budget, providing each and every individual an opportunity to enter a life of recovery.

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

Access to Addictions Treatment

Carla Beck: — Let’s recap, Mr. Speaker. That government’s approach to homelessness now sees three and a half times more homeless people in Saskatoon than we saw four years ago.

Mr. Speaker, last fall as the drug crisis overtook communities right across this province, we asked the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions over and over about the wait-lists in this province for voluntary treatment. Now she said there were no such wait-lists. Mr. Speaker, she said that this was something that they didn’t track.

But the reality is that they do. The CBC [Canadian Broadcasting Corporation] exposed that this government’s own data shows that there was at least a six-week wait-list for that voluntary treatment.

[14:15]

If the minister or the Premier is on top of this file, can he please tell us what the wait-list is now for voluntary treatment in Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, as I said, there are over 300 recoveries available today. Those are for individuals that unfortunately may be having mental health challenges and all too often living a life of subsequent addictions challenges.

We are providing that path to a recovery opportunity. Three hundred of those beds are operating. Two hundred additional beds are funded in this budget. And the minister is aligning with partners to ensure that those beds will be open later this fiscal year, Mr. Speaker. In addition to that, with respect to pathways and access, we have the complex-needs facilities. Urgent care centres are an access point as well as the many community-based organizations that we have across the province.

And now, Mr. Speaker, upon subsequent passing of the compassionate care Act, families as well will be able to ensure that their brother, sister, son, daughter can get the help that they need, the support that they need through that very Act. And we’re building out that capacity in addition to the 500 beds that we had committed to. The 500 recovery beds that are there for people that are ready to make a change and enter a life of recovery will be available this year, as we committed to. And we’re building additional capacity to ensure that the compassionate care Act also has capacity for those individuals, Mr. Speaker.

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

Addictions Services and First Responders

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, we heard an awful lot of words there but no answer to the question at all.

April has been an extremely tough month on front-line responders as the drug crisis overwhelms our two major cities. In Regina there were 140 drug overdose-related calls between April 1st and the 21st. In Saskatoon, more than twice as many: 301 calls between April 1st and April 19th. That’s 16 overdose calls per day in Saskatoon, every single day this month.

What does the Premier say to front-line responders who aren’t being supported by this government as they work around the clock to save lives?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. What I would say to all of those front-line people that are out there working on the streets is, I would say thank you. Thank you for the work that you are doing with these individuals.

And, Mr. Speaker, through our ministry we are working with community-based organizations, front-line workers, whether it be fire and police, to help with those supports to give those individuals the help they need. And the supports that we’re working on are those recovery spaces that the Premier just talked about. We already have 500 in place within the province. We have 312 additional ones on top of that right now, and we’re budgeted to complete that other 200, Mr. Speaker.

And when we’re done that, we won’t be finished, Mr. Speaker. We’ll evaluate exactly what we have out there, where else are those spaces needed, and what more can we do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, part of the problem is that more than 120 health care workers on the front lines of the drug crisis were fired when the government shut down Prairie Harm Reduction. There was no plan to rehire these workers. The Minister of Health in fact told them, take out an application form. There are 400 vacant health care positions in Saskatoon right now, and these folks could be providing life-saving support right now, today.

Why is the Premier doing nothing while front-line health care workers sit on the sidelines and a drug crisis overwhelms our communities?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. She is correct; there are several positions that are available. So I would encourage each and every one of those individuals that is no longer at Prairie Harm Reduction, if there is a spot that they feel fits for them, I would encourage them to make an application and apply for that job that’s right for them.

And you know what? It may not even be with the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority]. We have several community-based organizations that are fantastic, that do great work with individuals, and they may want to find a spot there, Mr. Speaker. And I would encourage them to keep following their heart and work with those individuals in the place that they feel is right for them.

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

Access to Addictions Treatment

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition asked the Premier a question a few moments ago and got nothing in response. But we’ve given a few minutes for him and the minister to check their notes.

For the record, how long is the wait for addiction treatment in Saskatchewan today? And how many available treatment spaces are there today? Is that zero?

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I’ve answered in this House on several occasions, the wait times vary across the province depending on what type of space that is available at that point in time or what type of a service the individual is looking for.

But what is going to help is, within our mental health and addictions action plan, we are actively working on a central intake system, which will track each and every one of those streams, Mr. Speaker. Right now there may be an individual on a wait-list at several facilities because they’re trying to open up as many options as possible. Once we get the central intake system in place, they’ll be able to see immediately where those spaces are available and what will fit for them, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, people are dying every day of drug overdose, and the government can’t provide basic answers to these questions.

