Hon. Eric Schmalz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to welcome to their legislature two people who have left a lasting mark on this province during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Marina Hills and Sergio Losco, along with their son Henry, moved to Regina in the fall of 2025. Shortly after their arrival, their family experienced a tragedy that no parent should ever have to endure. In December 2025 Henry lost his life due to carbon monoxide poisoning in their apartment suite.

In the face of their unimaginable loss, Marina and Sergio are channelling their grief into advocacy. Marina and Sergio work tirelessly to raise awareness around the importance of carbon monoxide alarms and to help protect other families from experiencing a similar tragedy. Their efforts were instrumental in developing the passage of Henry’s Law, which comes into effect on November 1st.

Henry’s Law strengthens Saskatchewan’s requirements for CO [carbon monoxide] alarms by requiring all multi-unit residential buildings in Saskatchewan to have alarms in every suite regardless of where they are located within a building. Since the introduction of Henry’s Law in May of this year, Marina and Sergio have been on the front and centre in raising awareness of both Henry’s Law and its intended purpose: ensuring no child dies from carbon monoxide poisoning.

I’ve been fortunate to spend time with Marina and Sergio through those conversations. And I have come to appreciate not only their commitment to the cause but also the remarkable young man whose memory inspired it. Marina and Sergio chose to act and transformed profound personal loss into public effort that will help protect Saskatchewan families for years to come. Their determination, compassion, and perseverance make a meaningful difference in this province.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had an opportunity to attend a morning interview with CTV News, Mr. Speaker. And I said on that program — and I believe it to this day — that Henry will save lives, not only in Saskatchewan, but across Canada.

But with that, Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all members of the legislature welcome the Loscos to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, I want to join with the minister opposite in welcoming Marina and Sergio to their Legislative Assembly. And on behalf of the Leader of the Opposition and all of the MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly] on this side, I just want to extend my gratitude for the service you have done to this province.

It has been the honour of my life walking with you through this journey. I know that we’ve discussed, you know, it’s not often enough that we see both sides of this House work together towards a common goal. And Henry did that. The two of you did that and Henry’s memory did that.

You know, I had occasion to run into Marina and Sergio earlier this week, and we were talking about the advertisement campaign that’s been running and how every time Henry’s face pops up, it really hits them like a ton of bricks. You know, it takes the wind out of them. But they understand that this is for something that’s so important, and that is what has been driving them.

That has been the driving force throughout this journey for them, is that hope that this never happens to another little boy like Henry. And I can’t imagine the strength that it takes to do that. So I just want to say thank you for your service.

And I want to ask all to join with me in welcoming you here today, which is a happy day. So welcome.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, 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. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, seated in your gallery today are representatives of Empty Arms Perinatal Loss Support Services in Saskatoon and the Twinkle Star Project in Regina, joining us as we recognize October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, which we’ll speak more about during members’ statements later in routine proceedings.

From the Twinkle Star Project we welcome Riana Turner, president of the board. Give us a wave, Riana. Riana’s own experiences with pregnancy loss led her to share her story and support other families who can too often feel alone. Today she supports grieving families through Twinkle Star’s basket project and its work to increase awareness and compassion.

From Empty Arms we welcome founder Jasmin Herchak. And following the loss of her daughter Jael at 20 weeks, Jasmin channelled her own questions and experience into helping create an organization that could provide other families with knowledge, compassion, and support at time of loss.

We also welcome executive director Krysta Shacklock. Krysta first found Empty Arms following the stillbirth of her son Henry in 2014. She found community through its early support groups and has since served Empty Arms in many capacities, including peer support, board president, and now executive director.

Joining them is also Janel Edwards, manager of marketing and communications. Janel’s own family experience in the NICU [neonatal intensive care unit] with her twin boys has helped shape her commitment to supporting growing families, including through community initiatives focused on perinatal health right across our province.

And lastly but not least, we do welcome Jim Billington who many of us in this Assembly know, but today he’s here as Elizabeth’s dad. Jim and his wife, Courtney, welcomed their third daughter, Elizabeth Rosie, on June 11th, 2025 following a healthy pregnancy nearly to term. Two days before she was born, they learned that Elizabeth’s heart had stopped beating. The support their family received from Empty Arms following this loss inspired Jim to support the organization as a member of its board of directors.

Mr. Speaker, each of these guests brings a deeply personal connection to the work that they do and a commitment to walking alongside families through pregnancy and infant loss. I’d like to ask all members of the Assembly to join me in thanking Riana, Jasmin, Krysta, Janel, and Jim for their work, and welcome them to this Legislative Assembly.

While I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to welcome one more guest. Also seated in your gallery is Dr. Sarah Forgie who serves as our dean at the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Forgie — or I’ll just drop the professional title and say Sarah — is someone that I really enjoy working with to improve health care for patients right across the province.

Sarah has now served about two years as dean here. We brought her from Alberta to Saskatchewan and just coincided with so much exciting growth at the College of Medicine. We think about the additional 20 undergraduate seats added this year, the largest ever undergraduate class at the College of Medicine; the additional residency seats that we’ve added in several communities, including in your home community of Melfort, Mr. Speaker; as well as the new programs around occupational therapy and speech-language pathology; as well as the physician assistant last year, Mr. Speaker.

Sarah does incredible work leading the College of Medicine. We’re so grateful for her contributions. Mr. Speaker, I’d ask all members of the Assembly to join me in welcoming Dr. Sarah Forgie to this, her legislature.

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to join with the member opposite and indeed all of this Assembly in welcoming people here today. And as we all know, this is infancy . . . It’s loss and awareness month, infancy loss and awareness month. And it’s a hard month, Mr. Speaker, for many people in this province.

And the organizations represented here today are often founded by people who had the courage to take action after something tragic happened in their own families. And that’s not always easy, Mr. Speaker.

And so to Jasmin, to Krysta, to Janel of course, and Jim: thank you. I know that you have helped over 700 people, 700 families at Jim Pattison alone, and I know there’s many more outside at home that you have helped.

And I know that with this Twinkle Star Project, you know, it’s only been in place since 2017 and yet it’s made such a difference, such a difference already in terms of the compassion and care. And every time I hear reference to these two groups, it’s the word “compassion” that comes back, that’s at the heart of it, Mr. Speaker. Because it’s really hard to help a family go through this if you haven’t been through it yourself.

I’d of course also like to join the member opposite in recognizing Dr. Sarah Forgie and what you have brought to the College of Medicine here in Saskatchewan. We’re so darn proud of our college. We’re grateful that you’re here. We’re grateful that you’re sharing your strength, your knowledge, and your intelligence as we build. And we build along with the tremendous capacity of our own Saskatchewan-grown doctors helping our public health care system. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d invite all members . . .

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

Hon. Alana Ross: — Thank you, 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. Alana Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. October is Women’s History Month and a time to recognize how generations of women have shaped the Saskatchewan we know today. Across our province women have helped build industries, institutions, and communities. And today women lead businesses, serve in legislature across public life, advance science innovation, and strengthen communities across our province.

Mr. Speaker, joining us today to celebrate Women’s History Month we have women from all walks of life and leaders in their respective fields. I’d like to introduce them in no particular order. And if you could just stand to give a wave.

Today we have joining us Sharon-Ann Brown, Chair of Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum; Vinolia Apakoh, founder and CEO [chief executive officer] of Blackcellence Network; Linell Grudnitzki, GC Construction group of companies; Carolyn Cyr, director of government relations, University of Regina; Lisa Haynes, Farm Systems for Success; Miriam Johnson, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan; Donna Ziegler, Saskatchewan Community Foundation; Denise Gamble, Merit Contractors; Kathryn Pollack, RBC Woman Executive in Residence, vice-president of SaskPower.

Dr. Sarah Forgie, dean of the College of Medicine for the U of S [University of Saskatchewan]; Lisa Adam, director of Construction Association of Saskatchewan; Monica Deters from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Deanne Schwartz, vice-president of Breck Construction; Sandy Baumgartner, CEO of Saskatchewan Science Centre; Marlie McLeod; Royal Purple members, president Terry Krzak, Sandi Lougheed, Melissa Haugen, Darlene May, Dana Gratias, Terri Mitchell, Robyn Simpson, Gina Bailey, and Sandy Henstock.

From the Status of Women office we have Bernadet Hamill, Larisa Murray, Stephanie Smith, Tina Anderson, Carolyn Vander Veen, and Angela Lackey.

Mr. Speaker, during Women’s History Month we honour the women who helped build Saskatchewan, celebrate the women leading it, and encourage the girls and young women who will shape our province in the future. I look forward to speaking with you all later.

And I ask all members to please join me in welcoming these amazing women leaders to this, their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Holy smokes, what a great group that we have here today. And I’ve had the privilege and honour in my role as the shadow minister for the Status of Women of meeting a lot of them or having some casual conversations.

And I know that their leadership style is strong, but it’s often a little bit more quiet than what we might see elsewhere. Yet these women are bold and they’re brave and they’re at the heart of Saskatchewan. And when I talk to them, I see a lot of their titles change from year to year as people learn and grow in their capacity to understand just what women can offer, just what they have to offer to their job.

[10:15]

And so I love to see the different roles and the progress in leadership over the years. Let’s make sure that continues in Saskatchewan. What I often hear though from these leaders and others is, “Jacqueline, am I good enough for this job?” or “hey, I hope I can make it.” Mr. Speaker, we hear that too often. We hear that too often from women in leadership positions. And we darn well know that in this province they can absolutely do it.

So thank you. Thank you for being a role model, especially to younger girls in this province as they advance. To the Status of Women office team: you’re a very small team but you’re mighty. Thank you for the work you do as well.

I invite all members to join me in recognizing these exceptional leaders.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you to this Assembly, I am delighted to introduce in both the east and the west gallery, Mr. Speaker, 76 students from Vanscoy School, grade 4 to 8. Rosetown-Delisle constituency is a long drive from here. I know; I do it most weeks. So we don’t get school groups all that often. So I am thrilled to have them here, Mr. Speaker. We are literally surrounded by awesomeness today.

I am looking forward to . . . I have first reading of a couple of bills so I might be a few minutes late, but I’m looking forward to an opportunity to chat briefly with the students after question period as well. And in light of that, I would ask all members on both sides of the House, before they give them a warm welcome, to also keep the decorum to a really good level during question period, Mr. Speaker. I would ask all members to please give these students a warm welcome to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Thanks, Mr. Speaker. It’s a real honour to rise to welcome all these students that are here today, all those from Vanscoy of course but some local students here from my old high school, Thom Collegiate, Mr. Speaker, that have joined us up in the top rows there. These are grade 10s, Mr. Speaker. I think we have 25 of them.

I want to give a big shout-out to their teachers as well, Mr. Duck and Ms. Roeher, who have joined us here today. It seems like Mr. Duck has a bit of a fan club, I think, in this Chamber. A lot’s known from his good work over at Scott Collegiate as well, Mr. Speaker. Pretty funny guy as well.

I had a chance to visit a little bit with these students before up there, Mr. Speaker. You’ve got hard-working students. You’ve got football players, you’ve got wrestlers, you’ve got rugby players. You’ve got those that work, Mr. Speaker, including in this Assembly right here as a cleaner. You have community volunteers. You have some of the best and brightest, you know, Mr. Speaker, in that class right here.

I ask those that have joined us today as well from Thom to show some love to Mr. Kannenberg, who’s revitalized that old rugby squad over there at Thom Collegiate, Mr. Speaker. I have many fond memories with them. And I know after question period they’re going to be meeting with their MLA, the MLA for Coronation Park, Mr. Speaker.

But I ask all members here to give a very warm welcome to these grade 10s, these teachers as well from Thom Collegiate.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Carrot River Valley.

Terri Bromm: — To you and through you, Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Fred Bradshaw here today. Fred, my predecessor, was the MLA for Carrot River Valley for 17 years, working tirelessly for the people of the constituency and our province. Generosity is a noun associated with Fred. He’s often baking, cooking, and assisting others, often in this very building.

So I’ll ask everyone here, all members, to join me in welcoming Fred back here today to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Trent Wotherspoon: — Hey, Mr. Speaker. It’s always a pleasure to rise to welcome our old buddy Fred Bradshaw to his Assembly. I want to remind him that he’s retired though. You know, we get to see him here an awful lot, Mr. Speaker. And his warmth is always a wonderful thing. This is someone that we all appreciate. We like it better when he brings butter tarts to us, Mr. Speaker. He’s a tremendous baker. He’s a pretty awesome guy, good sense of humour as well. We wish him and his family well.

We know he had a lot of damage up this year on the farm there as well and he’s been working hard to clean things up, which gives him an excuse this year, Mr. Speaker. Because you know, he’s not much of a shot, not much of a fisherman, and now he has an excuse, Mr. Speaker, for his poor productivity on the lake and in the field, Mr. Speaker.

I ask all members of this Assembly to welcome our good buddy Fred Bradshaw back to his Assembly.

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

Brad Crassweller: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just because we didn’t quite have enough students, we added another 55, so now we are completely surrounded by students. It’s a pleasure to welcome André Boutin-Maloney and 55 students from Bert Fox, accompanied with teachers Erin Godwin, Bailey Antonishyn, and Mckenna Belay.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to just highlight a couple of things about André Boutin-Maloney, a teacher at Bert Fox in Fort Qu’Appelle. He was just awarded the Gilles Gagnier Medal in recognition of his work, previously known as the Innovation in Geography Teaching Award. He’s already been given the Governor General’s Award for teaching excellence and has a Lifetime Achievement Award from Saskatchewan council for international development. He was also, in April, named the Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Regina.

So please join me in welcoming all these great students. I look forward to a good time with questions and some ice cream here coming up. Please welcome them to their Assembly.

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

Aleana Young: — Why thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, and to all members, I just wanted to take a brief moment and pop up and add my welcome to a good friend of mine seated in the gallery across, Mr. Michael Duck. Michael is no doubt familiar to the Deputy Premier as well.

