Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you and to all the members of the Assembly, today it is with great pleasure to introduce an exceptional group of individuals who proudly represent Saskatchewan around the world and play a critical role in growing our economy, expanding our exports, and strengthening Saskatchewan’s international partnerships.

Seated throughout your gallery today, Mr. Speaker, are Saskatchewan’s international trade office representatives from Germany, from Singapore, from Japan, from Vietnam, from Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and India.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan has become a global leader in agriculture, energy, mining, manufacturing, innovation, and food production. And our province exports billions of dollars in products and resources to over 160 countries around the world, supporting jobs and opportunities for families in communities across Saskatchewan.

And the individuals that we welcome today are on the front lines of all of that success. They work tirelessly to open up new doors for Saskatchewan businesses, attract investment opportunities into our province, strengthen relationships with governments and industry leaders around the world, and they ensure that Saskatchewan continues to compete and succeed in an increasingly competitive global economy.

And their work helps Saskatchewan producers, exporters, innovators, job creators to reach new markets, build long-term partnerships that benefit our province for years to come. And, Mr. Speaker, these representatives bring decades of international experience in diplomacy, in trade, investment attraction, economic development, and public service. They are tremendous ambassadors for Saskatchewan and for Canada.

I would ask all members to join me in welcoming David Anderson from Germany, Greg Eidsness from Singapore, Greg Houlahan from Japan, Ha Nguyen from Vietnam, Horacio Cuevas from Mexico, Kyle Procyshyn from the UAE [United Arab Emirates], Ranissah Samah from the United Kingdom, and Scott Matthies from India.

Mr. Speaker, I’d also be remiss if I didn’t also introduce Jodi Banks, our deputy minister of Trade and Export Development, and Ryan Cossitt, our assistant deputy minister for international engagement.

Mr. Speaker, our government, our province is very proud of each of these individuals and very thankful for their energy and dedication to supporting our province. I ask members join me in extending them a very warm welcome to Saskatchewan and to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the official opposition, it’s a tremendous honour to join with the minister to welcome these representatives of Saskatchewan and our trade offices around the world to their Assembly, to the Saskatchewan Assembly.

I want to thank them for bringing their relationships and their expertise to bear in this very important project; forging those relationships in global markets and expanding markets; creating opportunities in value for this province, for our innovators, for our manufacturers, for our producers in this province.

Each of you represents Saskatchewan into very important markets around the world. On behalf of the official opposition, I want to thank you all for that leadership and for that work. I want to thank you for being here today. I want to thank DM [Deputy Minister] Banks as well for her leadership always and her presence here today.

And again I want to identify the markets that are represented here today: Germany, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, UAE, UK [United Kingdom], India, Mexico. These are incredibly valuable markets to the people of this province, to the producers of this province, the entrepreneurs and the workers of this province. So on behalf of a grateful opposition, I ask all members to join with me in providing a very warm thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I would like to introduce several guests that we have seated in your gallery today from the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. If these folks can just give us a wave as I say their name.

First of all we have Nora Yeates, who’s the CEO [chief executive officer] of the cancer foundation; Darren Adams, the vice-president of finance and administration; Cara Bahr, the VP [vice-president] of development; Kayla Blondeau, stewardship and events coordinator; Darby Fiddler, digital media and events coordinator; and Nimesha Fernando, who is the administration coordinator with the foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I’d just like to say the cancer foundation is an absolutely essential partner — as with all other foundations in the province — with the Government of Saskatchewan as we work to improve outcomes for patients in this province.

I think back to just recently, earlier this spring, we opened up the two new mobile mammography units. And, Mr. Speaker, the impact of not just having an updated unit from the old unit that we had — that was very old and really more of an RV [recreational vehicle] — now we have these two semi-trailers essentially travelling around the province, each doing about 7,000 screenings a year for the women of this province. That makes a significant impact in ensuring that women in this province can get the right care at the right time and as close to home as possible, Mr. Speaker.

We’re also working on updating the Saskatoon Cancer Patient Lodge project in the city of Saskatoon. I had an opportunity to drive by that site earlier this week, Mr. Speaker, another example of how the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and the Government of Saskatchewan are going to be partnering together to improve outcomes and improve access to care and really an appropriate environment for those facing cancer treatments in the city of Saskatoon, whether they’re from Saskatoon or communities far and wide, Mr. Speaker.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I would ask all members of the Assembly to join these six guests from the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. We do have an opportunity to have a reception with them later this evening, and I would encourage all 61 MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly] to be in attendance for that and to recognize the great work that these folks do each and every single day. Thank you.

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a great privilege to join with the minister opposite in welcoming Nora, Darren, Cara, Kayla, Darby, and Nimesha to their Legislative Assembly. I know that members on this side are very much looking forward to the reception later, and all of us will do our best to attend. I will certainly be there with bells on, Mr. Speaker.

Obviously the cancer foundation makes an incredible contribution to this province. When people get that diagnosis they need access to care, they need access to equipment and support, and they need access to support in navigating that journey. And that is what the cancer foundation is all about.

I will have more to say on the good work of the cancer foundation in a member’s statement later today. Thank you. So I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming these guests to their legislature.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. David Marit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, it is a great honour for me to introduce some guests in the west gallery from the Ag Student Scholarship program that we announced this morning, Mr. Speaker. I would ask them to give a wave. And I know they all have a parent with them as well, and I’ll introduce them also.

The grand prize winner was Carson Green from Mossbank and his mother, Dawn, is with him. Runners-up were Brianna Yung from Bulyea and her mother, Nina, is with her. Eva Schafer from Makwa is here and her mother, Marielle, is with her as well. And Marshall Mann from Lloydminster and his father, Mervin, are with them.

So, Mr. Speaker, I welcome them to this, their Legislative Assembly. And I ask all members to not only welcome and congratulate these bright young students that are going into the agriculture field here in the province of Saskatchewan. Agriculture in the province has a great future with bright minds like this. I would ask everyone to please welcome all of our guests to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a tremendous honour to rise on behalf of the official opposition and to welcome and congratulate, to join with the minister to welcome and congratulate the recipients of the ag stewardship program of Saskatchewan, to welcome these leaders in agriculture to their Assembly: Carson Green from Mossbank; Brianna Yung from Bulyea — big fan of the Bulyea Co-op — great to have you here; Eva Schafer from Makwa; and Marshall Mann from Lloydminster.

These leaders in agriculture, their contributions are valued by all of us. This is an incredible, proud, and vital industry to this province, world-class producers and a world-class industry. And to these young leaders in agriculture, on behalf of the official opposition and a grateful province, we simply say thank you.

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I want to join in a couple of introductions and then add one more.

So firstly, I want to join with the Minister of Trade and Export Development in welcoming our international office directors to the legislature today. I have had a chance to really get to know and work with a lot of these folks over many, many years. And I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, we are incredibly well served by these folks. Their dedication, their commitment, what they do every single day including supporting missions from the province here but also promoting Saskatchewan, working with our companies day in and day out — this has made a tremendous difference. And I want to say thank you very much for everything you do.

I want to as well welcome Eva Schafer and her mom. It’s great to see you here today. Not often we actually have guests down from northwest Saskatchewan. I know you’re seeding as of Friday, so I know it’s a busy time of the year. Thank you for making the trip down here to Regina as well. And congratulations to you, Eva, on the scholarship — well deserved.

Also I want to join a good friend, Mr. Speaker, in the west gallery, the business manager and secretary-treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Lodge 555, Jody Thomas. Thanks so much for being here, Jody.

I want to thank Jody personally, but through Jody thank him and his leadership team and his members for the work that they also do day in and day out as great partners with SaskPower in keeping the lights on here in this province. A steadfast supporter of our energy security strategy, which we very much appreciate, Jody. Thanks for that.

And thanks for the work that his members are doing right now — Aspen power station, Boundary dam. Where you find power work that’s going on, you find Boilermakers. And I just want to say thanks, Jody, so much for all that you do and what your team does. And welcome to your legislature.

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

Nathaniel Teed: — Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, it’s an honour to rise and introduce someone seated in your gallery: Eric Olsen, LIUNA [Laborers’ International Union of North America] Western Canada political director. Eric oversees Western Canada — Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan. Sorry, I probably messed up which of the four . . . We know, the most beautiful end of the country, Mr. Speaker.

We are so appreciative of the relationship that we’ve built with you and your members. And we had a lot of great conversations today, a lot of great conversations about our private member’s bill sitting on the floor of this Assembly that my colleague, the member from Regina University, has put forward to hire Saskatchewan workers for those big public projects.

I think one of the main takeaways, Mr. Speaker, was that there’s a lot of work to do in Saskatchewan and a lot of work to do in Canada. And LIUNA members, best suited to do that work, union jobs to be had, will play an important role.

While I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, before I ask all members to welcome, I’ll join with the minister opposite and welcome Jody Thomas to his Legislative Assembly. I think all those statements stand.

We are so pleased to see good union jobs in these big projects that we have in our country, in our province. And we are so pleased that you are able to join us here today. So I would ask all members to join me in welcoming Eric and Jody to their Legislative Assembly.

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

[13:45]

Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to join with the Minister of Crown Investment Corporation and welcome Jody Thomas to this, his Legislative Assembly. Jody and I had a great chance to visit and catch up.

Back in the day, Mr. Speaker, I pulled a lot of permits for the Boilermakers and always enjoyed the work that I did with them. And they always treated their staff with so much respect. And you know, echoing the minister’s sentiments thanking them for all of their hard work in power generation.

But Boilermakers touch every facet of our modern life, Mr. Speaker. Whether it was the food on your plate, they help produce the fertilizer that grew that food. You know, whether it’s the energy in your gas tank, they work at the refinery right now at the turnaround. So they do fantastic work all across Saskatchewan. And I just really want to thank Jody and through him all of the Boilermakers at Triple Nickel, Mr. Speaker, a great organization, and thank them for all of their hard work.

While I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not welcome Nina and Brianna to this, their Legislative Assembly. I’m really happy that Greg gave Brianna the day off from work. They’re busy seeding, and wish them all the luck getting the crop in. And good luck in your future endeavours, Brianna. You’re going to do great things. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am seeking leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to introduce and welcome my CA [constituency assistant] Sebastien Marchand sitting in your east gallery. I first met Sebastien in March 2024. At that time he was one of the several university students who came to help me with door knocking. He made a great first impression.

In June 2024 our campaign hired him as a summer organizer, and during the writ period he served as our voter contact organizer. Through this time I had seen the great stance in him. He is hard-working, ambitious, a fast learner, and detail oriented. In December 2024 he joined my office as a constituency assistant. I was a new MLA. He was a new CA. It was a steep learning curve for both of us. But we not only managed, we thrived.

Sebastien worked tirelessly to support our constituents. He exceeded my expectations. He handled casework, social media, and stakeholder outreach with dedication and professionalism. Everything was going well and now he’s leaving. The good news is that he’s leaving for a great opportunity.

He has been accepted into law school at Dalhousie University in Halifax. He received offers from three universities. I asked him why Dalhousie University, and he said many cabinet ministers, federal cabinet ministers studied there. And you can see there something of his ambitions.

I wish him all the best. And thank you, Sebastien, for doing everything to make my work easier, my life easier. I ask all the members, can you give him a warm welcome and wish him success in the next chapter.