Mr. Speaker, this government has signed massive contracts for addiction services with Edgewood Health Network, or EHN, a private, out-of-province provider. EHN hired well-connected political operatives to lobby for funding and expansion. EHN has also donated directly to the Sask Party.

Are we really supposed to believe those donations for the Premier’s campaign fund had nothing to do with this . . .

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

Implementation of Pharmacare

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, we’re joined today by the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan, seated in your gallery. They want to see our province make a deal with the federal government to begin a phased implementation of pharmacare, which would see no-cost coverage for diabetes medication and contraception.

Saskatchewan has some of the highest rates of diabetes in the country, including untreated diabetes. Saskatchewan also has some of the highest rates of unplanned pregnancy. Making these medications universally accessible should be a top priority for this government. It would save money, improve health outcomes, Mr. Speaker.

Will the minister finally address these public health emergencies? Will he work to get Saskatchewan a deal for pharmacare today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I’ll join with the member opposite in welcoming again the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan here to their legislature today. And look forward to the discussion that I’ll be having with them later this afternoon.

Of course Saskatchewan was always willing to work with the federal government when it’s in the best interests of Saskatchewan residents. Under the previous prime minister, there were several discussions that I had with Minister Holland, with Mark Holland, at the time in regards to joining a pharmacare agreement and signing something on behalf of the Saskatchewan people. Unfortunately we couldn’t get to an agreement that increased the sustainability and the scope of what coverage was within Saskatchewan.

Again there hasn’t been further conversation from the federal government under the new Prime Minister, Mr. Speaker. But again this provincial government is always willing to work with the federal government when it’s in the best interests of Saskatchewan patients.

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

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, to hear that that Health minister hasn’t even had a conversation with this new administration is shocking. We’re leaving money on the table. The clock is ticking.

Multiple provinces have already signed on to this deal. The only reason that Saskatchewan people don’t have access to free diabetes medication and contraception today is that Sask Party, Mr. Speaker. The federal government says they’re not even in talks, and we just had that confirmed today. How can this be?

We need this minister to do his job. We need him to work to get a good deal for Saskatchewan people. And he’s not going to do it by sitting on his hands. So will he pick up the phone? Will he work to bring pharmacare to Saskatchewan? Or will he keep stalling, Mr. Speaker?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I mean, the member opposite is incorrect. I’ve had several opportunities for engagement with Minister Michel, as have my provincial and territorial colleagues right across the country. We look forward to continued discussions at our next federal-provincial-territorial meeting in October in Manitoba. Again we look forward to discussing several issues of interest to provinces right across the country, Mr. Speaker.

As I indicated, this was a priority of the previous prime minister. Under the new Prime Minister, it hasn’t been raised as a priority even of the federal government, Mr. Speaker. That being said, this provincial government is always willing to work with the federal government when it puts Saskatchewan patients first and offers them a higher level of service. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Government Response to Wildfires in the North

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, wildfire season started this month, but we will not — and I’m going to repeat that, Mr. Speaker — will not have our full water bomber fleet until the end of August. The wildfire that destroyed 200 homes in Denare Beach last year swept through the community in June. We didn’t have a full fleet last year either, Mr. Speaker. Homes burned, families displaced.

Despite this, the minister quietly scrapped another plane. They continue to withhold the MNP report.

The North deserves transparency now, Mr. Speaker. What did the minister do with that plane?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of SPSA [Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency].

Hon. Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We should be very proud of the aircraft fleet that we have in the SPSA. It consists of 17 aircrafts: three Convair 580A land-based air tankers, one Q400AT land-based air tanker, six CL‑215T turbo-powered water-scooping air tankers, and seven Turbo Commander bird dog aircraft. We have also this year leased an additional helicopter, so we’ll have eight available helicopters to help fight the wildfires this season, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, I’m thankful that on this side of the House we actually have a plan. Bill 609 will require the Ministry of Public Safety to create a provincial wildfire management strategy, maintain ongoing consultation with the experts — and those are the people in northern Saskatchewan, Indigenous and community partners — and provide clear, transparent public reporting monthly.

The people of the North are tired of being ignored by this government, Mr. Speaker. Every community deserves to be safe, especially the people in northern Saskatchewan so we don’t have a repeat of what took place last year.

Will the minister push our bill through and vote yes today, Mr. Speaker?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of SPSA.

Hon. Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s clear that the opposition does have a plan. They have a plan to spread misinformation, Mr. Speaker . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I’ll ask the minister to apologize and withdraw for that comment.

