Hon. Scott Moe: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you to all members of this Assembly, I would just like to take a moment to introduce a former member of this Assembly, Mr. Speaker, and a great friend, Mr. Paul Merriman, who has joined us here today.

Mr. Speaker, Paul has served . . . I was elected with Paul in 2011. He served in a number of ministerial portfolios but I think most notably as minister of Health through a very challenging time, not just in our province, our nation, but around the world as we navigated through the pandemic, Mr. Speaker. He went on to serve, and I would say put forward some great initiatives as minister of Policing and Corrections post that time.

And I know Paul is very much enjoying a much more balanced life today than maybe he did as minister of Health, back and forth to Regina at that point in time. And I would just like to take the opportunity to, one, wish him and his family well, and two, to welcome him to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join in with the Premier in welcoming my old debating friend here, debating buddy, back and forth in this legislature, Paul Merriman, as I was the shadow minister for Health when he served as the Health minister.

And you know, of course we didn’t always agree, Mr. Speaker, on everything that needed to happen in this province, but it was always quite spirited. We always had a good collegial relationship back and forth and have maintained that now that he’s left as well. So I appreciate the opportunity to see Paul again, thank him for his service to this province. And I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming him to his legislature.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Trade and Export Development.

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Hon. Warren Kaeding: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, seated in the west gallery today, I’m honoured to introduce to the Assembly a number of outstanding young Saskatchewan entrepreneurs.

We have Jenna Kress, owner of Kindred Care Collective in Estevan. We have Franklin Meyers, owner of Forward Motion Fitness in Herbert. We have James Rutko, owner of Reaper Automotive and mobile services in Watson. We have Kody Wolf, owner of Grace and Gather Boutique in Moosomin; Cassandra Pretzer, owner of Shear Expressions in Hudson Bay; Andrew Morrant, owner of Mentally Mighty Beard Care in Melfort; Cody Demerais, owner of Limitless Gear Clothing in Prince Albert; Melissa Deitz and Robert Godfrey, owners of Lemon Wedge Marketing Group.

Mr. Speaker, there are 57 total recipients of this year’s young entrepreneur bursary program who are going to receive $5,000 each to help grow their ventures in the province. We created this program in 2025, and over its three-year duration it will provide over $1 million to young entrepreneurs across Saskatchewan. And as you heard from the locations as I introduced them, the program reaches far and wide — over 70 communities throughout the province.

And I’m so glad that so many of these business owners could make their way to Regina this morning to join us in the west gallery, that we’re going to have an introduction to our program, the 2026 honourees, Mr. Speaker.

Starting a business certainly takes courage, and having the right support behind you really makes all the difference in those early critical years. And these folks are not only building businesses, but they are the future of our communities. And they create jobs; they support services while creating that next generation of Saskatchewan success stories.

I am very excited to hear some of these stories a little later when we meet with all of them and we take some pictures together. And our bursary recipient event is going to be happening in the building just after today’s proceedings. Mr. Speaker, we certainly welcome everyone to attend. And I ask all members to join me in congratulating each of them on their bursaries and extending a warm welcome to this, their legislature.

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

Aleana Young: — Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to rise and join the Minister of Trade and Export in welcoming these entrepreneurs to their legislature on behalf of the official opposition. As the minister said, starting a business does take courage. It also takes access to capital. It takes time, and it does take a certain amount of spirit to know what you’re committing yourself to in terms of the hours that go in.

Certainly as I imagine lots of you are approaching and anticipating hopefully a very busy holiday retail season coming up here. And you understand your communities. As business owners you are part of your communities. You’re at the forefront of people’s days. You contribute to supporting so many worthy causes. I know very well the number of asks and requests that come into small businesses across this province, the challenges of rising costs, and also the joy that comes with being a part of your community and a part of people’s days.

On behalf of the official opposition and everyone in the province who enjoys supporting local and knows that it’s the small businesses that make our communities great, that make our economy strong, thank you for everything you’re doing. Thank you for jumping into entrepreneurship. On behalf of the opposition, we wish you much success, ever-growing profit margins, and the joy that comes with serving your community and building a lasting legacy.

So I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming these folks to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Jamie Martens: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do have two introductions today. One of course is one of the youths that has received one of the bursaries, and that is Cody Demerais. I’d like to at least acknowledge him today.

Cody is someone very special. He is someone that has overcome a lot of obstacles in his life and has also written a book. So Take Your Life Back is what the book is called. It’s a phenomenal read; I would suggest for everyone to read it. It of course tells about Cody’s experience in life and how he became an owner of a clothing company now, which is called Limitless Gear. And Limitless Gear is, I would say, with Cody, limitless in courage and determination. So, Cody, I’d like to welcome you to your Legislative Assembly.