While on my feet, Mr. Speaker, I want to introduce and welcome fine folks from Passion Salon in Regina. Sitting in the east gallery, the owner, Tajinder Veghal, and their employees: Sachin Rekhi, Shaminder Kaur, Parveen Kaur, Mandeep Kaur. Mr. Speaker, small business is the backbone of our economy, and they are a fine example of that. They are doing incredible jobs to serve our community and serve this city. And I ask all the members to please join me to welcome to their legislature. Thank you.

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

Hon. Michael Weger: — Mr. Speaker, I 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. Michael Weger: — Mr. Speaker, our government is proud to proclaim May 10th to 16th as National Police Week in Saskatchewan. National Police Week is an opportunity to reflect the strong partnerships that exist between the RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police], municipal police service, law enforcement agencies, government, and community organizations, who work together to enhance public safety in the province.

Mr. Speaker, six members from our outstanding policing and law enforcement agencies are seated up in your gallery, and now it is my honour to introduce each of them. Inspector Braden Cherney from the conservation officer service, Deputy Sheriff Jason Der, Saskatchewan Highway Patrol officers Connor Macdonald and Sahil Sidhu, Marshal Brendan Leblanc from the Saskatchewan Marshals Service, and Constable Kiana Perron from the Moose Jaw Police Service.

Mr. Speaker, we had the opportunity to share lunch together today. But I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank them on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan for their ongoing work to protect our communities.

Mr. Speaker, our government continues to invest in policing and public safety to ensure our officers and public safety personnel have the tools and supports they need to do their jobs effectively. We also recognize the need to attract new recruits to fill law enforcement positions across the province. That is why we launched the national law enforcement recruitment campaign in March, which saw 14 million impressions across Canada and was viewed to completion more than 1.7 million times by Canadians during the five-week campaign.

Our guests in the gallery were directly involved in the development of this campaign, so I also want to thank them for supporting this important initiative and for helping to share Saskatchewan’s story with the rest of Canada.

This National Police Week, we thank our policing and law enforcement partners for their service and recognize the important role they play in building stronger, safer communities for everyone in Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all members join me in welcoming these law enforcement personnel to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour also to rise on my feet today and join the minister opposite in welcoming these fine law enforcement officials to this, their Legislative Assembly.

Yes, it is Police Week, and it’s a great time to honour the work, the service, the dedication, the sacrifices that they and their families make on behalf of Saskatchewan and on behalf of Canada. Each and every day these folks go to work, taking on sometimes great risk to themselves and the public, and help to keep us all safe. It’s a good reminder this week of that, Mr. Speaker, and also an opportunity for us to show our appreciation for all that they do.

So for all the folks that have come here from our law enforcement agencies, once again, from a grateful opposition, thank you for the work that you do. We hope . . . we continue on to honour their legacy and their sacrifice and their dedication to this province. I ask all members to join me in welcoming these fine folks to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Kevin Weedmark: — Mr. Speaker, I request leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Kevin Weedmark: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased today to introduce a very special guest seated in your gallery, Rene Whelpton from Moosomin, who is a dedicated member of the Moosomin Alzheimer support group.

And Rene’s connection to this group is very personal. Her father, her mother, and her mother-in-law have all been affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. And when her mother’s condition began to worsen, she found herself struggling, living far away from home and searching for support, and discovered the Moosomin Alzheimer support group and became involved with that group. They helped carry her through the last three years of her mother’s life. And now Rene gives back by helping others.

I was fortunate to have lunch today with Rene, and Nora Yeates from the cancer foundation joined us. So I was very fortunate to have lunch with not one but with two amazing women today. And we had some great discussions about philanthropy and fundraising. And the Moosomin Alzheimer support group, it’s currently working on its third annual Walk for Alzheimer’s. I’ll have a little bit more to say about that in a member’s statement later, but it’s always a great event. I’ve been there for the first couple. There’s been more than 100 people at each one of them, and they do an amazing job.

Rene’s just a tireless volunteer. And I know that she does what she does with the Alzheimer Society so that others can find the same encouragement and support that she did. So I just ask all members to join me in recognizing Rene and welcoming her to her Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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

Bhajan Brar: — Mr. Speaker, like others, I also request leave for extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I would like to introduce an incredible constituent of Regina Pasqua, Dr. Shela Hirani, sitting in second row, third from left. She is a professor with the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Regina. I am so proud to have her here with us on this National Nursing Week and today, International Nursing Day.

Her research has helped improve the lives of mothers and babies across the world, and she recently won the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation’s Impact Award. I will speak more to her accomplishments in my member’s statement. She is here with her husband, Karim Ali, and her daughter, Shiza Hirani.

Mr. Speaker, this family is no stranger to the Legislative Assembly, as I was honoured to speak about Shiza as a youth advocate and founder of Youth MentorNet Café in a previous member’s statement. And Mr. Karim Ali is also a screenwriter, and his screenplay, Aulaad, in English we can say it’s won Best Screenplay at the Iconic Indie Film Awards this year in Pakistan.

Mr. Speaker, I am so honoured to represent such an accomplished family. I ask that all members join me in welcoming Dr. Hirani and her family to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, sitting in your gallery, I am proud to introduce members of the Moose Jaw Community Players, who recently presented Notoriously Moose Jaw, which I was happy to attend with my family.

Notoriously Moose Jaw is a heartfelt and entertaining musical. Painful, humorous, and true stories from Moose Jaw’s past were included. The play celebrated the people, history, and spirit of the city.

With us today we have 10 members of Moose Jaw Community Players, including the writers, Joan Stumborg and Debbie Burgher. Other members include Crystal Froese, Monique Byers, Robbie Gamble, Crystal Milburn, Stephanie Pierce, Colleen Parkin-Kempton, Nadia Frost, and Cathy Longstaff.

Notoriously Moose Jaw stood out when it performed at TheatreFest, taking home half of the awards, including Best Overall Production among others. Audiences who saw the show left the theatre laughing, reminiscing, and feeling a renewed connection to this notoriously wonderful community. Please join me in welcoming and congratulating these talented folks from Moose Jaw to this, their Legislative Assembly.

And while I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to introduce my family. With me today are my husband and my three boys: Kane, John, and George. As the Premier says, no one does this work alone. I want to thank them for their ongoing support and understanding.

I would also like to mention that my husband actually worked in the caucus office here at the legislature for many years. And many of you know that we actually met in the 2011 federal campaign, both working for the Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper. So it was fitting that we celebrated today our 13th anniversary in the Legislative cafeteria.

Please join me in welcoming John, George, Kane, and my husband to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Requesting leave for an extended introduction, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a tremendous honour to have some very special guests and some leaders within in our community joining me here today — seated in your gallery right in the front row, Mr. Speaker — and it’s a pleasure. Some of these leaders are the backbone of our community and have been a driving force behind the Walker School community council and the Rosemont Mount Royal Community Association, and so many activities and programs that enrich our community, Mr. Speaker.

[14:00]

They’re also joined by Jannet Shanks, who is the constituency assistant within our office. And she too works together with this association.

But I want to give a very warm welcome to Emma Trobiak for joining us here today. Emma and Chrystal Kish, who’s seated beside her, got active and provided leadership to the Walker School community council when their children were over at Walker. And what they accomplished there was remarkable, made a difference in the lives of all those young people there, Mr. Speaker. Now their children are on to high school, Mr. Speaker, and they’re active now with the community association. And our community is better for it, so it’s a tremendous honour to welcome them both here.

About eight years ago, Mr. Speaker, they reached out and said they wanted to create a chili night over at the outdoor hockey rink, for the Rosemont Mount Royal outdoor hockey rink where we coach the outdoor hockey league. And they put together just an incredible event, Mr. Speaker. And now we’re eight years on. Those members back then, the chili they would cook up in their kitchens, Mr. Speaker. And the number of electric roasters they had going, Mr. Speaker, I think they were responsible — this is for the Minister of SaskPower — for one of the power outages actually back in February eight years ago on the west side of Regina, Mr. Speaker. There was that much chili cooking, Mr. Speaker.

They continue to lead in these ways, Mr. Speaker, make our community a different place, a better place for so many, Mr. Speaker. It’s been my privilege to work with them for many years. I’ll be recognizing the hockey and chili night, Mr. Speaker, the eighth annual, here very shortly in a member’s statement.

They’re also joined by Brent Tiefenbach, who’s moved back to Saskatchewan here with family along, building a business, and is active now as well with the Rosemont Mount Royal Community Association. I want to thank him for that and, through him and them, to thank that entire board. The amount of programs and service they deliver to the community is remarkable.

We were supposed to be joined here today as well by Helen Adams. Helen has been the treasurer for 40 years of that community association, Mr. Speaker — and I want to let everyone in this Assembly know — 40 straight balanced budgets. Mr. Speaker, maybe the finest Finance minister this province never had. But it’s leaders like this, Mr. Speaker, that make such a difference.

And through them, I want to recognize their families, their children, their partners, their husbands, that are such an important part of that work as well. So I ask all members to join with me in welcoming Emma Trobiak, Chrystal Kish, Brent Tiefenbach, and Jannet Shanks to their Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of the Environment.

Hon. Darlene Rowden: — Finally, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to recognize two special guests joining us in the legislature today: deputy minister of Environment, Kevin France, and his son William.

Kevin is someone I rely on greatly for his steady advice, thoughtful leadership, and trusted knowledge. He leads the Environment team with professionalism and dedication, and our province is better for it.

Joining him today is his son William France, a grade 9 student at Miller High School in Regina. William is the oldest of two younger brothers and a little sister, which means he already developed plenty of patience and leadership skills, I’m sure.

William is a talented athlete competing in football, hockey — because how else would a Saskatchewan teenager spend the winter months, Mr. Speaker — and also volleyball. Tomorrow William and his team are headed to Toronto for volleyball nationals. Good luck and play for keeps, William.

He also has a strong interest in politics, the trades, and agriculture. With your interest in agriculture, William, I sure hope Black Baldy cattle are part of that. I don’t want William to rush through these fun teenage years, Mr. Speaker, but with his interests, ambition, and work ethic, Saskatchewan is full of opportunity for him. Kevin and Sarah, you must be incredibly proud.

I would ask all members of this Assembly to join me in warmly welcoming Kevin and William France to their legislature today.

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m just popping up briefly to join with the member from Mount Royal to welcome the guests we have with us today from the Rosemont Mount Royal Community Association. I had the deep privilege of, with the boundary redistribution, inheriting the Rosemont portion of the community and enjoying relationships that have been built and nurtured for years by the member for Mount Royal.

I want to join with him in thanking you for the many contributions you make to the community. I want to welcome Brent, Emma, Chrystal, Jannet to their Legislative Assembly.

I’ll just give you a brief example, Mr. Speaker, of what these folks are about. I did my inaugural hockey, chili celebration this year. I laced up my skates; I got out there. I think I scored a goal . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Well it’s been confirmed. I scored a goal, and I’m pretty sure Warren Steinley was defending me at the time.

But I got a note before that from Emma saying like, “I’m not going to make it. Enjoy the day. I’m in for surgery so I just won’t be there.” I show up and Emma is like sitting in the trunk of a car with blankets, people are waiting on her hand and foot. Like she didn’t miss it. Just incredible, steadfast commitment to this community.

And it’s been so nice to be welcomed by this community. And I just want you to know that you have my support in everything you do, and my admiration. And I would ask all members to join me in welcoming these fine folks to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — I would like to 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. Terry Jenson: — I promise it’s going to be a brief extended introduction, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, I’ve got several individuals up in the back row of the west gallery. Some of these individuals have not been able to watch proceedings in person before, so I thought I’d bring them in today. They are from my office upstairs in 303.