Hon. Michael Weger: — I’ll withdraw and apologize. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week, NDP [New Democratic Party] news release dated April 23rd, 2026: “As well, without any warning, last October the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency website changed the number of Convair 580A land-based air tankers from four to three.”

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, Member from Cumberland.

Minister.

Hon. Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What the opposition must have missed was the press release from April 23rd, 2024, exactly two years earlier, with the headline “SPSA to renew its land-based air tanker fleet.” In that press release, Mr. Speaker, the quote reads, “The planes will replace the current fleet of land-based air tanker aircraft, which consists of four Convair 580 airplanes.”

So I’d ask the member opposite if he would share the accurate information with his constituents, Mr. Speaker.

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

Supports for Post-Secondary Students

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, we have heard that tuition at the University of Saskatchewan is going to be increasing by 3 per cent this year. A typical full-time student will be paying over $8,000. The U of S [University of Saskatchewan] students’ union is reporting that they are seeing more students asking for financial assistance and trying to access emergency food hampers. They’re asking the government to do more to support students who are struggling with the cost of living.

Will the minister step up to support these students? Or does he think it is acceptable to have students choosing emergency supports to survive?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. We always put students first, and we will continue to do that and certainly will represent the University of Saskatchewan students and the student union in this legislature as well.

[14:30]

Mr. Speaker, as I’ve said many times, our institutions are amongst the most well funded in the country. And it plays out again over the weekend. University of Prince Edward Island increased tuition by 6.5 per cent.

We have a multi-year funding agreement that continues in place that gives a three-year lift for each of the institutions for the next four years. Part of the agreement that the university follows is that tuition increases are less than 3 per cent, Mr. Speaker. So I’ll correct the member opposite; it came in at 2.8 per cent, a responsible increase that again is well supported by the administration at the University of Saskatchewan. Thank you.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, many post-secondary schools are struggling in Saskatchewan financially. Let’s take a close look at this minister’s record in the file. Nearly 200 jobs lost, and the minister did nothing. Students struggling with the cost of living facing another tuition hike, and the minister passes the buck.

The students’ union has warned that they’re seeing students extending their programs or even delaying their graduations just to make ends meet. Does the minister really think that having students being literally unable to afford to graduate is a sign of success? Will he step up and support Saskatchewan students?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Now again, Mr. Speaker, as I’ve said on the floor of this legislature many times, the opposition NDP has not mentioned post-secondary education in their most recent election platform. They don’t want to talk about recent events.

But you know, here’s a stat that I think everyone should take some time to understand. During the 16‑year period that the members opposite were in government, from 1991 to 2004, tuition fees increased by 228 per cent.

Mr. Speaker, thank goodness we’re not going back to those days. We’re continuing to look forward into the future and innovative . . . Member and I were at a very interesting meeting on the weekend with the Graduate Students’ Association, and we both complimented them. And I’ll have more to say if there’s another question, Mr. Speaker.

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

Allocation of Public Housing Units

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve raised the matter of my constituency on the floor of this Assembly before. Seniors are being evicted from their homes. A grandma is being evicted for being a grandma. There’s no way a minister needs her one-bedroom apartment to make room for a family, and she’s still very, very worried about it. It’s a heartless policy, and it makes no sense.

Has the minister reassessed this cruel policy? Or will he continue to evict grandmas and grandpas out of housing simply for being senior citizens?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is working with Regina Housing Authority. You know, we have 240 housing authorities right around this province, and we work with each and every one of them to make sure that we have the proper balance of housing options available to individuals, to seniors, to families.

Mr. Speaker, this is something that the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is going to work with the Regina Housing Authority on to examine the policies going forward. And at this time, as minister I’ve made it known to the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and the Regina Housing Authority that nobody is going to be moving right now. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

MOTIONS

Second Reading of Bill No. 609

Leroy Laliberte: — Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding the government’s agenda and what’s published in the Orders of the Day today, I request leave to move the following motion:

The Assembly immediately consider second reading of Bill No. 609, The Saskatchewan Wildfire Strategy 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. 57 — The Information Services Corporation Amendment Act, 2026

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. At the conclusion of my remarks I will be moving second reading of Bill 57. In September 2025 the Information Services Corporation, or ISC [Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan], announced they would be undertaking a strategic review to explore options to further maximize shareholder value. As a 29 per cent shareholder, the government publicly announced our support for this review along with the consideration of any outcome of the strategic review, subject to provisions that would protect the province’s best interests and Saskatchewan jobs.

The strategic review contemplates but is not limited to asset divestments, acquisitions, transformative business combinations, or a sale of ISC. The golden share already exists in the legislation, which protects ISC’s head office and local jobs right here in the capital city.