But for folks who don’t know him, in addition to being a leading educator here in Regina and across Saskatchewan helping with curriculum development for this government right now, he’s also a wildly unsuccessful beekeeper. He also is so passionate that pineapple belongs on pizza that he has in fact tattooed this on his body. But most concerningly of all, Mr. Speaker, and perhaps . . . Yeah, the member from Mount Royal would like to put on the record that he’s curious as to where. So maybe you can share that information with your students later. But most concerningly of all, Mr. Speaker, he is the proud owner of a strange little dog named Feeny and 250 Funko Pops.

It’s such a pleasure to have him visit us in the legislature. He’s such a strong proponent of social studies and the role of democracy in Saskatchewan and ensuring that makes its way into all classrooms. He’s a great guy, Mr. Speaker. He’s funny. He’s a committed educator. And I’d like to ask all members to join me in welcoming my good friend Michael Duck to this, his legislature.

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

Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to join my colleague from White City-Qu’Appelle. I cannot see anything up in the Speaker’s gallery there, but there’s a student up there — I believe his name is Jackson Knowles — just wanted to give him a shout-out. His dad was my neighbour growing up. We were very good friends. So welcome, Jackson, to this, your Legislative Assembly.

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

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Betty Nippi-Albright: — To you and through you, Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend a warm welcome to a special sister friend I went to university with, Michelle Wiebe. Michelle and I worked on several university projects together in our classes, and I always admired her strength and determination to complete her undergrad degree facing numerous health challenges. I ask all members to give a warm welcome to my dear friend, sister friend, Michelle Wiebe to her legislature.

And while I’m on my feet, I also want to welcome Nikki Barrington to her legislature. Nicki joined our team and has been a tremendous support in working with our volunteers in Saskatoon Centre. I ask all members to welcome Nikki to her legislature. Gichi-miigwech.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It was an honour yesterday to welcome some of my Unifor family. And if you look up in the east gallery today, some of my favourite members from Unifor, some of the brothers and sisters that I had the honour and opportunity to work alongside at SaskTel, join us here today.

I’ve got to say, SaskTel is the best telecommunications company in Canada, in my opinion. The folks in the east gallery there, they’ve connected people whether it be on the phone when you call 1‑800‑SASKTEL, when you have a technician that shows up.

These folks in the east gallery, they connect rural, remote, and northern people to the entire world through the internet, through phones. They do incredible work. And I thank them for their service to the people of this province and also to the people of the world because Saskatchewan people are pretty great, and it’s great when they connect them to the world.

You know, they also operate data centres here in the province of Saskatchewan. What an incredible place for Canadian data than a Crown corporation owned by the very people of this province.

So with that I ask all members to join me in welcoming members from the best telecommunications company in Canada, and that is SaskTel. Please welcome them to their provincial legislature.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on my feet today to present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan to step up for Indigenous students in Saskatchewan.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following. We, the undersigned, call on the Saskatchewan government to take immediate action to stand up for Indigenous children and all vulnerable students by advocating for the full restoration of funding previously supported by Jordan’s principle.

Jordan’s principle was established to ensure that First Nations children have equitable access to the services they need, including supports in schools. The recent loss of this federal funding will leave a significant gap in Saskatchewan classrooms, especially for Indigenous students who rely on inclusive education supports to thrive. Funding cuts by the federal government have led to the layoff of 80 educational assistants from Saskatoon Public Schools, with more funding shortfalls expected just this last September.

Instead of stepping up to fill this gap, the 2025‑2026 provincial budget reduced education funding, budgeting 4.428 billion less than what was actually spent the previous year. This is an alarming move at a time when our schools are already stretched to the breaking point due to chronic underfunding and short-staffing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

This petition has been signed by the residents of Regina, particularly from the Harbour Landing area. I do so pray. Thank you.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition to demand transparency on data centres in Saskatchewan.

The undersigned wish to bring to your attention the following: that significant concerns have been raised by members of the public about the establishment of data centres; that there’s uncertainty around how these data centres will impact power rates, protection of personal data, the provincial budget, and the environment; that the Saskatchewan government and Premier have remained silent and provided no clarity around public concerns and questions.

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 be transparent about how these data centres will integrate into their surrounding communities and address all concerns the public has before approving any further data centre related applications for electricity, water, or other provincial resources.

[10:30]

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

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

Sally Housser: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise today to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to increase the number of highway pullouts in Saskatchewan.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that highway pullouts are crucial for driver safety, allowing for drivers to safely stop for inspections, switching loads, or addressing emergencies without obstructing traffic flow; that under the National Safety Code standard 10, drivers must inspect their loads every 240 kilometres or three hours to prevent cargo from shifting or spilling. Without safe pullouts, these required checks put both truck drivers and other road users at risk. That previous commitments made by the Government of Saskatchewan to build more pullouts have not been fulfilled.

I will now read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately increase the number of pullouts in the province so that operators can meet requirements safely.

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

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to rise today to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan on hospital service disruption maps.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that Saskatchewan hospitals are experiencing hundreds and 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 and when it is available in their community in real time, such as emergency room wait times; that municipalities should not be responsible for maintaining provincial responsibility like reporting health care closures; and that the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority] currently maintains a service disruption map and a comprehensive list of services available, but does not allow the general public to access this information.

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

The individuals who signed this petition are from the community of Tantallon. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Provincial Secretary.

Henry Losco’s Memory Honoured by Life-Saving Legislation

Hon. Jamie Martens: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On November 1st Henry’s Law will come into effect across the province, strengthening carbon monoxide alarm requirements in multi-unit residential buildings and helping ensure that Saskatchewan residents are better protected where they reside.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation was inspired by the tragic loss of 11‑year-old Henry Losco, who passed away in December of 2025 after being exposed to carbon monoxide at home while he slept. Henry’s death is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences that this invisible threat can have. Henry’s Law expands Saskatchewan’s existing requirements by mandating carbon monoxide alarms in multi-unit residential buildings.

Mr. Speaker, I once again would like to recognize Henry’s family, whose courage, determination, and advocacy helped bring forward these important changes. Through their efforts, Henry’s Law will help save lives and prevent future tragedies.

As the implementation date approaches, I encourage everyone to review the requirements and ensure that their buildings are equipped to protect Saskatchewan residents. Today we honour Henry and Henry’s memory by taking meaningful action to protect Saskatchewan’s family and communities. His legacy will be one of greater awareness, improved safety, and lives saved. And in his memory and in his honour, we can help protect other Saskatchewan residents from the same fate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Patient Safety Week Highlights Access to Health Care

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now it is Patient Safety Week in Saskatchewan, and patients are losing patience. Women increasingly tell me that they are afraid to give birth because the physical and mental health supports just aren’t there. I keep hearing from seniors in pain waiting for hip and knee replacements on the longest wait-lists in the country. I keep hearing from people that won’t go to the ER [emergency room], because the last time they went there was so darn traumatizing that they won’t return, even if it’s to save their life.

Women can’t get access to a pap test to save their life, despite us having the highest cervical cancer rates in the country. Breast mammogram numbers are worse; yet the government is not releasing this information. Men worry prostate cancer concerns won’t be investigated quickly enough.

Now people are starting to use artificial intelligence to self-diagnose. Now that is not because they want to, but it’s because we have the worst waits in the country for seeing a nurse practitioner or for seeing a family doctor, and the urgent care centre is closed or their hospital is closed in their locality with no notice given.

Now this government likes to call its health care plan ambitious, but what would really be ambitious, Mr. Speaker, is actually taking some accountability, publishing real data and numbers on what’s happening out there, not just sending vague pamphlets to people’s houses.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time to recognize Saskatchewan families who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirths, pregnancy loss, or the death of an infant.

For families, these losses can be unimaginable. A future can change in an instant. Every family’s experience is different, and so is the grief that follows. There’s no single way to grieve, to remember, or speak about a loss. This month creates space to acknowledge those experiences while remembering and honouring babies and children who were anticipated, deeply loved, and remain part of their family stories.

Mr. Speaker, community organizations provide an important layer of support through these very difficult moments for families. In Regina the Twinkle Star Project is a volunteer organization providing ongoing support to grieving families through compassionate outreach, remembrance initiatives, and community connections.

In Saskatoon the non-profit Empty Arms provides in-hospital bereavement companion support, remembrance photography and memory-making, followed by peer bereavement and mental health supports. Empty Arms has supported more than 900 families at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and Saskatoon Funeral Home and now serves approximately 100 families every year in our province.

Earlier this month, the Empty Arms No Foot Too Small Memorial & Awareness Walk brought hundreds of people together in Saskatoon and raised more than $65,000 to support families experiencing loss. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Cyber Security Awareness Month

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize October as Cyber Security Awareness Month. Mr. Speaker, in 2024 a breach at four private health care clinics exposed the personal information of nearly 7,300 Saskatchewan patients. In 2025 two RMs [rural municipality] lost nearly $700,000 to a fraudster. And now we’re seeing government-funded CBOs [community-based organization] face cybersecurity attacks because there is no government funding for technology or cloud storage.

Mr. Speaker, just this week, Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers had to stop accepting tips due to a data breach that affected over 11,000 names. Even worse, CSIS [Canadian Security Intelligence Service] is warning that data centres are targets for cyberattacks, especially those which work with third-party vendors like the Sherwood data centre. This government needs to ensure that our records are stored safely in Saskatchewan data centres with the infrastructure, technologies, and tenants all headquartered on Saskatchewan soil.

I ask all members to join me in recognizing Cyber Security Awareness Month and urge the government to inform the public of risks involved with their records being exposed due to a failure of government oversights.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Carrot River Valley.

Wrestling Teams Successful in Regional and Provincial Competitions

Terri Bromm: — Mr. Speaker, the Carrot River Wildcats wrestling team, coached once again by Kevin Duchscherer and Barb Harder, travelled to Moose Jaw where they competed in the SHSAA [Saskatchewan High Schools Athletic Association] regional championships. The Wildcats were successful, with the boys’ team finishing in second place and the girls’ team winning the 3A regionals.

Saskatoon hosted the SHSAA provincials. Here, Tony Luciano finished ninth, Brady Thesen seventh overall. The girls’ team went on to win the 3A provincial championship, with McKenna Smits placing fourth, Ava Edwards earning a silver medal, and Paola Beriguete the provincial championship winner.

Mr. Speaker, this is also the first season for the Northeast Wrestling Club, whose group competed in the Sask Wrestling with the following results: Clark Funk, bronze, U13 [under 13]; Elisha Silcox, fourth, U15; Lola Hildebrand, bronze, U17; McKenna Smits, fifth, U19; Savannah Harder, bronze, U19; Tony Luciano, fifth, U19 in bronze junior men; Jacob Lefebvre, silver, junior men; Ava Edwards, gold, U19, also received a silver medal at nationals in Grande Prairie; Coach Mallory Flowerday, gold, silver women; Coach Nick Silcox, silver, silver men and silver masters men; Coach Kevin Duchscherer, fourth in silver men and silver masters men. Quite an accomplishment.

Mr. Speaker, I would ask all members to join with me in congratulating all these wrestlers on their success.

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

Push for Improvements to Health Care System in Memory of Kirsten Hanke

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had the honour of meeting with the Hanke family of Saskatoon. Mr. Speaker, their daughter died of a broken ankle — a broken ankle. Her surgery was delayed and delayed and delayed, and she died of blood clots. And she was just 30 years old, 30 years old, Mr. Speaker.

You know, an important part of our job as an MLA is to help those who are failed by bureaucracy. Sometimes people fall through the cracks and it’s our job to help them out, Mr. Speaker. And another part of our job is sometimes to debate in this Chamber, and demand change when those cracks become holes and many people are harmed.

I sat with Kirsten’s mom, her father, her partner in a backyard. Kirsten was robbed, Mr. Speaker, of 50 Christmases and thousands and thousands of special moments. And her partner was robbed of his soulmate. And her parents needlessly buried a child. And I’m told by this government that their plan is working, that things are getting better, Mr. Speaker.

This isn’t a crack. This isn’t a hole. This is a chasm, Mr. Speaker. And everyone in this entire province can see that except for this government. Ambitious plans will not bring her back, Mr. Speaker. It won’t soothe her parents’ sorrow. 452 health care workers at RUH [Royal University Hospital] warned this government that something like this would happen and they didn’t listen. I hope they do now, Mr. Speaker, before this tragedy is repeated.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Strong and Steady Saskatchewan Economy

David Chan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Keeping Saskatchewan strong and steady means investing and keeping life affordable for our residents. In this session our Premier and this government will do just that. We’ll further reduce personal income taxes, delivering on the third year of a four-year plan and commitment to make life more affordable.

We’re going to continue to encourage our young people to stay and build careers here in our province by once again increasing our graduate retention program benefit to $24,000. This program has already helped almost 100,000 graduates get the head start they need to live, work, and raise a family. Conversely our people in our province benefit from these graduates applying their skills and training here at home.

We’re also seeing record growth in private capital investments, and those projects are going to need people to build, operate, and maintain them. That’s why we’re investing nearly 125 million in career training and workforce development to meet this exciting future.

Mr. Speaker, strong and steady also means we’re committed to working with the federal government where it can benefit Saskatchewan, and nowhere is this better seen than in my constituency in Yorkton. Earlier this month Secretary of State Buckley Belanger, Mayor Aaron Kienle, Minister of Rural Health, and myself announced that Yorkton will receive nearly 40 million in joint funding for the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history. This investment will support new housing units, ensure improved environmental outcomes, and provide good jobs for the people of Yorkton.

Mr. Speaker, what we are seeing is a strong, steady Saskatchewan. Thank you.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Government Responsibilities

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, yesterday was not a good day for the Premier and it was a terrible day for accountability. So let’s recap. Apparently anyone with questions about the Sherwood data centre, well they should talk to Bell, not him. Those who are concerned about encampments in our major cities, well they should talk to their city councillor. For anyone concerned about the fact that we have the highest rates of child poverty in the entire country, well they should know how affordable things are here in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, according to this Premier, every problem that Saskatchewan people are facing is someone else’s responsibility. So I have a simple question: what exactly does the Premier take responsibility for?

