CONTENTS

EVENING SITTING

SPECIAL ORDER

ADJOURNED DEBATES

ADDRESS IN REPLY

THIRD SESSION — THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE

of the

Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan

DEBATES AND PROCEEDINGS

(HANSARD)

N.S. Vol. 68 No. 5B Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 19:00

[The Assembly resumed at 19:00.]

EVENING SITTING

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: — It now being 7 o’clock, I recognize the member from Lumsden-Morse.

Blaine McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my fourth Throne Speech response in my life as an MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly]. And you know, lots of people ask me if I’m still enjoying what I’m doing. Sometimes I wonder why they ask that question because it is an unequivocal yes. The opportunity to give back to a province and a country that has given so much to my family and I is a driving force in my life.

I want to start with a few thank yous that put me here. People that put me here and continue to sustain my presence here in this inspiring legislature. Daily I thank my God, my source of strength. I want to thank my wife, Marlie Beth. Your love continues to sustain and encourage me every day — 45 years and going strong.

My family, our children that we share together. Michael and Chelsea — our oldest son, Michael, and his wife, Chelsea. Chelsea continues her work as a schoolteacher, subbing this year. And their three children, Jordynn, Levi, and Kynleigh, from ages 16 to 8. Yes, I have a 16‑year-old granddaughter. That’s amazing.

Michael’s doing great work keeping our dairy farm running — efficiently, I might add. Now this year’s big project was our AI [artificial insemination] heifer barn. Yes, I said that right, an AI heifer barn. You see, AI started on cattle farms way back. The very first AI animal inseminated with frozen semen was first achieved in 1951.

So I have a bit of a bone to pick with the use of AI as the acronym for artificial intelligence. In my world, in many of our worlds here sitting in this legislature, AI is artificial insemination. But I regress, I regress.

Mark and Stephanie, our other son and his wife. Stephanie, a schoolteacher as well. Their sons Elliott, Evander, Owen, and Orson. Yes, they have a busy family from ages 13 to 4. A busy, big crew that’s doing great things, turning into young men before our eyes. Elliot will be 13 in this month, and we’re looking forward to spending a little time with him as we try to do special things with their 13th birthday.

Jessica and Nathan in Saskatoon; three children, Eleanor, Piper, and Ezra. I have to look at the ages to make sure I get that part right. Eleanor at nine, and Ezra at four rounds out the grandchildren that we enjoy. And God bless each one of them. They’re great. Love to have their encouragement and their enthusiasm in our lives.

Now just a little bit about what happened over spring and summer in the constituency of Lumsden-Morse. I had many ongoing meetings with the municipal level of governments — what I call the backbone of life in Saskatchewan — RMs [rural municipalities], towns, villages, resort villages.

I participated in three parades: Herbert Stampede, Lumsden Duck Derby, and Grand Coulee. Interesting stuff on each one of those. My grandson, one grandson, kept his record of perfect involvement in every parade that I’ve been involved in since I was nominated. Way to go, Evander! Keep it up. Keep it up, buddy.

The Herbert Stampede was a very, very warm one. And yes, I couldn’t run fast enough to keep up with the truck. I think one member from Kindersley was talking about that as well.

The Lumsden Duck Derby will be memorable, maybe for the wrong reason. It started raining as we were setting up the parade float, and it was torrential rain for an hour and a half for the parade. We were very wet, but the enthusiasm was there. The kids loved to receive the candy. Great involvement there.

Grand Coulee: perfect. We had an RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] marching crew. Pretty much had a detachment that lives in Grand Coulee, and they marched the whole way through the town, at least two and a half miles, I’m sure.

I had meetings with school boards, tours of schools, opening up playground equipment that celebrated the community participation, along with the new school playground equipment grant, providing that matching funding to ensure that good playgrounds exist for our kids. A check-in on the progress to rebuild the school in Stewart Valley, appreciated by the community in such a big way. With the tenacious involvement by the Ministry of Education, we’re going to get that school built. It’ll rise from the ashes, and the Stewart Valley Stingers will once again have their own school gym. And the community will have a gathering place for community events.

Now speaking of community events, it’s fall supper season. We’re right in the thick of it right now. And I think I might have . . . I could have, if I’d attended them all, been about 20 pounds heavier than I am. Every weekend there’s been two or three at least that I could have attended. Hard choices had to be made. Mr. Speaker, you’ll be pleased to know that I haven’t gained a single pound since I started this gig. Doing well.

So more recently in my role as military liaison, the Royal Regina Rifles welcomed the visit of the Up the Johns! Association from Bretteville-l’Orgueilleuse, France. From September 2nd to September 10th they spent in Saskatchewan, touring across our province, even having the opportunity to witness a Rider win on Labour Day. A wonderful opportunity. Who are they? Up the Johns! Association. They’re an organization founded 10 years ago by Antoine Piard, a terrific man who has dedicated his life and his time to ensuring that the heroic efforts of the Regina Rifles regiment are never forgotten, efforts that liberated his hometown on D-Day; the only regiment, the only regiment that reached its objective on that fateful day of June 6, 1944.

But where does that name come from? That’s who they are, but where does it come from? World War I, the Great War. Two things: lots of farmers, lots of men with the first name John or the second name John. Farmer Johns — derogatory but embraced, embraced by the regiment and became their battle cry. “One, two, three, up the Johns!” was the battle cry, and away they went, over the top to an unknown future, putting their hand in the hand of God and facing the enemy.

Now the Up the Johns! Association in Bretteville, they care for the graves of our fallen. They organize ceremonies of remembrance that remind the people of France of the tremendous sacrifice made to ensure that freedom.

The antecedent colours of the Royal Regina regiment — literally meaning the colours that went before, to go before — were viewed in a wonderful ceremony in our legislative rotunda on September 5th of this year while the French delegation was here to see it. The colours initially were laid up in the rotunda after the Great War. For the last 50 years they could be seen in St. Paul’s Cathedral, but are now back, back October 21st, in the very same spot where they were first laid up.

A hundred and ten years old, but their beauty has not diminished with the battle scars that are visible on them. It sends literally shivers up my spine to know that soldiers fought and died under these flags, these colours, ensuring that our freedom from tyranny and oppression was secured. Now anyone visiting this space has the chance to see first-hand and remember the sacrifices made on our behalf. May we never, never forget.

And ever so poignant as we remember the recent tragic loss of life that happened in Wainwright. We continue to hold the families in our hearts, those who lost their sons and those who continue to care for the wounded and their long road to recovery. Mr. Speaker, we will hold them in our hearts and our prayers.

Now that’s just a little taste of the amazing people that I get to meet and the obligation that I feel that we must ensure to do our best to recognize and remember the shoulders on which we stand. Now to our Throne Speech, Mr. Speaker.

Saskatchewan is strong and steady. The world is uncertain, but Saskatchewan isn’t. As I’ve listened to the speeches in response to that statement, I’m reminded of the opening words of Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities. One of the most enduring opening lines in all of literature which I’m sure that most of us, if not all of us, studied in school: “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.”

Now I know there’s so much more wrapped up in those words and it takes an entire book to explain the story, but Dickens captured completely the contradictions that I’ve heard over the last few days. The best of times. The worst of times. Incredible hope for the future versus absolute despair and gloom. Seemingly lost in the discussion from His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition is that it is only through solid economic growth that we can provide the funds needed for health care, affordability, community safety, education, social programs, highways, schools, long-term care homes — the list goes on. It’s only through strong economic growth that we can provide those needs.

There’s a significant, maybe complete disconnect between fiscal reality and the demands for funding that are endlessly put on the floor by those across the aisle. This has never been a more stark contrast than the discussions of a $52 billion investment in an AI data centre by Bell Canada. Yes, Mr. Speaker, the largest private investment in our country’s history. Yes, there are questions that need answers, absolutely. Good answers are available, but that is lost in the fixation on doom and gloom of the “no development” party.

So we have the suggestion of a moratorium. A moratorium instead of a careful examination of the thoughtful planning of a Canadian company with 146 years of doing things the right way. That’s why they are still here, going right back, Mr. Speaker, to four years after the first successful long-distance phone call by Alexander Graham Bell.

A moratorium can simply be defined as a legally approved period of delay. It would accomplish nothing other than ensuring that the sovereignty of our data would move to a jurisdiction other than our own. Bell Canada’s competitors would not stop building. The longer we wait, the longer it would take to catch up, and quite frankly that would never happen. We do not want to be on the wrong side of history.

Let’s take the example of uranium mining and nuclear development in our province. Saskatchewan has always had the world’s richest uranium deposits that are mined and processed into yellowcake, but never refined here. A proposed refinery near Warman in 1976 under the NDP [New Democratic Party] government of Allan Blakeney was never built. It was a $100 million investment at the time. In today’s dollars that would be 529 million. The loud, pacifist opposition to refinement doomed the potential investment, but it never stopped it. Never stopped it. Strong and steady leadership didn’t exist at that point in time.

That refinery moved to Blind River, Ontario, where it continues today under the ownership of Cameco. Opened in 1983, and today there are 165 great jobs associated with it. Just the direct jobs, not the spillover. An estimated annual payroll today would be $16.1 million. That’s a lot of jobs, jobs that could and should have been right here in Saskatchewan.

All through the ’80s and ’90s, the NDP had numerous debates on a proposed moratorium on uranium mining and exploration and nuclear power. In 1992, they finally realized they were on the wrong side of history, but you can’t undo what was done. The jobs and economic activity of further refinement left under their watch and likely are gone for good. Economic activity that could have built . . . fill in the blanks. Economic activity that could have hired . . . fill in the blanks.

[19:15]

But now under the strong and steady leadership of our government we have two new uranium mines recently approved, the first in over a decade. NexGen’s Rook I mine could meet 20 per cent of global demand. With 80 reactors under construction worldwide and another 120 planned, investment in uranium mining will be needed with strong, steady leadership. The result in the past was indecision and no development. Today with two decades of strong, steady leadership, our resource sector is seeing unprecedented investment without the fear of a government nationalizing their hard work and investment.

It reminds me of a favourite movie I’m sure many of us have seen: Braveheart. 1995. Four Academy Awards. An epic movie even though it took a lot of historical inaccuracies along with it, which I not necessarily appreciated with my Scottish heritage. Mel Gibson playing William Wallace; Brendan Gleeson plays my favourite character, Hamish Campbell. They’re trying to get the Scottish nobles who brutally oppressed the peasants to join the peasants in an uprising to fight against King Edward II of England. And Hamish is trying to stop William Wallace from riding to what he thought would be a certain death.

Here’s the part: “We’ve got to try. We can’t do this alone. Joining the nobles is the only hope for our people.” And he poses this question to his friend: “You know what happens if we don’t make that choice?” Hamish: “What?” “Nothing.”

Do you know what happens without strong, steady economic leadership? Nothing. You would again have the NDP party with investment that would dry up. It was 40 years after that failed experiment of potash nationalization before there was any greenfield investment in our province.

So let’s talk about developing an AI data centre. The strongest argument for it to be built here on the periphery of Regina is the sovereignty of our data. Canadian jurisdictional law with all the inherent security right here in Saskatchewan, not some foreign country with little or no safeguards.

Add to that the jobs in construction, up to 1,200 from 2026 to 2030. Continuous employment for the trades. As many as 500 jobs at the AI data centre and the gas generation operation that will come later with the proposed expansion. Bell AI Fabric head office, up to 100 jobs. The best answer to the challenge of affordability is a great job, literally in our backyard. But no, let’s put a moratorium on that. That’s exactly what we need. Say goodbye to the estimated PST [provincial sales tax] of 3 billion on the initial build, plus 2 billion every three years on the refresh of the equipment.

Yes, there’s questions. Let’s talk about a few of them. What about water usage? Absolutely no water usage for cooling. Closed-loop system. Water usage for kitchen and washrooms only. Sound will be mitigated with acoustic engineering and 4‑metre earthen berms. That’s me, stacked one on top of each other. That’s how high that would be. Buildings 10 metres high and screened.