Mr. Speaker, I have my senior admin Lilia Kraemer. And seated beside Lilia is Reece Tastad, our summer student, Mr. Speaker. Next to Reece is Danika McFadden. And we also have Cindy Schaffer and Mike Aman.

Mr. Speaker, Lilia has lived and worked in Regina since immigrating to Canada in 2009 from Germany. She joined the building in September of 2022, and in that time she’s worked in a number of offices, including Social Services, Energy and Resources, Agriculture. And she’s come full circle, Mr. Speaker. She’s back in Social Services, where she says she plans to stay until she either gets tired of the ministry, the minister, or decides to retire. Mr. Speaker, Lilia is an incredible asset to my office and ensures that everyone is organized and that her minister knows where he needs to be and when he needs to be there.

Mr. Speaker, Cindy joined our office a few months ago, having spent an incredible 35 years at Shoppers Drug Mart, Mr. Speaker. She is born and raised in Regina, a dedicated Roughrider fan who rarely misses a home game. And many members may also recognize her husband, Mike, from the Regina Plumbing and Heating commercials that you see on TV, Mr. Speaker. Cindy is one of the ones that people will interact with first when they contact my office, and she’s an absolute pleasure to have around, demonstrating her exceptional professionalism, empathy. And she is so good with people, Mr. Speaker.

Reece has returned to my office for a second summer, Mr. Speaker. She is helping out with casework and correspondence. She’s recently graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, majoring in political studies and minoring in economics. And for my colleagues from Moose Jaw North and my seatmate here from Weyburn-Bengough, she’s currently studying for her LSAT [Law School Admission Test] and with the hopes of studying law at the University of Saskatchewan next year, Mr. Speaker.

And finally, Mr. Speaker, Mike Aman. Mike is in the back row there, hard to miss. He’s been based out of Saskatoon the last few months, Mr. Speaker. He moved back to Saskatoon to finish his degree, and he’d been working in the building before that since 2019. He’s made his way to Regina a couple days a week to help us, and we appreciate him.

You know, we’re in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Mr. Speaker. Teams that load up for the playoffs often have rental players. Danika is one of those rental players in our office, Mr. Speaker. She came from Parks, Culture and Sport to help us out for a few weeks, and she’s going to be on her way to SaskBuilds and Procurement here very shortly.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members of this Assembly to welcome these individuals who do so much for the people of Saskatchewan to this, their legislature.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present our petition to proclaim October of each year as Islamic Heritage Month.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that Islam is the second most common religion in Saskatchewan, accounting for 2 per cent of the population; that between the 2001 census and 2021 census, the Muslim population of Saskatchewan grew elevenfold; that the first Muslim organization in Canada was registered in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1934 by Lebanese immigrants; that Muslims across the province contribute to Saskatchewan’s culture, economy, and community; that the Muslim community must currently reapply every year to have October recognized as Islamic Heritage Month; that the governments of Canada, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador have all proclaimed October as Islamic Heritage Month.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to proclaim October of each year as Islamic Heritage Month.

Mr. Speaker, the signatories of this petition reside in Regina. I do so present.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition to open up vacant Saskatchewan Housing Corporation units for occupants.

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

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will say the prayer that reads as follows:

Respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately renovate all SHC units that require renovation, make units available and affordable, and ensure that all currently vacant SHC units are made occupied.

This petition has been signed by residents of Saskatoon. I do so present. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood.

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. I’m on page 2, only got 23 more to go, Mr. Speaker. This is a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan on service disruption maps. It reads as follows.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that Saskatchewan hospitals are experiencing hundreds of disruptions in services, affecting patient care and putting people’s lives at risk; that the residents of Saskatchewan deserve to know what care is available when in their community in real time; and that the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority] maintains a service disruption map and a comprehensive list of service disruptions but does not allow the public to access this website.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately make public the full list and map of existing service disruptions.

This petition was signed by the residents of the beautiful town of Kipling, Saskatchewan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

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

These residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring attention to the following: that in September 2024, ahead of the provincial election, the Minister of Education promised to build a new joint-use elementary school and high school in east Regina; there is currently no timeline for the construction and opening of either school, with the most recent government budget causing further delays; that the elementary schools in the east end of Regina are significantly overcrowded and that families living in these new developments do not have a school in their area to send their children; that existing schools’ library, dance studio, teachers’ lounge, and multi-purpose rooms have all been used as temporary classrooms; that all children have a right to a well-rounded education in a safe environment.

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

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

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

[14:15]

READING AND RECEIVING PETITIONS

Clerk: — A petition orally presented by the member for Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood on May 11th, 2026 was not received and therefore cannot be read and received.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Agriculture Student Scholarship Recognizes Student Achievements

James Thorsteinson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Agriculture Student Scholarship is an important part of our government’s commitment to developing young agricultural leaders. Each year we recognize four emerging leaders in Saskatchewan for their passion and dedication to agriculture.

Mr. Speaker, it’s with great pleasure I welcome the winners of the 2026 Saskatchewan agriculture scholarship to their legislature. This year’s grand prize winner is Carson Green from Mossbank. Carson’s video highlights the current labour needs facing Saskatchewan agriculture, the need to modernize agriculture’s image, and expand hands-on training partnerships for the next generation. Carson will be pursuing a post-secondary education in agribusiness at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan this fall.

We also have three runner-up recipients with us here today. Brianna Yung is from Bulyea. Brianna will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in agriculture at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan in the fall.

Next we have Eva Schafer from Makwa. Eva will be attending Olds College this fall, studying agricultural management.

Finally we have Marshall Mann from Lloydminster. This fall Marshall will be pursuing a Bachelor of Science in agriculture at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan.

I ask all members to join me in congratulating this year’s winners and wishing them luck as they pursue their post-secondary education.

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

Professor Excels in Advocacy Work and Research

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am honoured to rise today on International Nurses Day to recognize a constituent of Regina Pasqua, Dr. Shela Hirani. Dr. Hirani is a professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Regina. With over 22 years of experience in nursing education, she is an expert in neonatal, maternal, and child health nursing.

She is the founder and lead researcher of the Breastfeeding Advocacy Research Lab and Voices of Migrant Families: An Advocacy Hub. Dr. Hirani’s work focuses on improving breastfeeding support for marginalized mothers and children. Her advocacy has helped dismantle systemic barriers and inform policy across Canada and the world.

Her contribution earned her recognition by the World Health Organization as one of the world’s 100 Outstanding Women Nurses in 2020. She has also received more than 80 other honours for her work. Most recently Dr. Hirani was honoured with the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation Impact Award for advancing breastfeeding support and maternal-child health in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that all members join me in congratulating Dr. Shela Hirani and thanking her for her advocacy work and research. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Donor Will Match Proceeds of Moosomin's Walk for Alzheimer’s

Kevin Weedmark: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Saturday, May 30th, people in five communities across Saskatchewan will lace up their runners and walk together in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Swift Current, and Moosomin.

Moosomin began its walk in 2024 and in just two years has become a leader in the province in fundraising for the Alzheimer Society. That’s a remarkable achievement, and it’s a testament to the dedication of organizer Rene Whelpton and the organizing committee, who have worked tirelessly to make a difference for families dealing with Alzheimer’s. And I want to thank them for their efforts.

The spark of that success came from a powerful story. Before the first walk, reporter Ashley Bochek wrote a deeply moving article about one family’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. That article touched many people, including one individual who was so moved that he donated $100,000 for Alzheimer’s research. One story, one community, $100,000.

This year Moosomin’s walk will again have an impact beyond the community’s size. An anonymous donor has generously committed to matching donations to the Moosomin walk dollar for dollar, up to $50,000. So every dollar raised will go twice as far.

Mr. Speaker, Alzheimer’s disease touches families in every corner of this province. I urge every Saskatchewan person to support the Alzheimer’s walk in their community on May 30th. Together we can make a difference. Thank you.

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

Community Involvement Makes Chili and Hockey Night a Success

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, on March 5th our community demonstrated once again what community is all about. It was a beauty of a winter night for some chili, hot chocolate, hockey, and warm conversation. It was our eighth annual chili and hockey night at the Rosemont Mount Royal outdoor rink.

Over 500 bowls were prepared and served at no cost. Must give a massive shout-out to the dedicated, big-hearted community volunteers like Emma Trobiak and Chrystal Kish and the Rosemont Mount Royal Community Association; Paul and Peter, owners of Juliana Pizza; and Amber Crawford of Crawford’s No Frills for donating the chili; Pat and Meghan Doyle, owner and operators of Rosemont’s Tim Hortons, for the hot chocolate; Sherwood Co-op; Evan’s Delivery; the Regina Downtowners Optimist Club; Loraas Disposal; and those that donated prizes: Mumms Creations, Belle Designs, Western Cycle, Royal Sporting Goods, Styles on 7th, Prairie Wool & Fibre Designs.

I was joined there by my family, as well as my colleague, the MLA for Regina Elphinstone-Centre and her family. It was also good to have our locally elected colleagues from the city, the school board, and our MP [Member of Parliament] present. And it was awesome to have the Regina police join us. We hit the ice for a community shinny game. It all made for an awesome night.

This is a night that our community looks forward to every year. I ask all members of this Assembly to join with me to thank all those that made this wonderful community gathering such a success once again.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Prince Albert Carlton.

Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan Strengthens Cancer Care

Kevin Kasun: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the important work of the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan and the profound impact it continues to make for cancer patients and families across our province.

Every day in Saskatchewan approximately 18 residents receive a cancer diagnosis. In those moments timely access to screening, diagnostics, and high quality care and treatment is essential. The Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan plays a vital role in making this possible by funding life-saving equipment, innovative technology, and essential patient supports for its partner, the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

This is why Saskatchewan’s decision to lower the eligible age for breast screening to 40 is so important. Expanding access to early detection will help save lives and improve outcomes for women across this province. As this program expanded, the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan stepped forward alongside government and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency to help ensure the system had the equipment needed to meet increased demand, raising more than 5 million to support the purchase of two mobile breast screening trailers and additional mammography equipment for Regina and Saskatoon.

Mr. Speaker, every dollar raised by the foundation stays in Saskatchewan to support cancer patient care and treatment. Please join me in congratulating the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, its donors, volunteers, and partners for the work they are doing to strengthen cancer care for all Saskatchewan residents. Thank you.

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

Meara Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too rise today to acknowledge the vital role the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan plays in strengthening cancer care for people across the province. Cancer touches thousands of Saskatchewan families every year and when that diagnosis comes, patients need access to timely care, modern equipment, and the support that helps them navigate an overwhelming journey.

The foundation, working alongside the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, works towards that care being available where and when it’s needed. Since its creation in 2019, the foundation has raised more than $30 million to support cancer services right across the community. These investments include new mobile breast screening vehicles that bring mammography screening to rural and northern communities, mammography equipment, upgraded CT [computerized tomography] simulators and radiation equipment, improved patient lodges, research initiatives, and programs that ease the burden on patients’ families.

What sets this organization apart is its commitment to Saskatchewan. Every dollar raised stays in our province supporting prevention, early detection, research, and the comfort and dignity of those undergoing treatment. The cancer foundation, its staff, volunteers, and generous donors continue to make a profound difference in the lives of patients and families across our province.