Through these amendments we have not only strengthened the rights of the Government of Saskatchewan that the government holds through the golden share, but we’ve ensured that the Government of Saskatchewan will continue to have those rights, notwithstanding any future business reorganization of ISC. And it bears underlining that any such future reorganization would require not only the approval of the Saskatchewan courts but of the Government of Saskatchewan itself.

These amendments strengthen the golden share by ensuring that ISC’s intellectual property stays in Saskatchewan, maintaining ISC’s service obligations to the province and strengthening language to ensure the head office remains in Saskatchewan.

Specific amendments to section 2 of the bill were made to strengthen protections around ISC. It covers transfers made directly or indirectly. It prevents key intellectual property required for service delivery from being moved outside of Saskatchewan. It also blocks transfers of assets or functions that could undermine ISC’s ability to meet its contractual obligations. The focus is on ensuring service continuity and protecting Saskatchewan’s interests under the July 5th, 2023 agreements. Overall the amendments ensure ISC cannot restructure or transfer core elements in ways that would weaken accountability or service delivery.

Additionally section 12 ensures the Crown keeps the golden share unchanged even if ISC undergoes corporate restructuring. If a transaction occurs which involves a restructuring, this section ensures that CIC will receive the golden share with exactly the same rights and conditions it had before. In other words, this provision allows the golden share to be carried forward through a corporate arrangement while protecting the Crown’s existing rights so they remain identical after a transaction.

In 2012 the government made the decision to take the former Crown corporation public while retaining 29 per cent ownership through shares. The process associated with the strategic review continues to be an ISC-led process. The Act would only come into force upon proclamation if necessary. These amendments would only be enacted at such a time that the ISC-led process has concluded and a final decision is made by the Government of Saskatchewan with regard to the results of the review.

This government is focused on our economy and local jobs and facilitating investment growth. These proposed amendments support that focus. I now move second reading of Bill No. 57, The Information Services Corporation Act, 2026.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the minister that Bill No. 57, The Information Services Corporation Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to be on my feet here responding to the second reading speech from the minister on Bill No. 57, The Information Services Corporation Amendment Act. At the end of my time here I will be moving to adjourn debate, but I want to leave some comments on the record here today.

Mr. Speaker, what we’ve seen from the government here today is an Act amending The Information Services Corporation Act. In a sense we see a couple high-level items. We see a repealed section on a 15 per cent limit on voting shares for any party except for the Crown. We’re seeing a repealed ban on dividends being paid out to any party wrongfully holding more than 15 per cent or voting rights being exercised for anything more than 15 per cent.

The Act also removes the complicated formula on how many board members the minister can appoint. That piece of the legislation is gone. Now the minister can only appoint two members. They’re also allowed to appoint one or zero members, so the Government of Saskatchewan has potentially given itself the opportunity to remove its board representation entirely. You know, that’s a really interesting point. I don’t understand why the government would decide to legislate their board representation out of the Information Services Corporation, Mr. Speaker.

You know, the legislation also looks . . . It says the golden share protects against intellectual property or critical assets being moved out of Saskatchewan. So we’ve got this golden share. From the minister’s comments, it sounds like the golden share can be moved through whatever kind of ownership that this corporation goes through, that you know, technically they’re telling us that the golden share will be retained. Mr. Speaker, it says that the CIC can move around the golden share for use in a business plan so long as upon completion of plan, they still have a share-equivalent size and voting power.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I think we have a lot of questions as it comes to the Sask Party’s record on privatization. I’ve brought with me a little booklet that I go to every once in a while. It’s called Selling Saskatchewan: Now with more than a decade of privatization! 2007‑2023. Mr. Speaker, I got this at a Unifor conference, and I’m going to go to . . . There’s a bunch of items. You know, you’ll have “sold” where the Sask Party sold our public services, or you have announcements or speaking notes by the government.

You know, I’m waiting to use this one day if I really have to filibuster. I promise I won’t keep you all here today, but I want to take you to November 2012, when the story of the privatization of Information Services Corporation began. And I’ll quote:

The provincial government privatizes Information Services Corporation, the Crown responsible for registration of land titles, the personal property and corporate registry. Sixty-nine per cent of ISC is sold, leaving the government with a 29 per cent share in the private company. In the three years prior to the sale, the Saskatchewan treasury received an average of $16.2 million in revenue. After privatization that revenue falls to $7 million annually, despite the company operating and earning higher profits.