[10:45]

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, that was a wide-ranging question. I’m not sure what the actual question was there, Mr. Speaker, but it ended with what we take responsibility for. We take our responsibilities to the citizens of Saskatchewan very seriously, Mr. Speaker. We want to provide the services they need in health care, education, social services, highways — all the services that this government provides, Mr. Speaker. And how are we going to do that? We’re going to do that by raising the revenue, by growing our economy, Mr. Speaker.

So we’re taking responsibility for the strongest economy in the nation, Mr. Speaker. That’s why there’s over 60 major projects coming forward, Mr. Speaker, for over a hundred billion dollars in private investment. Because, Mr. Speaker, that money is going to be used for revenue for the province to provide all those services that the people in this province need.

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

Provision of Surgical Care

Carla Beck: — Well, Mr. Speaker, people have been waiting a long time and things aren’t getting better. This entitled, out-of-touch government, well they’re also failing to take any responsibility for the state of health care in this province.

We’re joined today by a family who this Premier, this government, has failed in a way that defies belief. It hurts the heart. In your gallery today are Kelly and Shawna Hanke. They lost their daughter Kirsten after she broke her ankle. Thirty years old. Vibrant, so loved, so missed. She died because she simply didn’t get the surgery she needed on time.

So the simple question to the Premier: will he meet with this family? And does he take any responsibility for the state of our health care system?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to welcome Kelly and Shawna to their legislature, and I want to offer my condolences on behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan for the loss of Kirsten in incredibly tragic circumstance this summer, Mr. Speaker. I know that the Saskatchewan Health Authority has initiated a safety review. I know that our provincial head of surgery, Mr. Speaker, Dr. Mike Kelly, has reached out to the family and initiated a safety review so that the Saskatchewan Health Authority can make improvements for all patients across the province, Mr. Speaker.

I’d be happy to meet with Kelly and Shawna after question period.

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

Carla Beck: — Those were kind words, Mr. Speaker, and I’m sure that they were sincere. You know, the problem is that kind words won’t bring Kirsten back. This was a tragedy. It was an accident. But it wasn’t unforeseen. Just a few months before Kirsten died, more than 450 health care workers at the RUH signed an open letter concerned about, and I quote, “unsustainable pressures increasing the risk of patient harm.”

But we didn’t see action from the Premier; we didn’t see action from this government. My question is, why didn’t this government act on that letter from 450 health care workers warning of patient harm?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, Mr. Speaker, the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Ministry of Health, and really the Government of Saskatchewan — we take patient safety very seriously.

There are challenges in our health care system, no doubt about it, Mr. Speaker. But we are taking action through our patients-first health care plan. Just last week we were in Saskatoon announcing the opening of 80 new acute care beds to improve the flow for patients through our emergency departments in all three Saskatoon hospitals, Mr. Speaker. More capacity being added, more health care workers being trained so that people can access the care where it’s most convenient for them and when they need it, Mr. Speaker.

As I said, there are challenges in health care. That’s why we have a patients-first health care plan with 50 clear actions to improve health care for all patients in this province, Mr. Speaker. And despite those challenges, we are going to continue on that plan in trying to make everything better for patients in the province.

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ve met with the Hanke family several times now, and their story is truly heartbreaking. Saskatchewan is a rich province. This is a rich country. No one — no one — should die of a broken ankle in the birthplace of medicare.

I’m going to ask the question again of the minister: why has he not met with those 450 front-line health care workers that demanded to meet with him before Kirsten died?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, Mr. Speaker, I have an opportunity to meet with health care professionals across our province pretty much every single week, Mr. Speaker, touring around the province, visiting different facilities both in Saskatoon and in smaller communities right across the province, Mr. Speaker. As I said in answer to the Leader of the Opposition’s question, I’ll be happy to meet with the Hanke family today to discuss their specific situation and again what we can learn from that situation to improve health care in our province.

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Mr. Speaker, the Hanke family wants to know that this is never going to happen again and that concrete steps are going to be taken to make sure this doesn’t happen again. So I have a simple question for the minister: what specific things has him and his ministry done to make sure that this tragedy is never ever repeated and somebody does not die of a broken ankle again?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said in a previous answer, we’ve added acute care bed capacity in Saskatoon to improve flow for patients in all three Saskatoon emergency rooms, Mr. Speaker. We’ve added surgical capacity, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that more people get access to timely surgeries when they need it, Mr. Speaker.

Again in regards to this very specific tragic situation, our provincial head of surgery, Dr. Mike Kelly, and I have spoken about the situation. I know Dr. Kelly has spoken to the family. There’s an ongoing safety review with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. And I’m confident that there will be specific findings out of there that we can apply to how we can care for patients going forward. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Keith Jorgenson: — Mr. Speaker, this minister talked about those additional beds at City Hospital in the last session, right. So this isn’t new. These things were in place before and announced before someone tragically died.

Mr. Speaker, this government is entitled and tired and out of touch after being in power for nearly 20 years. The problems with the health care system are not new, and they’re not someone else’s fault. Responsibility for the broken health care system rests solely with this government.

A woman died in this province from a broken ankle because she was turned away from a surgery that she needed. Does the minister think that it’s okay for people to be sent home without surgery?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — You know, Mr. Speaker, what I will say is that we have some incredibly qualified professionals that work in our health care facilities right across the province. And I want to just say I trust health care professionals in this province to work to provide the best possible care for patients that they can, Mr. Speaker.

Again the beds . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Excuse me, I’m answering this question. Mr. Speaker, I think it’s a serious topic, and we should take it and remove the politics out of it, Mr. Speaker.

This is a tragic situation, Mr. Speaker, as I’ve said. And an ongoing safety review is under way by the Saskatchewan Health Authority to find out exactly what happened in this case, Mr. Speaker, and how we can work with front-line physicians and nurses and the whole system to make things better for patients going forward in Saskatchewan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Government Advertising Expenditures

Meara Conway: — You know, Mr. Speaker, just a little pointer to the Minister of Health: he could have just said no, it is not acceptable. You know, this entitled and out-of-touch government isn’t focused on families like the Hankes.

But the minister does have plenty of time and money and attention for The World-Spectator newspaper. The Ministry of Health purchased ads to run in The World-Spectator newspaper owned by the member for Moosomin-Montmartre. And we’re partly concerned about that, Mr. Speaker, because that newspaper helped in funding his own election campaign.

Every single person in Saskatchewan got an update on their patients-first plan. But that didn’t stop this government from running ads in the January 12th, April 6th and 27th, and August 24th editions this year. How much public money did the Health minister spend on advertising in The World-Spectator?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, Mr. Speaker, in response to that member opposite’s questions yesterday, I did commit to coming back and sharing the numbers that we have available for all of the patients-first plan advertising that has been done right across the province, not just in one region, Mr. Speaker. So far that total to date is $222,071.

When it comes to advertising in weekly newspapers, Mr. Speaker, I would hope that the member opposite would understand how that actually works, Mr. Speaker. Weekly newspaper . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Excuse me. Mr. Speaker, I’m trying to answer this question . . .

[Interjections]

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

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, MLAs and other entities should know that purchasing for weekly newspaper advertising is typically done through SWNA [Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association] or a third party, Mr. Speaker. That covers purchasing for all 47 weekly newspapers in Saskatchewan and not specific newspapers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Meara Conway: — It’s nice to have the global figure I guess, Mr. Speaker, but I’m sure you can break it down for The World-Spectator. Maybe the Finance minister, being that he is the government minister responsible for the provincial budget, can tell us, as government ads promoting the budget ran in the March 23rd edition of The World-Spectator.

This was a government advertisement with government funds. How much of these government funds went into purchasing these government advertisements in the member from Moosomin-Montmartre’s World-Spectator?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, clearly the member opposite didn’t listen to the Health minister’s answer. The government does not directly advertise in The World-Spectator or any other weekly newspapers. It doesn’t directly buy advertising, Mr. Speaker. It’s done through the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association or SWNA, as it’s referred to, Mr. Speaker. And then they allocate it to all the weekly newspapers across Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

That’s used for all kinds of government advertising. It’s used to advertise dates for crop insurance and important things there, the patients-first health review, Mr. Speaker, and important measures like Henry’s Law that was spoken to earlier today, Mr. Speaker. That’s how government advertising is done.

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

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, if they don’t answer these questions, we’re just going to keep asking them because this is public money flowing into the newspaper of the member from Moosomin-Montmartre.

The Minister of Agriculture is yet another member who sits on the government side of the House and has also run advertisements in The World-Spectator, using money that came from government budgets. His ads ran in The World-Spectator on January 19th, 26th; April 20th, 27th; June 22nd; and August 31st.

Can the Ag minister tell us how much money that cost the people of Saskatchewan?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, the critic says she’s going to keep asking the question. That’s fine if that’s what she wishes to use question period on. She’s going to keep getting the answer, Mr. Speaker, and the answer is as I mentioned in the previous answer.

She asked the ag question, Mr. Speaker. I just said crop insurance is advertised in all the weekly newspapers in Saskatchewan. The government contracts it with SWNA, or the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association. They allocate it to all the weekly newspapers in Saskatchewan. I wonder if the member opposite . . . Now she doesn’t think that rural citizens are entitled to see government advertising? Is that what she is saying?

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

Meara Conway: — Mr. Speaker, we’re not asking how the ads are purchased; we’re asking how much they cost. And this isn’t any newspaper. This is a newspaper owned by your colleague that bankrolled his election campaign and was made to return some . . .

Speaker Goudy: — So I’m going to remind the member, this is the Chamber of hon. members. And I will accept no insinuation of wrongdoing. When we look here in the rules of debate, we won’t use offensive words against any member of the Assembly or the Assembly. And yesterday I heard “jet-setting.”

If this goes in this direction whatsoever, I am going to shut down the questions and you can do written questions. But repetitious questions I have ruled out of order last sitting. And so I would ask the member to be cautious as we move forward, asking these questions, talking about the member from Moosomin-Montmartre.

Meara Conway: — Okay, Mr. Speaker. It’s not just executive government that bought ads in The World-Spectator. The minister for SaskPower and SaskEnergy did too. These Crown corporations purchased ads in The World-Spectator nearly every edition that ran this year. And it’s a SaskEnergy ad in the August 31st edition that hits the nail right on the head, Mr. Speaker: “Something smells.”

How much public money has the Minister of CIC [Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan] handed over to The World-Spectator newspaper?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I think my colleagues have spoken to the process by which funding is allocated to weekly newspapers in this province — through the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association, which then purchases ads in weekly newspapers to make sure that rural residents have the same information that would be available to those in urban parts of this province as well, Mr. Speaker. We believe that to be appropriate, and that’s something we’re going to continue with, Mr. Speaker.

[11:00]

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

Data Centre Project

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Well here we go, the government again not answering questions and being fiscally responsible.

Mr. Speaker, the city of Yorkton has been waiting for a hospital for nearly 15 years. This government says it’s in pre-design, whatever that means. We need new schools in Brighton in Saskatoon, in southeast Regina, in White City, and more. We have a major shortage of affordable housing, and roads across the province are in desperate need of repair.

None of these projects get built or fixed by this government. Yet a hyperscale data centre is built overnight with zero public consultation. Why does this government continue to reject the critical projects Saskatchewan people are . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please. Sorry, I shouldn’t interrupt at the very end. Your final question?

Brittney Senger: — Why does this government continue to reject the critical projects the people of Saskatchewan are actually desperate for?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Oh my. I can say, Mr. Speaker, I am very happy to talk about the largest investment in the history of Canada, Mr. Speaker, which is being made right here in this capital city of Regina, Mr. Speaker — a $52 billion investment. And I would in reference to the question say, Mr. Speaker, 100 per cent private sector investment, Mr. Speaker, going into that project, which is going to be essential for our data and . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — A project that is of immense national significance, Mr. Speaker. Just today the Prime Minister, just actually before question period, was making an announcement with Minister Solomon about the massive significance of sovereign AI [artificial intelligence] in data and compute infrastructure, Mr. Speaker, which the federal government are investing further into that space and of which this project provides the centrepiece for our national AI and data sovereignty.

We are very proud of this, Mr. Speaker. This is broadly supported by the mayor of Regina, by the RM of Sherwood, by the University of Regina, by post-secondary institutions, Mr. Speaker, by the George Gordon First Nation, by the Saskatchewan Building Trades council . . .

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

Brittney Senger: — Mr. Speaker, it seems the minister does not understand digital sovereignty. Maybe he needs to enter into Chat GPT, “What is digital sovereignty?”

Mr. Speaker, the Premier and his minister claim the public has been consulted on the hyperscale data centre in Sherwood. It’s bigger than 500 CFL [Canadian Football League] fields. We have no clue how it will be powered. We have no clue what the impact on the environment will be. And we have no clue just how much this will cost the people of Saskatchewan. Still this government insists there is nothing to see here and that public consultation has occurred.

Can the minister provide an exact date which he attended a public consultation on the Sherwood hyperscale data centre?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — There’s some days in question period you look forward to, Mr. Speaker, and this is one of them.

The member opposite wants to talk about ChatGPT, Mr. Speaker. These are members opposite who literally had AI write their health care plan for them, Mr. Speaker, and forgot to take . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Wow. We have all these students here today. Minister, I hate to interrupt but it was loud. Please continue on.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These are members opposite who literally had artificial intelligence write their health care plan for them. And, Mr. Speaker, they actually forgot to take out the AI prompts when they publicly released it, Mr. Speaker. So this is precisely why, Mr. Speaker, nobody takes those members seriously.

This investment by Bell Canada, the largest in the history of Canada, Mr. Speaker, is going to ensure that when they use ChatGPT for writing their health care plan, that AI compute will actually be located right here in Regina, Mr. Speaker.