I ask all members to join me in recognizing their dedication and the hope that they bring to so many. I would also encourage all members to attend the MLA reception being held later today in support of the vital work that they do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cannington.

Saskatchewan Posts Fourth Year of Record Economic Growth

Daryl Harrison: — Mr. Speaker, it’s another great day in Saskatchewan with the strongest economy in Canada. Mr. Speaker, last year Saskatchewan posted a record $85.4 billion GDP [gross domestic product], the fourth straight year of record growth, a 2.2 per cent jump from 2024 and well above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

That doesn’t just happen by coincidence. We understand the importance of protecting jobs, supporting businesses, and strengthening the economy. Much progress was made on the internal trade front last year including the introduction of The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act which will reduce trade barriers and promote Canadian free trade. The province has 60 large-scale projects either in planning or under way in the province. That’s over $62 billion in investment from industries around the world.

So far this year Saskatchewan has secured an MOU [memorandum of understanding] to collaborate on the development of nuclear energy programs in the United Arab Emirates. Premier Moe joined PM [Prime Minister] Carney in China, where they reached a preliminary agreement removing all tariffs from canola meal and peas, and a significant reduction on seed. Premier Moe, PM Carney, Indian Prime Minister Modi, and Cameco CEO Tim Gitzel reached a deal for over $2.5 billion worth of uranium to be supplied to India over a nine-year term.

This government is proud to continue to prioritize economic diversification and resiliency through the work done by our trade offices.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Power Generation Plan Costs

Aleana Young: — Mr. Speaker, this Premier’s $26 billion coal catastrophe gets worse by the day. Another day in this Chamber, Mr. Speaker, and another SaskPower leak. Today, another leaked document. This time a briefing note prepared by SaskPower officials that warns that under the Sask Party government’s plan, and I quote, “The average cost of electricity is projected to be 20 per cent higher by 2030 and 95 per cent higher by 2040 without carbon tax.”

So, Mr. Speaker, that’s a minimum 5 per cent rate increase every year out to 2030 and seven and a half per cent every year out to 2040. Mr. Speaker, how does this Premier explain that even SaskPower says that his plan will double rates by 2040?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, as had been discussed on the floor of this Legislative Assembly, Mr. Speaker, SaskPower, the Government of Saskatchewan has a plan to ensure that we can provide affordable, reliable power today and will provide affordable, reliable power into the future. That includes a $2.6 billion capital investment, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that our existing power generation facilities can continue to provide power for years into the future, Mr. Speaker. That is the basis of affordable, reliable power moving forward.

Mr. Speaker, we have today with us yet the head of another union, Mr. Speaker, that is helping us do that in this province. For generations we’ve seen the Boilermakers have been part of providing that affordable, reliable power, Mr. Speaker. And I would say, as we find our way to a nuclear transition — not turning off one megawatt of power that is available today, Mr. Speaker — that there are going to be children and grandchildren of these individuals that are providing that energy security today, that are going to provide families energy security for generations to come, Mr. Speaker.

This is unlike the $50 billion plan that the members opposite have put forward. Nobody has endorsed their plan. They tried to trick, through a spliced video, Mr. Speaker, the president of SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] to endorse that plan. Mr. Speaker, that didn’t work. Their plan won’t work, and Saskatchewan people know it.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. You know, it pains me to say it, but the Premier is right. He does have a plan. And his plan, according to SaskPower, is to double power rates by 2040. Again, Mr. Speaker, no accountability from this government, no transparency, but the good people at SaskPower are making plain just how terrible a plan this is for Saskatchewan.

Now this is the same Premier, Mr. Speaker, who stood in this House in December. He told the families, farms, and industries in Saskatchewan that he wouldn’t be raising their bills. But then just a few weeks later, what did he do? He slapped them with a $136 million power bill hike.

[14:30]

Now, Mr. Speaker, industry has spoken out against this. SIECA [Saskatchewan Industrial Energy Consumers Association] has talked about how this lack of predictability, this lack of engagement, this lack of reliable, affordable power in Saskatchewan is driving away investment and jobs today.

Mr. Speaker, yes or no? Has that Premier told the industries looking to invest in Saskatchewan that he is going to be doubling the rates by 2040?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, I think industry has a voice in this place with $62 billion of private sector investment arriving in this province — unlike any time in Saskatchewan’s history, unlike what is happening in any province across the nation — partially because we have affordable, reliable power rates today and into the future, Mr. Speaker, unlike the members’ opposite plan, of which no one has endorsed.

In fact we’ve had representatives today and yesterday representing over 1,400 SaskPower workers in procurement, the procurement industry, Mr. Speaker, that are speaking out loudly against their plan. And why, Mr. Speaker? They talk about Saskatchewan procurement. Their very plan would source LNG [liquefied natural gas], Mr. Speaker, from British Columbia. Our very own Boilermakers that are present here today would have to get on a plane, go to work in British Columbia, Mr. Speaker, in order to have a job providing energy security for Saskatchewan residents.

Thankfully, thankfully through our reliable, affordable energy strategy in this province, Mr. Speaker, them 1,400 people that were represented here and yesterday are going to have an opportunity to continue to provide energy security for families, for industries, right here at home in the province of Saskatchewan.

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

Aleana Young: — Mr. Speaker, it’s remarkable. This is a Premier and a government who for the last 15 years wouldn’t pick up the phone and talk to the workers that they were hiding from when they were going to cancel their jobs. And now this is the same government who is hiding behind those same workers because they’re afraid to tell Saskatchewan people that they’re going to be doubling their power bills.

This is SaskPower saying this, Mr. Speaker, and it’s clear why the Premier can’t answer the question. And, Mr. Speaker, it is really remarkable that SaskPower tells us the same story that the independent modelling done for our Grid and Growth Plan revealed, that their plan is going to double power bills by 2040, Mr. Speaker.

And we already pay way too much for power here in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. In BC [British Columbia] they pay 132 bucks a kilowatt hour per 1000 kilowatt hours. In Quebec they pay less than 110; in Manitoba less than 83. And here, Mr. Speaker, what do we pay? 180.

We already have some of the highest power bills in the province, and that Premier and his minister are going to double them. Why won’t they be straight with the people of Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Oh wow. I’m not even sure where to start, Mr. Speaker, but that is a great example of why nobody takes the NDP [New Democratic Party] seriously. And I will tell you, I’ll start off with this. How incredibly dismissive and disrespectful it is how they just characterized the representatives of 1,400 workers, Mr. Speaker, that were here in this House yesterday . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please. Both sides a bit noisy today. Let’s hear the response. I think everybody in the balcony is too trying to hear. It’s a little difficult.

Minister, go ahead please.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Demonstrating again, Mr. Speaker, their contempt for the working people that were here yesterday protecting their livelihoods, defending their integrity, Mr. Speaker. These members saying that we are hiding behind . . . Like somehow these workers don’t have their own agency, Mr. Speaker, to make a determination what is the right path going forward.

Mr. Speaker, these workers from IBEW [International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers], from the United Mine Workers, from the Boilermakers here today know, because they are on the front line every single day, what the right path for power generation is here in this province. And, Mr. Speaker, that is why they have all endorsed our energy security strategy as the right path going forward. It’s also why, Mr. Speaker, they have got a grand total of zero endorsements for their plan.

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

Aleana Young: — I guess three strikes and the Premier is out on his plan to double power rates. Now his budget, Mr. Speaker, his budget, his bad-news budget, it is so much worse than what’s written. And what’s written, Mr. Speaker, is really very bad.

Already this is a budget that flatlines health care funding. It fails to invest in making life more affordable. And it spends three times more on servicing that government’s debt than it does on police. But this budget, Mr. Speaker, it doesn’t even mention $26 billion of public spending despite a SaskPower briefing note saying it’s going to double rates. So today, Mr. Speaker, we’ve put that Premier’s budget through a wood chipper because it’s not worth the paper that it’s written on.

So to the Premier: will he be transparent and accountable? For that first-priority Premier, will he present a new budget that lays bare the $26 billion of spending he’s committed on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of this budget. Mr. Speaker, the members opposite . . . It’s a budget that protects Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. The members . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Okay, this minister, I’ve never heard him chirp from his chair. And I think when the Minister of Finance gets up, we should all listen very carefully. Every minister but, certainly when we’re not chirping back and forth, I would like to hear what the Finance minister has to say.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, we’re very proud of this budget. It’s a budget that protects Saskatchewan in uncertain geopolitical times around the world, Mr. Speaker. By the way, Mr. Speaker, they can pick and choose whichever numbers they want to use. But the fact of the matter is where it really counts — the bond rating agencies, Mr. Speaker — Saskatchewan has the best credit rating in the country, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, last year the Finance critic tried to put the budget through a paper shredder but it broke. Mr. Speaker, this year, as the member opposite said, they’ve put it through a wood chipper. Mr. Speaker, I think their time would have been better spent putting their so-called power plan through a calculator so people could actually see the numbers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The whole point of having a proper costed plan, whether it’s for coal or for the budget of this province, is so that the bond rating agencies and the taxpayers of this province know exactly what this government is doing with their money.

Mr. Speaker, the $26 billion coal catastrophe has got a lot of people asking questions. This Premier did not include a single mention of spending $26 billion of taxpayer money in his bad-news budget introduced this spring sitting. Yesterday he rammed through that budget through this legislature using his majority.

Can the Premier tell the people of Saskatchewan why he failed to disclose a $26 billion spend in his budget?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, we are very proud of our plan and our energy security strategy to use an all-of-the-above approach to generate power, not taking one megawatt off our grid, Mr. Speaker, adding additional capacity as we go forward to a bright nuclear future.

That’s our plan. We’ve been very transparent about it, which is a stark contrast with the members opposite who, in their ideological pursuit, would put 1,400 people out of work, who would give them pink slips, Mr. Speaker, who would jeopardize the energy security of this province overnight, and who would double power bills, Mr. Speaker, by putting a $50 billion plan using an apples-to-apples comparison. That is a disaster. That would be a catastrophe, Mr. Speaker. We’ve seen other jurisdictions that have done this in the past, and it has been regretted because it has been so unworkable.

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

Hugh Gordon: — Well, Mr. Speaker, the only people planning on doubling power rates in this province is this government right there. And that’s a fact. This budget is phony-baloney, Mr. Speaker. It’s not worth the paper it’s printed on, and it does belong in a wood chipper. What I can’t figure out for the life of me though, Mr. Speaker, is what this Premier knew and when. Imagine a world where the Premier of Saskatchewan isn’t aware that one of his own ministers is planning to spend $26 billion of taxpayer money.

But the Premier can clear the air right now. What day did he learn about the $26 billion coal catastrophe? Surely it wasn’t last Wednesday during estimates, was it?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well I think the only thing that went through the wood chipper, Mr. Speaker, was the last shred of the credibility of the members opposite. I mean these are members who have a $50 billion plan that would put 1,400 people out of work overnight, Mr. Speaker, that would jeopardize our energy security.

And what are they doing? They’re angry. They’re lashing out. They’re bitter over there, Mr. Speaker. They attack private citizens. We see it every day. They’re attacking private companies. We see it every day. Today and yesterday they’re attacking working people that do great work and keep the power on in this jurisdiction, Mr. Speaker, something that really is very, very disappointing — I’ll use that word, Mr. Speaker — what they do every single day in this Assembly.