So, Mr. Speaker, I think what you’ll find on this side of the House is a lot of questions around the Sask Party government’s and the Government of Saskatchewan’s real intentions around finding a public asset and privatizing that public asset. And you know, it’s really interesting because this fantastic little booklet that I’ve been looking at these days, it says, you know, how do you sell privatization . . .

Speaker Goudy: — It’s a fantastic little booklet we’ve ruled out of order in the past. Props and so on. Maybe leave that down. Thank you.

Nathaniel Teed: — Okay. Mr. Speaker, I apologize. I’ll leave this privatization booklet on my table here. You know, how do you sell privatization to the people of Saskatchewan? Well first you do a core services review. You know, we want to make sure that we’re being efficient with public dollars. We want to make sure that an entity is working. So we do a review of the core function or business of a government rationale. And so we work towards that and we look towards . . . see, well what would this look like if it was privatized?

Well in the second, you know, we bring in consultants. Consultant firms are brought in on the pretense that they will offer the government impartial advice. But very often those consultants represent private firms who likely would gain from any privatization or a public-private partnership, you know, and they often use these consultants to give legitimacy to cover the government’s already made-up mind, that in fact they are going to privatize.

You know, often the government will then prepare a Crown corporation for privatization by restricting its operations or even shrinking its size. We’re seeing that right now in SaskTel, Mr. Speaker. We saw that with the public liquor store announcements. As they were slowly sold off, the ability for those stores to offer products was limited. Then we’ll also see a process of budget cuts and austerity. You know, we saw that Information Services Corp. brought in $16 million. After its privatization, it brought in $7 million. Well right there, Mr. Speaker, is your budget austerity.

You know, they’ll say, tough economic times; we’ve got to sell an item to make some money back. Well when you sell your golden goose laying the golden eggs, you don’t get any more golden eggs after that. So you know what? Many of our Crown corporations really are the golden geese of our province.

[14:45]

And then the last point that they discuss is they will load up those public services with debt. Governments will often use debt loads of public corporations to justify their sale to the private sector. Mr. Speaker, that sounds an awful lot like this minister’s plan to load up on debt in SaskPower right now with his costly all in on coal, which has already doubled in price, and will double power bills in Saskatchewan and will leave SaskPower with almost 40 to 50 billion in debt, Mr. Speaker. It’s right out of a classic playbook that this Sask Party government has employed throughout their time in government.

So they’ll load up. We’ve seen this before. We saw BC [British Columbia] rail, Manitoba Telecom, PotashCorp of Saskatchewan all rationalized in privatization due to the huge debt load that the provincial government primarily — first a Progressive Conservative provincial government and then a Saskatchewan Party provincial government — loaded up those Crown corporations with lots and lots of debt until it was just really attractive for someone to come and buy it up.

So, Mr. Speaker, I won’t keep us here all afternoon, but I’m very looking forward to the day I can really filibuster for a while on privatization in Saskatchewan. You know, I think we have a lot of material to go on from 2007 to 2023. But I think just overall we have a lot of questions about how this legislation came to be. I know that the shadow minister will do a lot of work engaging with stakeholders.

Mr. Speaker, I know on this side of the House, we would rather not see a continued privatization of our Information Services Corporation. But then at this time, I will move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 57, The Information Services Corporation 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. 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 Northeast.

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is indeed a pleasure to be on my feet to discuss today Bill No. 48, The Compassionate Intervention Act.

But alas, where to begin? I guess I would first like to start by thanking my colleagues the MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] for Saskatoon Centre and the shadow minister for Mental Health and Addictions, as well as the MLA for Regina Douglas Park and the shadow minister for Justice and Public Safety, for so thoroughly reviewing a lot of this going forward, especially with such a lack of limited resources as we have in opposition compared to the government.

Now I guess the first questions that we have to immediately ask ourselves is, is this compassionate? And is this intervention, intervention that has been studied and that is properly guided? My colleagues have put in a ridiculous amount of time studying this, as have many people on this side of the House.

Now within this Act, let’s first start with the fact that there is zero guarantee that patients seeking voluntary treatment will even get that help — because right now we don’t have that number of beds — or will even be prioritized over involuntary treatment. And even if there is involuntary treatment, we have a lack of guaranteed access to legal representation throughout the entire process for patients.

When I look at this as one of the shadow ministers for the area of health care on our team, I don’t see the connections there between the health care laws that we already have in place and our system that we already have in place and the supports that we should be funding and looking to, and Bill 48. Where are the connections? Where was the consultation? Where was the research here, especially when this involves the mental health and the lives of so many people in everybody’s areas that they represent here today, Mr. Speaker?