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

Provision of Health Care

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, that minister knows that my colleague from Regina Elphinstone-Centre wrote that plan after extensively consulting with people across this province — something they’ve never done, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this Premier and his Health ministers have made it very clear that they can’t and they won’t deliver on big, bold change in health care. Since the Sask Party re-announced their patients-first health care plan this March, there have been 1,000 emergency room closures across Saskatchewan. People are dying of a broken ankle and being left to writhe in pain on emergency room floors because there are no available rooms and no available beds. If this so-called plan is working, Mr. Speaker, why have there already been 1,000 closures since it was released?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well, Mr. Speaker, another session where we have to explain the difference between a closure and a disruption, Mr. Speaker. Disruptions are temporary in nature, Mr. Speaker. Closures are what the NDP [New Democratic Party] did to 52 hospitals in rural Saskatchewan when they were in government, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, there have been several actions like the virtual physician program, avoiding over 6,000 service disruptions in this province, Mr. Speaker. Innovations like that, that come from our front-line physicians and nurses in this province, have won awards nationally, Mr. Speaker. We’re proud of the virtual physician program and how we use that to avoid service disruptions, Mr. Speaker. The members opposite criticized it roundly over the last couple of sessions, Mr. Speaker. It’s these types of things that we’ll continue to do to reduce the disruptions that are in health care.

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

Addressing Homelessness

April ChiefCalf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to read a quote from Regina city councillor Victoria Flores. Her ward includes the encampment in Pepsi Park in Regina.

Six of us on council wrote to the province over 40 days ago asking for a winter solution. A month ago, the mayor sent them a plan for an indoor space. There were weeks to move people indoors safely. Instead, city and Social Services staff spent today scrambling to find people a bed for tonight. I don’t think everyone got one, and I’m deeply worried about anyone who did not. Front-line workers did everything they could. The decisions that left them scrambling were made at the political level.

Why has this entitled and out-of-touch government downloaded responsibility for homelessness onto municipalities? And what does the minister say to Councillor Flores?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to homelessness it’s an extremely complex issue. And it’s not one that just affects people here in Regina or people here in Saskatchewan, but it’s nationwide, Mr. Speaker.

What I will say is, we had ministry staff based across the street from Pepsi Park for a number of weeks, a couple of months trying to work with individuals in that encampment before it was taken down, Mr. Speaker. We are trying our absolute best working with individuals to get them shelter, to get them housed, to get them addressed, whether that’s for addictions treatment or otherwise, Mr. Speaker.

And I can tell you this; I can inform the House of this: anybody that requested shelter from the encampment was provided that shelter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 61 — The Mandatory Testing and Disclosure (Bodily Substances) Amendment Act, 2026

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill No. 61, The Mandatory Testing and Disclosure (Bodily Substances) Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It’s been moved by the Minister of Justice that Bill No. 61, The Mandatory Testing and Disclosure (Bodily Substances) Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

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

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Next sitting.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Bill No. 62 — The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2026

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I now move that Bill No. 62, The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Justice that Bill No. 62, The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

Speaker Goudy: — When shall this bill be read a second time? I recognize the minister.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Next sitting of the Assembly.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Bill No. 63 — The Municipal Employees’ Pension Amendment Act, 2026

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 63, The Municipal Employees’ Pension Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Finance that Bill No. 63, The Municipal Employees’ Pension Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

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

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Next sitting of the Assembly, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Bill No. 64 — The Revenue and Financial Services Amendment Act, 2026

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 64, The Revenue and Financial Services Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Finance that Bill No. 64, The Revenue and Financial Services Amendment Act, 2026 be introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

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

Hon. Jim Reiter: — Next sitting of the Assembly, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

SPECIAL ORDER

ADJOURNED DEBATES

ADDRESS IN REPLY

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the address in reply which was moved by Brad Crassweller, seconded by Travis Keisig, and the proposed amendment to the main motion moved by Vicki Mowat.]

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

Hon. Michael Weger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I’ll just refresh everyone’s memory. Yesterday I began my reply to the Speech from the Throne by trying to set the tone like I would at a hockey practice or before a hockey game, by asking the two questions. First one: how are we doing today? Second one: is there anywhere else you’d rather be?

And then I had just finished telling the story of a memorable trip with the MLA from Wood River and moving on to my next tour over to the Canora, Kamsack, and Togo area.

I returned there with the Minister of SaskBuilds and MLA for Canora-Pelly. As we met town council and administration, it was easy to see how important it is to be an MLA that is down to earth and relatable. Also as we cruised the back roads from Togo to Canora, it was also hard to tell at times if we were two MLAs discussing our constituents’ concerns or just two guys heading off to the next construction job.

The Minister of SaskBuilds is that kind of colleague and friend. He can talk politics. He can talk road building. And he can just talk even if it’s well past midnight and you’re on your way back home from Prince Albert and you just need someone to help keep you awake. It’s colleagues like this that make a guy feel good.

Mr. Speaker, it could be a bear hug from the MLA from Saskatchewan Rivers, a random group text with my amigos, or having an uplifting video from the MLA from Moose Jaw Wakamow come across my Facebook feed — it all makes you feel good. The level of optimism for what we can accomplish as a caucus and as a province is very high.

Mr. Speaker, some of us recently had the opportunity to listen to General Rick Hillier speak about optimism and how optimism can be infectious and contagious. I thank all of my fellow MLAs for what they do to make one another feel good, to help fuel this optimism, an optimism that we each have the ability to share with our constituents and the residents of Saskatchewan.

[11:15]

Over this past summer I have had the opportunity to attend many great events in my constituency, which has allowed me to interact with my constituents. Summer literally kicked off on June 25th when our amazing local service club, the Weyburn Young Fellows, hosted the Kick Off to Summer concert in the park. Fortunately for the farmers — unfortunately for their organizers — rain kept us out of the park, but we were able to move to the arena parking lot. Brett Kissel, Toque, and The Johner Brothers and others provided excellent entertainment that day.

Then on July 1st I once again was able to participate in the Canada Day celebrations here in Regina at the legislative grounds and also at Government House. This was followed by a quick trip out to Bengough for their July 1st bull riding event. It was a great day. And watching the beautiful sight of Mesa Gravelle ride her horse with the Canadian flag around the rodeo ring during the anthem reinforced the love I have for this country. In that moment there was absolutely nowhere else I would have rather been.

Mr. Speaker, I really enjoy handing out parade candy. I have never rode in or on a vehicle in a parade, and if possible I hope I never have to. Walking up to the girls and boys, handing them candy, shaking hands, and waving to the adults in attendance is such a great experience. I was able to attend parades in Weyburn, Lang, and Pangman this year. And based on the expressions on everyone’s faces, in that moment they were doing good.

Just this past month, Mr. Speaker, I’ve had the honour of attending two special events at the Weyburn General Hospital — the new $134 million provincially government-funded hospital. Mr. Speaker, the first event was at the donor appreciation day hosted by the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation, where I may have quoted the late Gord Downie from The Tragically Hip as I acknowledged that the opening of the hospital had “been a long time coming” but “well worth the wait.”

The second event was last Friday at the grand opening of the Weyburn General Hospital, where I was so happy to acknowledge the previous MLA for Weyburn-Big Muddy, Dustin Duncan, for all of his advocacy and work leading up to this project. Mr. Speaker, it was a real treat to be able to tour the hospital with Dustin and see the expression on his face.

I would also like to remind the MLA for Estevan-Big Muddy that Weyburn now has a Starbucks, a KFC buffet, and the largest operating room in the province of Saskatchewan. Two of those things are much thanks to Dustin’s advocacy.

A huge thank you to the Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation for contributing over $14 million to this project. And thank you to all the donors and volunteers that have worked on this project for the past 40‑plus years. The hospital will allow residents of Weyburn and surrounding area to receive quality health care at the right time and as close to home as possible.

Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about some inspirational people that I have met during my travels this past 10 months as the Community Safety minister. These individuals have made a significant impact on me and make me so proud to call this province home. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, their actions have had a significant impact on the safety of their communities, and their ideas, their lessons, and their teachings will have a significant impact on the strength and security of Saskatchewan.

I’ll start with RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] superintendent Grant St. Germaine. Superintendent St. Germaine is the head of Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan, or CTSS. Our province funds CTSS with an annual investment of $5.1 million. To better understand where and how these funds were used, I arranged a ride-along with Superintendent St. Germaine.

My main reason for the ride-along wasn’t because he’s the head of CTSS. My main reason for wanting a ride-along with Superintendent St. Germaine is because he is on the cusp of an amazing milestone — 50 years of service with the RCMP. And for Hansard, that’s five zero, Mr. Speaker.

And this ride-along did not disappoint. I received advice, guidance, and insight from arguably one of the most experienced police officers in this country. Also Superintendent St. Germaine is someone that would have every right to stay behind the desk in his office. He’s earned that. But he’s responsible for issuing over 1,000 tickets and warnings per year, Mr. Speaker. He’s leading by example. He’s out on patrol, helping keep our highways safe. Thank you, Grant, for your almost half a century of service to Canada.

Next I would like to mention each of the municipal police chiefs in the province. Our government provides $22.7 million in municipal police grants, which help fund 160 municipal police officers. I greatly appreciate the relationships I have built with Chief Nogier, Chief McBride, Chief Davies, Chief Davis, Chief VanDeSype, and Chief Blunden. That’s going from north to south, not in order of importance, Mr. Speaker. And I thank them for everything they are doing through their strong and steady leadership to keep our communities safe.

In the month of September, Mr. Speaker, I was also able to visit with each of our small-town and rural police services. I took with me what I refer to as the Happy Gilmore cheque so that we could snap a photo at each detachment showing the dollar value that had been provided to that detachment in the grant. Our government provides STAR [small-town and rural police services grant program] grant funding in the amount of $10,000 per officer for each small-town and rural police service, for a grand total of $190,000 this year.

The more important reason for my visit was to meet with the chiefs and their staff to receive their feedback on the grant program and learn how this grant will help support them to keep their communities safe. I thank Chief Duttchen, Chief Burgoyne, Chief Coleman, Chief Mochoruk, and Chief Rowe for everything they are doing to keep their towns and municipalities safe.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve had meaningful experiences with the RCMP assistant commissioner, Robin McNeil; Chief Superintendent Murray Chamberlin; and Inspector Jesse Gilbert on tours through northern communities and have had plenty of engagement with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service Chief Rob Cameron and Deputy Chief Rich Lowen.

There are many other municipal First Nations police, highway patrol, and RCMP officers that I have done ride-alongs with and engaged with at meetings. I’ve also met with them at awards ceremonies — numerous awards ceremonies — and a very special event that was hosted this year in Regina, the first annual Sentinel Gala.

There are too many names to remember to try to list today, but all very important individuals in Saskatchewan law enforcement. Each of our interactions has helped provide me ideas and feedback that will shape the future of community safety in Saskatchewan.

If talking about inspiring people, I cannot forget to talk about the individuals that are part of the La Ronge Cottage Owners Association and the Wadin Bay Cottage Owners Association. At the end of May, I was able to meet with numerous members led by Dr. James Irvine, on behalf of the La Ronge Cottage Owners Association, and Denis Renaud, on behalf of the Wadin Bay Cottage Owners Association.

The formal meetings were on May 28th and 29th in Prince Albert and La Ronge, but my preferred meeting was on May 30th, when I attended the community of Wadin Bay and I was able to experience their stories for myself. On May 30th Wadin Bay hosted a FireSmart information and equipment demonstration, where I was able to tour the community and see for myself the amount of work that went into protecting that community from the Pisew fire in 2025.

During this visit we continued a more informal meeting on Denis Renaud’s deck, where I was able to hear more personal stories about the planning, work, commitment, and sacrifice that went into protecting that community. We discussed the need for more support for northern communities to initiate wildfire mitigation and planning activities, support for fire suppression equipment, and we talked about the opportunity to establish wildfire reservists.

Mr. Speaker, these discussions have directly influenced the development of the community wildfire resilience team pilot project and the resilient communities through FireSmart grant program. These will be significant steps in protecting vulnerable communities from destructive wildfires in the future.

And, Mr. Speaker, I was so proud and excited to return to Wadin Bay on August 12th, where I was able to deliver a $40,000 grant to the Wadin Bay Cottage Owners Association. That night myself and Marlo Pritchard, the president of the SPSA [Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency], also presented the SPSA president’s award for distinguished service to 25 Wadin Bay volunteers for their efforts during the 2025 wildfire season.

The recipients were Larry Achtemichuk, Seth Bergsveinson, Shaun Bergsveinson, Kennedy Bonneau, Jason Brooks, Larry Cruse, Kelly Gale, Michelle Gale, Adrian Godbold, Garry Grant, Terry Holowach, Blake Karst, James Larocque, Bernie Larocque, Rhonda Middlemass, Derrick Long, Corey Nordal, Denis Renaud, Ross Stewart, Valerie Steed, Gerry Toole, Richard Tweedie, Kerry Wisser, Roger Bonneau, and Ronald Middlemass.

Mr. Speaker, the recipients of these awards played an integral part in the protection of the Wadin Bay community during the ’25 wildfire season. I was able to obtain and read the book titled, Not on Our Watch! A Tribute to the 2025 Wadin Bay Volunteer Firefighters, which provides a very in-depth look into what these volunteer firefighters endured.

To briefly summarize, Mr. Speaker, these individuals worked nine days and nine nights to actively defend and protect their homes and cabins, with only one loss being a single shed. They went on short sleep. They dealt with smoke, debris, ash, burning embers. They could barely breathe. And at the end of the nine days, some of them could barely see through their swollen eyes. Mr. Speaker, it is hard to imagine the resilience that these community members and volunteers had to demonstrate at this time.

And, Mr. Speaker, not everyone that volunteered in Wadin Bay was out actively fighting wildfires. One individual I want to draw attention to is Michelle Gale. Mr. Speaker, Michelle supported the volunteers with the preparation of food and delivery of supplies and overall organization of the volunteers.

Sadly, Mr. Speaker, I never had the opportunity to meet Michelle, as she passed away on April 5th, 2026. But, Mr. Speaker, as I pulled into Wadin Bay on August 12th, as I came over the hill about to make the right turn off Highway 102, the rain had just stopped and a beautiful rainbow was touching down on Wadin Bay, which signalled to me that Michelle was with us that day and watching over her community. Mr. Speaker, I ended that amazing day in Wadin Bay with a one-kilometre swim in Lac La Ronge while my wife and Terry Holowach enjoyed a cold beverage on his dock.