New revenue for SaskPower with the first 300 megawatts of power that’s being supplied. That’s going to mitigate rate increases for SaskPower customers. That’s going to make SaskPower profitable. Expansion power will come from a separate Saskatchewan site at the full cost of Bell Canada. Any needed interconnection or transmission needs will be paid by Bell Canada.

For once our cold weather makes this a perfect place to set up an AI data centre — winter weather is a great asset for cooling. Free excess heat for utilization by the University of Regina, Sask Polytech, and the George Gordon First Nation— I should say the George Gordon Development Ltd. — could support greenhouse development. What an idea. That’s a symbiotic relationship if I’ve ever have seen one.

That’s the difference between strong and steady leadership that provides certainty that attracts investment and doesn’t drive it away. The only thing that a moratorium would accomplish is to drive further investment to another jurisdiction and leave the NDP Party on the wrong side of investment once again, if they ever had the chance. A tale of two parties — the best of times or the worst of times.

Mr. Speaker, I’ll draw your attention to an interview given by John Watson, the president of Bell Business Markets AI data centre when he was asked some really tough questions on The Evan Bray Show. Why Saskatchewan, was the ask. Where there any incentives to build here? Was there public money? Was there any break on PST or taxes? The answer was very clear and unequivocal: zero. Zero incentives of any kind. But he went on to elaborate.

The incentives were simply a government and a group of business leaders and leaders of George Gordon First Nation that wanted to create jobs. Bell wants to work together in a bold fashion that leads the entire country by creating value for the province and Bell. We didn’t want to be stuck in red tape that would take years to bring about development. Moratorium, anyone?

Jobs. The incentive was to create jobs. Saskatchewan is leading the way in partnering with a trustworthy Canadian company 146 years in the making to deliver a transformative technology.

Safeguards, people would say. Where are they? The prevention of deceptive AI Act, soon to be introduced, will prohibit the use of AI-generated voices and images involving elections, consumer transactions, and the protection of privacy. Saskatchewan has already put in place the principles through which data centre proposals will be evaluated and approved. We were the leaders in our country in establishing this. Those requirements were put out before the federal government brought their standards for development.

The two are eerily similar. Coincidence? I think not. Again Saskatchewan leading the way with strong and steady leadership. Our requirements: Canadian owned and headquartered: check. Data and AI sovereignty: check. Saskatchewan jobs and partnerships: double, triple check. Operating experience, stable track record: check. Bring your own power, bring your own power: check. Centralized provincial intake, and that’s what we provided for them with all that we did.

So, Mr. Speaker, what are the benefits that can come from the adoption of AI? In particular, one meets a very, very pressing need. We know that efficiency and cost savings are extremely important in the delivery of health care. And AI is going to have a very significant role to play. Recently I had the opportunity to visit the Virtual Health Hub in Saskatoon. It was an eye-opener for me in what can be done to accelerate health care breakthroughs that will increase the efficiency in delivery of care. That takes massive computing power, faster and more efficient delivery of diagnostics.

Now in a recent Santis Health and Nanos Research poll, 71 per cent of Canadians support AI reviewing medical tests or scans, and 75 support AI assisting health care professionals with diagnosis if it meant seeing a specialist sooner. I think we’ve gotten used to asking Dr. Google about our health. It’s not going to replace medical professionals; it’s just going to make their work much more efficient. It’s an incredible job multiplier for the local economy, including significant Indigenous partnerships; brings tax contributions, both PST and the related jobs; grid infrastructure strengthened the sovereignty and control of Canadian data.

So, Mr. Speaker, this Throne Speech clearly identifies a tale of two parties — one party that stands in opposition to investment, investment that would continue to build our province and provide the needed dollars to invest in health care, education, mental health and addiction treatment, community safety, and affordability. On this side of the House we have a government, Mr. Speaker, that has a proven track record of a strong and steady economy, that is ready to unleash unprecedented growth while securing a strong future for our citizens. We have what the world needs, and we are going to keep on delivering that.

Mr. Speaker, I will be supporting the motion put forward by the member from White City-Qu’Appelle and seconded by the member from Last Mountain-Touchwood. And I will not be supporting any proposed amendment. May God richly bless the beautiful province and country of Canada. Thank you.

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

Noor Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a great honour to be back in this Assembly last week. Before I speak about the Throne Speech, I want to reflect on the past years. I want to thank the people, those who helped me out and supported me.

First my family, Mr. Speaker. We often say that we can’t do this job alone. I truly believe that every day I see very important family support. Without their support, I would be not here and I would not be doing the work I’m doing every day. Special thanks to my wife — my best friend, my partner, my biggest strength — Shamim Mahnoor. Thank you for all your support and taking care of myself, my kids. Thank you for your love, for your patience, and for endless support. And thank you for a beautiful life we have built together.

Thank you to all my daughters for always standing beside me. Your love and support means so much to me, and I’m very proud of each one of you.

Second, my team. I want to thank all my staff members of our caucus. Thank you for your daily help, hard work, and encouragement. A special thanks to my constituency assistant Nadine Johnson. Thank you for hard working and your kind support. She communicates very well and is always helping people when they’re desperate, come with some issue, concern. She handles that. Thank you for taking care of our constituents.

Third, our Leader of the Opposition and the member of Lakeview. Thank you for your strong leadership and connection and constant support. You work hard, positive attitude, and your dedication shows how much you care about the people of this province. It is one of my great honours of my life to be standing beside you every day and work together for a better Saskatchewan.

Finally, the most important — the people of Regina Coronation Park. Mr. Speaker, serving the people of Regina Coronation Park for over three years has been a great honour. I can’t fully express how grateful I am for the love and support. I’m proud to be your MLA. I’m proud to be your representative. Proud to represent you and your voice and stand up for your needs every single day.

Thank you for sharing your problems and challenges with me. Thank you for trusting me to speak up for you and fight for your rights. Thank you for telling me and our entire NDP team what you expect from us. Thank you for your warm welcome when I visit your home and when I meet with you in public places. I hear you. I understand your challenges. I share your hope for a better future.

Your stories remind me every day why I’m here. Your stories tell us why we are here. We are here to listen, we are here to serve, and we are here to stand up for the people. And most importantly, we are here to build a better Saskatchewan, a Saskatchewan where everyone has a fair chance, everyone is respected, and no one is left behind.

The government’s speech paints a picture of a province that is strong, safe, and secure. It claims the economy is strong in Canada, that tells us Saskatchewan is the most affordable place to live. But, Mr. Speaker, I need to speak for the people in my constituency. I need to speak for the families who do not feel strong. They’re not feeling safe. And they are certainly not feeling secure about their bills, their health, and their children’s future.

Mr. Speaker, I knocked on about 1,000 doors in my constituency, and I talked to hundreds of people. And I’m bringing those facts and figures from each and every doorstep that I heard. I’m bringing over here what are the concerns of the people.

[19:30]

I need to speak about those things. And the priority was, if I put the first one, is affordability. In the 2023 by-election affordability was the problem. 2024 was the same problem. And I’m telling you without any party looking into my constituents, they should have been treated very well. It doesn’t matter who’s sitting in government and who’s not.

Affordability’s the number one. I will be talking about that. Second one is health care. Third one is education. And the fourth one is the big AI data centre. I want to talk about the gap between the government’s nice words and the reality that people are living in.

First let’s talk about affordability. The government says we have the lowest rental rates. They say we have the most affordable place. But let me tell you what I hear on the doorstep. I hear from a senior in my riding who is choosing between her heart medication and her heating bill. I hear from a young family who can’t find an apartment. They can’t afford because the rent has gone up 43 straight months.

The government stands up and celebrates the GDP [gross domestic product] number. They celebrate 2.2 per cent growth. But do you know where they rank? It ranks fifth in the country. That is not leading. That is the middle of the pack. And while the government pats itself on the back, families are falling further behind.

Let me give you the real numbers, Mr. Speaker. Since this Premier took office, the prices of many basic food items has gone up 50 per cent. Rent in Saskatchewan has risen more than anywhere else in the country over the past three years, over 26 per cent. And what about the wages? Our paycheques are still below the national average. The government talks about cuts in tax. But a small tax cut does not help if you cannot afford groceries. It doesn’t help if your power bill is going up through the roof.

The NDP has proposed relief. We have called for removing the provincial tax on groceries and children’s clothing. We have called for a freeze on gas tax. We have called for rent control to stop the endless increases. Mr. Speaker, these are practical things that would put money back in the people’s pockets right now. Instead this government is charging families $25 million on food and $20 million on kids’ clothes. They’re pushing ahead a massive power hike. That is not affordability, Mr. Speaker; that is making life even harder.

And the poverty numbers are shameful. The Food Banks Canada report card gave Saskatchewan a D-plus grade. Nearly 27 per cent of people in our province live in food-insecure households, and child poverty is the highest in Canada at 27 per cent. We are the wealthiest province in terms of resources, yet our children are going hungry. They go to school without breakfast. This is not strong and steady. That is a failure of leadership.

Second, let’s talk about health care, Mr. Speaker. The government Throne Speech promised that everyone will have access to a primary care provider by 2028. That sounds nice, but we heard the promises before. Let me tell you what’s happening on the ground. The recent Angus Reid survey found 63 per cent of people in Saskatchewan either have no family doctor or are having a hard time to see one. That is nearly two-thirds of our province. We have the worst access to primary care in the entire country. Let that sink in.

Our resources: we have the worst access to the doctor. What happens when people don’t have a family doctor? They get sicker. Small problems become a big problem. And where do they have to go? They have to go to an emergency room. Our emergency rooms are already overflowing.

In Regina, people are waiting somewhere about 90 hours to be seen, and rural emergencies are closing because they don’t have enough staff. The government said they are fixing this. They point to a 2007 plan. They say they will hire more nurse practitioners, but while they’re making announcements, the crisis gets worse. The Gardens Community Health Centre in Regina closed its doors and 5,000 patients lost access to their doctor. What did this government do? Nothing.

We need real action. NDP has a plan. It is called your care, your plan. We will guarantee that every single person in Saskatchewan has access to the health care homes, a team of professionals responsible for their care. We will create a health care hub that connects families to doctors, to the specialists, mental health services, and home care. We will use virtual care and mobile nurses to reach rural and northern communities. We will fix the broken information system so doctors can access your record. The government approach is to wait and hope. Our approach is to act. The people of this province deserve better than waiting lists and closed doors.

Third, let’s talk about education, Mr. Speaker. The government’s last Throne Speech introduced The Building Schools Faster Act. They want to speed up construction. That’s fine, Mr. Speaker. It’s great. But building a school is only a half job. What happens inside the school matters just as much. Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation have been very clear — the recent budget does not even keep up with inflation. When you adjust for inflation, per student funding is going down. Per student funding is over 1,500 less than it was in 2015‑16. That’s the fact, Mr. Speaker.

What does this mean in classrooms? It means the largest classrooms. It means the teachers who are stretched thin. It means that the children with special needs are not getting the support they require. It means the complex classroom where one teacher can try to manage 30 students with different needs all by themselves.

The teachers in this province have been fighting for their students. They went on strike. They fought for the classroom complexity fund. And they want for $20 million and 500 new teachers. But the government’s recent budget does not build on that. It does not address the ongoing crisis. We need to fund them properly. We need to hire teachers and educational assistants. We need to ensure that every child, no matter where they live, what challenges they face, gets the best start possible. That’s what the NDP believe and we’ll fight for that. And, Mr. Speaker, spending money on education is not a cost. We all know about that. That’s the best investment.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, let us talk about the AI data centre. The government is very excited about this, the announcement of that $50 billion project, the largest AI infrastructure network in Canada. They say they will bring jobs and protect our data sovereignty. I’m not against technology, Mr. Speaker. I’m not against the jobs. But I’m against doing things behind closed doors. I am against making backroom deals that leave ordinary people out of their touch.