You know what? I think it speaks to the fact that we have $62 billion of investment coming into this jurisdiction right now. Industry are voting with their investment for their confidence in the path of this province going forward, Mr. Speaker. We’re going to continue to work with industry. We’re going to continue to attract investment whether those members oppose it or not.

Speaker Goudy: — I just want to remind the government members to connect the answers to the question, and to the opposition to remain full of decorum when you’re listening to the answers.

I recognize the member from Regina University.

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that because there was nothing approaching an answer in any of that rant.

This government has not been transparent with the cost of coal in their budget, and they have not been transparent with the cost of coal with the people of Saskatchewan. The Premier claimed last week that the $26 billion coal plan wasn’t his plan. Then he claimed that the numbers were wrong. Then he claimed that a $26 billion retrofit of end-of-life coal plants was just like buying a car, and you shouldn’t even consider the $13 billion that’s it’s going to cost to fuel it.

Mr. Speaker, none of these are answers, and they’re desperately searching for a way out. But there isn’t one because it’s written in SaskPower’s own documents — $26 billion, Mr. Speaker.

So I’ll ask again. When did the Premier learn of the plans to saddle Saskatchewan with billions more to his already record-breaking debt?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Again, again, Mr. Speaker, what the NDP are demonstrating is literally they don’t know the difference between capital and operating expenditure, Mr. Speaker. The capital cost of the life extensions over 10 years for the thermal coal facilities, Mr. Speaker, is $2.6 billion. We had the vice-president of SaskPower speaking to that fact, Mr. Speaker, just . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Just because we’re saying “wrong” and “wrong, wrong,” it doesn’t . . . That’s not debate. Please. You’ll have a chance to ask questions. He’s giving a response.

Minister.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I mean, once again the members opposite demonstrating they didn’t know the difference between LNG and natural gas. They don’t know the difference between operating and capital, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to power generation. It’s $2.6 billion is the estimate for the 10‑year project to refurbish, regenerate, and life-extend our coal plants. $2.6 billion, Mr. Speaker . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Appreciate the support.

$2.6 billion, Mr. Speaker, is the capital cost for the life extension. By their own admission in their plan, shutting down the existing thermal assets that we have, replacing them with intermittent renewables and imported gas — whether it be LNG or natural gas, Mr. Speaker — would be $20 billion. 2.6 versus 20; I know what’s cheaper.

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

Legislation regarding Procurement from In-Province Companies

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And you’ll have to forgive me if I’m a little skeptical, given this government’s record on their seemingly seeing the light for the workers of Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan workers should benefit from Saskatchewan projects. We have the best workers in the world, after all. That’s why I was so proud to introduce Bill 621, which prioritizes hiring local residents, building trades workers, apprentices, and Indigenous people on projects built with public dollars.

Mr. Speaker, what could be more common sense for the province of Saskatchewan than that? Will this government put Saskatchewan workers first and fast-track passage of the critical Bill 621 before the House rises this week?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of SaskBuilds.

[14:45]

Hon. Sean Wilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I said last week, the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement has had success in awarding work to local contractors. Just yesterday I announced that the number went from 90 per cent local procurement to 94 per cent local procurement, Mr. Speaker. In addition to that, 99 per cent of work procured in this province is to a Canadian company.

We will continue to stand up for the people of this province and for all of our world-class companies that do business here in Saskatchewan. Thank you.

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. We just have so much to talk about the failures of this government here it’s hard to keep straight sometimes, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, talk is cheap, and this government should put their legislation where their mouth is if they’re talking about supporting the workers of Saskatchewan. They should have no problem passing Bill 621 and putting it in writing.

Our legislation to put Saskatchewan workers first has been endorsed by both the Labourers International Union Local 180 and the Sask Building Trades. On Friday LIUNA said, and I quote, “Bill 621 would help ensure public infrastructure investments create opportunities for Saskatchewan workers.”

Mr. Speaker, why will the government not see the light, do what’s right for the workers of Saskatchewan, and pass Bill 621 today?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement.

Hon. Sean Wilson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know that the NDP have been having a bad week, but if they’d been paying attention they would know that 94 per cent of contracts were procured with Saskatchewan companies. Mr. Speaker, that’s not a myth or a theory, that’s reality.

So the question becomes this: why are you trying to legislate something that’s already working? Mr. Speaker, we have zero interest . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Member from Saskatoon Silverspring, I’m going to call you to order, please.

Hon. Sean Wilson: — Mr. Speaker, we have zero interest in a bill that locks our world-class contractors out of working in other provinces, groups like Evraz. We have no interest in that.

So, Mr. Speaker, we’ll continue to stand up for the contractors and companies of Saskatchewan. Thank you.

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

Changes to Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish I could have a rear-view mirror to see that who’s standing up on the back . . . [inaudible].

Mr. Speaker, today we are joined by the owner of Passion Salon here in Regina, sitting in your gallery. In November 2025, the ministry decided to change policy to remove salon businesses from SINP [Saskatchewan immigrant nominee program]. As the minister knows, SINP is crucial to address the labour shortages here in Saskatchewan. Passion Salon may have forced to shut down some of their branches if they lose its workers.

Passion Salon is beloved in the community. Losing Passion Salon would be hurting its community. Simple question for the minister: will the minister meet with Passion Salon leadership after question period? Yes or no?

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

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As everyone in this building should know, the ministry of Immigration and Career Training has an engagement with the federal government to ensure that we are meeting our SINP quotas, Mr. Speaker. We have had those quotas cut this year, Mr. Speaker, in half. Literally 40 per cent of those SINP nominees are no longer available to the province of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

We have been lobbying the federal government, as we are in favour of an orderly and responsible immigration to our province, Mr. Speaker, that helps grow our economy and ensure that the people of Saskatchewan are being served. Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to meet with the individuals here this afternoon and have those conversations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Noor Burki: — Thank you, minister, for a positive response on the subject. Salons are not only places of grooming, but serve as places for developing personal connection, social activities, increased health and fitness, and reducing social isolation.

Mr. Speaker, Passion Salon is facing hard times with workers retention. Due to policy changes under this government, Passion Salon has been excluded from SINP. Before these changes, few workers were under apprenticeship more than a year. These workers are already going through the process. They are like a driver entering to the intersection on a yellow light. Will the minister help those workers who were in the intersection when the light turned red?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Immigration and Career Training.

Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And the member opposite mentions again that there has been a cut in immigration to Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. We have had to prioritize immigration into key areas of the economy, Mr. Speaker, including energy and resources, health care, education. Mr. Speaker, we have had to make those hard decisions.

We are continuing to lobby with the federal government to ensure that we are able to meet all sectors of our economy and provide those resources that were provided through immigration, Mr. Speaker. Again, we are in favour of strategic and orderly immigration in this province, Mr. Speaker, and we will continue to advocate that. Thank you.

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

Response to Wildfire Concerns

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, summer is coming, and it’s bringing danger with it. Grass fires have been observed in southern Saskatchewan. As of today, the SPSA’s [Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency] own maps show extreme fire risk across almost all of southern Saskatchewan.

After the government’s catastrophic failures addressing wildfires last summer, they cannot simply brush off concerns. What specifically is the government doing to address wildfire season, and to keep people and communities safe this summer?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of SPSA.

Hon. Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, I’ll use this opportunity to reflect and thank all of the individuals that worked so hard last year during our wildfire season. And we’re thankful that we’re off to a much slower start than last year, Mr. Speaker.

But the SPSA is prepared and the crews were called back early, Mr. Speaker. Our planes are all ready, and we’re fully prepared for wildfire season this year, Mr. Speaker. And we’ll continue monitoring the situation as it goes on and make sure that we protect Saskatchewan and protect the residents of the North this summer.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Standing Committee on Public Accounts

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, I’m instructed by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts to present its second report for the thirtieth legislature, which reflects the work of the committee for the period of May 13th, 2025 to May 12th, 2026. I move:

That the second report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Chair:

That the second report of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts for the thirtieth legislature be now concurred in.

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried. Orders of the day. Why is the member on his feet?

MOTION UNDER RULE 61

Request for an Inquiry by the Conflict of Interest Commissioner

Jordan McPhail: — Before orders of the day, I seek leave to move a motion under rule 61.

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

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is an important motion I hope we can all be united on regarding the transparency and accountability of all members of this legislature. If leave is granted, I would move the following motion:

That pursuant to section 32(1) and 33 of The Members’ Conflict of Interest Act, that this Assembly request the Conflict of Interest Commissioner conduct an inquiry and provide an opinion to the Assembly on the conduct of the member for Saskatoon Willowgrove with regard to the use of his constituency office budget and leases.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave is not granted. Orders of the day. Why is the member on her feet?

MOTIONS

Second Reading of Bill No. 621

Sally Housser: — Thank you, 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:

That the Assembly immediately consider second reading of Bill No. 621, The Public Works and Services (Prioritizing Local Jobs) Amendment Act.

Speaker Goudy: — Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave is not granted. Anything else?

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT MOTIONS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Support for the Patients-First Health Care Plan

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a great opportunity. We haven’t had the opportunity yet today to rise in this House and really discuss health care and how we ensure that we’re putting patients first and ensuring that patients get the right care at the right time and as close to home as possible.

I have some relatively brief remarks which at the end of I will be making a motion, Mr. Speaker, really in regards to the patients-first health care plan that this government released in early March in Saskatoon. That really lays out the road map over the next little while of 50 next steps that this government is taking to improve outcomes for patients in this province, whether they live in Regina or Saskatoon, one of our regional centres, or one of our many rural or northern communities right across the province, Mr. Speaker.

There’s really four areas that I really want to discuss. Try to do that substantively as I can in the time that I have in this motion, Mr. Speaker. The first piece is really around scope of practice and ensuring that professionals of all types in our province have the ability within their scope of practice to provide the highest level of care possible to Saskatchewan people.

I’ll use a couple of examples. You know, we had the opportunity to have the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan here at the legislature not too long ago and make presentations to really MLAs on both sides of the House about some of the recent changes that have been made to the ability of pharmacists really to serve patients as best as possible. We think about the addition of minor ailments, over 30 minor ailments that pharmacists in this province can treat patients with.

And I would just say, you know, we always talk about recruiting more physicians, recruiting more nurses and nurse practitioners. I will get to nurse practitioners later on in my comments. But if you think about accessibility to health care services in this province, Mr. Speaker, pharmacists operate in a ton of different communities around this province, large and small. Often open in the evenings and on weekends when patients are trying to seek that care, looking for access to health care.

And really the role of pharmacists, we’ve been able again over the last several years to expand that. But as we look forward over the next couple of years, Mr. Speaker, we see even more opportunity for pharmacists to take a much larger role in the way that health care is delivered to the patients of this province.

Mr. Speaker, you know, another area of scope that we talk about often is licensed practical nurses. And certainly a lot of attention is paid to registered nurses who, you know, really represent a large majority of the nursing team in our province, Mr. Speaker. But exactly what I just said, this is a team, a nursing team. And given the fact that it’s National Nursing Week in our country, Mr. Speaker, we need to recognize the important work that licensed practical nurses do in communities large and small right across our province.

In fact later this week, Mr. Speaker, I’m going to have more to say about how we have been working very closely with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to ensure that current scope of licensed practical nurses can be optimized, meaning that an LPN [licensed practical nurse] that’s in Swift Current can practise to the same scope that an LPN in Saskatoon or North Battleford or Melfort or Hudson Bay can, Mr. Speaker.