It’s quite disappointing, as a matter of fact, to see. You can’t mandate care that doesn’t exist. And just recently we saw what this government did with Prairie Harm Reduction. Now as the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions said today when asked what happened to those 120 workers during question period, the answer was that they’re all invited to reapply if they meet some criteria, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I come from a family of two parents who were mental health care psychologists. It is wildly irresponsible and quite frankly shocking for anybody, whether a qualified minister or not, to cut something, to not replace it, and to leave this giant period of time where nothing happens with people that are in critical medical conditions, where we have all of a sudden front-line health care workers asking, “What the heck happened in Saskatoon? I’m responding to 16 overdoses per day.”

That is not okay. Where was the transition plan? What the heck happened? And why are all of these organizations now asking, why weren’t things in place? Consultation with health care workers needs to be had at every single stage, Mr. Speaker, but especially if you are going to simply take away one program entirely. These are people’s lives we’re talking about.

And we already know that our ER [emergency room] systems are overcrowded. We already knew from the Minister of Health that the acute mental health services wards in Saskatoon and in Regina were overcrowded up to all days of the year, save 40 days in Saskatoon alone. So why would somebody go and get rid of 120 workers, not make sure there was a transition plan in place, at the same point in time where the acute mental health services ward in that city was always over capacity except for 40 days of the week, when that ER system was on bypass at times, and when nearby P.A. [Prince Albert] is on bypass?

So here we have a situation where all of a sudden we have a ton of people that don’t have anywhere to go voluntarily, let alone involuntarily. But yeah, let’s bring in some new company like EHN that perhaps doesn’t even have the qualifications to meet the problem. So while it might look like that government is doing something to address the problem, it’s walking away in the face of some pretty credible calls for transparency here when it has the resources as government to do the proper research and investigation that is required.

Mr. Speaker, I expect nothing less than 100 per cent attention and care and research and thought to be put into these bills. I have lost school kids that I have taught to this crisis. Many people on both sides of the aisle have lost family, friends, kids that they know to this crisis. It’s what our families, our friends, it’s what former teachers demand: that this be taken seriously.

Cities have been left to fend for themselves. Right now Saskatoon, we see, what, 4.8 million spent on homelessness. That’s up from 1.4 last year alone. Where do you get that kind of money? Towns have been left to fend for themselves. Neighbourhoods, families, friends, co-workers, all these people have scrambled to find help for their kids, for their loved ones, for people who are feeling alone and afraid.

And I might mention that that’s happening at all levels of the socio-economic spectrum. It’s happening not only to homeless people. It’s happening to professionals. It’s happening to everyone. There was a duty to consult. There was a duty to do no harm.

Bill 48 is flawed in several ways and does need changes. I am confident in the ability of this team and of those shadow ministers to propose said changes. But we can’t keep ignoring the crisis that is already here, and we can’t keep ignoring that there were 140 overdose-related calls in Regina from April 1st to 21st, 301 during that same time frame in Saskatoon. The rate of overdoses that we’re seeing is unprecedented.

I want that Premier and I want that government to stop saying this is just what’s happening everywhere in the country and that they are doing the best they can. When we ask people, they haven’t even been consulted yet. Quite frankly, Mr. Speaker, when a bill is presented, that’s not what people ask of a government. They ask that everything be put into place.

I don’t see how this fits within the definitional constraints of “compassionate” or “intervention” unless certain changes are brought forward. We have zero evidence that there are enough treatment spaces for those voluntarily trying to get help. In fact one might argue that we have the opposite. Front-line responders aren’t at their breaking point anymore. They are now past that breaking point, and we have to worry about their mental health and their load as well.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to adjourn debate on Bill No. 48. 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. 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 Meewasin.

Nathaniel Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to be on my feet again here today to enter into some remarks on Bill No. 52, The Heritage Property Amendment Act, 2026.

Mr. Speaker, at its core this is a very simple piece of legislation, again another piece of legislation that helps the government move its budget through the processes. So The Heritage Property Amendment Act basically is bringing in a new, non-refundable application fee for archaeological and paleontological investigation permits, Mr. Speaker. So in short what we are seeing is now that when folks in Saskatchewan want to make an application to do an archaeological dig, they are now going to be faced with a new fee, Mr. Speaker.

Now I’ve been on my feet in this Assembly now for . . . well come September I’ll have hit my four-year anniversary. But during my time here in this legislature, the one thing that I’ve noticed is that this is a provincial government that really loves its fees and taxes. I think the first year that I was elected, we saw a budget where we saw nearly 27 new taxes and fees. So primarily where we saw PST exemptions, we saw the government removing those exemptions up to the tune of 27. Now I think at that point they decided that . . . One of them was gym memberships. They backed out on gym memberships. So we went forward with the 26 other taxes and fee hikes.