Mr. Speaker, I have a confession to make. This MLA from southern Saskatchewan may be falling in love with the North.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve had to announce my leave of absence from my law firm in Weyburn this past summer. It was very difficult to share this information with my amazing staff, many of whom have been by my side my entire legal career, all of whom I consider to be friends. It was also a difficult discussion with my family, Mr. Speaker, as my wife and my children, they’re also owners of this business and have supported me through my entire legal career. And I cannot thank them enough. It was a difficult decision, Mr. Speaker.

And as I shared with my staff, I explained that the past two years have been two of the most rewarding years of my life, Mr. Speaker. I really enjoyed serving my clients in Weyburn and surrounding area for 18 years, but right now I want to serve the people of Saskatchewan. Right now, there’s no where else I would rather be.

So, Mr. Speaker, as the government we must set the tone. We must keep asking residents of Saskatchewan how they are doing. And we must do our best to ensure the answer is a resounding “good.”

Mr. Speaker, our province is the most affordable place in Canada to live. Our province has a strong and growing economy that supports a publicly funded health care system that is putting patients first. And, Mr. Speaker, you have a minister that is committed to improving community safety on our First Nations, in rural Saskatchewan, in our towns, and in our cities. Right now, right here, we have a strong, steady Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, is there anywhere else you’d rather be? I didn’t think so.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I will put on record that I support the motion moved by the MLA for White City-Qu’Appelle and seconded by the MLA from Last Mountain-Touchwood. I will not support any proposed amendments.

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

[11:30]

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet. I’d like to first thank the people of Saskatoon Stonebridge for their support, their feedback, their interest in building a better Saskatchewan through door knocking, barbeques, cultural events, receptions, awards ceremonies.

I make every effort to be a part of these important things, and not only in Saskatoon but across this great province. I will always seek out those types of opportunities to connect, and will always be eager to attend and honour folks by accepting their invitations to whatever gatherings are important to them.

And to my wife, Christina, thank you for supporting me in all that you do. I couldn’t be here without you. It’s an enormous undertaking to be at home with our son without me around as much during these 60 to 70 days per year, so I think the most of you. And to Miles, my seven-year-old: hi, Miles; I look forward to doing some tae kwon do with you when we get home.

It’s worth mentioning again. I’ve said it before; I’ll say it again. If I can’t give permission to the folks in this Chamber, I’ll at least highlight and suggest the idea that we all need to make sure that family’s first in everything that we do while we serve in this great province.

Our leader, the Regina Lakeview MLA, kudos to her. Recently, two times over the last two weeks, I was out at events, evening events in Saskatoon. And I’ve been really trying to prioritize being home to put my son to bed. Otherwise he gets pretty weepy when he has his FaceTimes with me. And I said to the leader that I hope it’s okay; I think while you’re speaking I need to take off. And she said, absolutely; go be with your son. It’s what we need to do in our roles when possible.

So I appreciate our leader from Regina Lakeview. I appreciate this team of MLAs. They work their butts off across this province to represent people, to listen to people. They’re making those same sacrifices that I’m making and that their families are making for them as well, so I appreciate them. And our staff on Taylor Street — Levi, John, Kaytee — we really appreciate the collaboration that we get to experience with a joint office in Saskatoon.

So most people, Mr. Speaker, know me as either a band teacher or a phys ed teacher. But for the first four years of my career, I was actually a grade 7 and 8 math teacher. I loved teaching math. The teachers would never let me teach their math because they wanted me to teach their arts ed or their science or their social studies or their health. Lots of people like teaching math in education. I’m old enough that I used to use transparencies and overhead projectors. I don’t think schools still have those, but I would be lost without one.

That all being said, in terms of this Throne Speech, I think it’s important that we actually look at one of the curriculum outcomes in the grade 8 math curriculum for Saskatchewan. I think some of our Sask Party government may have missed those days in eighth grade. So all that being said, I’m going to explain how the data and numeracy within this Throne Speech lacks some of that basics from grade 8 math.

So the unit of study we’ll focus on today involves statistics and probability: SP8.1. The Education minister must be fully aware of it. Focusing on the statistics outcome today, but in terms of probability, they might want to check out that most recent Abacus poll that puts them on the outside looking in in 2028.

But that being said, statistics. Let’s talk stats. If they want to talk about Abacus, we can do that. Analyzing the modes . . . Here is the curriculum outcome: analyzing the modes of displaying data and the reasonableness of conclusions. In other words, how can we share numbers? And are the statements being made based on those numbers realistic? Are the conclusions broadly accurate and agreed upon?

If we look at the indicators, we can dig deeper. SP8.1 (a) says, investigate and report on the advantages and disadvantages of different types of graphs. Bar graphs with X axes and Y axes have flexibility to share data in different ways than, say, circle graphs. Showing percentages is extremely concrete, whereas you can make bar graphs sometimes say what you want them to say by extending the parameters of the X and Y.

As well . . . I’m going to combine two together for the sake of time. SP8.1 in (e) and (f): analyze and identify data found in media that might feature bias to the interpretation of data and graphs, suggesting alterations to remove or downplay the bias. In this case we see situations of rounding up, rounding down, excluding data that might not be as helpful to make an argument.

Throughout this Throne Speech, our opposition and its members see too many examples of data claims that are severely stretched truths. And we intend to contrast them with our plan and our vision for Grid and Growth; ending child poverty; and Your Care, Your Say, our response to patients-first.

First let’s start with some of those pieces of numerical data represented in the Throne Speech. For example, they said Saskatchewan’s exports are almost 50 billion. Can we just say that they’re 47.2 billion? $2.8 billion is a lot of money. To round up, it sort of suggests that maybe this government’s getting too used to using special warrants every year before the budget — a billion dollars here, a billion dollars there — going deeper and deeper into debt.

And I’d also like to compliment the government on highlighting some of our natural resources and some of the businesses that provide so much value to the people here in Saskatchewan. Through mining uranium, potash, oil and gas, soon to be alumina, we support the investment of infrastructure to transport these resources via pipelines, via taking them on rail, trucks, all of the above approach. And we are proud of this for the folks in these industries who are doing their part.

And I’d also like to point out that there has been 48 per cent inflation since 2007. To suggest that exports were $19 billion in 2007 and then round up to $50 billion dollars, you’re not really comparing apples to apples; you’re comparing apples to oranges. You’re picking data based on what sounds good, and we need to stop doing that in this province.

I’d also like to point out that when they talk about affordability, increasing the income tax threshold to $65,000, that’s great in principle. But there’s a lot of people that were still under that threshold before those changes were made that still need our supports. They’re not getting the supports. We have 40 per cent of food bank usage for children in this province, and it’s unacceptable. We need to support them and we’re not doing that. That should have been in the Throne Speech but it wasn’t.

And talking about the most affordable place to live in the province means little when health care workers have gone upwards of four and a half years without a contract. Fair wages now, Mr. Speaker.

I also think when we talk about health care, it talks about 7,500 doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals that have joined the team since 2022. We need to start using net as opposed to gross. We’ve been asking for years and years and years for them to split this data up and it’s never happened. We need to see the net. Seventy-five hundred means nothing unless we see the net.

And absent from the Throne Speech were numbers, data, commitments, dates to a Yorkton hospital. Again relying on “it’s in the design phase” for 15 years. It’s unacceptable. And our government in 2028 is going to do better than that.

[Applause]

Darcy Warrington: — Thank you. The Regina breast health centre celebrated its one-year anniversary and has already received more than 2,200 referrals. There’s some great data here, great numerical points — 7,000 additional screenings across 42 communities. This is all great. My mother’s a breast cancer survivor herself. But all that being said, we still have a pile of folks being forced to go to Calgary to get their mammograms done. Even with compensation, there’s other things that aren’t taken into consideration in those situations, Mr. Speaker. We have to make sure that we get all of that work done at home as soon as possible.

And another number I’d like to point out, or numbers, through the establishment of municipal police grants, our government — their government — is funding 160 positions within policing programs across this province. They also go on to say 187 warrant apprehensions were made with over 100 fugitives arrested in Prince Albert and other areas just this year.

Those are good statistics, Mr. Speaker. But if that same amount of money would have been distributed from the marshals to RCMP and municipal forces across this province, they could have had so many more positions, boots on the ground. They could have apprehended more folks. And our team is really struggling with this idea of all of the extra administration costs and upstart costs when those established, well-respected organizations could have been doing the work, Mr. Speaker.

I also saw nothing in this Throne Speech in terms of statistics and numeracy, which is my focus here today. Zero concrete numbers shared for the ag sector, so no formal commitments in here. Also no mention of highways or infrastructure in this Throne Speech. There was a mention from the member from Last Mountain-Touchwood of committing to fixing Highway 22, but what he failed to do was to tell us when. And that number needs to be known as soon as possible.

Also saying things broadly, like a historic increase in education spending. We need to stop doing this. There’s been 48 per cent inflation since 2007. If it’s not an increase, then you would actually be the worst provincial government in the history of Canada. And I don’t think you’re trying to do that, but that statement of being historic every single year, year after year, needs to go the way of dodo bird.

They’ve made an effort to stop using per capita spending, because there aren’t 2‑year-olds and 80‑year-olds in our schools, Mr. Speaker. But that being said, there is still $1,483 per student behind 2016 levels.

A few kudos. I get along pretty good with a few of the folks on that side. I’d really like to thank the Minister of Highways for going to Marengo with $50,000 on behalf of the provincial government to help build a playground. I think the community really appreciated him being there and I appreciate him being there too. I do have some concerns with that. I think that the way that is allocated — and I may have said this in this Assembly before — I think those funds should also be considered for playgrounds off school property or adjacent to school property.

Mr. Speaker, there is a playground that’s being developed by our community association in our community. They’ve raised $200,000 but none of that is being provided by this provincial government. There are some folks that have reached out about adaptability issues where folks in wheelchairs are not able to access this equipment. That $50,000 could have gone a long way towards inclusivity of those students. So I encourage this government to consider broadening that. There’s 15,000 people in Stonebridge and there’s a bit of a playground desert on the east side of it — about a kilometre and a half from the school.

And I’ll also thank the government for assisting community rinks. I do think that that can be broadened. Our rink in Stonebridge raised $60,000, and as inflation costs were going on, we actually had to continue that fundraising; $5,000 for an outdoor rink would have gone a long way to us having that rink built years in advance.

And also a brief mention of the veterans’ clubs receiving $1.64 million. This is great news. I am a member of the Legion of Flaxcombe #98. During COVID they received funds to heat the building through the provincial government. I know that my mom and my aunt are very active with that Legion as a result of my grandfather and uncle’s services in the military, and we really appreciate that $30,000 to several different veterans’ groups across this province.

And after meeting with Private Shaun Farrell’s family, Patricia and Roland, recently — very proud Canadians who were very proud of their son and all the folks at CFB [Canadian Forces Base] Wainwright, and they’ve gone through so much — this is the least that we could do. And I appreciate the commitment that’s there.

And I apparently never started my clock, so I don’t know how long I’ve been going, Mr. Speaker. But at some point I’m going to maybe get an angry look from the Opposition House Leader. But I would like to briefly move into the patients-first health care plan and what’s proposed here, or rather what’s maybe not working in those proposals.

So Kirsten Hanke died of a preventable blood clot after a broken ankle went untreated for more than a week. We heard this today. I hope it wasn’t the first time for all the members in this Chamber. Does it matter that this government has been implementing a 50‑point plan when Kirsten Hanke is no longer with us? It does not.

[11:45]

I met with this family of Kirsten Hanke. Her parents, Kelly and Shawna, live in Saskatoon Stonebridge. Any person on the other side of the aisle that feels any pride in their role they’re playing in this mismanagement of public health care system should be required to know Kirsten’s story. They should hear the words said by Kirsten’s husband, Morgan Kirby, who couldn’t be here today, play in their heads to promote this 50‑point plan:

No one’s shocked, and that’s the scary part. We should be shocked right now. We should be floored. And we’re not. Because we all have heard this happen way too many times. It keeps happening. It keeps happening. It can’t happen.

Morgan also said:

We just can’t have this happen in this country where we live, where somebody can truly be not given the treatment they need to even be given a fighting chance.

Kirsten’s story is a tragedy because she could still be with us if she was given proper treatment. But what is also tragic is that she is far from the only story out there like this. Too many people suffer enormously, needlessly, every year waiting for treatment in this province. When you have a consistent outcome that results in premature deaths of people, Mr. Speaker, that is not solely an outcome of tragedy; it is an outcome of a failed fourth version of patients-first.

Now there is no easy segue from Kirsten’s story, but I’d also like to talk about child poverty and child hunger. So what does an ethical supplier of food look like?

We talked a lot about data. Now I’m going to talk a little about words and how they’re important. An ethical supplier of food. This Premier and the Sask Party government states that Saskatchewan is an essential supplier of food. But should an essential food supplier have the highest child poverty rates in all of Canada? Is that strong and steady, Mr. Speaker? Should 25 per cent of our kids go hungry every single day? An ethical supplier of food would ensure kids have food in their bellies at minimum every day students are at school, as well offering meals to take home for evenings and weekends when needed.

Mr. Speaker, just before the election, I taught at wâhkôhtowin School, a Cree-culture school, a school with a daily lunch program not just for kids who need it, for everyone. It was absolutely crucial to not only an environment of learning and belonging, but for those students, it was about their absolute survival. Staff would send home evening meals, meals for weekends. But what do schools do when they have no food programs, Mr. Speaker? Students who are not bringing lunches to school? My mother, as I mentioned, for 39 years she would make lunches for some of her students throughout her entire career. We can do something about this, but I guess this is a strong, steady, and ready government.

Our team is pledging that we won’t stand down on this epidemic of lack of nourishment for our province’s children. The Government of Saskatchewan has a responsibility to every person living in this province, none more important than our children. I could not imagine being a part of a government that makes no attempt to ensure kids are fed. I consider myself lucky knowing that every member of our caucus feels the same. It is a tragedy that the feeling isn’t shared by every single member of this Assembly. And there will be no strong, steady, or ready Saskatchewan until this problem is addressed systematically and emphatically by this government.