This has been a long-standing discussion with several of our union partners, along with the regulator as well for LPNs, Mr. Speaker. But I will be very pleased to speak more about that later this week and talk about really the good work that the ministry, in concert with the SHA, has done on that.

Mr. Speaker, there’s many other professions that I could go into in regards to the expansion of scope of practice. I don’t have time for that today. But you know, you have a commitment from this government, as part of the patients-first plan, that we are looking to increase scope of practice for all of our health care professionals to the highest level available across Canada.

That means we are, you know, between the Ministry of Health, encouraging our regulators in this province to look across the country, look at what is available to those professions in other provinces. And let’s bring that innovation, the innovations of today, let’s bring that home here to Saskatchewan and ensure that that can have a positive impact here on Saskatchewan patients.

[15:00]

You know, the second area, Mr. Speaker — and I’m really excited about this specific part of the patients-first health care plan — is really virtual care. And obviously virtual care became a larger part of the health care mix, if you will, during the pandemic, just given the fact that many of us were isolated from each other and wanting to be careful about how many folks we were interacting with, Mr. Speaker. But let’s face it. All of us as patients in this province, you know, we want to make sure that patients are accessing that right care at the right time.

As a young parent myself and somebody who works, you know, four hours away from home most of the time, Mr. Speaker, oftentimes when it is convenient for me as a patient, not to mention many of my other constituents that work in other industries that might be out of town or they might be commuting to Saskatoon, when it is convenient for them to access care we want them to have that opportunity. Here is virtual care, Mr. Speaker.

We’ve already, I’d say, leveraged virtual care when it comes to lowering service disruptions in our rural emergency rooms, a highly successful program, Mr. Speaker. And this is an opportunity for us to really expand virtual care into the primary care space. We’ll have more to say on that in the coming months, Mr. Speaker.

But before I leave virtual care though I will just say, you know, the virtual physician program, the program that has avoided roughly 6,000 temporary service disruptions in rural emergency rooms right across the province since this began, Mr. Speaker, that’s been a program that has been, I would say, derided by the members opposite and questioned as to its efficacy and importance to rural Saskatchewan.

Let’s take very careful note, Mr. Speaker. This was really a program that was designed by Saskatchewan physicians, tested out in several facilities, Mr. Speaker. So as we take the expertise from Saskatchewan physicians and STARS [Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service] through the collaborative emergency centres in Canora and Shaunavon and Maidstone, and really being able to expand that out now to over 30 communities across the province, Mr. Speaker, it’s having a massive impact on how accessible emergency health care is to the people of rural Saskatchewan.

The next area I want to talk about is around surgeries. And I expect the members opposite will have much to say around, you know, the way that we deliver surgery in this province, Mr. Speaker.

You know, Mr. Speaker, we’ve seen over the last several weeks, when it comes to energy policy in this province, the members opposite taking a very uncommon-sense approach to the way that we deliver affordable and reliable power in this province.

I think similarly when it comes to health care, Mr. Speaker, it is important for the government to look at every possible option to deliver the type of care that Saskatchewan people quite frankly expect and deserve. And as we work to reduce surgical wait times, making that surgery more accessible to Saskatchewan patients, whether that be a knee or a hip or an eye surgery, Mr. Speaker, we as a government need to look at all possible options.

Over the last several years we have built up our partnerships with private surgical providers. And it’s important to note, Mr. Speaker, publicly funded, still publicly funded surgeries but delivered by a private sector partner. Nearly one in five surgeries in this province are now publicly funded but privately delivered, Mr. Speaker.

We won’t apologize for looking at other options, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that Saskatchewan patients can receive that care as soon as possible. I see members opposite shaking their heads, Mr. Speaker. But let’s put this in context: one in five surgeries now delivered privately. Still publicly funded, Mr. Speaker, but delivered privately in this province, in Regina or Saskatoon.

And again, Mr. Speaker, I will not make apologies for the fact that we as a government, as part of our patients-first plan, are going to continue to look at more and more options to provide that care sooner for patients. I would rather provide more options and have lower surgical wait times, Mr. Speaker, than take an ideological approach to the way that surgical services are offered to Saskatchewan.

And, Mr. Speaker, those members opposite will have their chance to speak to this motion. I only have a couple more minutes left.

Mr. Speaker, the last portion of my comments really have to do with the role of nurse practitioners in this province and, I would say, as part of this patients-first plan really capturing some of the largest steps forward that we have made in this province, and I would say nationally, nationally across this country, taking steps to give more of a role to nurse practitioners in this province. Certainly we envision a very strong and robust role for nurse practitioners when it comes to ensuring access to primary care in regional and rural communities, and even urban communities as well, Mr. Speaker.

But I think there are some incredible opportunities for nurse practitioners to take more of a role when it comes to our long-term care facilities and even our acute care facilities, Mr. Speaker. We’ve made several changes in different parts of the province just over the last several months in ensuring that nurse practitioners have more opportunity to serve patients in both of those contexts, Mr. Speaker, in long-term care and emergency rooms in different parts of the province. I’m excited. I want to say more today, but I’m going to have to save that for later this summer and into the fall, Mr. Speaker, really around other changes that are being made to enhance the role of nurse practitioners in this province.

You know, and I’ll go back to the primary care, the way that we deliver primary care in this province, Mr. Speaker. I think about the independent contract model for nurse practitioners in this province. You know, we nearly have 30 nurse practitioner contracts right now. I know several more offers have been made to more nurse practitioners who have expressed interest in that model of practice, Mr. Speaker. We’ll have more to say about that very soon.

But it’s exciting to see nurse practitioners step up and say, yes, I want to take that leadership role in primary care in my community; I want to build those teams, those health care teams that are nurse practitioner-led in my community to give access to patients, Mr. Speaker.

Again, Mr. Speaker, this just captures four areas that I think are of particular interest in the patients-first health care plan. I was at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon yesterday, highlighting the significant investment being made into expanding ICU [intensive care unit] capacity at that facility as well as the other investments that have been made.

Again the member opposite’s going to have her opportunity to speak to the motion. I’m almost done here, Mr. Speaker.

We have incremental investment being made in ICU capacity at Royal University Hospital, Mr. Speaker. And one of the media members asked me a question, you know, about ICU capacity and how that interacts with other parts of that facility and the health care system in general. And I was very clear, Mr. Speaker. We need all these parts of the health care system to be working well to improve outcomes for patients.

There’s never just one fix. There’s never just one thing to do. We need to continue working in all these areas of the health care system to ensure that access for Saskatchewan patients can be improved, Mr. Speaker. That’s what the patients-first plan is all about, ensuring that patients receive the right care at the right time and in the right place, Mr. Speaker.

And, Mr. Speaker, with that, I will move the following motion:

That this House endorses and supports the Government of Saskatchewan’s patients-first health care plan, including the more than 50 action items to put patients first, which include: expanding scope of practice for health care professionals; expands virtual care to connect as many people as possible with a primary care provider; uses privately delivered, publicly funded surgeries to achieve 450,000 surgeries over the next four years; and increases nurse practitioner training capacity by 45 per cent.

I do so move.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Health:

That this House endorses and supports the Government of Saskatchewan’s patient-first health care plan, including the more than 50 action items to put patients first, which include: expands scope of practice for health care professionals; expands virtual care to connect as many people as possible with a primary care provider; uses privately delivered, publicly funded surgeries to achieve 450,000 surgeries over four years; and increases nurse practitioner training capacity by 45 per cent.

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

Speaker Goudy: — Is it the pleasure of this Assembly to adopt the . . . I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Meara Conway: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is always such a pleasure to be given an opportunity to speak about health care in the province of Saskatchewan. And unfortunately what we see after 20 years of this Sask Party government is that health care across Saskatchewan has never been worse. And what is their solution, Mr. Speaker? It is to slap a new cover on an old plan.

Where to start, Mr. Speaker? I think I’ll start at the beginning, back in 2009 when they released their first patient-first plan. And what was the first thing that the Minister of Health talked about today? Expanding the scope of practice. I wonder if that’s in this 2009 plan. Here, let me just go through it. Oh, right here: page 29, under the heading “Providers working to their full scope of practice.” And maybe I’ll just enter a quote from that OG patient-first plan, Mr. Speaker:

For patients’ sake, professionals such as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, paramedics, dietitians, chiropractors, and physiotherapists should be entrusted with the roles that are appropriate to their training.

So I guess, Mr. Speaker, the burning question is, why should we believe them this time? What is different this time?

Patient-first plan 2009, this was their bright idea: scope of practice. It is a good idea. We need to do it, but they haven’t done it. And they didn’t do it in the 2012 patient-first transformation, and they didn’t do it in the 2015 patient-first plan, Mr. Speaker. And now they just want us to take their word for the fact that they’ve seen the light and now they’re going to do it, now that it’s 2026.

But the problem, Mr. Speaker, is . . . You know, I have a great idea for this government. If they want to ensure that the amazing and talented and hard-working front-line health care providers of this province are working to their full scope, are giving it their all, they need to start showing them some respect. They need to settle this outstanding contract, Mr. Speaker. Four years, Mr. Speaker. I can’t stress enough what this is doing to worker morale, to burnout.

I got another slough of emails in my inbox this morning, Mr. Speaker, and I think I have one of them here. I’m just going to read a quote from that. Yeah, and I want to make sure that the members opposite know this is a quote:

Despite the increased workload and responsibility, our wages remain stagnant while the cost of living continues to rise. Rent, groceries, transportation, and other basic necessities have all become significantly more expensive, yet health care workers are still expected to carry the health care system without fair compensation.

Let’s just start there, Mr. Speaker. That’s a great patient-first plan. The people who put patients first every single day — pay them what they’re worth.

Now this government has seen the light on nurse practitioners. Great. You know, we have been advocating and supportive of this. The evidence has been there that nurse practitioners should be more fully integrated and relied on in our system for decades, literal decades. And it just so happens that this come-to-Jesus moment happened at the same time that they got a directive from the federal government that they better integrate nurse practitioners into their primary care system, or they were going to get dinged under the Canada Health Act. That’s something they don’t like to talk about, Mr. Speaker.

But what we need to do with nurse practitioners: are we making sure that we’re educating enough of them? Are we making sure that we’re supporting the people out there that are educating nurse practitioners? Are we ensuring that they’re going to stay in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker? Because you can go onto the portal right now and there are over 100 unfilled nurse practitioner positions with the SHA today. Okay, Mr. Speaker?

Now what I heard from that minister today, and I noticed it immediately, is a shift in language that the people of Saskatchewan have to be very concerned about. And instead of going back to that language that they used in the last election, which was to get every single person of Saskatchewan access to primary care, now the wording is, well, “as many as possible.” That’s what he said today, Mr. Speaker. Yeah, and I’ll look to the motion that it speaks to getting “as many people as possible” access to primary care.

This is 2026 in Saskatchewan. If you move to a community with your family, you are guaranteed based on your postal code that you will have access to a school for your kid. And the same should be true of primary care, Mr. Speaker.

You know, the member opposite brought up surgeries, and I’m glad that he brought in this discussion that’s going on around energy. No one is asking that Minister of Health to apologize for using private companies to provide surgeries in Saskatchewan. What we are asking for is basic transparency, and we are asking for solutions that actually work. Because what you hear from this government time and time again is volume of surgeries. They don’t want to talk about wait times because they know that on these metrics Saskatchewan is failing. They are underperforming other jurisdictions in Canada, Mr. Speaker.