And every single provincial budget afterward, we have seen a continued pattern of this government adding taxes and fees onto the people of Saskatchewan. You know, whether you call it a fee or a hike or a tax, Mr. Speaker, it really comes down to the government reaching into the pockets of Saskatchewanians to balance the books and balance their budget, which they weren’t able to this time around. And last year we saw a billion-dollar deficit, Mr. Speaker, after being told that we had a $12 million surplus.

You know, Mr. Speaker, there are so many great projects happening or have been assessed by paleontologists here in Saskatchewan. The Heritage Property Act really does build out quite a large framework for heritage protection in the province. You know, not only do we see municipal and provincial heritage designation, the Act in itself automatically protects those archaeological and paleontological sites and objects from across the province regardless of ownership or formal site designations. So what we see from this Act is that, you know, in some ways when you start an archaeological dig, they are mostly then after that deemed Crown property, Mr. Speaker.

[15:00]

And so you know, my colleague I think from Saskatoon Nutana did the most justice to this piece of legislation and really outlined so many really interesting points in the province. But I want to highlight one very interesting site, well-loved, well-known in Saskatoon. Located just outside of Saskatoon in the north end of the city is the Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Mr. Speaker.

You know, in a previous life, I worked as a fund development officer at Remai Modern. And so we had a really great relationship with the folks at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, doing similar work to preserve, you know, almost nearly the 6,000 — but so much longer than that — archaeological evidence of Indigenous living and Indigenous peoples on those lands. You know, so what we see here is a really great opportunity. And for years, Wanuskewin has seen archaeological digs.

Again just one of the big worries is, you know, when we see something like Wanuskewin and archaeological digs, we’re seeing those are usually being led by the University of Saskatchewan, archaeologists from there. You know, we heard from the member from Saskatoon University-Sutherland today that we have students going to student unions for more support than ever before, asking for food supports. And now we’re going to throw a fee on their university education when, you know, they go out to do archaeological digs, Mr. Speaker.

You know, I think at this point I’ve spoken long enough on the government’s tendency to rely on fees and hikes throughout their governance. I know that this is an important piece of legislation, but really wonder why we continue to see more and more fees being downloaded onto the people of Saskatchewan. So, Mr. Speaker, at this time I’m happy to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 52 . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . I apologize. We are happy today to see this bill move on to its next stages. I appreciate my colleagues for reminding me. We’re happy to see this bill move on to its next stages.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion moved by the minister that Bill No. 52, The Heritage Property 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 bill shall this committee 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. 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 Douglas Park.

Nicole Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure and honour to rise and enter into the debate on Bill No. 54, The Correctional Services Amendment Act.

Several of my colleagues have already had the opportunity to enter some remarks on this bill into the record. I understand that this legislation is the result of the Supreme Court decision that happened a little while ago that required the provincial government to make some changes to how disciplinary hearings were held within our correctional system. There was a need to make the process a little bit more independent. As a result, you’ll see many of the changes in this legislation flow out of that Supreme Court decision, Mr. Speaker.

I’ve had the opportunity to speak with stakeholders on this legislation. I have several questions of officials and the minister about this bill, and in order to allow me to do that work, I’m prepared to allow this bill now to move on to its next stage.

Speaker Goudy: — The question before the Assembly is the motion by the minister that Bill No. 54, The Correctional Services 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 Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — 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. 55

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jeremy Cockrill that Bill No. 55 — The Medical Profession Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to enter into debate on Bill No. 55, The Medical Profession Amendment Act, 2024. This is a bill that makes a number of changes that we are supportive of, Mr. Speaker, and that we have been calling for in fact.

It would align Saskatchewan with other jurisdictions in many ways, namely in providing the ability to seek injunctive relief that the college, up until now, did not have. And there is a change in terms of the ability to compel information as well as a change around giving them increased powers of prosecution, Mr. Speaker, for individuals who are calling themselves a medical practitioner, a surgeon, or physician assistant when they’re not in fact licensed or registered with the college.

The new investigative powers under this Act would allow the college to go to the courts to compel people to answer questions about the unlawful practice of medicine. And it also increases fees for anyone found to be practising medicine unlawfully. The fee goes up, Mr. Speaker, and when that fee is levied, the college will receive those funds. It also identifies the college as able and kind of the mechanism for — one of the mechanisms, I guess — available to prosecute the offences under the Act.