And I already touched on some of the numbers within education, but I also wanted to say this. My family and others in Stonebridge in Saskatoon are now required to pay $100 a year for a supervision fee, Mr. Speaker, for our children just to stay at school during lunch break. It would be funny if it weren’t so bleak. I was under the reasonable assumption that our taxes would cover the cost of supervision during the school day. These are concerns I’m hearing from folks in not only Stonebridge but across Saskatoon.

Taking a million dollars here and a million dollars there from Saskatoon families, this is no fault of any school division; this is the fault of this tired and out-of-touch government. Whether it’s supervision in schools, encampments in urban areas, or over-capacity hospitals and emergency rooms, it’s always brushed off by this government as “it’s bad everywhere” or “not our problem; ask someone else.”

Speaking about not our problem . . .

I might be running short on time. I have talked a little bit longer than I need to be. So in future adjourned debates and at the budget, I’ll speak more about SGI [Saskatchewan Government Insurance] and SaskPower.

So the difference between this government’s claims and our vision. Let’s return a final time to that grade 8 math curriculum. SP8.1 (a), (e), and (f) — that’s everyone’s homework for tomorrow. The question is not simply what numbers this government puts forward, but whether the conclusions it draws are reasonable. Compare the government’s claims with the experiences of Saskatchewan people — families trying to access health care, children going hungry, students receiving less and less funding, drivers facing rising power and also insurance costs.

Our plan and our vision for Grid and Growth, ending child poverty, and Your Care, Your Say offer a different approach. The Government of Saskatchewan has a responsibility to every person living in this province, none more than our children.

I’ll end with these words from the Speech from the Throne, Mr. Speaker: by focusing on what we — the Sask Party government — can control, we will keep Saskatchewan strong and steady. There is no mention of addressing child hunger. There’s no mention of a conveniently absent plan to bring Saskatchewan to nuclear. They can control whether they will waste $46.4 billion of your dollars, and that will be spent on antiquated technology and coal infrastructure that has almost entirely been phased out by the modern world.

This government is trying to manifest that they have been instrumental in creating a strong and steady Saskatchewan. The only thing strong and steady are the people, Mr. Speaker. The people of Saskatchewan are strong and steady, but this government has created nothing but stagnation and weakness in our public institutions. It’s time for change.

And with that, I will not be supporting the Throne Speech as moved by the member from White City-Qu’Appelle, but I will be supporting the motion from the member from Saskatoon Fairview, seconded by the member from Walsh Acres. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Betty Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to respond to the Speech from the Throne as the independent MLA for Saskatoon Centre. This Throne Speech outlines the government’s priorities for Saskatchewan’s economy, affordability, health care, safety measures, education, and resource development.

Before I begin, Mr. Speaker, I want to express my gratitude to my team, to my volunteers, to my ceremonial family, to my community, and to the people of Saskatoon Centre. Thank you.

When I became an independent MLA, I will admit I was nervous. I knew that there would be criticism. I knew there would be uncertainty for me. And I wondered whether standing by my principles would come to be viewed negatively. Mr. Speaker, what happened instead surprised me.

The overwhelming support I received was very heartening. People from every corner of Saskatchewan reached out to me. People texted me, emailed me, called me, sent messages, inundated my office with support. People who identified as Conservatives, New Democrats, Liberals, and people who do not belong to any political party reached out with the same message — they respected that I stood by my principles, they respected that I spoke honestly, and they respected that I was willing to stand up for what I believed.

Mr. Speaker, that support humbled me. People continue to tell me that leadership matters more than political labels. Many have said they support the work I do because they trust my voice and my advocacy. That trust is something I carry with me every single day.

I want to thank the many volunteers who stepped up to help me build as an independent MLA. They joined me in visiting with residents in Saskatoon Centre, my constituents. And I want to thank the people who continue to contact my office seeking assistance. Some of them don’t even live in Saskatoon Centre, yet they reach out because they believe I will listen. They trust me and they believe I will certainly advocate for them, Mr. Speaker. There is no greater honour than that.

I also want to thank Indigenous people across the province who continue to trust me to raise the issues that too often go unsaid in this legislature, especially when it comes to inherent rights and treaty rights. And, Mr. Speaker, I take that responsibility seriously, and I always will as a First Nation mother and grandmother.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my children. I have three adult children. I have eight grandchildren now. And of course I want to thank my sweetheart. You know, this year we celebrated a milestone. We’ve been together almost 30 years and celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.

And here’s the thing, Mr. Speaker. You know, in all my career working in whatever profession I was working in, because I’m outspoken, a little feisty, I’ve been called difficult.

And one of the things my husband wanted to do was to renew our vows. So we did that in our backyard with our grandchildren participating. They decorated. It was wonderful. They felt included. And my husband and I chuckled when I told him. I said, look, if my husband that I’ve been with for almost 30 years as a partner in life wants to remarry me again, I must not be that difficult of a person to be with. And of course my family all chuckled because they thought, yeah, you must not be that bad if your husband wants to marry you again. So anyway, I’m just so grateful for his love and support. And I want to thank my family for loving me, supporting me, and my community.

And this is why I do the work I do, Mr. Speaker. I don’t want my grandchildren to grow up facing the same evolving forms of racism, exclusion, and barriers that many Indigenous people continue to experience today. I want them to see themselves reflected in the leadership, especially in this legislature. I want them to know their voices matter, and I want them to know they too belong in this legislature. That is one of the reasons I am here, Mr. Speaker. Now I’ll move on to my response.

Mr. Speaker, one of the central themes of the Throne Speech is affordability. The government highlights affordability measures, tax reductions, and cost-of-living initiatives. Yet I have to ask, Mr. Speaker, who exactly is the government speaking to? Because the people I speak with in Saskatoon Centre and across this province are struggling. Just down the street from my constituency office is the food bank. I see regularly a line of vehicles and a long line of people waiting for food, and that should concern every member of this Assembly.

[12:00]

Mr. Speaker, families are struggling with groceries. Seniors living on fixed incomes are struggling. People with disabilities continue to struggle to make ends meet and to have their needs met. For many people, affordability is not a political talking point. It is their daily reality, Mr. Speaker.

There is also an affordability issue that receives very little attention in this legislature: utility costs on First Nation communities. Their power rates are much higher than any urban or rural municipality. Many First Nation residents continue to face higher power rates that are significantly higher than residents living in urban centres and many rural communities and farms. This issue deserves far more attention than it receives. Mr. Speaker, if affordability matters, then affordability should matter to everybody.

Mr. Speaker, there are measures in this Throne Speech that intrigue me. I like when bills get proposed because I geek out on those bills — like analysing them. So anyway the bills that they’re proposing do intrigue me. I support efforts to allow health professionals to work closer to their full scope of practice. The Throne Speech commits to expanding scope-of-practice legislation for health care professionals. Mr. Speaker, I hope that includes nurse practitioners and pharmacists who have been asking to work at their full scope of practice.

What I do see here is commitment to mental health and addictions. However what I do not see is education training seats for mental health and addictions professionals. Mr. Speaker, we need more mental health counsellors out there. We need more psychologists, more addictions counsellors and professionals because the burnout in these professions is significant. And at a time when demand continues to increase, we need a workforce strategy that responds to the reality that we face, especially when it comes to substance use harms in this province.

I’m also concerned about the lack of discussion around mental health for first responders, for teachers, for educational assistants, and for school-based professionals who support children and families every single day. Mental health is health care, Mr. Speaker, and we should treat it as such.

The same applies to addictions recovery. The government points to 412 operational treatment spaces and additional treatment capacity. Mr. Speaker, it’s the first time saying this — that progress matters, and credit should be given where it is deserved.

Mr. Speaker, I have had the honour and the privilege to visit St. Joe’s treatment in Estevan, Saskatchewan, and I was impressed with their long-term treatment program. And I was excited to learn that they had their sober living homes because recovery changes lives and people do recover. People do heal if they have the proper supports in place, and people do rebuild their lives when there is ongoing support to help one’s mental health.

Mr. Speaker, treatment alone is not enough. I would have liked to have seen stronger commitments to First Nation treatment centres. I would have liked to have seen greater investments in recovery housing and sober living homes, particularly in Saskatoon and Regina and especially in northern Saskatchewan, because recovery does not end when someone walks out the door of a treatment centre. For many people, that is when the real work begins.

Mr. Speaker, my constituents continue to raise concerns about homelessness. They raise concerns about addictions and substance use harms. They raise concerns about crime and safety. People want safer communities, business owners want safer communities, and families want stability. These concerns are legitimate, Mr. Speaker, and we must recognize that public safety and social supports go hand in hand because housing matters, treatment matters, prevention matters, recovery matters, good mental health matters. And if we want healthier communities, we must invest in all those things, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, this year marked the 150th anniversary of Treaty 6 and the Treaty 4 adhesions. I had the honour of attending the commemoration at Fort Pelly, where my great-grandfather Chief Kinistin signed the Treaty 4 adhesion in 1876.

Mr. Speaker, as I stood in Fort Pelly, I reflected on the responsibility carried by those chiefs. I reflected on the future they were trying to secure for their people. My great-grandfather refused to sign the treaty in 1874. You see, Mr. Speaker, my great-grandfather did not trust Crown representatives to do right by his people. But by 1876, his people were suffering. Like many inherent and treaty rights people, they faced immense hardship, Mr. Speaker, and ultimately he signed the adhesion to Treaty 4 in 1876.

Mr. Speaker, I want to be very clear about my understanding of what he and other chiefs agreed to: they agreed to share the land; they agreed to share it to the depth of the plow. They did not surrender the land. They did not surrender the natural resources. They did not surrender the minerals beneath the land. And they certainly did not sign treaties so that future governments could legislate every aspect of their peoples’ lives.

Mr. Speaker, politicians attend treaty celebrations and commemorations. We hear speeches about reconciliation. We hear sitting governments speak about the treaty relationship. But what we rarely hear about is the unfinished treaty business. What we rarely hear about are the promises Indigenous people, inherent and treaty rights holders, continue to say remain unresolved. What we rarely hear about are the obligations governments continue to avoid. For 150 years, Mr. Speaker, governments have acted as though these issues were settled; for many inherent and treaty rights people, they never were.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan’s prosperity is built on treaty territory. This province benefits from uranium, potash, oil, gas, natural resources, minerals, and the tremendous wealth generated from those resources. The Throne Speech places significant emphasis on the resource development and Saskatchewan’s resource economy. Yet, Mr. Speaker, when the conversation turns to treaty obligations and unfinished treaty business, governments often remain remarkably quiet. And now I hear the Crown land leases are up for auction again.

Mr. Speaker, the Saskatchewan Party and the NDP may disagree on many things but, on the question of natural resources and minerals, both parties have largely accepted that this issue was settled long ago. For many inherent and treaty rights people, it was not. For many inherent and treaty rights people, it remains unfinished treaty business.

In 1930 the NRTA [Natural Resources Transfer Agreement] transferred control of natural resources to the province. Then in 1982, Mr. Speaker, the NDP government of the day supported the inclusion of section 92A in the Constitution, further entrenching provincial authority over natural resources.

Yet my great-grandfather Chief Kinistin signed the treaty, the adhesion to Treaty 4 in 1876. The treaty came first. The 1930 NRTA came later. Section 92A came later. And neither changed what my great-grandfather and the other chiefs agreed to when they entered into treaty.

They agreed to share the land. They agreed to share it to the depth of the plow. They did not surrender the land. They did not surrender the natural resources. They did not surrender the minerals beneath the land. And they certainly did not sign treaties so future governments could legislate every aspect of their people’s lives.

Mr. Speaker, I find it remarkable that MLAs in this province will celebrate treaty anniversaries while refusing to engage in meaningful consultation and discussions about lands, natural resources, minerals, and treaty implementation. You cannot celebrate treaties while avoiding treaty obligations and breaching those treaties.

Mr. Speaker, one cannot claim to support reconciliation while refusing to have difficult conversations. And you cannot pat yourself on the back for reaffirming provincial control over natural resources while ignoring the concerns of inherent and treaty rights people that continue to raise them. Mr. Speaker, that is not reconciliation; that is avoidance.

Mr. Speaker, before becoming an independent MLA there were moments when I was expected to accept political positions that conflicted with my understanding of the treaty relationship, especially as it relates to natural resources and minerals. There were moments when politics was expected to come before principle, like publicly agreeing with the NDP’s 1982 decision to entrench provincial authority over natural resources in this province.

Mr. Speaker, I did not come here to repeat talking points; I came here to speak honestly. I am here to represent my constituents and those inherent and treaty rights holders in this province. And I came here to raise issues that others are unwilling to raise. So let me say this clearly, Mr. Speaker: the questions of lands, natural resources, and minerals remain as unfinished treaty business.

[12:15]

It may make sitting governments uncomfortable. It may make political parties uncomfortable. Mr. Speaker, uncomfortable conversations are often the most important conversations we can have. If reconciliation is to mean anything, it must be more than the ceremonies, more than anniversaries, more than platitudes, more than symbolic gestures.

Mr. Speaker, it must include addressing the unfinished treaty business that remains between inherent treaty rights holders and the Crown. Only then can reconciliation move beyond words. Only then can it become action.

Mr. Speaker, as Saskatchewan’s only independent MLA, I have the privilege and responsibility of speaking freely. I am not here to defend a party. I am here to represent the people who elected me. I am here to ask questions, even if they’re difficult. And I’m here to ensure that voices that are too often ignored are heard in this legislature. Mr. Speaker, I will support good ideas, regardless of where they come from, and I will oppose bad ideas, regardless of who brings them forward, because that is my responsibility.

To the people of Saskatoon Centre: thank you for your continued support and belief in me to be your voice for Saskatoon Centre. And thank you to the many First Nation and Métis communities out there that continue to offer their heartfelt gratitude for the voice that I bring to this legislature. Thank you for believing me that independent voices matter.

The last several months, Mr. Speaker, have taught me that leadership is not about fitting in. Leadership is about standing up — standing up for your principles, standing up for the people who do not have a voice, and standing up for what is right, even when it is not popular.