And the people of Saskatchewan, much like the $26 billion coal catastrophe, they don’t want to see a government making decisions based on which former chief of staff or which former MLAs lobby this government most effectively. They want to see solutions put forward in the best interests of Saskatchewan people. That’s what they want, Mr. Speaker.

[15:15]

Virtual care. Virtual care, Mr. Speaker. Virtual care is going to be part of the future of health care delivery. There’s no question. And you can expect to see this opposition put forward real, thoughtful solutions on that front as part of the solutions that will be coming out of the Your Care, Your Say consultation. And I think of the tremendous work that is being done in Saskatchewan, the Virtual Health Hub, Mr. Speaker, the work that has been going on there under Dr. Ivar Mendez, just incredible work. That is where we need to look to for the future — there is no question — along with other partners across the province.

And I will say, as I’ve always said, that there is a particularly important role for virtual care in primary care, Mr. Speaker. There is no question. What this opposition was opposed to is a slapped-together plan foisted on rural communities because they were embarrassed, because local ERs [emergency room] were closing down at an alarming rate. And further proof of that embarrassment was this government’s refusal to adopt a common-sense bill — Bill 606 — that has the potential to save lives, Mr. Speaker. This is a bill that the mayor of Kipling has endorsed, that the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood mainstreeted with the mayor. There wasn’t a single person that they spoke to about this bill that didn’t sign on to the petition and support it because it just makes sense.

When did this government start rejecting ideas out of hand just because it wasn’t their own, Mr. Speaker? We’re talking about health care. We’re talking about a bill that was introduced in the wake of families reaching out to us saying, “We drove to an ER. There was a closure sign on the door and we were told to go to another ER, to drive up the highway to another ER. We got there. It was closed too.” Somebody is going to die, Mr. Speaker. This bill is rooted very much in the experience of rural communities, and it is passing strange and deeply disappointing that that government voted it down, Mr. Speaker.

As we develop what virtual care looks like — unlike the VIPER [virtual physician for emergency response] program that was foisted on these communities and came with a bunch of implications and consequences that we heard about at the mike at SUMA just weeks ago, Mr. Speaker, because they put something in place to put out a fire; they don’t think about the consequences and the implications — we need to develop the role for virtual care with the input of local communities.

We need to be engaging with them. What are you comfortable with? What is important to your community? Which services do you think need to be in person? Which services do you think will be best offered virtually? We need to be doing that hard work. It’s hard work but it’s important work. And I’m not sure where over the last 20 years this government decided that they no longer need to do that work engaging with those communities.

So in sum, Mr. Speaker, I will not be supporting the motion put forward by the Minister of Health, but I will be moving an amendment. And the amendment is as follows:

That all the words after “House” be omitted and that the following be inserted:

does not support the health care policies of the government because they fail to deliver timely access to care, provide transparency on emergency room closures, ensure fair wages for health care workers, or prioritize public health care over private profits.

I do so move.

Speaker Goudy: — So the amendment moved, put forward by the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre:

That all the words after “House” be omitted and that the following be inserted:

I recognize the member from Dakota-Arm River.

Barret Kropf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday was a fantastic day for me because up in your gallery were a whole bunch of my people. As you know, I grew up in Estevan, and so it was such a great honour for me just to see guys like Ken Hoste and Kevin Toombs just be up there, you know, in their gallery with their colleagues and having leadership to give guidance to everything that’s going down there with our energy producers.

And so it was really an honour for me just to be in the Chamber yesterday and just feel the excitement and the energy that they all brought. Because as we know, those workers continue to provide us with our steady, reliable power, and those are the reasons that we can continue to invest into Saskatchewan.

And I know that my father, who spent 42 years down in those power stations down in Estevan and Coronach and all the . . . You know, his heavy maintenance crew, as the foreman he spent . . . a ton of work. And he would have been proud to be up in the gallery standing shoulder to shoulder with those fine folks yesterday, but he was at home watching on TV. And I know I could just see him now. Yeah, you know, he was pumping his hand in the air just saying, yeah, it’s all about power and energy for our province.

So you know, it’s all those needs of power, Mr. Speaker, that continue to give us the energy that we need to attract investment into our province. And by that, Mr. Speaker, we can then invest into things like health care, into education and so much more.

And so in my constituency, it’s for example the projects like the K+S potash plant, that because we have an abundance of reliable power, they’re able to double their production. They’re going to double what they can pull out of the ground with potash. And we see that the same with Cameco and with, you know, the attraction of the data centre and so many other projects — $62 billion, Mr. Speaker, worth of projects. And it’s those projects that continue to bring revenues into our economy that allow us to invest into our education, into our hospitals, and into our Sask patients-first plan.

And so I’m really excited to talk about what that patient-first plan is, Mr. Speaker. Not only is it the most ambitious health plan in the country, but I’ll go through . . . Because I know that the minister just before me addressed a bunch of the topics, you know, some of those 50 plans.

A couple of things that excite me for my constituents of Dakota-Arm River would be the rural retention and recruitment program. And just recently we were able to announce that Craik and Davidson will be able to be added to that.

It’s an exciting project because I know that as we sit and listen and meet with our health care professionals, those are some of the things that they say. We need those recruitment incentives. And whether they’re coming out of, you know, university as new nurses or health care professionals or whether they’re coming from other provinces, Mr. Speaker, they’re finding that Saskatchewan is the most affordable place to live, raise their family, and have security for their future. And so I’m excited about that plan for those two communities.

We have the Virtual Health Hub that is being set up in again my constituency with the partnership of Dakota Whitecap. First of its kind in Canada with the leadership of Dr. Mendez and Chief Darcy Bear. They did a great job and we look forward to seeing how that continues to unfold.

We heard the minister already talk about the nurse practitioners and their expanded scope. We talked about the expanded seats that are at our university. And what really excites me about those expanded seats for our doctors at the U of S [University of Saskatchewan], Mr. Speaker, is the fact that 95 per cent of those are going to be Saskatchewan residents. And so whether they’re from Bethune or Outlook or Imperial, they’re going to get an opportunity to get a seat and become doctors and stay here in Saskatchewan.

So our patients-first plan, Mr. Speaker, has over 50 steps and 50 different ideas to continue making sure that Saskatchewan residents are put first and foremost in that health plan. And it’s only because we have billions of dollars in projects that are boosting our economy, and they all need power. And we all know, Mr. Speaker, that whoever wins the power race, wins.

Yesterday we saw in the lobby, in front of a bunch of reporters, Mr. Ken Hoste stand in front of all the reporters and talk about the culture, the culture of excellence in our energy workers. And as a SaskPower kid, Mr. Speaker, I know that. I lived that. I understand the generation of workers that are in our energy sector. And that’s not just, you know, in our power generation, but it talks about oil and gas and the mines and everybody else that helps keep the power and the heat on in our province.

And there’s great pride in those folks, Mr. Speaker. And it’s because of that culture of excellence that Ken talked about that we have this reliable baseload of power. And it’s power that allows us to have not just power now but into the future.

And so, Mr. Speaker, those are the reasons again that we can have our patient-first plan. And I want to thank all our energy workers across the province because they are the backbone. They are the reason that we can have the most ambitious health plan in our nation.

And to our health care providers, we are listening and we are acting upon your ideas that the ministers of Health and Remote Health have put forward and that the teams have stitched together in the patients-first plan. It’s a plan that protects Saskatchewan, and it’s a plan that I proudly support and endorse because we know we can keep growing our economy with strong, reliable power, and we’re not going to stop and rest on that. We are going to continue to push the edge of excellence and work hard to make sure everyone in Saskatchewan has the care that they need where they need it and when they need it.

I will be supporting the motion by our Minister of Health and not supporting the amendment by the opposition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood.

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. You know, obviously it’s obvious to every single person that we speak to that this plan of the minister’s is not working.

You know, and so I want to talk about ambition versus results. You know, the Minister of Health has a very ambitious day. He always talks about his ambition. And I think it’s frankly a little bit weird to be talking about how ambitious you are. So I was feeling nerdy and I googled in Hansard how many times the word “ambition” came up that was mentioned by the members opposite. Now I don’t know if anyone wants to hazard a guess as to how many times it was. It was 82 — 82 times we hear about how ambitious the plan is.

But where are the results? You know, maybe the Minister of Health and this government is okay with a participation ribbon, but the people of Saskatchewan want results. They want improved health care.

And I want to provide a couple of examples of how weird this obsession with ambition is. So you can imagine you’re at the Olympics, Mr. Speaker, and you’re in the high jump and you knock the bar over, and you say to the judges, but I had the most ambitious plan to jump over the bar. It was more ambitious than anyone else.

And if I go to my bank and say, you know what? I know I didn’t pay my mortgage payment this month, but I had the most ambitious plan to pay my mortgage this month, Mr. Speaker. And if my son goes to his teacher and says, you know what, I didn’t hand in my homework today, but I had an ambitious plan to get it done. You know, perhaps my son could have his teacher phone the Minister of Health and they could consult on the value of ambition.

I want to talk for a second about virtual care. You know, the Minister of Health likes to try and kind of put words in our mouth about what we feel about virtual care. I mean, the member from . . . my colleague who just gave an address mentioned that we’re in favour of virtual care. I have dozens and dozens of times in this Chamber talked about the important role of virtual care. But you know, one of the interesting things is why the Minister of Health does not want people to know when virtual care is being used in a facility. Why on earth would you not want that?

So I was in Kipling last week and I spoke to somebody who talked about, you know, someone having a broken arm and having to go to their hospital and merely wanting to know whether or not there was a doctor there that could set their kid’s arm and whether or not there was an X-ray technician that could take an X-ray of their child’s arm. There is a role for virtual care, but you’re not going to set a child’s arm with virtual care.

So why on earth would the members opposite, why would the Minister of Health want people in rural Saskatchewan not to know if there’s a virtual physician and a real physician? We don’t have a problem with the idea of virtual care; just tell people about it.

You know, there’s so many signs that we can see that this minister’s health care plan is not working, and I just want to point out a couple examples of that. A while ago . . . I used to teach in Punnichy, and I was talking to one of my colleagues. And they were telling me about somebody, a mutual young person that we had taught who had passed away. And so I went to the funeral home to attempt to find their obituary, and as I started scrolling through all those obituary notices I couldn’t help but be struck by how many young people there was obituaries for there.

So the sort of nerdy math teacher in me thought I would look at the last 100 young people that had passed away and been buried at that funeral home. And shockingly — or maybe not shockingly — there was more kids who were teenagers and in their 20s than 60‑, 70‑, and 80‑year-olds that had died and had their funerals at that home. And the minister opposite wants us to believe that he’s putting patients first when that is the result that we see.

We see the same result on our streets in Saskatoon. I walked down 20th Street, which is in Saskatoon, you know, talked to a number of service agencies about the effects of the government’s policies. You know, you see absolute misery on the streets, and the social service agencies that are trying to help those people are talking about 2 or 300 per cent increase in the demand for their services.

[15:30]

You know, and ironically, Mr. Speaker, myself, I tried to go to the urgent care centre this morning. I went there at 8 this morning when it opened, and there were approximately 35 or 40 people lined up in front of the urgent care centre in advance of me when I was there. And I went in, went through the process of registering and so on, and ended up actually having to leave before I saw a doctor because I needed to be here. And when you speak to the patients there and the nurses, you know, one of the things the nurses said to me is like, we need to be open before 8 a.m.