So I will just be providing some brief comments about how this bill kind of came to be. I think it’s no secret that in July of last year there was sort of a renewed scrutiny of the powers of the college because of the Dr. Goodenowe health centre in Moose Jaw, Mr. Speaker. There was concerning reporting coming out of the CBC. Of course the Saskatchewan NDP stood with the ALS Society to raise the alarm about Mr. Goodenowe’s health centre.

And we were hearing some really concerning reports directly from family members of individuals that had been diagnosed with ALS [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]. It’s a degenerative disease, Mr. Speaker, and they had been exploring treatment at the Goodenowe health centre.

And Goodenowe made claims — these claims have since of course been scrubbed from the website — but claims around for example 100 per cent cure rate, Mr. Speaker. Just some really concerning claims that appeared to really prey on the desperation of individuals that had received this diagnosis and the family members that of course hoped and wished so much to see those family members make a recovery and improve. And we heard, you know, stories of people remortgaging their homes, going through their life savings, just really heartbreaking stories, Mr. Speaker.

So there were for calls for action, and of course the government indicated at the time that they felt that this was on the college to do. And the college quite rightfully stood up and said, look we don’t have the tools to address this. We don’t have the power to seek injunctive relief. The only mechanism we have under this Act is really just to levy a small fine, which when you look at, you know, the kind of profits that Goodenowe was raking in in this business, really was not going to deter him at all.

But I should add that this kind of misleading area of work is something that is cropping up really across North America for sure, just people kind of putting themselves out to be medical experts and professionals, really preying on people’s desperation in terms of seeking help or finding cures, and making claims that are just not based in evidence, Mr. Speaker.

I would note one area just in terms of the policy on this matter, because of course in my role as shadow minister for Health I’ve been working closely with my colleague, the member for Regina Walsh Acres, who of course has been leading the charge on this in quite a courageous way, I would say. You know, it does appear to me that when it comes to prosecution of the offence of — and I don’t want to get the wording wrong, but it’s basically practising medicine without a licence — we should also turn our minds to the fact that public prosecutions is in a good position to do some of that work, Mr. Speaker.

I would say they have the resources and they have the skills and this is something they do day in, day out. And I’m not so sure that that is the best role for the college. Certainly they are very experienced in the investigative side of things, but I would like to see this government turn its mind more to a policy of passing that prosecution over to the good folks that do that each and every day.

I would also add, Mr. Speaker, that we may continue to see more and more of this. You know, I was just heading here a few days ago in my car and there was a CBC story about, kind of, another situation. It wasn’t based in Canada, but again someone who was making claims about being an expert, being a doctor; it turned out they weren’t. They were working in the area of addiction, Mr. Speaker, another place where we find people at times quite desperate for help and solutions.

And so I think it is the job of government to ensure that we are regulating this space to protect the public. There is, you know, profits to be made when people are desperate and looking for answers and for help where they struggle to find it.

I think that, you know, I’m happy to take my place. I just wanted to enter those remarks into the record. I do just want to take my hat off to my colleague from Regina Walsh Acres who has been a steadfast advocate for the families that have been impacted by the Goodenowe health centre.

I do hope that with this bill we will be handing the college the tools that they need to address this incredibly concerning situation, both in terms of what’s happening with the Goodenowe health centre, but then going forward if we see similar instances of this kind of thing into the future.

So you know, sometimes it takes tragedies — you know, I think of Susie Silvestri — sometimes it does take tragedies, Mr. Speaker, to see governments act. I think this is an example of that, but it’s certainly a much needed move.

And so I did want to put some supportive comments into the record. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I’m happy 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.

Bill No. 56

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 56 — The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2026/Loi modificative de 2026 sur la Cour du Banc du Roi be now read a second time.]

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

Kim Breckner: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet today to enter in some remarks on Bill No. 58, The King’s Bench Amendment Act, 2026.

Early in my career I did a significant amount of litigation work, often in the spaces of civil law. A little bit of family, but not so much. But what I do remember is the overloads that the court was and continues to deal with, and the issue we have about access to justice.

[15:15]

And I know it would often take a very long time to get into court and have matters heard, and judges have quite the workload. And so I’m supportive of this Act and I’m supportive of using this additional tool in associate judges to improve access to justice and help with our court system.

It’s something that we’ve seen in other jurisdictions that I believe can work equally well here in Saskatchewan. And I know that the shadow minister will be doing work in this area to take a close look at the bill and make sure that it will have the positive effects that we anticipate it will.

And so with that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 56.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

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

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved that this Assembly does now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:16.]

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

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