Here is what happened, Mr. Speaker. A massive data centre was announced in RM Sherwood, then shortly after that it was quadrupled from 300 megawatts to 1.2 gigawatts. Did the public get a say? No. There was zero public consultation. The Premier says it will not affect your power bill. He says the water used will be small. But the people have a question. They are worried about their electricity. They are worried about their power supply. They are worried about water supply. They are worried about the environment. And they have too a right to be.

The government is currently reviewing more than 30 applications for a data centre across the province, and they will not tell where they are. Are they nearing Regina? Are they near Saskatoon? Are they near Prince Albert? Is one coming to my constituency?

The people have the right to know what is being planned for their own backyard. The NDP has called a moratorium. Let us pause these megaprojects until we have a real plan. Let us have a proper public consultation. Let us assess the impact on our power grid, on our water, on our land. The government requires a municipality to hold a public meeting before building a parking lot. Whether it’s the municipality or provincial government, they always do that public consultancy. Surely we can hold ourselves to the same standards for a project that could change our entire province.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, this government’s Throne Speech is a list of nice-sounding words: strong, safe, secure. But the words do not pay the rent. The words do not heal a sick child in a crowded emergency room. Words do not help a teacher with too many students in their classroom. Words do not answer real questions people have about their communities.

After 18 years, this government has run out of ideas. They’re out of touch with everyday people’s struggles. They celebrate numbers while families struggle to put food on the table.

The people of Saskatchewan deserve action. They deserve a government that shows up for them. They deserve a government to listen. They deserve a government that puts people first. The NDP is ready to be that government. We have a plan. We have a vision. And we have the determination to make life better for every person in this province.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I’ll be not supporting the Throne Speech, but I’ll be supporting the amendment made by my colleague from Saskatoon Fairview and seconded by the member from Regina Walsh Acres. Thank you.

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

Barret Kropf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To all the families impacted by the Wainwright tragedy, my prayers go out to those brave men and women who are still battling for health in hospital. And of course, my condolences to the families of four soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice as they prepared to peace keep and defend our nation. To Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Aidan Goulding, Private Hayden Lykkemark, and Saskatchewan’s own Private Shaun Farrell: you will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, as you know, my oldest son is known as Second Lieutenant Jalen Kropf. He serves in the Canadian Forces, and it’s moments like this incident or the upcoming Remembrance Day events across Canada where it really forces you to reflect — reflect on the incredible courage and the calling that these soldiers have every day.

[19:45]

It rests on their shoulders, on the shoulders of men and women, our Canadian Armed Forces. And, Mr. Speaker, I’m so thankful for all that they do. So to Jalen and all your colleagues from coast to coast: I thank you. We see you and, Son, I love you.

A quick update on the rest of my family on the home front, Mr. Speaker. As you know, this Throne Speech outlines a lot of affordability measures especially for young families. It allows Saskatchewan to be the most affordable province in Canada, and to live and raise a family and build your career here. And my middle son, Josh, and his wife, Katti, they have just become first-time homebuyers in Moose Jaw. Congratulations to them. A teacher and an electrician, they are well on their way to solid careers here in Saskatchewan. And they are doing a brilliant job of raising our grandchildren Hazy and Bobby. So, Hazy and Bobby, Grandpa and Grandma love you so much.

We also grew in our family count this summer, Mr. Speaker. Our youngest son, Jacob, got engaged recently. And so my wife and I get another daughter-in-law to welcome to the Kropf crew. So, Kataya, welcome to the family.

For 35 years, Mr. Speaker, the government has identified her as my spouse, but this summer, my best friend and I celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary. I’m so thankful for her unending support and her willingness to have me drag her out to so many events across the province. Bridget, I love you.

And before I move on to the rest of my response to the Throne Speech, Mr. Speaker, I just want to declare that in the midst of all that we do on a daily basis with my colleagues, it is the Lord that gives me my strength, and it’s my family that gives me the glue to do what I do.

Mr. Speaker, my colleagues have talked about this Throne Speech with all kinds of stats and figures, and that Saskatchewan is and has what the world needs. And we are truly a strong, steady, and yes, a ready province to continue to deliver what the world needs. But I’m going to talk instead about the people — the people behind the Throne Speech stats, the people behind the Throne Speech projects, the folks who go about life with humility and servant hearts making an impact on their community across Canada and around the world.

So I want to begin with my CAs [constituency assistant], Lavonne Lyke and Cathareen Botha, a dynamic duo in a Davidson office. Not only are they front line of service for Dakota-Arm River constituents; they have abundant knowledge and a deep, caring heart. And they want to make sure that the constituents of Dakota-Arm River are served with excellence every day. So I thank you for them.

My Dakota-Arm River board. To John, Michelle, Darren, Ron, Patrick, Marty, and Mike: I thank you for your unwavering support, the late-night meetings like tonight that we’re trying to schedule meetings on, and your championing spirit. You’re always willing to serve your communities and the broader constituency of Dakota-Arm River, and for that I am thankful.

Now, Mr. Speaker, because of some of the $102 billion in projects happening in Saskatchewan as outlined in the Throne Speech, Dakota-Arm River is bursting at the seams. Our strong commitment to families has created growth in small towns across my constituency. Evidence of that is 70 per cent growth in child care spaces over the last two years.

As such I want to give out a shout-out to the new daycare centres that have opened in the last two years: Little Acres child care in Davidson, to Melanie Phillips and Raela Colliness; to the Bethune Childcare Centre, to Vicki Hoyum and Tayler Riche; to the Small Steps child care in Outlook, to Mari Jensen and Jessica Hanson; and to Line 19 Childcare in Elbow, Alex Talson, and Jocelyn Martens.

To each of these child care centres, their volunteer boards, and their staff, I want to say thank you. Having over 330 child care spots in Dakota-Arm River is only possible because of your tireless efforts, and I want to say thank you as well and way to go.

In the small community of Broderick, Mayor Susan Robertson, whose son I had a member’s statement about earlier this morning. I think maybe you might all have the Jeopardy! song still ringing through your mind right now. But Susan is a renowned potter and artist, and she has a passion for her community. She sees the potential in Saskatchewan and the items that we have in this Throne Speech, and so she spends her waking hours working on business attraction to Broderick, to housing development, to tourism growth, and of course the arts.

She has teamed up with a famous restaurateur in Broderick, Veronica Prokopiw, who owns the Terrace dining hall, and the two of them have worked hard to establish the Birds I View bird observation deck at the Broderick Reservoir. And so I want to say to them, congratulations, ladies. Your charisma and love for your community is evident in all that you do. Thanks for believing in a strong and steady Saskatchewan.

Throughout the summer, Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to travel around my constituency and attend events like my other colleagues have talked about, whether it’s been rodeos or parades or different galas and dinners. But the most enjoyable time that I got to spend was on the farm gates and tailgates with my producers across the constituency.

Hearing the passion of these producers was such a motivation to me, Mr. Speaker. Through thick and thin, through abundance and droughts, these folks have forged ahead, they’ve innovated, and they’ve built their operations in efficient ways so they can keep feeding the world.

So I want to say thanks to the Ringdals, the Kerpans, the Stones, the Gusts, the Grants, the Lynns, the Hundebys, the Griffins, and so many more that took the time out to have a chat with me. I’m inspired by them all, and I look forward to visiting many more of you this winter as we get back to the senior hockey games all across Dakota-Arm River. Let’s have another coffee and continue our conversations.

A few weeks ago the Prairie Wellness Centre opened in Elbow, thanks to the hard work of the Line 19 health committee and to folks like Stephanie Aadland and Mayor Gardner — I thank you for your leadership. The health centre is such a great addition to the area and another patient-first item to make a difference in our constituency.

I want to also give a shout-out to Chief Darcy Bear and your council, and Dr. Ivar Mendez and his staff. I want to thank you for pioneering spirit that has developed the Virtual Health Hub located in the heart of Dakota-Arm River, an incredible addition to the province and yet another patient-first plan coming to fruition.

And for all the folks looking for some Saskatchewan-based tourism spots this winter, look none other than at Dakota Whitecap. The first Nordic spa ever in our province of Saskatchewan will be opening their doors at Whitecap this December, a world-class destination spot for you all to take in, and I encourage you to make your bookings now.

Mayor Ryan Husband from Outlook and your council, and RM of Rudy reeve Kent Harrington and your council, you are getting things done. The region of Dakota-Arm River is seeing the benefits of all the things that our Throne Speech talked about. Your work together to get the Outlook-Rudy fire hall opened up this summer, and for the industrial expansion that has attracted companies such as UFA, Delta Irrigation, Tim Hortons, and a brand new 24‑unit apartment complex to Outlook — your co-operation and vision are making a difference. And I want to say thank you for your strong and steady efforts, because you too are now ready for continued growth.

To Glenn Chubak and his wife, Catherine, they might be two of the most humble, hard-working people I met this year. They are a couple behind Dias geophysics, a company with incredible impact around the world headquartered here in Saskatoon. They employ over 300 people with offices in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Chile, Mexico, and they’re not just good at what they do; they are the best in the world at it, Mr. Speaker.

With ground and airborne technology they use deep search transmitters to discover critical minerals around the world, including using quantum technology to put them on the front line of research. And to quote Glenn at a recent launch of their new world-leading technology, he said, “My wife and I have travelled the world, and there is no better place for us to grow our business than right here in Saskatchewan.” He goes on to say, “Without the Sask government’s international trade offices, we would never have the worldwide success that we enjoy today.”

Mr. Speaker, the same trade offices that the opposition campaigned on to be completely restructured is exactly what is attracting billions of dollars in projects to our province. And it’s allowing us to export our products and our brainpower to the world. That is why strong and steady matters. It creates a platform of readiness for businesses like the Chubaks to grow and thrive.

At the other end of Dakota-Arm River, on the south end we have the K+S potash plant. It’s in the middle of their ramp-up stage, Mr. Speaker. It’s a program that they have in moving their production from 2 million tonnes a year to 4 million. So I want to say thanks to Sam and Andrew and Jenn and the rest of their team. Thanks for believing in Saskatchewan. And we are thrilled to have such a world-leading corporation investing deeply in Saskatchewan and getting ready for the future.

And what’s a Throne Speech for myself, Mr. Speaker, without a quick shout-out to the hockey world, in this case the Loreburn 19ers. In previous seasons the Kenaston Blizzards had a dominant run of championships year after year. This past season, after a long 20‑year drought, the Loreburn 19ers hoisted the championship trophy. So well done to the players, staff, and endless number of volunteers.

It’s organizations like this who are the backbone of all small towns across the province and keeping those hallowed arenas, the heartbeat of the community on a cold, winter night. They will be raising the banner on this Friday in Loreburn. So thanks to our rink affordability program, the ice is in and the teams are ready to rock and roll this Friday at the ice palace. Make sure you get out to watch the game.

Mr. Speaker, more great news about some great people. I was able to attend a white coat ceremony at the U of S [University of Saskatchewan] for both the veterinary program and the College of Medicine. As we know, the patient-first plan has set a record for the highest intake numbers ever, with almost 90 per cent of them from Saskatchewan.

And, Mr. Speaker, three of those newcoming medical students are from Dakota-Arm River: Aunum Abid, Carter Wright, and Reed Simonson. And as I had the opportunity to visit with them after the ceremony, they are excited to be medical students and have plans to practise in rural Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, what an amazing news item to hear, and another part of our patients-first plan coming to fruition.

Another incoming medical student that kind of surprised me at the ceremony — I wasn’t planning to see him — as he walked up onto the stage to put his lab jacket on was Isaac Labelle. Mr. Speaker, I had the joy of recruiting Isaac and coaching him at the university level. He was an elite-level all-star goaltender helping us win championships. But he was even more of an outstanding all-star student. And now he gets the opportunity to be a doctor and follow his father’s footsteps here in Saskatchewan. So to Dr. Paul and Tanya, you must be incredibly proud of him. Way to go, Isaac. Win all day, every day. You got this, bro.

Mr. Speaker, I’ve got one more set of people I want to brag about. I hope you’re seeing a thread here. The Throne Speech was very clear on Saskatchewan being a strong, steady province, ready for the next set of opportunities. And the people I’ve just talked about for the last 15 minutes or so, many more around the province are making a difference. They see challenges, but they know we are a mature government with strong policies that give them the stability needed to launch full steam into those problems and get them solved.