Mr. Speaker, that is the commitment I made when I entered public life, is to speak truth to power. It is the commitment I make again today, and it is the commitment I will continue to uphold for the people of Saskatoon Centre and for the people of Saskatchewan. Miigwech, Mr. Speaker.

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

James Thorsteinson: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I am happy to rise in my place today to give my reply to the Speech from the Throne, which lays out our government’s vision for not only the next year but for the future of Saskatchewan. And, Mr. Speaker, that future is very bright indeed.

The future is why we are all here as members of the Legislative Assembly. It is my hope that, regardless of which side of the aisle we may be seated, we all want to make Saskatchewan a better place for our families, our children, and our grandchildren.

And I would like to take a few moments, Mr. Speaker, to recognize and thank my family for their love and support. In particular I would like to thank my significantly better half, Lana. I couldn’t do this without you. It’s not easy being away from each other as often as we have to be. And as has been mentioned many times before, no one here serves alone. Thank you. Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and your sacrifice, and your support. I love you.

And, Mr. Speaker, my family continues to grow. In the last couple years, I’ve gained two daughters-in-law. And I’m very happy to have Hayley and Amanda in the family, especially because Lana and I are now being blessed with grandbabies. Everleigh Thorsteinson joined us in September, and a second is on the way in March. Yes, Mr. Speaker, I too am now married to a grandma. And that is why we do what we do, Mr. Speaker, and it makes every sacrifice worth it.

I’d also like to thank my political family, the people who work so hard behind the scenes each and every day. Thank you to the amazing group of volunteers that make up the constituency association, who help organize local meetings and events. And it is truly invaluable, your assistance. And also my political family here in Regina for your support on everything that we do here. I truly value and appreciate each and every one of you.

I’d also like to thank my CA [constituency assistant] Jackie for keeping the constituency office up and running; for assisting constituents with a wide range of issues; and the hardest job of all: keeping me on track, on time, and on schedule.

Finally, thank you to the residents of Cut Knife-Turtleford. Thank you for putting your faith in me to serve you as your elected representative here in the legislature. I’ve been meeting more and more people from across the constituency all the time in the last two years, and I truly value those connections. I look forward to serving you for the next two years and hopefully longer.

Now, Mr. Speaker, back to the Throne Speech and our government’s vision. It’s a plan not only for the year to come, but one that will lead Saskatchewan into the future; a road map that not only points to where we are today, but lays out how we will move forward, how we will maintain a strong, steady Saskatchewan.

Look at the first two lines, Mr. Speaker: “The world is uncertain. Saskatchewan isn’t.” That in and of itself is quite a statement, Mr. Speaker, because it’s true. Look at what is happening around the world and contrast that to what is happening right here in Saskatchewan.

Global unrest and wide-sweeping tariffs are causing global market uncertainty, but here in Saskatchewan, things look significantly different. Saskatchewan’s strong, steady economy is attracting investment. Companies from all around the world are looking to our province as a place to invest. We currently have 60 major projects on the go worth over $100 billion. One project — as has been mentioned before, just outside Regina — the Bell AI data centre is the largest single capital investment in the history of Canada. This project, along with all the other projects going on, will create good mortgage-paying jobs for families across our province.

But, Mr. Speaker, that doesn’t include the hundreds of smaller investments that are happening across this province from north to south to east to west. Just in the constituency of Cut Knife-Turtleford alone, there are multiple companies investing millions of dollars in projects of their own. One example is two fertilizer blending and storage facilities, both currently under construction. Veikle Ag from Cut Knife is nearing completion of their new facility in Maidstone, and the Lloydminster and district Co-op have broken ground on their facility in Neilburg — proof that there is strong optimism in our world-class agricultural sector.

On top of that, Mr. Speaker, I have lost track of the number of new oil leases being built just in a 15‑mile radius of my house. These leases are all for multi-lat wells and will increase our provincial production significantly over the coming years.

I was very happy to attend the grand opening of Strathcona Resources’s newest SAGD [steam-assisted gravity drainage] facility near Meota this summer, alongside the Premier and many of my other colleagues. While addressing the crowd, executive chairman of Strathcona Resources Adam Waterous had this to say: the best two places to invest in the oil industry today are Alberta and Saskatchewan, with Saskatchewan being number one.

That is a glowing endorsement of Saskatchewan’s competitiveness, our resources, and most importantly, our people — the people who work every day at facilities like this across the province. Mr. Speaker, to me these are just a few shining examples from just the constituency that I am so proud to represent of a strong, steady Saskatchewan. All these investments across our province help grow our economy, but why is that so important, Mr. Speaker? Why are we so focused on a strong, steady economy?

Well, Mr. Speaker, the answer is actually quite simple. It is through a strong, steady, and growing economy that we are able to deliver the services that the residents of Saskatchewan expect and deserve — services like health care, education, policing, and infrastructure. Without a strong, steady economy those services would crumble, but because of the strength of our economy we are able to invest record amounts into the services that mean the most to the people that we represent.

Let’s take a look at health care. We’re adding more training seats for health care professionals at our highly respected universities and colleges. That means more opportunity for our children to enter a career in health care right here at home, and it’s working, Mr. Speaker.

Of the now 128 medical training seats we have in the province, 88 per cent are filled by Saskatchewan students, even though the opposition Health critic stated on March 12th of this year, and I quote, “when a young person comes to me and says, should I go into health care? I say, absolutely not.” Disappointing, Mr. Speaker, to say the least.

I am glad so many young people are looking at health care as a good place to build a career right here in Saskatchewan and ignoring that advice. The numbers show this is true. Our most-ambitious-in-the-nation health human resources action plan is working. Since 2022 more than 7,500 doctors, nurses, and health care practitioners of every distinction have decided to make Saskatchewan the place they want to have a career and raise their families.

I look no further than a recent article in the Unity-Wilkie Press-Herald, Mr. Speaker. The headline reads: “Downtown medical clinic welcomes six new staff to its care team.” The article briefly tells about a little of each individual and why they enjoy living and working in Unity. Five new doctors and a registered nurse, all practising in Unity, and all have started at the clinic in the past year.

Just down the highway from Unity, another community is also seeing the benefits of our patients-first health plan. The addition of 54 nurse practitioner primary care contracts across the province saw one of those positions land in Wilkie. Residents there are extremely happy with the addition and the stabilization of services within their community. Plans are also under way to expand the services through the clinic there, giving more people access to the right care at the right time, and as close to home as possible. Those are the kind of stories we should be telling, Mr. Speaker, not attempting to discourage people from looking at a rewarding career in health care.

Mr. Speaker, I am truly blessed to live where I do, a place where my grandchildren will be able to visit and play outside in the evening without a care in the world, like it used to be when so many of us were growing up. Unfortunately that is not the case in many areas of the province.

The increased use of poisonous, illicit drugs and the crime associated with the use of those drugs has made many of our communities a place where families don’t feel safe. We need to remove those poisons and those who distribute them from our communities. That is why our government has increased our investment in policing and public safety.

The significant support we have committed to for the RCMP and First Nations policing, along with our funding of 160 municipal officers across the province and the Saskatchewan Marshals Service, is creating a stronger police presence in communities all across Saskatchewan.

I was speaking recently with a member of the local RCMP detachment, and he was happy to share that the Saskatchewan Marshals Service had assisted them on multiple occasions in the apprehension of people with outstanding warrants and with the search and seizure of illicit drugs, illegal firearms, and the proceeds of crime. He was thankful for the assistance that the Marshals Service was able to provide.

[12:30]

Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer I joined the Minister of Public Safety to visit with the RM of Wilton police force and present them with a cheque through the new small-town and rural police services grant. They will be putting that money towards body cameras and vehicle cameras, helping increase officer safety and their ability to produce reliable evidence. And they were very thankful for the support that we provided. These efforts and more will help us get the drugs off our streets and the drug dealers out of our communities.

Mr. Speaker, getting the poison off our streets is only part of the solution. We have all been touched by someone who has fallen into a life of addiction — a neighbour, a friend, a family member. As has been said before, we need to meet those people where they are, but we can’t leave them there. We need to ensure that they receive the help that they need to rebuild their lives away from the addiction. They don’t need crack pipes. They need our help.

That is why we are investing heavily in addictions treatment spaces with a commitment of opening 500 new addictions spaces by March of next year. And we are well on our way to achieving that goal with 412 up and operating today. Unfortunately that isn’t going to be enough, so we’re increasing the number of new treatment beds by 250. We want to ensure that anyone wanting to receive addictions treatment will get it in a timely manner.

There are those, Mr. Speaker, that have gotten to a point where they are unable to ask for help, those whose addiction has completely taken over their lives. They may be a threat to others or to themselves. These are the most vulnerable people in our society, and they desperately need our help.

That is why we passed The Compassionate Intervention Act, enabling families, law enforcement, and others concerned to ensure that everyone gets the help they require, even if they aren’t able to ask for it. Taking care of those who need our help is just one more way we are maintaining a strong and steady Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, I spoke earlier about the optimism we are seeing in our world-class agricultural sector. That optimism will be quite visible this weekend at the 36th annual Edam Fall Fair. Both purebred and commercial cattle breeders will come together from across the region to exhibit their cattle. They annually host a fundraiser Friday evening featuring a steak night and both a silent and live auction, with the proceeds donated to STARS [Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service] air ambulance.

I look forward to attending this event every year, getting my boots dirty and talking to local producers about what they have for their concerns. But most of the time it’s just optimism and how good the cattle industry looks today. That’s because livestock prices remain strong and there’s an abundance of feed in the area.

But even though we faced a number of challenges this year, the crop has come off. And in many areas, it’s better than average. For those that did have unforeseen losses due to matters beyond their control, rest assured we have your back. We’re continually making improvements to our suite of business risk management programs like crop insurance and AgriStability. These programs help protect the farm’s bottom line, ensuring the long-term sustainability of this core industry.

Another way we can ensure long-term sustainability is by funding research. Saskatchewan is a leader in agricultural research, and our government is proud to provide funding to so many different research projects, projects such as the Crop Development Centre, the Global Institute for Food Security, the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, and the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence, to name just a few.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank our Minister of Agriculture for his hard work on securing an MOU [memorandum of understanding] with his federal counterpart to make sure that the important research being done at the Scott and Indian Head Research Farms will continue alongside our industry partners.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve heard it said that they aren’t making any more farm land. And they’re right. That is why we’re committed to protecting Saskatchewan farm land and are currently doing a comprehensive review of The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act. Using input from industry, producers, and individuals will ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our agricultural sector well into the future.

We’re also trying to help those who have seen significant damage to crop and feed supplies caused by excessive elk populations in certain areas of the province. I have seen first-hand the damage that can be done when large herds of elk get into a feed yard or a cornfield. That is why we’re issuing up to eight depredation tags to producers who have experienced significant damage due to elk. We heard from our producers, we listened, and we acted.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve mentioned the future a number of times, and that future lies with our children. In order to ensure we have the best possible future, we have to ensure we give our children the best possibility to succeed. That is why we’re continuing to invest in the kindergarten to grade 3 literacy program, helping them learn to read so that they can read to learn.

There are some students, however, that may require a little more attention in order for them to reach their full potential. For those students we’re continuing to increase the number of specialized support spaces across the province. I have had the opportunity to tour some of these spaces and see first-hand the impact that they can have on a student, their education, and their future.

Students should also have a place where they can be active, burn off some of that youthful energy that we wish we all still had, I am sure. And that is why we are continuing the school playground equipment grant. Just this fall, J.H. Moore Elementary in Lashburn installed an amazing new play structure with the help of this grant.

It sure beats what we had when I went there: the old galvanized steel monkey bars; the early lesson in physics, which is that spinning metal disk you tried to hold on to as people spun it faster and faster and faster trying to get you to fly off. And then the tractor tires that were half-buried in the ground, so they made a tunnel and always smelled like cats, for some reason, inside.

That’s long gone, Mr. Deputy Speaker, replaced by a beautiful structure for the kids to play on and enjoy their time growing up and burning off that energy. And safe, fun play is a good investment in our future. The future of a strong, steady Saskatchewan.

Fortunately, Mr. Speaker, I can see I’m nearing my allotted time. But before I wrap it up, there’s just a few things I wanted to assure you of: (1) I didn’t get AI to write my speech; (2) I did proofread it; and (3) I’m happy to support the motion brought forward by the member from Regina Qu’Appelle, seconded by the member from Last Mountain-Touchwood, and I’ll be voting against the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Deputy Speaker B. McLeod: — I recognize the member from Regina Mount Royal.

Trent Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker . . .

[Applause]

Trent Wotherspoon: — It’s good. A little more of that please, Mr. Speaker.

It’s a tremendous honour to rise today to enter into the Throne Speech debate here on Treaty 4 territory and the homeland of the Métis, Mr. Speaker.

And it’s good to follow my friend, the member from Cut Knife-Turtleford, as well, Mr. Speaker. I’ll just say . . . I won’t comment on his speech. He had some good stories within it. I enjoyed those. He’s a mighty fine Deputy Chair of the Public Accounts, Mr. Speaker. And that’s an important committee to this legislature, the people of the province, in ensuring accountability, and he does a very fine job in those duties, Mr. Speaker.

It’s an honour to rise and represent the good people I represent, Mr. Speaker. I am very thankful to work with and for the good people across the communities of Regina Mount Royal, Mr. Speaker, many families that I’ve known my whole life, whether back through sport and school and church, Mr. Speaker, and many new families to the community and many new friendships as well.

I’m thankful to work with all of the communities across the west side within the boundaries of Mount Royal, Mr. Speaker, including McNab, of course, and Rosemont Mount Royal; Dieppe and Westerra; Normanview West and Prairie View; Fairways West and Greenside Terrace and Westhill and Edgewater. There’s no question I work for good people — hard-working, caring, those that look out for their family and work hard to provide for them and build opportunity. But they also look out for their neighbour, and they look out for the future of our community and our province. And through their efforts, they strengthen all of those things, Mr. Speaker.