You know, it is weird how disconnected this government is from the reality that is experienced by average people in Saskatchewan. And they want to say that this is the patient-first health care plan, but perhaps they should have talked to a patient before they developed this plan. And maybe if they had talked to some of these patients, they would have told them that they needed to listen and that they needed to alter the course of their plans.

So with that, Mr. Speaker, you know, I will be supporting the amendment. I will not be supporting the resolution. Thank you very much.

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

Megan Patterson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a great privilege to rise today to speak to our patients-first health care plan.

I know first-hand how important health care is. When I was just 19 years old, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident and I spent the next two weeks unconscious. When I woke up, I couldn’t see properly, I couldn’t move the right side of my body, I couldn’t speak, and I had trouble breathing. I spent the next 10 years of my life in recovery and rehabilitation and adapting to my new realities.

I believe in the months that I have been in the hospital, because of the multiple therapists and specialists I have seen and the many nurses I have interacted with, it’s given me an added perspective to speak on health care in this province. I am someone who has had a lot of experience with health care, and I am proud to say that I am happy to stand behind our Minister of Health and this government and the patients-first health care plan that we’re investing in.

We are making record investments in health care to literally revolutionize our health care system. In this budget we honoured our campaign promises, did not cut services, but actually increased investment in important services like health care. You know, our spending is the highest in history in health care at $8.5 billion.

This week, Mr. Speaker, is National Nursing Week, and we recognize the importance of nurses. And it’s fitting because in this patients-first health care plan, we are expanding the role of nurse practitioners. The theme is ”The Power of Nurses to Transform Health,” and you know, we are doing that. We are enabling the transformation of the health care system by taking advantage of the capabilities and the ability of nurses in our province.

This government, I’m proud to say, is actually rooted in reality versus ideology and understands that the dynamics of our province are changing. Today provinces all across the country are struggling to find health care providers. Our population has increased 28 per cent in the last 20 years. People are living longer, and health care is more complex.

These realities require thoughtful, innovative health care solutions as laid out in the strategies in the patients-first health care plan. It outlines over 50 actions to ensure patients are receiving the right care in the right place at the right time, focused on five key pillars: expanding access to care, growing the health care workforce, modernizing delivery and scope of practice, improving safe and quality care, and improving facilities and equipment.

In Moose Jaw, in addition to our residency program, we have three new nurse practitioners and maybe more who will be providing care to at least 2,400 additional patients in our city. This will mean more patients attached to a health care provider and less pressure on the emergency room, and care that’s consistent and close to home. This will open up more access points across the province and give patients timely care closer to home.

Mr. Speaker, our Moose Jaw Health Foundation continues to work hard to enable patients to receive the right care closer to home. This past weekend they held their 20th Annual 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon, raising over $360,000 to expand chemotherapy services at the F.H. Wigmore Hospital. This campaign was started by a chemo patient who wanted to make a difference in the lives of other cancer patients. The expansion of services will allow patients in Moose Jaw to receive cancer care treatment closer to home without having to travel.

I want to give a special thanks to Rob Carnie and Jordan Rivers for their commitment to our city. They anchor the coverage on air, broadcasting it live, interviewing dozens of people for 26 hours over the two-day radiothon. Over the last 20 years this radiothon has been so successful. It has raised over $6.2 million for our hospital. I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Kelly McElree and the Moose Jaw Health Foundation and the many dedicated supporters for their generosity. I am so proud to represent the wonderful people in the city of Moose Jaw.

So our government is also focused on bringing care closer to home for people in Moose Jaw by committing to an urgent care facility. This will take pressure off the emergency room and provide more access and more timely care for patients in Moose Jaw.

Again, I am proud to be a part of a government and a party that is focused on reality and results, not ideology. We know the people want more timely access to surgery, and so our government will continue to offer publicly funded, privately delivered surgeries because that’s how we can deliver results.

We are continuing to focus on recruitment, retention, and training, expanding the scope of practice for all health care professionals to the top of their scope. This will allow professionals to work to their full training and expertise. It will improve workforce experience for health care providers and improve retention, as professionals will be empowered to do the work they are trained to do.

We are also expanding access to care through Virtual Health Hub for rural doctors and unattached patients to reduce ER pressures. During the COVID pandemic, I had the opportunity to use virtual care and . . . I breathe with a tracheostomy and I was terrified to go anywhere. I didn’t want to go to the doctor and I definitely did not want to go to the hospital. So to have the option to talk to a physician virtually was incredible and I am so proud and happy that we are expanding that opportunity for more people in our province.

We are making significant investments in the patients-first health care plan to ensure everyone has access to the right care in the place at the right time. And as a heavy user of the health care system, I am just so grateful for the health care system that we have today. It’s not perfect, but it is really very, very good.

And I’m also proud to be a part of this government that is literally transforming health care and pivoting to meet the changing and growing demands of our province. And with that, I will be supporting the motion put forth by our Minister of Health and not supporting the amendment. Thank you.

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s interesting. It’s interesting what I’ve heard from side opposite today. The member from Moose Jaw Wakamow just stated that what we have right now is really, really very good. Let’s see if that’s the case.

It is nurses’ week; it is nursing day as a matter of fact, but thanks and praising workers does not cut it. You want to empower professionals, maybe you should pay them and not wait four years.

We’re talking about Moose Jaw; let’s talk about Moose Jaw. I’ve been there to talk with the LPNs, to talk with the nurses, to talk with people in health care. People in Moose Jaw, Mr. Speaker, are angry because they are not getting paid enough. They don’t have enough to pay rent. They can’t do anything.

Why don’t you pay people if you darn well want them to stay, before claiming we have to go and use somebody that was paying the Sask Party and then hire them to do all the work in the health care system?

The member for Dakota-Arm River classifies what the government is doing as continuing to push the edge of excellence with the health care plan, continuing to push the edge of excellence. Is “we won’t stand still anymore” after 20 years continuing to push the edge of excellence? Or as the member from Moose Jaw Wakamow said, is it revolutionary?

The government’s responses here have not been transparent. Now that government and that Minister of Health has exactly until May 17th to release to us the fee schedule paid for all third-party contractors performing biopsies and other surgeries in this province, and I will not accept any delay. There is a 30‑day deadline for cases that require significant investigation. That 30‑day deadline for something that you cut and paste out of a document and send the way of the person who requested it is not a 30‑day deadline.

I should have that information by now. If we don’t have that fee schedule from that contract by May 17th, then that government is not doing their due diligence when it comes to transparency to the women of this province and to all health care users in this province. Please release that darn fee schedule. This lack of consultation bothers me. We are sending people to surgeries in Alberta without even having a fair tendering process. We have decided, on that side of the House, that one company that donates heavily, heavily I might add, to the . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Okay, that’s twice. I let it go the first time, but I’ve ruled that it’s out of order to be accusing the government of what you are accusing. I don’t even want to repeat it. But please apologize for that and continue on.

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What exactly am I apologizing for? No, I really don’t understand. You said I said something against the government. I need to know . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Okay, just take a second and read what you just said, not out loud, but to yourself.

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I withdraw and apologize.

The lack of consultation going into the companies that we hire is extremely disturbing. There is no tendering process and we aren’t looking at various results. Putting profits before patients is not the way to go. It’s also not the way to go when Brad Wall suggested in the first draft of this plan that we hire nurse practitioners. Then all of a sudden the feds fly in, say they are not going to fund this. Why? Because you don’t have nurse practitioners in your plan. And all of a sudden the government wakes up to this. It really should leave the public wondering, Mr. Speaker, what else is missing from that plan? Do we always have to wait for the federal government to come in before we get it right?

Brad Wall talked at length in the first edition of 2009 about everybody having access to a primary care provider, about everybody having access to timely surgeries here in this province. You can have companies whose business plan it is to pick up where the governments have failed. That is what the business plan policy is for companies like EHN and for companies that do these types of surgeries. It is to come in where governments have left something open and have failed. They take that into account when determining their profit margins.

I can see on that side of the House we’re not very interested in listening to this, but this is serious business. You don’t all of a sudden declare parts of the Canadian health care system as needing help from private companies simply because you haven’t done the research.

I guess my final question, Mr. Speaker, is why, when you have the power to invest in increasing the number of public surgeries performed here in Saskatchewan, do you continue to contract out to for-profit entities?

[15:45]

Once again, it is national nurses’ day. If you would like them to stay, please listen to them the first time, not 20 years later. Please pay them so they will stay. Please don’t just say thoughts and prayers. And stop saying expanding scope is new — it’s been around for decades.

This plan simply is not good enough, Mr. Speaker. And I will leave my thoughts at that.

Speaker Goudy: — So the amendment to the motion before the House is put forward by the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre:

That all the words after “House” be omitted and that the following be inserted:

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Or the amendment? Call in the members.

[The division bells rang from 15:46 until 15:51.]

Speaker Goudy: — All of those in favour of the amendment to the motion please stand.

[Yeas — 20]

Ritchie

Burki

Clarke

Love

Teed

Young, A.

Gordon

McPhail

Conway

Sarauer

Blakley

Grewal

ChiefCalf

Jorgenson

Brar

McBean

Warrington

Pratchler

Housser

Roy

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

[Nays — 30]

Moe

Gartner

Kaeding

Marit

Cockrill

Reiter

Hindley

Harrison, J.

Jenson

Weger

Keisig

Wilson

Beaudry

Rowden

Ross

McLeod, T.

Carr

Crassweller

Steele

Young, C.

Harrison, D.

Weedmark

Kropf

McLeod, B.

Patterson

Bromm

Hilbert

Chan

Thorsteinson

Kasun

Principal Clerk: — Mr. Speaker, those in favour of the amendment, 20; those opposed to the amendment, 30.

Speaker Goudy: — I declare the amendment failed.

So the question before the Assembly is the motion put forward by the Minister of Health:

That this House endorses and supports the Government of Saskatchewan’s patients-first health care plan, including the more than 50 action items to put patients first, which include: expands scope of practice for health care professionals; expands virtual care to connect as many people as possible with a primary care provider; uses privately delivered, publicly funded surgeries to achieve 450,000 surgeries over four years; and increases nurse practitioners’ training capacity by 45 per cent.

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Ah, yes. Call in the members.

[The division bells rang from 15:55 until 15:56.]

Speaker Goudy: — All those in favour of the motion please stand again.

[Yeas — 31]

Moe

Gartner

Kaeding

Marit

Cockrill

Reiter

Hindley

Harrison, J.

Schmalz

Jenson

Weger

Keisig

Wilson

Beaudry

Rowden

Ross

McLeod, T.

Carr

Crassweller

Steele

Young, C.

Harrison, D.

Weedmark

Kropf

McLeod, B.

Patterson

Bromm

Hilbert

Chan

Thorsteinson

Kasun

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

[Nays — 21]

Ritchie

Burki

Clarke

Love

Teed

Young, A.

Gordon

McPhail

Conway

Sarauer

Blakley

Grewal

ChiefCalf

Jorgenson

Brar

McBean

Warrington

Pratchler

Housser

Senger

Roy

Principal Clerk: — Mr. Speaker, those in favour of the motion, 31; those opposed to the motion, 21.

Speaker Goudy: — I declare the motion passed. I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Assembly do now adjourn.

Speaker Goudy: — The Government House Leader has moved that the House do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

[The Assembly adjourned at 16:00.]

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

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