The next group is no different. In fact, a few of them are here tonight up in your gallery. And so I’ll say hello to them in a moment, but these are humble, “aw, shucks” kind of folks who are making a difference in Saskatchewan every single day.

You see, Mr. Speaker, 14 months ago, I stood beside the head nutritionist from Saskatoon Public Schools, Jordan Sokmenoglu. SPS [Saskatoon Public Schools] had received some funding for their school program. It’s a centralized kitchen approach that allows them to be way more efficient and feed more kids each and every day because it’s such a great plan. She declared to me that if they could find more volunteers and a lower price on their ingredients, they could feed more kids.

Well, Mr. Speaker, Dakota-Arm River has an abundance of ingredients. Like a couple hundred million pounds of ingredients, to be honest. We have these incredible vegetable irrigators in Dakota-Arm River who grow potatoes and carrots and broccoli and cauliflower and beets and cabbage, and the list goes on with so much more.

If you’ve eaten coleslaw at KFC, it came from Dakota-Arm River. If you’ve eaten potato chips while watching the football game recently, those came from Dakota-Arm River. If you’ve had Little Potato Company potatoes on your plate for dinner, Mr. Speaker, those came from Dakota-Arm River. And you guessed it: a majority of the vegetables in the supermarket, Mr. Speaker, they come from about 175 kilometres from where we stand here today. So yeah, Jordan, I think we may have some more affordable healthy ingredients for you.

So, Mr. Speaker, out of the abundance of Saskatchewan, from our irrigators to our students, I have been able to assemble a team of volunteers who are delivering thousands of pounds of abundant, free vegetables to the Saskatoon Public Schools pilot project, and that also now this year includes the Saskatoon Catholic Schools as well. There’s a significant weekly growth of this pilot project, and we see weekly partnerships expand as my team of volunteers are getting these ingredients across the province, including the far North. For example, Mr. Speaker, we have teamed up with Whitecap First Nation, with Saskatoon Tribal Council, and several other community groups in the last month, and the result is that more kids in school are being fed.

[20:00]

This is a pilot project, Mr. Speaker, that’s going to shape an entire generation. When kids are fed at Saskatoon Public Schools and beyond, their attendance increases, their learning expands, and then they are ready for their bright future. So from the abundance of vegetables in Dakota-Arm River and the generosity of our irrigators, we’re going to chip away at solving this bottleneck issue within the food insecurity problem.

Right now it’s only possible because of the generous hearts of our irrigators and my team of volunteers. So I want to say thank you to Jordan and Saskatoon Public for your visionary work; to Katie and Lori and your staff; to Andrew and Aaron; to Darren and John and Marcel and Lisa and Raoul and Garry and Carolynne and Larry and Alison and Kelsey and Rachel and Dan and Chelsea, Glen, Monty, Ryan, and Rob. And I’m probably missing a whole bunch more, and I’ll get in trouble, Mr. Speaker, but the list of volunteers continues to grow. The list of partners continues to grow, and we’re making a difference.

And what a team. What an incredible team from the strong, steady, and abundant province of Saskatchewan. We are poised and ready for so much more, and I can’t wait to see what the years ahead will be simply because a group of humble, hard-working folks saw a challenge, and they didn’t complain. But they instead rolled up their sleeves, and they stand shoulder to shoulder to solve the problem and are making things happen. So thank you for serving your province and making this strong and steady pilot project possible. We are getting young people fed so they are ready for their futures.

Mr. Speaker, this is just a small snapshot of the things that are cooking in and around Dakota-Arm River. I’m so honoured to serve these folks and be their voice here in this Chamber. I love Saskatchewan. I love the people of Saskatchewan. I’m honoured to serve our Premier and cabinet who have tabled this Throne Speech. I will for sure be supporting the Throne Speech motion.

And in closing, Mr. Speaker, I’d ask the Lord to keep blessing Saskatchewan, keep blessing Canada, and to give us wisdom to be ready for so much more. Thank you.

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

Bhajan Brar: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to provide my thoughts on this year’s Throne Speech. Before I begin, I would like to take some time to reflect on the outreach I am doing in my constituency of Regina Pasqua and thank those who have helped me throughout this year.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my family. This year has not been easy for us, due to the health concern within my family. I live together with my son, daughter-in-law, and four grandchildren, and I know they have all had to make sacrifices to support me in doing this work. I have been with my wife, Charanjit Kaur Brar for more than 51 years. Unfortunately, this year she was diagnosed with multiple health issues. Due to this, we have had to go a number of times to the hospital, and everybody knows in Saskatchewan about how long the waiting times are. We are still waiting for a number of appointments.

Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago my grandkids, who are 10 and 5 years old, were playing with my wife, and one of my grandkids hit into her with a cycle and she was injured. Beside the other complications of her health issues, I trusted the statement of the ruling benches that the Regina urgent care centre is doing very well. We went there at 9 a.m. X-ray was carried out, but a long wait, just under twelve and a half hours. Doctor came at 9:30 p.m. Twelve and a half hours. She was discharged at 10 p.m. from Regina urgent care.

Mr. Speaker, the building of Regina care centre is so beautiful, no doubt. But Mr. Speaker, building excellence doesn’t treat the patient. Patients are treated by the doctors and nurses and other health care workers. I don’t know how much time the Sask Party government like to recruit the health care workers, nurses, and doctors, so that the Regina care centre can take care of the patient in time.

And this is the really sad story of my family. And it has not only happened to me, but with every patient who is at Regina care centre on every day. Mr. Speaker, if someone asks me about Regina care centre, I would like to ask the ruling benches, what should I say? I am awaiting this answer.

Mr. Speaker, I also want to say how proud I am of my entire family and all of my grandchildren. My twin grandchildren Karan and Arjun who are in kindergarten, Japji who is in grade 9. I am also proud of my granddaughter Navreet who was on the Faculty of Science dean’s honours list at the University of Regina this last year.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my team of volunteers, the members of the Regina Pasqua executive including Marla, Rosalee, Gerry, Fay, Janelle, Sukh, Dion. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my constituent assistant, Andrea, for all of the work she does to answer constituents’ concerns and help me do my duty as MLA in Regina Pasqua.

I also want to thank Ameen and Luke, who helped in our office over summer and fall as constituency assistants, making sure our office had coverage and helping me do my summer outings.

Mr. Speaker, thank you as well to each and every person who works here at the Legislative Assembly: security, maintenance, the Pages, and all the staff. The work they do is so crucial for the democratic process and ensuring every member is able to represent their constituents.

I also want to once again thank the people of Regina Pasqua for their continued support and trust in me as their MLA. It has truly been an honour to have spent the last two months connecting with so many of them. Mr. Speaker, this summer our full outreach included our second annual Regina Pasqua community barbecue. Hundreds of hot dogs and samosas were served, and we had many great conversations with our constituents. Thank you to all of the volunteers who made it possible.

My team and I also did some tabling at our local summer market in my constituency. We collected many petition signatures for issues we have been hearing about. I also connected with our community association in my constituency. Harbour Landing Community Association hosted their AGM [annual general meeting] in the summer as well as a meeting in the fall to discuss life in our community.

The Albert Park Community Association had their annual community cleanup in June. I brought four volunteers with me, and we got to work. Thanks to my volunteers. These community associations do such great work for their residents, and I encourage everyone to get involved so that they can provide more community programs.

Mr. Speaker, meeting with the constituents and listening to their concerns and raising them here in the Legislative Assembly is the most important work that we do as MLAs. Many concerns that I heard from constituents this year are not being addressed in this Throne Speech.

Mr. Speaker, one concern that came up across my constituency is the AI data centre being built south of Regina. Constituents have told me that they are concerned about the lack of consultation that has been done for this project. They’re concerned about the environmental impact, about the energy usage, the water usage, and about the noise. Without the answer to these important questions, constituents in Regina are worried that there are going to be too many drawbacks that will negatively impact their lives. Our team has been doing the work to listen to the constituents across the province about their concerns.

We worked hard on a moratorium on the hyperscale data centre project until we have more time to fully consult the public that will be impacted. Of course our team is not against investment in our economy, but it is our duty to listen to those who we represent and ensure their voices are heard.

Mr. Speaker, this Throne Speech discusses affordability and says that Saskatchewan is the most affordable place to live in Canada. However this is not what I have been hearing. All across Regina Pasqua people are worried about the cost of gas, groceries, utilities, rent, and housing. In Saskatchewan people have to line up at food banks after working their full-time jobs. We also have the highest number of children who are living in poverty. How can we say that Saskatchewan is the most affordable province?

On Tuesday while the Throne Speech was being read and we were all safe and warm inside this Chamber, our neighbours in Regina were being displaced from the tent encampment with no plan for where they will go. Homelessness is a serious issue in our province. This government needs to support the most vulnerable in our community who are facing housing instability; however, this Throne Speech has no plan for them.

Mr. Speaker, rent in Saskatchewan has been rising steadily, and I have spoken with many individuals in Regina Pasqua who’d like to see a cap on rent. I heard from many residents of The Williston in Harbour Landing who experience extremely high rent increases. I met with the residents for coffee to listen to their concerns. We also had them here at the front steps of the legislature to join our team to call for rent control. They are retired and on fixed income. How can they be expected to handle such high rent increases? Unfortunately many are going to be moving. How is it fair for them to have to leave the home where they have lived in for years and leave the community they have built?

My colleague the member for Saskatoon Westview brought in a private member’s bill calling for rent control last year. In this new session of the legislature, that bill has died on the order paper. However I know our team will continue to fight for rent control and affordability measures and protection for renters.

Mr. Speaker, many constituents who have immigrated to Canada have spent here in Saskatchewan expecting to contribute to the economy and build their future here are moving to other provinces. Due to the cap on the international students and on the SINP [Saskatchewan immigrant nominee program], less people are moving to Saskatchewan. Small businesses are facing shortages of labour. I am proud that my colleagues, the member for Regina Coronation Park and the member for Saskatoon University-Sutherland are working to consult with young people across this province about how we can retain people in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, this government says that they are making it easier to have a lasting career in health care. However just this past Wednesday we had hundreds of health care workers in front of the legislature calling for a fair deal to help retain health care workers.

The government’s patient-first health care plan is an old, reused plan and is not bringing the change that we need to see in our health care system. However our team is bringing forward bold suggestions to fix health care in this province. Recently the first phase of our plan was released with the priorities of primary care and will make sure everyone has access to a family doctor. I am proud of the work that my colleagues, the member for Regina Elphinstone-Centre and the member for Regina Walsh Acres have done. These solutions were created after hundreds of consultations all across the province.

Mr. Speaker, the number one concern that I hear from constituents in Regina Pasqua is about education. I have spoken many times about the issue of the Harbour Landing School in this Assembly. It has been overcrowded for . . . After years of broken promises and announcements, the people of Regina Pasqua are excited for the new Harbour Landing School to finally be completed in 2027. They are to be named Meadowlark School and St. Carlo Acutis Catholic school.

[20:15]

However during my door knocking, I was made aware of some concerns families have. In 2022 there was a boundary change due to overcrowding at the Harbour Landing School which led to the constituents south of Gordon Road being bused across Lewvan to go to Ethel Milliken School. Now those same students are being moved to the new Meadowlark School. This was of course expected but unfair to students who once again must leave their friends and face the challenges that come with a new school.

Now for those who will be in grade 8 next year, they might be able to stay at Ethel Milliken but will not be provided transportation. This will not work for many families, so their children will be placed in their second or third school change in just a few years. Other constituents are also being told that they will not be provided transportation to the new school due to changes in the buses’ routes and boundaries, and additional routes cannot be added due to funding. Let’s be clear: it is this government’s years of underfunding education that has led the school board to make these difficult decisions. Ultimately it is our students who pay the price.