A few local touches before I get rolling, Mr. Speaker, a few highlights of the riding. Beautiful this time of year, beautiful any time of year. You’ve got to get through A.E. Wilson Park, Mr. Speaker. Whether you’re on Boreal Island or Prairie Island or Rick Hansen park or the Devonian path that extends through, it’s just one of the most beautiful places. And if you’re getting out of this Assembly, Mr. Deputy Speaker, looking for a little walk, head west on the Devonian path for a little jog. Because I know you’re in good shape, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I’d say head west and see the beauty of that park.

Government House, Mr. Speaker, which is within McNab as well, within the riding. The RCMP Depot, Mr. Speaker, which proudly calls its place home within the riding, within Regina, within Saskatchewan, and we’ll always make sure that that’s the case. And then the heritage museum that’s been working so hard as well towards that very important designation of becoming a national museum, and the kind of support and funding that it would provide to tell that very important story. I continue to commend the leadership of that museum and continue to advocate for it to become a national museum, Mr. Speaker.

I want to recognize as well, if you move a little further west, a spot that was forgotten for a long time, very sadly, is a cemetery, Mr. Speaker. It’s in the prairie fields just west of Dieppe, and that’s the old Regina Indian residential school cemetery. And there’s been a committee, folks like Sarah Longman, that have worked so hard to protect those lands, that cemetery, that site, to honour that sacred space.

I’ve appreciated walking along with them and learning from them along the way. And then we gather, Mr. Speaker, and I have the privilege as MLA of gathering with the community and folks like Sarah and her committee, elders and leaders and drummers, Mr. Speaker, that lead us in feast and ceremony on now the national Truth and Reconciliation Day over at that site.

And I want to give a shout-out to Joe Daniels, who leads the way by bringing SaskEnergy and broader community together to deliver that feast, and the leadership — right up at the top of SaskEnergy, its previous CEO, its new CEO — and all of their team for coming out and supporting Joe in that work, Mr. Speaker.

Now we’re coming up to Remembrance, and we’re just in the days that follow this awful tragedy in Wainwright, Mr. Speaker. And like others have, I want to honour those that are fallen, all those that have been injured, Mr. Speaker. And thinking of them and their families, those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in standing and preparing to stand strong for our nation, and all those that have their lives changed forever. On a Saskatchewan front, I want to just send our love and our deepest condolences and our thanks to the family of Private Farrell from Prince Albert.

And I do so as well recognizing the deep roots within my constituency of serving and honouring veterans, Mr. Speaker. Dieppe itself is named after a battle, Mr. Speaker. In 1942 a small port in northern France had been occupied, and the Allied forces responded to it. And it didn’t go well, Mr. Speaker. We had 5,000 Canadians that were there that day, Mr. Speaker. And we had enormous losses — losses in the thousands by way of death, those that paid the ultimate sacrifice; I believe over 1,800 that were taken as prisoners of war, and over 2,000 that were wounded as well, Mr. Speaker.

Now the community of Dieppe after the Second World War was established to honour those veterans. And their beautiful half-acre lots that were organized, the community that was organized — a beautiful community to honour those veterans.

[12:45]

And you know, it’s with that that I speak as well about our Canadian Forces. I am pleased to say that it’s really good to see the Regina Rifles being honoured once again in their colours in the rotunda, Mr. Speaker. Of course that’s where those colours were for many years, honouring the Rifles both through their entire tenure but the contributions in the First and Second World War. Of course my grandfather was a member of those Rifles that served in the Second World War, and I’m just very pleased to see those colours hanging here once again.

What else can I say locally? Oh, we’re excited about the new Costco, Mr. Speaker. That’s going to be a good thing there over on the west side. You know, no more having to get over to the east side, Mr. Speaker. Got it on the west side here. It’ll serve really west side Regina and northwest Regina in a good way.

And it’s something good as well for Westerra as they continue to build as a community. And they’re really working hard to have those broader services delivered within to make sure that Westerra is really a full community, Mr. Speaker, so a positive development.

Now of course these guys over here, Mr. Speaker, they almost messed it up. And they did cost us all a whole lot of money, Mr. Speaker, when they needlessly used the GTH [Global Transportation Hub] to try to compete with the city of Regina and cost the taxpayers of Regina again on this front.

But it’s good to see of course the Costco. And when I say “these guys,” that Sask Party government — just to make sure Hansard has it good and clear when we mail that out to the good folks across Westerra, Mr. Speaker. But thankfully it’s going to be located where it should be. But unfortunately, you know, this provincial government certainly did cost taxpayers on this front.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to give a special word as others have to my constituency assistant, to our constituency assistant Jannet Shanks, our team of casuals. But in Jannet you’re not going to find a more dedicated person to service, and service of our community, of constituents, and to this province as well.

And I just want to say thank you so much, Jannet, for being such a wonderful teammate and partner, and providing the incredible care and support you do to so many each and every day. And I want to give a shout-out to her husband, Richard, as well. You know, you’re not going to find a finer person, Mr. Speaker.

I’d like to recognize my family as others have briefly. And you know, I hear a lot of love in the room, Mr. Speaker, as they talk about their relationships and their partners. And you know, I know Stephanie loves me even though she doesn’t tell me every day. And I say that joking. And I’m very thankful for Stephanie and all the work that she commits to in her own life, and in her career and to our family. She’s remarkable and strong, Mr. Speaker, and you know, just an incredible mom as well, great partner in life.

And very thankful for William as well. Quite the character, Mr. Speaker. You raise these kids and, man, it goes fast. And each year they’re developing a little more. We love the outdoors, and he’s paddled and hunted and fished with me from the time he was a little babe at my ankles or on my shoulders. And now he’s 12 years old, Mr. Speaker. He’s got his hunter safety. He’s in the field with his shotgun for birds, Mr. Speaker. Looking forward to white-tail season with the rifle coming up here as well.

Beyond that, he works really hard at school. He plays every single team sport at school. Right now it’s the volleyball team. And he loves hockey, Mr. Speaker. Loves hockey. Playing hard. Playing for the Blues this year. We’ve got a big game this weekend up against Swift Current. It’s going to be a battle, Mr. Speaker, I know Swift always has a good squad. But the Blues are looking forward to getting down to Swift this weekend, Mr. Speaker.

Now I’ll cut to the chase here on the Throne, Mr. Speaker. The kind of questions that my constituents would want me asking and the lens they’d want me bringing to this is, you know, does it make life more affordable? I mean, man, like the squeeze is hard for families. Does it make life more affordable?

Does it make sure our kids in their classrooms have the funding that’s needed to make sure they have the kinds of classrooms that are going to set them up to live up to their full potential, Mr. Speaker? Does this Throne Speech address the years of damage by this government to those classrooms, Mr. Speaker?

Does it make a difference when it comes to crime and community safety, Mr. Speaker? They’d want me asking that question because they’re seeing things that we haven’t seen in Saskatchewan or in our communities, Mr. Speaker, under the watch of this government. And they would want action on these fronts, right.

They would want to make sure that a Throne Speech and all of the actions seize all of the tremendous opportunities, Mr. Speaker, leveraging all the assets of this beautiful province, a province blessed with enormous opportunity and incredible natural resources and incredible people and entrepreneurs and farmers across this province. Mr. Speaker, they’d want to know, does this step up to seize those opportunities? And does it address those challenges that I identified? Does it set our province up to have the kind of future that everyone deserves? Does it take care of today, and does it set up future generations?

And, Mr. Speaker, as you look across this Throne Speech, I’m sure the response would be the same for the members opposite, is, I mean, it just doesn’t. It doesn’t respond to these questions, right, in a positive way. The answer is unfortunately no. It’s inadequate, Mr. Speaker.

So in a Throne Speech, Mr. Speaker, there’s a lot of rhetoric, a lot of good words. I think they’ve done some polling; they spent money to poll, to see what our concerns . . . And there are some buzzwords and some trends that they’ve identified, Mr. Speaker. But where the rubber hits the road, Mr. Speaker, that record’s not good.

And that rhetoric doesn’t get ’er done, Mr. Speaker, on affordability, in health care, in our kids’ classrooms, and seizing the opportunities that we have across this province for today and for the future, in making our communities safe, safer, in making sure the very most vulnerable have . . . that we have their backs, Mr. Speaker. It just really doesn’t do it, Mr. Speaker.

And you know, I think it’s reflective of maybe where this current cast of characters are at, Mr. Speaker. I mean they’ve been there for a long time, it seems taking it for granted, taking those they rep too often, Mr. Speaker, for granted.

And I’ve been here for a little while, Mr. Speaker, my good friend from Moose Jaw has identified. And this is true. So I’ve observed over the years some changes on this front as well, Mr. Speaker. I watched at one point, and there was always debates about choices and some principle differences, but boy I watched a crew that was hungry, that didn’t take it for granted, and that were incredibly focused, Mr. Speaker.

And you know, my good friend, my Boston Bruin friend from across the way . . . We both cheer for the Bruins, Mr. Speaker. We agree on a couple other things; we disagree on others. We’ve been here for kind of the same period, Mr. Speaker. He says, that’s not what you said then. And without doubt I thought there was choices and missed opportunities at that time. But what I saw was a very focused and actually quite earnest government in those earlier days. And it sure changed. It’s kind of complacent, kind of mailing it in, Mr. Speaker, you know. Now it’s just good enough.

I don’t know. I want to get back to the days and I want to be a part of a government, Mr. Speaker, that’s driven day and night to make sure this province lives up to its full potential, Mr. Speaker, to deliver on the incredible promise of this province and that doesn’t take anyone in this province for granted.

And then you know what? Like when I stand here I don’t stand here to rep Saskatchewan New Democrats. I stand here to represent the people I represent across Mount Royal. And as we stand here as shadow ministers and as a team — and any one of us should be on this — we rep an entire province, Mr. Speaker. Whether people voted for us or not, we serve them, Mr. Speaker, and we work towards the best interest of this province.

And I think that’s been lost, you know. And I know it’s harsh. I hear the words “entitled,” Mr. Speaker, “out of touch.” But you know, sadly, that’s an accurate description of what I’ve watched that lot opposite become, Mr. Speaker — very dismissive of the very real concerns, very real voices of the people of our province on so many fronts, from workers to farmers to those in industry and so much more. And that will hold back all of us from ensuring this province lives up to its full potential.

Now, Mr. Speaker, moving along a little bit, let’s delve into a bit. You know, like the cost of living is punishing for people, Mr. Speaker. Affordability and the pressures it’s putting on people are real. The strain, the stress, the anxiety — this is taking out the quality of life that people deserve. It takes away their peace of mind, Mr. Speaker.

We’ve got, you know, whether it’s the price at the pumps, Mr. Speaker, or the cost of groceries, or rent and housing, of getting your kids through activities and more, it’s incredibly expensive. You have a government that’s, you know, all too often, Mr. Speaker, not recognizing that challenge and relieving that burden. They’ve piled on, Mr. Speaker, with more costs, more taxes for the hard-working people of this province.

And when you look at this year right now, Mr. Speaker . . . And we know they’ve of course struggled awfully with the finances, Mr. Speaker, just, you know, have really put them in a bad way. But if we look at the budget here this year, of course, what we have are several hundreds of millions of dollars that are a boost to revenues because of a high oil price that’s due to external conflicts — the Strait of Hormuz, the reckless actions of the US [United States] president, Mr. Speaker.

So now that’s sent the oil price high, which has sent revenues soaring in an unplanned way for this government. But what’s the reality of that exact same situation for households, for farms, and for businesses, Mr. Speaker? Well it’s a sky-high price at the pumps, Mr. Speaker. And so it’s just not acceptable that this government, you know, who’s pulling in significant unplanned revenues won’t use some of those to offer some relief for the hard-working people and the farms and businesses across Saskatchewan at the pumps.

They won’t scrap their fuel tax, Mr. Speaker. And it would be one measure that would provide some recognition, eh, that things are tight for people who are working so hard just to make ends meet, Mr. Speaker. And they have the fiscal capacity to use some of that to offer that relief.

Same on the farm front, Mr. Speaker. I mean, this was the most expensive crop in history for our producers to pull off. Those fertilizer prices were through the roof in the spring, Mr. Speaker. The price of diesel has only continued to climb. The cost of diesel and fuel on many farms, you know, twice what it was just a year before, Mr. Speaker. And then stack on the cost of grain drying because of the wet delayed harvest here, Mr. Speaker, and we have enormous cost pressures at the farm gate and a government sitting on those additional revenues and not offering a break to the hard-working producers of this province.

They’re still sticking them of course — all the people of the province — with the PST [provincial sales tax] when it comes to the PST on, well, pretty much everything now under this government but certainly on groceries, Mr. Speaker. How out of touch could a government be that when they’re bringing in significant additional revenues, Mr. Speaker, that they aren’t going to offer some corresponding relief — a break at the pumps, a cut on the PST on things like groceries or kids’ clothes? It’s a government that’s really out of touch.

I’m watching the clock and I’m just thrilled, Mr. Speaker, that on Monday I get to rise again without my hon. House Leader yanking me too fast here, and I’m not going to be able to land the plane, Mr. Speaker, before the time ends here today.

I do look forward to speaking about health care though in a substantive way. We have a health care system of course that’s really in a tough way. What was it? Six out of ten people in this province that don’t have access to a family doctor, Mr. Speaker. Now primary care needs to be the bedrock of health care, Mr. Speaker, and that’s just completely unacceptable. Or you think of those that are waiting and waiting and waiting and in pain and having economic consequences for waiting on surgical wait-lists that are now the longest in Canada, Mr. Speaker.

This doesn’t speak to, you know, a record of performance, Mr. Speaker. It’s not meeting the needs of Saskatchewan people. It certainly doesn’t match the rhetoric that we hear from the Throne Speech, from the government opposite, that would rather paint a different picture than reality, that’s really only there, Mr. Speaker, to put themselves in a good light. But the people of this province are wise, Mr. Speaker. They know the record of this government when it comes to health care is abysmal, and they know that they deserve better.

And I’m proud to stand with this team that’s not just holding this government to account, but laying forward solutions, Mr. Speaker, to get that health care system back on its feet.

Speaker Goudy: — Well it now being 1 p.m., this Assembly stands adjourned until Monday at 1:30 p.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 13:00.]

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

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