The new school should have been built before the overcrowding got so bad that students were bused outside of their communities. The focus should not only be on new schools but also on staffing and resources that students need in the classroom. The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation said just last month that inflation-adjusted per-student funding has declined by nearly $1,500 over the last 10 years. Our education system is not providing students the education that they deserve, and this Throne Speech does nothing to address the challenges that our students and teachers are facing.

Mr. Speaker, this Throne Speech speaks about a steady Saskatchewan; however I have heard from the constituents of Regina Pasqua, and they do not want more of the same. They are ready for change. This Throne Speech is just more of the same from this government. This says nothing that addresses any of the problems that I have been hearing from my constituents. The Saskatchewan government should work for the people . . . [inaudible] . . . not patting their own backs.

I am proud that our team has been listening to people all across Saskatchewan, and will be putting forward bold legislation and solutions that will actually make a difference in people’s lives. Therefore I will not be supporting this Throne Speech, and I will instead be supporting the amendment moved by the member for Saskatoon Fairview and seconded by the member for Regina Walsh Acres.

Love to Saskatchewan. Love to the Saskatchewan people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Terri Bromm: — Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge that I stand here on Treaty 4 territory and traditional homeland of the Métis people. Here now at the halfway point of this term as MLA for Carrot River Valley, I address the Assembly with gratitude and humility. I recognize that time continues to fly by as we serve our respective constituencies.

Mr. Speaker, there are many people who continue to support me in my work as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. I would like to thank them for all that they do to help. First, I could not do this job without the unwavering love and support of my husband, Ian. This summer we celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary, like Barret. I am blessed.

We are very proud of our daughter Sydney, our son Logan, and his partner, Kailey. All three of them are caring and competent health care professionals. Family and friends, which many live here in Saskatchewan, play an important role in our lives. And I am thankful for all of them and their support.

I want to thank Shelley Meyer and Wynonna Mroczko, my constituency assistants at the office in Tisdale. They both have shown their professionalism, commitment, and caring in the work that they do assisting the people of Carrot River Valley. And I am grateful for all that they do, their hard work and support. And I couldn’t do this job without them either.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, to my colleagues, our caucus staff, and staff here of the building and the legislature for their ongoing support and assistance in our daily work.

Since we began these important roles as members of the Legislative Assembly two years ago, there has been an ongoing, and some would say increasing, uncertainty in the world. Trade relationships, economies, countries, and people have been affected by global unrest, tariffs, and market turmoil across the world, while Saskatchewan remains strong and steady. To the world our province is an affordable, reliable, ethical supplier of food, fuel, and fertilizer. And as we continue to expand and diversify our export markets, we continue to build here at home.

Carrot River Valley is a region of abundance and opportunity. Our agriculture and value-added agricultural sectors are powered by hard-working producers. Our forestry, mining, and tourism sectors provide jobs and support our residents and communities. Our beautiful lakes and land itself draw visitors from many places. So from farms to forests, small businesses to industry, our strength lies in our resilience and our shared commitment to one another.

This year has presented challenges in our area of the province. We had unprecedented flooding and runoff in the spring that caused infrastructure damage. We experienced washouts and road deterioration, road and bridge closures — some of those for extended periods of time — and evacuations, all creating many challenges. There were concerns too for producers, including delays in seeding.

Multiple municipalities declared a local emergency. The Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, the Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency, and the Minister of Energy and Resources made a timely drive to Tisdale to meet with municipal leaders from the region to discuss supports. And also thank you to the Minister Responsible for the Water Security Agency for returning to Tisdale with his chief of staff, and then the president and CEO of the Water Security Agency, Shawn Jaques, to drive out with me, visiting a number of representatives of rural municipalities and Pasquia park to see first-hand the devasting damage that was caused by the flooding.

Mr. Speaker, we had also wildfires this spring in Carrot River Valley, including the Cayford wildfire and one near the Nipawin Regional Park, which both led to evacuations.

In July we had disruptive storms with rain and hail, causing widespread power outages and much damage to homes, buildings, farms, yards, equipment, and parks. The work continues to repair the damage. The people, families, and businesses continue to show their resiliency. And as always, the people of the constituency and the people of the province have supported each other. And I would like to express my gratitude to all the municipalities, organizations, businesses, agencies, and individuals who assisted with the flooding, fires, evacuations, and storms.

When in the constituency, I have been fortunate to meet with many constituents and both rural and urban municipal representatives. I want to thank Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health for both coming to the provincial budget luncheon in June hosted by the Nipawin & District Chamber of Commerce. Both ministers had remarks followed by a Q & A [question and answer] that discussed the budget and other topics to go along with the great meal.

I had the opportunity to visit and tour retail businesses and manufacturing businesses within the constituency, impressed at the breadth of their offerings.

Mr. Speaker, engaging with groups and organizations to learn about the services that they provide is very, very rewarding. And there are many organizations providing a wide range of these services to the people within the constituency where we live. It has been a pleasure to attend events, celebrations — including a wonderful 100th birthday party — community celebrations, fundraisers, rodeos, trade shows, cultural events, high school and provincial sporting events, high school and post-secondary graduations, grand openings, car shows, galas, and fall suppers. There are many wonderful events to go to that support the people of our communities.

This summer the Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and Legislative Secretary for Crown Investments Corporation, the MLA for Last Mountain-Touchwood, came to Tisdale to meet with the RM of Connaught and representatives from volunteer fire departments, engaging in good discussion.

I want to highlight, located within Carrot River Valley are two hydroelectric facilities — E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station and Nipawin Hydroelectric Station. Located on the Saskatchewan River northeast of Nipawin, E.B. Campbell began operating in 1963. At 294 megawatts it is SaskPower’s largest hydroelectric facility, generating power for up to 250,000 homes. SaskPower completed a major refurbishment in E.B. Campbell, enabling the facility to provide reliable, affordable power for Saskatchewan customers for decades to come. The refurbishment will extend the useful life of the facility by at least 50 years.

Approximately $13.7 million was invested in Indigenous and local employment and procurement for the project. The 275 million, multi-year project began in 2021 and included upgrades to turbines, generators, intake systems, allowing the station to produce more power from the same amount of water, making the most of the existing infrastructure. Building a new hydroelectric facility of the same capacity would cost approximately $4 billion, according to current estimates. I was pleased to attend an event recognizing the completion of this project with the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, SaskPower executives, employees, and contractors.

Later in the summer I was able to tour our other dam, the Nipawin Hydroelectric Station. This station and spillway and powerhouse began in 1983. The first 85 megawatt unit was commissioned in 1985 and the other two 85 megawatt units being commissioned in 1986, for a total capacity of 255 megawatts that is still maintained today. The Nipawin plant was recently seeing some upgrades, with new electrical switchgear and new generators in the last five years. These hydroelectric stations provide our province with reliable clean energy for years to come.

It was a pleasure, along with the Minister of Government Relations; the Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs; along with the Minister of Social Services, to meet with Chief Erma Merasty of Shoal Lake Cree Nation and to have a good discussion at my MLA office in Tisdale. Recently Chief Merasty and the Shoal Lake Cree Nation leadership and community celebrated the grand opening of the Atawēkamik Amisk Gas Station, and I was honoured to speak and join the many attending the event. It is the first store in the community in over 30 years since the Gilbert Moore Memorial Store.

I am continually learning more about the people that I represent. We have commonalities as well as unique challenges and opportunities. We are all motivated to continue to work, create, and make improvements to ensure people thrive, businesses grow, and communities and municipalities flourish.

New opportunities are being created in the province like never before. Companies are investing in Saskatchewan unlike at any other time in our province’s history and unlike that is happening in any other province or territory across our nation, more than 60 major projects valued at over $100 billion.

Earlier this year Bell Canada announced it would build its new $12 billion data centre just outside of Regina. Then recently Bell Canada, along with Prime Minister Carney and Premier Moe, announced it will quadruple the investment to an over $50 billion project. The 300 megawatt facility will now provide a total capacity of 1.2 gigawatts. And this is the largest private capital investment in Canadian history, creating thousands of new jobs. The city of Regina will become the home of Bell AI Fabric’s headquarters. Strong. Steady. Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, recently two new uranium mines were approved. Investments are being made in Saskatchewan. These are the first two new mines approved in the province in over a decade. It is estimated that NexGen’s Rook I mine alone has the ability to meet 20 per cent of global demand, and that global uranium demand will grow. Eighty nuclear reactors are being built around the world. Saskatchewan has the highest grade, most sustainable and ethically produced uranium in the world, and Saskatchewan can help power the world.

There are investments in potash production here. Saskatchewan is supplying 35 per cent of the global potash demand with 10 active potash mines operating in the province today. And when BHP’s Jansen mine is fully operational, our ability to meet the demand will grow. The choice to purchase affordable, reliable, ethically produced potash would not be Russia nor Belarus, but Saskatchewan — strong, steady Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, copper and zinc production by Eldorado started less than five months ago at McIlvenna Bay. The plans are already in place to more than double it. Near Tisdale, Canadian Energy Metals’ Thor project estimates the deposit there represents one-third of the world’s known supply of alumina.

There have been significant new investments in Saskatchewan’s lithium industry, in our copper industry, and in rare earth elements. The country’s largest helium purification facility is operating near Stewart Valley in the southwest part of the province. And I had the opportunity to tour that new facility, which will produce approximately 73 million cubic feet of helium per year. This additional production will increase Saskatchewan’s annual output by more than 40 per cent.

[20:30]

Helium is used in important industrial processes in medical, defence, space exploration, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Saskatchewan has what the world needs, and we continue to expand and diversify our export markets abroad. Our government will continue to work closely with Saskatchewan exporters to increase our trade opportunities around the world, which in turn creates new jobs here at home. Strong. Steady. Saskatchewan.

While current trade disputes are increasing the cost of living for everyone, Saskatchewan continues to be the most affordable place to live in Canada. Our combined utilities, taxes, and housing costs make our province the most affordable place for families anywhere in the nation. During this session our government will further reduce personal income taxes in the ’27 budget, delivering on the third year of the four-year plan to make life more affordable. This will provide long-term help with the affordability issues being felt across the province.

During this session our government, Mr. Speaker, will protect families by introducing legislation that will make it easier to enforce against delinquent maintenance orders.

Saskatchewan will receive 15.6 million over three years through the federal-provincial workforce tariff response. This funding will help thousands of Saskatchewan workers with targeted support for the steel and softwood lumber sectors.

Our government released the patients-first health care plan earlier this year. There are 50 action items to improve access and outcomes for patients, receiving the right care in the right place at the right time.

Construction of the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital is now over 50 per cent complete. In Saskatoon, our government is fulfilling our commitment to open 186 additional acute care beds across four hospitals. What this means to residents of Carrot Valley is that when we need access to those acute care facilities, faster admissions, reduced delays, and enhanced care for critically ill patients . . .

This year our government has added a second mobile mammography unit. This will increase access to breast cancer screening closer to home, with an estimated 7,000 additional screenings annually across 42 Saskatchewan communities. A mammogram unit was in Tisdale last week from October 24th until October 30th, allowing screening closer to us here in Carrot River Valley.

The 2026‑27 budget added 20 more medical training seats and 10 more residency seats. All 162 medical residency seats and all 128 medical training seats are now filled, with 88 per cent of these students in these seats coming from Saskatchewan.

I had the pleasure of attending the University of Saskatchewan White Coat Ceremony for the first-year medical students, which includes students from Carrot River Valley. Five of the ten new residency seats are family medicine residency seats, with two in Nipawin, two in Melfort, and one in Yorkton. Residency positions offer hands-on clinical training positions that follow graduation from medical school.

The expansion of these family medicine training positions to the Northeast is an important investment that aligns with our commitment to improve the access to health care. Our residents started training this summer, strengthening local health care supports. And I’m excited for the opportunity to have improved long-term recruitment and retention in our area of the province.

Saskatchewan has experienced both severe fires and floods. To meet the challenges faced by residents from these disasters, our government has amended the provincial disaster assistance program, expanding eligibility for individuals, small businesses, and other eligible claimants. These changes will increase assistance to those affected and provide support to communities for mitigation and resiliency.

Our government is responding to the recommendations of the independent review of the 2025 wildfire season. New initiatives include the community wildfire resilience team pilot program to strengthen wildfire preparedness through better trained and equipped volunteers, and expansion of the resilient communities through FireSmart program to help more communities follow FireSmart principles.

Severe weather conditions also affect our agriculture producers, and our government continues to strengthen the business risk management programs available to these producers like crop insurance and AgriStability programs.

Congratulations to the Arborfield School and Tisdale Middle & Secondary School being awarded the school playground equipment grant, with both projects qualifying for the maximum matching funds of $50,000. These are 2 of the 94 schools already helped across the province. And it was a pleasure to attend the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the playground at the Arborfield School. There were many who contributed to the fundraising work, supporting the efforts of the project. And thank you to everyone who helped create a space that can benefit students and families for years to come.

Saskatchewan faces many challenges that are beyond our control in today’s uncertain world. However by building our economy, protecting our sovereignty, expanding our export markets, keeping life affordable, and providing high-quality services we will keep our province strong and steady. We will continue to focus on the things we can control, and I am very proud to be from Carrot River Valley and represent the people from there.

People have a way of showing up for one another. They volunteer. They give their time. They give rides to medical appointments, to the airport. They give donations of food, clothing, furniture, and money. And I know farmers that have become ill, and I’ve known other producers who were able to seed and harvest for them. They drive over their equipment and they help. People assist others that need a hand after storms that leave swaths of damage, cleaning up yards, debris, and trees; helping cover roofs exposed to missing shingles; and cleaning up homes and buildings after water damage.

These kinds of supports and assistance I am speaking of are not exclusive to where I live. People of Saskatchewan are kind and generous people. They’re not only resilient, but they’re hard-working, caring, positive, creative, and entrepreneurial. I will continue to work hard for the people of Carrot River Valley who have placed their trust in me, listening to challenges, ideas, opportunities, and contributing to discussion that develops policy that makes continued improvements and tangible benefits.

Our government continues to grow our economy now more than ever. The revenue generated continues to sustain and expand our programs, services, and initiatives, and build our hospitals and our schools that the people of our province deserve. This affects us all: my family, your family, the people of Carrot River Valley, and the people of Saskatchewan. We will continue to do the work. We are looking forward to our current and our next opportunities. There’s no place in the world that I would rather call home.

Mr. Speaker, I will be supporting the motion brought forward by the member from White City-Qu’Appelle and seconded by the member from Last Mountain-Touchwood. I will not be supporting the opposition’s amendment.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to rise here tonight and enter into debate on the Speech from the Throne.

You know, it’s an incredible honour to represent not only the good people of northern Saskatchewan, but in particular the good people of Cumberland. And I thank them each and every day for giving me the honour and opportunity to sit in this chair on the floor of this legislature.

You know, I’ve said it plenty of times here on the legislative floor and out in the rotunda and across Saskatchewan that I’m a proud member of northern Saskatchewan, born and raised, a Treaty 6 adhesion member through the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. I was able to go to the signing site where my ancestor Chief James Roberts signed the adhesion to Treaty 6, just north of Molanosa this summer.

And I tell you, it was quite the spiritual experience, thinking of those many years ago and thinking of, you know, the First People of Canada, my ancestors, and my other side of the family, who immigrated to Canada many, many, many years ago. And it was the ancestors of both sides of my family essentially that had met at that place and talked about the importance of sharing the land and sharing the opportunities of this great place and the intention of treaty and what it meant to people at that time. It was a very, very amazing experience for me.

I was joined by my CA. I know government members attended that same location when they visited Molanosa this year. And I thank the members opposite and our team for going to that place, seeing the importance of that place, and you know, seeing that rock representing our grandfathers, and understanding the importance of treaty in our northern parts and all across Saskatchewan.

I’ve also said time and time again that I’m a proud Unifor Local 2‑S member, former SaskTel employee. I guess currently on leave, so I shouldn’t say former employee of SaskTel, but on leave to serve here on the legislative floor. Had the honour and opportunity to introduce some of those members earlier this week. And as I said then, I’ll say it again, I hope I do them proud each and every single day that I have the honour and opportunity to hold this chair.

You know as is customary at the opening of remarks, we usually like to thank the folks that have made it possible for us to be able to stand here today. And I want to start by thanking our Creator not only for bringing us here tonight, but last week and this week and over the course of the fall session to debate the things that matter to the people of Saskatchewan.

And we hear from the government side and my colleagues here that make up Saskatchewan’s NDP’s official opposition about the challenges and the opportunities that are here in the province of Saskatchewan. And it’s my true belief that we try and serve the people the best that we can from here. And I thank the Creator for bringing us here to do that very work. You know, the Creator has given me good health and the honour and opportunities that I continue to enjoy, not only here in this House but in my home in the North as well.

I quickly want to talk about my wife, Marlette. She’s the absolute rock in my life. You know, as most of us will know, we spend a lot of time on the road to serve the people of this province. My wife has to stay at the house, take care of our two young daughters.

You know, we had a bit of a scare recently. My father-in-law is currently in the Philippines and was hospitalized in the Philippines. He got a case of dengue fever, and things were not looking super great. My wife was at home alone during some of those times. Of course, we had work here on the floor of the legislature, and I know that she would probably want her husband a little bit closer to home in those moments. And you know, I was happy to get there on the weekend and go through many of the things.

I’m happy to report that the amazing health care teams in the Philippines, the people that have come together to support our family, not only here in Canada but in the Philippines. I thank them for their service to our family, to their nation of the Philippines,

And I’ll tell you, seeing two different health care systems, you know, the nurses and everybody were incredible in the Philippines, but there is a cost to some private health care. There is a two-tier system there. And I’ll tell you, going through some of those conversations as a family, it makes me really, really proud of the work of the late, great Tommy Douglas here in Saskatchewan to create medicare and create universal health care for all people not only in Saskatchewan but across Canada. That is such an important system and we need to take care of it.

You know, my wife often doesn’t say too much in the world of politics or weigh in to what goes on here a whole bunch. But when she does, boy, let me tell you, she tells it like it is, which is precisely why I married her. She’s my best friend, an incredible mother and nurse, and most of all she is one heck of a good-hearted community member. And by the looks of me these days, pretty darned good cook too.

You know, over the course of the weekend I said that we got back up into La Ronge, and we had an artist, Kellie Loder, incredible artist. At the end of the concert my wife always likes to support merch booths. She supports the creative arts, not only here. She bought a CD [compact disc]. Not many vehicles or much these days have a CD player, even at the house. You know, it’s really hard to get CDs to go over Bluetooth. But nevertheless my wife wanted to make sure that we purchased a CD.

We went up to Kellie and they signed a copy of their CD and said, “Hey, you’re that couple that was sitting, like, three rows back. You guys had such a vibe.” And that, I will say, is about 98 per cent of my wife. So thank you to Marlette for always being in my corner, and I will always be in your corner. And thanks for raising our daughters while I have to do the work here in this House.

I’ll quickly touch on my daughters. Penny is our youngest. She’s a little rammy rebel who’s growing faster than her dad and mom like, and she’s just full of attitude. She probably gets that from her father, Mr. Speaker.

You know, Lily is our oldest daughter. She’s a curious little sweetheart who tries to answer some pretty big questions for a five-year-old. She just entered kindergarten and is doing incredible in her French immersion. Something that I hope she picks up is French. You know, there are so many Canadians that speak both English and French. Her mom speaks fluent Visayas. My mother, her kohkum, speaks fluent Cree. So it would just be amazing if I could see my daughter grow up in a place where she can speak multiple languages. I think it’s such an incredible asset to have in this day and age.

[20:45]

Quickly on my brothers. My middle brother, Mitch, he likes to keep most of the family on our toes and mainly in good ways. You know, this job sometimes makes you think that you are forever in the spotlight. My brother Mitchell is really good at humbling a guy and making him enjoy the wilder things in life. You know, he’s recently purchased a side-by-side and I swear . . . I took a ride with him the other day, and I’ll tell you, I think he was trying to make up for me for the multiple years that we went around on the golf cart at the Eagle Point Resort in La Ronge. But I thank him for his presence in my life, and it’s a joy to be his older brother.

My youngest brother, Chase — I come from a family of three so he’s the baby of the family — and his fiancée, I want to thank them for making me a first-time uncle this summer. It’s a pretty great feeling. Little Lotus Max was born over the summer and is growing up quickly. He is already a better angler than his mom and dad, and I look forward to bringing him alongside his cousins, my daughters, as I teach them how to catch the big fish.

And finally on the thank yous to my mother. I can’t thank her enough, Mr. Speaker. She’s always an incredible support. When I first read the title of the Throne Speech — “Strong. Steady.” — I thought the members opposite finally saw what I knew and wanted to write about it, and that was my mother. She’s been a strong and steady support to my family and helping us do the work here on the floor of the legislature. She’s always helping my wife while I’m away. She’s the world’s number one kohkom and such an incredible help to us. So thanks to my mama bear.

Which brings me to the actual content of this year’s Throne Speech. Now two years ago I was gifted the opportunity to learn about the beautiful trees I live in just a little bit more. As the shadow minister for forestry, let me tell you, when I first heard I was named a shadow minister responsible, I didn’t have the strongest knowledge on how our forests were managed, how they were harvested, or how they were sold. And it is on that note that I would like to thank the many foresters: the saw mill operators, the hard-working union members at USW [United Steelworkers] Local 1‑184, the forest service workers, the lands and resources teams across the North, and namely my home nation of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and the PBCN [Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation].

And of course Carl with forestry Saskatchewan, not only for your advice in helping me understand how our forest operations in the province work, but the work you do each and every single day to speak about the other F-word of our economy and the environment, and that’s forest.

You know, Mr. Speaker, we often hear this Premier and government talk about the food, fuel, and fertilizers we have in this province. And no doubt we are the best place in the world at providing safe, ethically sourced, and reliable source of food, fuel, and fertilizer. Now this government has forgotten and abandoned the other F-word of our economy for years. There was a campaign pitch — “A vote for Darryl Hickie is a vote for the P.A. pulp mill” — another repeat pitch from this Premier just before the last election to the people of Prince Albert and the North.

And this Premier has claimed his government has fulfilled every election promise. It is my belief that this government’s intention to abandon this promise as soon as the ballots were counted, and after we have heard now that there is no intention of the pulp mill, this repeated election promise has been broken again and again and again by this government. And the promises this government made to the people of Prince Albert will not be fulfilled.

There was further promises. “The government will double the forestry industry in Saskatchewan” was their plan for growth touted. Sounds like if the government had their plan and it went as planned as they did when they announced it, we should have been hearing about massive investments — expanding mills, more foresters, increasing investment, Prince Albert gets their mill back. We’d be hauling so many trees out the Lorax would have a protest set up on the Prince Albert bridge.

Instead what do we see from this government’s policies around our forest when they actually come into effect? 117 direct jobs lost in Big River at Carrier Forest Products. The good, unionized, mortgage-paying jobs these hard-working people deserve. 2.9 million hectares of a commercialized forest zone burned in 2025 due to the failed planning, resourcing, and actioning of the wildfires under the now-Minister of Justice when he was responsible for the SPSA [Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency].

You know the foresters wanted to help. You know they had equipment and the willpower and the human resources to help you battle against the blazes. You know that they know these trees; they know where the fuel is; they know where the disease is. You know that they’re an incredible tool to help you win. These foresters, many of which are northerners, proud Indigenous leaders in their community, know that there is health in an ecosystem when trees burn. Indigenous and Western science agrees in the renewal of the forest.

I have learned through many people I have spoken to that our foresters, in many cases, will try and mimic a wildfire in their practices while working on the land as this is the way we can ensure biodiversity, a strong regrowth, and furthermore a more resilient, reliable, and a healthier forest.

Now I often hear from the members opposite that policies matter. Where were your policies to protect forestry workers when US [United States] tariffs and wildfires destroyed their investments? We spoke with one company here in the province that had over $50 million sitting in the States due to the tariffs and trade issues. Where was your intestinal fortitude to help them take that money and reinvest it here?

We have seen these companies bleeding from both ends of their industry. This government’s negligent, complacent, and lack of fortitude to put out the fires, to prevent the fires before they happen, and listen to the thousands of voices that told them to do better and be better — they didn’t listen and the lack of policy appears to be that government’s policy.

Where was their policies to get the products to market? At the outset of the US tariffs, our leader and the shadow minister for Trade and Export Development brought forward our ideas. Absolute crickets from the lot over there. We were speaking clearly with a full chest that we need trade-enabling infrastructure, rail lines, power lines, highways. When we got up in the House and spoke about it, members on the opposite side laughed. Guess who’s not laughing now? The 117 direct families and hundreds more affected by the shutdown from Carrier.

After the fires we called for supports, not only for northerners who lost so much, but for the foresters in the North as well. We spoke about a dues-free salvage of the burnt materials. And now that the year is past and the bugs are into it, well there goes your window of opportunity your government had.

We spoke about removing the PST on construction labour. You know, these foresters, they build temporary roads into and out of the forest to harvest. When they bring that road in, tack on a PST bill on construction and labour from this government, even after their investments have been threatened. Pull the road out as per environmental regulations after the harvest — boom — PST on construction and labour to remove that road. We called for an exemption on that PST. The members over there couldn’t have been bothered.

We heard about the abysmal highway conditions on how many times of the year that they can’t get their products down the preferred roads— Highway 55 — due to the lack of investment from this government. They won’t maintain the roads that they have, and the industry sees this failure.

We spoke about a reforestation plan as the ecosystem was completely shot by the wildfires. When foresters go in and harvest, Mr. Speaker, they have to plant two to one in the area upon leaving to ensure regrowth. When government fails and can’t stop fires, they could have made amends or at least shown some level of care to the industry to help plant trees and show that they are committed to their long-term success here in the province. No, not these guys. Reforestation was a long-term plan that they could have actioned and choose not to.

So what could they have done in the short term? Well I don’t know, Mr. Speaker. Maybe listen to our team and finally, finally cut the gas tax, not only for the foresters but for everyone here in the province.

We all know that our trucks that haul the food, the fuel, the fertilizer, forest, copper, gold, uranium . . . The list goes on and on and on and on, Mr. Speaker. These industries have been hit hard, and that could have been and still can be used by cutting the gas tax to help these industries. But this government? No, not a care in a world to lift a finger despite the windfall revenues due to the high prices of oil.

Speaker Goudy: — The term . . . Like just the way we’re describing the opposition, offensive words. Tone down the conversation, please.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The government policy to help the foresters can’t be found here at the legislature. It’s not reflected in the Throne Speech, not found in the previous budgets from this out-of-touch government, but it can be found at Staples and sold in a pack of 500. Blank pages, Mr. Speaker, 8 and a half by 11.

Now the members opposite want to point to a line about the federal transfer to help retrain. You know what they had before this speech, Mr. Speaker? A mortgage-paying job that deserved this money before they lost their job, to protect their job here in the province of Saskatchewan. They didn’t want to be retrained. They were some of the best-trained mill operators in the province. They deserved the help through the policies this side of the House has offered years ago.

When it comes to the other F-word of our economy, forestry, policies matter. This side of the House did not fail the people. We gave those members options. The government failed them when they chose not to action them.

I’ll move to Northern Affairs. I want to reiterate a lot about what my brother from Athabasca had said. We have enjoyed a summer where we can gather again, where we can heal collectively, and furthermore plan our collective future in the North. I saw many folks across the province’s beautiful North from graduation ceremonies, community gatherings, treaty celebrations, and so, so much more.

We had two grads postponed this year, Mr. Speaker. One due to the fallout of a serious incident in the community of Pelican Narrows. The member from Weyburn-Bengough, and the Minister Responsible for Community Safety, will recall this as he was close by and will remember that I was worried about him and his young family the day that that happened. The other was due to a loss of a community member in Deschambault Lake.

Last year grads were cancelled and moved due to wildfire. This year, safety of the community and incredible grief. The sad part, Mr. Speaker, is this is becoming part of the norm in the North. It’s unacceptable for members on this side of the House and we’ve called for better. We’ve asked the government to help these communities who are so desperate for help.

The mayor of Sandy Bay, Pauline Morin, has reported to me that she has contacted or attempted to contact the Minister Responsible for Northern Affairs to help with arsonists to help them get the resources they need, as the minister will be acutely aware of, as I sent a letter to him about this very issue as well.

The northern people have not heard a peep from this government on how they will improve their lives in nearly two decades. They struggle to find addictions supports. They can’t get health care where and when they need it, as the minister speaks about, despite the incredible efforts from the front line. They can’t get to appointments hundreds of kilometres away as they can’t afford the gas. They can’t afford the maintenance on the broken roads and their vehicles rattling over those broken roads.

They struggle to find housing. Leaders in Sandy Bay, Cumberland House, La Ronge, Deschambault, Pelican Narrows, just about anywhere in the province but especially in the North, have told us that there are massive overcrowding issues. We’ve heard of stories of 13 people living in a single household in places like Sandy Bay.

From a public health perspective this is dangerous. It can lend a hand to the spread of communicable disease. It can increase fire risk and the risk of losing a life to fire if not everyone can evacuate in a timely manner. With the many challenges not only in the North but all across Saskatchewan when it comes to the addictions crisis, this can also mean the head of a household will be left with impossible decisions where they have to ask a struggling loved one to leave and potentially live on the streets or keep them in the home and potentially pass on some trauma as well.

You know, the member from Lumsden-Morse and a couple of other members had spoke about in their response to the Throne Speech about AI being used to help some of these northern communities. Well, Mr. Speaker, the communities in the North, they used to have doctors and nurses and health care professionals on the front lines, and it shouldn’t be replaced with AI. What we should be seeing is increased investment, stronger retention, and recruitment policies in northern Saskatchewan because we see it time and time again that the North is forgotten by this government.

This government has failed the people. This is true in public safety. It is true in health care. It is true in education, child care spaces, and the cost of living. But we as Saskatchewan people, we are resilient and we will prevail as we always have. The North is and always will be strong despite this government’s best efforts to break that resolve.

I also want to touch on the Sherwood data centre . . .

[21:00]

Speaker Goudy: — Just to comment that this government is trying to break, you know, the northern resolve. It’s one thing to debate and say they didn’t supply this, they didn’t do that, but could you apologize? Like you can’t be just telling the government that they’re trying to break the North’s resolve. I don’t think that’s fair.

Jordan McPhail: — I apologize, Mr. Speaker.

I also want to touch on the Sherwood data centre. The members know this and I’ve said it at almost every opportunity that I can, but I had the incredible honour and opportunity to have a career at SaskTel. I was a customer service technician for 10 years, just about 10 years, which has now been rebranded as a field services technician. And I will say that I’ve been able to do that in the greatest telecommunications company in Canada, that being SaskTel.

This job took me all over the province’s North. I have climbed poles. And for anyone who knows me, music is always playing in my truck. Always. So yes, I may have a time or 2,000 danced my way up and down the power poles from Wollaston Lake to Uranium City, Stony Rapids, Black Lake, to Pinehouse. I’ve ensured phone lines are working in the refuge station 630 metres below the surface of the earth in places like McArthur River. I’ve helped our incredible network teams maintain the best cell towers in the province.

Now some members of the legislature may not know, but SaskTel has been an incredible world leader in building big things. SaskTel International has done projects in Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico, the Bahamas, just to name a few. They built a fibre optic tunnel. Some of us are aware of the Chunnel.

SaskTel is capable of building. SaskTel is owned by the very people of this province and they deserve a government that will take this incredible company and leverage its human, fiscal, and incredible information technology teams and build big things. We are capable of it. They have operated and continue to operate data centres.

Our team believes in our Crown corporations and the workers who make those companies flourish. And what better place to hold Canadian data than a Crown corporation owned by the people of this province?

The Premier spoke about home ice advantage. Data in a SaskTel data centre is like home ice advantage with the refs on our side and the rules created by the home team, Mr. Speaker. Our Crown, SaskTel, offers the safest, most ethical, and best net benefit for Saskatchewan people and Canadian data.

You know, the member spoke about, the member from Lumsden-Morse when he was entering in some remarks about the data centre, he said that this is one of the only options for a Canadian company, if I recall some of his words correctly. I’d like to correct the record. There is a Crown corporation right here in Saskatchewan that can and should have been a first choice for Canadian data. We can build big things, Mr. Speaker. We just need the political willpower and the belief from a government who believes in the capabilities of the people.

I want to touch on the cost of living. While there may be some people in this province who, when they are double-booked or tired of driving, they say they can cancel a family vacation and just fly to work today, cut a ribbon, make a couple stops along the way, shop, get a local . . . [inaudible] . . . get back on the jet, and fly home. Others are . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Okay. That was, you know, so clearly out of line. And I’m going to ask you to apologize and withdraw those comments and not go down that lane.

Jordan McPhail: — Apologize, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — And withdraw those statements.

Jordan McPhail: — I apologize and withdraw.

Mr. Speaker, there are people in this province who are struggling to pay rent. They’re struggling to put food on the table. They’re struggling to put clothes on their back or fill the tank to get to work. And I think it’s wild that we all stand here in the House of the people and the government members forget, or appear to forget, about the struggles these folks face.

Let me tell you, Mr. Speaker, the people in Saskatchewan see those members and they see the entitlement after nearly two decades in power. They see government going to the paper, The World-Spectator, owned by the government member from Moosomin-Montmartre. They see that this government is dodging accountability. They see this government is refusing to answer logically as to why . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Member from Cumberland. The government dodging accountability. I’m going to ask you to sit down. No. Either you . . . I warned you once on that. And then you’re talking about the government’s dodging accountability. Can you finish the speech in a nice way, or are you going to keep going down that road?

Jordan McPhail: — Mr. Speaker, the people of the province of Saskatchewan deserve a government that’s accountable to the people that they serve.

As I close, I want to talk about some words from the member from Weyburn-Bengough. In his response he asked two questions: how are we doing today? Is there anywhere else you’d rather be? He went further to say if he didn’t get the response he wanted to the first question that he would just simply ask the question again.

Well, Mr. Speaker, I think if he or the member from Sask Rivers were to ask the people at Big River saw mill those questions, they would say, not great, no matter how many times they chose to ask them.

To the second question, anywhere else that they would rather be. They would probably say that they wish that they had their old job back at the Big River mill where they were able to provide that food for the family table. And due to the failures of this government, I’d imagine they would have had to respond in that way.

To the people in the North, desperate for help, Mr. Speaker, they’d probably answer in a similar vein. To the students desperate for rent controls or some level of affordability, they’d probably say the same.

I know the good people I serve here on the floor were expecting more from this government. They were expecting relief. They were expecting accountability, and the people in charge of the forgotten F-word of our economy deserve better from this government.

I know the incredible people of this province, and as they answer those questions, how are we doing today? Some of them, they’re not doing too well. They are struggling and trying to make ends meet. They are surviving and resilient and trying to help one another through these challenging times. And is there anywhere else they’d rather be? I think the answer is becoming more and more clear to all members of this House. The answer is Saskatchewan 2028 or sooner when this government finally falls and the people get a government that will meet them where they’re at. Where they believe them when they tell them that they’re struggling, not just tell them how good they have it. Where they will have access to primary care in the province, not a government that changes a cover page of a nearly‑20‑year-old plan that they can’t deliver on.

They will have a government that will actually action wildfire strategies forged by northerners, foresters, First Nations, and Métis leaders. That if we received a report on March 25th detailing a government’s horrendous response to a wildfire, that we’d be honest with them and say that, not in the funny way that the minister had said which was May 22nd.

The people of this province know there is change on the horizon. They are showing up in droves to support our team on this side of the House. They are tired of this entitled and out-of-touch government. They know there’s a choice coming, and they will send this government — and their 500‑blank-page policy manual I referenced earlier — packing for a high-flying, first-class ticket out of here, and welcome in a government that gets them and will work for them.

Speaker Goudy: — Do you . . . Does that not strike you that you could, as you go through your speech . . . Please sit down while I’m . . . When you go through your speech, do you have the capacity to strike out some of the things that you know are offensive? You do. I know you do. Which would tell me it’s intentional. So that’s the end. Thank you. Honestly, what do you . . . How many times do you want me to stand up in an evening to cut you off?

I did appreciate you caught yourself. You changed it the one time where you said, “It seems like” rather than “It was,” but . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Sorry. He has to finish off and be able to say whether he supports or not. Please . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Sorry . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Yeah, he can have the right to that. Please finish off. Let us know how you’re voting.

Jordan McPhail: — Mr. Speaker, the people of Saskatchewan will welcome in a government that gets them and will work for them and that will deliver the changes that they deserve. And it’s for these reasons, among many more, that I will not be supporting the Speech from the Throne and I will be supporting the amendment put forward by the member from Saskatoon Fairview and seconded from the member from Regina Walsh Acres. Thank you, têniki, ninanâskoman, and mahsi cho, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Energy and Resources.

Hon. Chris Beaudry: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I found out that I’m what’s keeping you between your pillow and your bed tonight. So I’ll only drag this out for an hour and 20 minutes.

Now I’ll start with a few thank yous, Mr. Speaker. And I’d like to just start by thanking my board. I’ve got an excellent board that seems to keep growing. We’ve got a good group of hillbillies and hard workers on there, and I think Lori . . . or the Minister of Mental Health would fit in quite well with our board.

I also have to thank Nancy in the office. She keeps everything running quite well down in Foam Lake now. We moved the office from Wynyard to Foam Lake just to try to keep her off some of the icy roads this winter. She had about an hour drive to Wynyard and now she’s only got a 10‑minute drive into Foam Lake, so she’s going to be pretty appreciative of that. I also want to thank the folks in the office upstairs, you know. It’s hard to do this role, and if I wouldn’t have a staff around me like them it would be much harder.

And also I want to thank my family, who actually showed up tonight. I got my three kids and my wife are just up north in the apartment, waiting for me. I don’t think they’re going to stay up though, because at 10:30 it’ll be too late for them.

There’s one person I haven’t thanked in the three times that I’ve stood up to speak about this, and that’s my dad. And my dad is actually someone who hates politics and really questioned this when I decided to run. And he . . . I can’t use the language that he said to me when I told him I was going to run. But I have learned more from him than probably anyone in the world. I learned about hard work and determination.

My dad is a person who doesn’t even have a grade 10 education but became an engineer in the oil field and a drilling superintendent. He did that with old-school Saskatchewan hard work. He didn’t say no when someone said the job was hard. If it was a dirty job, a clean job, a hard job, or an easy job, he just went and did it. And I’ve learned more from that than anything.

We were just joking back there earlier, and I said I think you can go through life taking things pretty easy, kind of laughing, having a good time, joking about things. But if you do it hard no matter what, if you do it hard, you’ll move forward in life. And I’ve seen that from my dad. And I think that . . . I hope I model that with my kids. I’m not very serious most of the time, but whenever I do something I try to give it the 110 per cent that you’re always looking for.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I know a lot of people have talked about a lot of the great events they’ve had in their constituency. And I didn’t get to many events this summer, Mr. Speaker. As the member opposite who had a different summer, we spent the first 16 days out of session in the hospital. My middle daughter had osteomyelitis, as a bone infection in her jaw had returned. And the infection spread to her brain, and she couldn’t talk for two days. And so when we got out we had a long stay at home, where she had a PICC [peripherally inserted central catheter] line and we had to give her antibiotics three times a day, keep the open wound clean, keep the infection site clean. And it made for a difficult summer for all of us.

It gave me a lot of time to reflect, Mr. Speaker, a lot of time in silence and quiet meditation. And it brought me back to a lot of things that used to fill my cup, things like quiet mornings, writing poetry, full days with my kids. And I wrote something that I really, really liked this summer, and I just want to share that. And it says:

They celebrate the one who reaches the summit.

Few notice the one who quietly comes home.

The view was beautiful.

I planted no flag.

The mountain had already given me everything I came for.

There was nothing left but supper on the stove and an empty seat at the dinner table.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I’ve thanked my family and I thanked a lot of other folks, but the people I’m most thankful to this summer are the nurses and the doctors and the staff at the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and the Humboldt hospital. I give immense thanks to them for saving my daughter’s life, and I will be forever appreciative of the great work that they do.

[21:15]

Now we were able to make it out to a few events, Mr. Speaker. I was able to go to Jansen Lites Up the Nite. Now for a town of under 100 people, they put on the best fireworks show that you’re going to see in this province. There’s a theme to the towns I made it to. I don’t think any event I’ve been to the town had a population over 100. But I’ve found that those events seem to be the best ones.

I was able to get out to Wishart to their pork cookout. And when I walked through the door, Mr. Speaker, it reminded me of another small town, of Perigord, of their Thrill of the Hills poker rally that I used to go to as a child. The hall was full. There wasn’t an empty seat in the building. And it was nothing but breaking bread and communion with amazing, amazing people of the Kelvington-Wadena constituency.

I was lucky enough that night that there was another event close by. And so I drove about another 100 K and I went to the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions — she’s going to be in the speech more than I am — I went to her favourite town, which is Kuroki. We weren’t singing karaoke there, but I was in Kuroki and they had The Gecko Band. She even got a souvenir that night, a beautiful T-shirt celebrating this wonderful band from Puerto Vallarta that the town brings out every year to raise money to try and support the local hall and their local lake community, Mr. Speaker. Again another full hall. I was just there again Sunday in Kuroki for their fall supper — 450 people put through in a town that has under 30 people who live there.

Now since the clock’s ticking, Mr. Speaker, and for sure you’re getting tired, I’ll speed this up a bit. When I was in Lloydminster back in harvest, I heard the member from Lloydminster say this quote, and I’ve used it three or four times now. And it’s, there are a billion people in the world, Mr. Speaker, who have our standard of living, and there are 7 billion people who want that.

The only way they’re going to get that, Mr. Speaker, is through the growth and expansion of the energy sector, all of the energy sectors, Mr. Speaker. And that is what I’ve spent my time doing. I’ve looked at all the different commodities that this province has, be it lithium, helium, heavy oil, light oil, medium oil, potash, uranium — oh, the list goes on, Mr. Speaker — copper, and zinc, and we’ve got alumina. We could continue.

But, Mr. Speaker, I think the greatest commodity, the greatest commodity that we have right now on a world stage is certainty — certainty of our commodities, certainty of our government, certainty of our people, Mr. Speaker. That’s the greatest commodity. Now how did we make this province a certainty, Mr. Speaker? You have to create the conditions for growth for that. You create that.

Now this government has done a heck of a job doing that, Mr. Speaker. We’ve created certainty because this government understands that capital has a passport. It chooses where it wants to go. This government listens. It creates incentive. It talks to industry . . . Sorry, Mr. Speaker. We created incentives. Not just one incentive. Not one big, beautiful incentive but multiple beautiful incentives, Mr. Speaker. We create incentives. We listen to industry. And that creates certainty.

Those dollars could go wherever they want in the world, Mr. Speaker, and a hundred billion of them have shown up here. A hundred billion dollars sometimes is hard to . . . It’s hard to think about how much that actually is. How could that be spent in a province like this, Mr. Speaker? And I thought, let’s list some of the ways that it’s spent here. And this’ll be kind of quick. A hundred billion dollars is spent — and this isn’t even all of it, Mr. Speaker — BHP, NexGen, Paladin.

Now we’ll pause there for a second for a quick story, Mr. Speaker. During the opening of Paladin’s offices, I got a chance to meet one of their CEOs [chief executive officer] from Australia — Paul. And Paul pulled me aside when we were doing a social media hit. And he said, “Chris, I got to tell you, when we purchased this company I had to learn about Canada.” And he goes, “The way I learned about Canada was by watching Letterkenny and Shoresy.”

And he told a story which I can’t . . . or a quote that I can’t repeat. So just to be able to share a bit more of the story, I’ll say this quote. He said, “You know, you look like a guy that I’d go through a wall with for.” And he goes, “And this government, I’d go through the wall for them. That’s why we purchased this company. That’s why we’re mining here. Because we’ll go through the wall for you. Don’t worry about that.” And Mr. Speaker, that reminds me of the people that work in this province. They’ll go through the wall for you, day in, day out.

Now back to the list, Mr. Speaker: Denison, Cameco, Eldorado, Tri-Denn, CEM [Canadian Energy Metals], North American Helium, Helium Evolution, Prairie Lithium, EMP Metals, Saltworks, and one of my personal favourites, Mr. Speaker, Bryson Drilling.

Now a lot of these companies I listed, they’re the miners; they’re the extractors of product. You can’t find the helium, the lithium, the uranium until somebody goes and explores for it. That’s Bryson Drilling, right from Kelvington-Wadena, right in the middle of the constituency in Archerwill, Saskatchewan. Their head office isn’t in Toronto or Vancouver. It’s 19 kilometres from my farm. These people live in our community. Their kids go to school and play ball with my kids. They’ve been doing this for over 20 years, Mr. Speaker.

The 100‑plus years of experience between three generations, employing almost 30 per cent of the males who graduate in the area, Mr. Speaker — that’s a homegrown story that’s worth celebrating. And I hope we see 20 more years and many more discoveries from Bryson Drilling, so we can keep pulling the beautiful commodities out of the Saskatchewan soil that feed people in this province.

Now I didn’t touch on one of my favourite commodities yet, Mr. Speaker, and that’s oil. I know I spoke earlier about my dad. He taught me a lot about the oil industry. He’s worked all over the world on it. But I want to bring things down. We’re going to zoom in, Mr. Speaker. And we’re going to tell a story about if you were to fuel up today, Mr. Speaker, in Lloydminster. Now I don’t know what you drive so I hope your car can get 600 kilometres per tank, but if you do that you can start driving south.

You’ll go through the heavy-oil zone. You’ll touch the edge of the potash zone. When you get to . . . Was it mini-Moose Jaw? Sorry, Swift Current. When you get to Swift Current, Mr. Speaker, you’ll be driving through the helium zone and some of the medium-oil zone. You go straight east, Mr. Speaker, you’re going to go right through potash zone again.

You’re going to head further east, Mr. Speaker. Your car may be out of gas but you’ll have just enough to get through the light-oil zone, the lithium zone. You’re going to see the great partners of Whitecap and Cardinal, with their CO₂ plants that are in Midale and just outside of Weyburn at the Weyburn unit, Mr. Speaker. These are the types of projects that you can see on one tank of fuel, Mr. Speaker — 600 hundred kilometres, and you’ve seen that many resources in this province.

Now I’m also excited about what we’re seeing in oil and gas because we have more drilling right now today, Mr. Speaker, than we’ve seen in years in the province. And that’s thankful to partners like Cenovus, Saturn, Whitecap, Strathcona, Cardinal, the list goes on. They’re seeing the work that the ministers before me, the Premier, this cabinet, this government has done. They’re seeing the work that they’ve done.

And they’re investing dollars. Not just millions; tens of millions. Oh, no, sorry. Not tens of millions, Mr. Speaker. Over 15 to $20 billion committed — 15 to 20 billion — in the next 7 to 10 years. That’s a big number. Another big number is Strathcona saying they want to five X — five times the current volume — that they’re producing in the province. That’s a commitment to certainty, Mr. Speaker.

And what does that certainty do, Mr. Speaker? It gives certainty for education, gives certainty for health care, for public services, for social services, and for Saskatchewan families, Mr. Speaker. That certainty is strong. That certainty is steady. That’s a certain Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

Now I think I’ve spent enough time here, Mr. Speaker, so I’ll just end with I support the motion put forth by the member from White City-Qu’Appelle and seconded by the member from Last Mountain-Touchwood. And, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Energy and Resources to adjourn debate. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Government House Leader.

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

[The Assembly adjourned at 21:25.]

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

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