And as well I would like to welcome Sutter Danychuk to his Legislative Assembly as well. And he is the president of my constituency association, and I’d like to welcome him back as well. So, everyone, if you’d be able to join with me and welcome them to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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

Terri Bromm: — Thank you. To you and through you, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to extend a welcome to Cassandra Pretzer, owner of Shear Expressions in Hudson Bay. My pleasure to hear that she had been awarded one of the young entrepreneurship bursaries. And I just wanted to say welcome. And I would ask all members please to also welcome her here to this, her Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my true pleasure to welcome three residents from the Estevan constituency here today. We have a winner from last year’s bursary last year, Robert Godfrey with Lemon Wedge Marketing. And of course Melissa Deitz is with Robert. So congratulations on winning last year.

And then of course we have Jenna Kress with us today with Kindred Care. She’s a nurse practitioner in Estevan. And Jenna is providing not only services to the community, but she’s truly expanding a business that is helping out southeast Saskatchewan. She’s got more nurse practitioners working with her, other health care professionals, as well as she just opened up a new branch in Weyburn. So congratulations on that, Jenna, on your success to date. And I can’t wait to see what the future has to hold.

Please join me in welcoming these individuals to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Kevin Weedmark: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to join the minister in welcoming Kody Wolf of Grace and Gather in Moosomin to the Assembly today. Kody and her sister set up a new retail store and an event space, Grace and Gather, on Main Street in Moosomin earlier this year. And Kody had experience working in retail and decided that she wanted to go out on her own and take the leap and start a new business.

And we’re very fortunate in Moosomin to have a lot of new businesses opening up, thanks to people like Kody, who are willing to invest and build in their home communities. So I just want to take the opportunity to welcome Kody to this, her Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — And I didn’t realize Andrew would be here this morning. But I can see that I could surely use a little help there with my short, insignificant beard. But, Andrew, welcome to your Legislative Assembly this morning as well.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

Speaker Goudy: — We’ll move on to presenting petitions. I recognize the member from Saskatoon Eastview.

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to rise and present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan to step up for Indigenous students in Saskatchewan. Those who’ve signed this petition call on the government to take immediate action to stand up for Indigenous children and all vulnerable students by advocating for the full restoration of funding previously supported by Jordan’s principle.

Now, Mr. Speaker, we know that the loss of dozens of positions province-wide, individuals who were there to support students who successfully applied through the Jordan’s principle funding, the loss of those positions is going to first impact First Nations and Indigenous learners in the classroom. But eventually it’s going to impact all learners as more supports are needed in a system that many school board trustees across the province have described to me as a system that’s been cut to the bone.

I recently met with an elected trustee who had served for 10 years. And he said that for two of those years, they were able to maintain the status quo; for eight of those years, it was deep cuts and losing supports that our students need. And so the loss of these positions is even more significant.

I’ll read the prayer, Mr. Speaker:

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

Those who have signed the position today are from Moose Jaw. I do so present.

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

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

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

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

Mr. Speaker, this petition has been signed by the residents of Regina. I do so pray. Thank you.

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

Don McBean: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly on hospital service disruption map.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to the attention that Saskatchewan hospitals are experiencing hundreds of disruptions in service, affecting patient care, putting people’s lives at risk; that the residents of Saskatchewan deserve to know what care is available and when it is available in their community in real time, such as emergency room wait times; that municipalities should not be responsible for maintaining a provincial responsibility like reporting health care closures; and the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority] maintains a service disruption map and a comprehensive list of available services, but does not allow the public to access this information.

[10:15]

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

The signatories today are from Kerrobert. I do so present.

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

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

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

The prayer reads as follows:

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

Mr. Speaker, the signatories today reside in the constituency of Regina Wascana Plains. I do so present.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to demand transparency on data centres in Saskatchewan.

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

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately be transparent about how these data centres will integrate into their surrounding communities, and address all concerns the public has before approving any further data centre-related applications for electricity, water, or other provincial resources.

The signatories of this petition, Mr. Speaker, reside in Moose Jaw. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Royal Regina Rifles’ Regimental Colours Return to Legislative Building

Blaine McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, on October 21st many members of government and our military guests had the honour of seeing the Great War Antecedent Colours of the Royal Regina Rifles once again publicly displayed in the rotunda.

Colours are among a regiment’s most significant and treasured symbols. They are a visible reminder of pride in generations of Saskatchewan soldiers who answered the call to serve their country. They bear the crests, badge, and battle honours, preserving the history of those who served under them.

The Royal Regina Rifles maintain and hold the Colours of the 28th, 68th, 195th battalions and have custody of the 249th battalion Colours. These historic artifacts represent the courage and dedication of Saskatchewan men and women who continue to serve Canada. They originally laid up in the Legislative Building rotunda after the Great War until 1977, when they were relocated to St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral. During cathedral renovations in 2024, they were removed for safekeeping and now are returned to their original place of honour.

These significant symbols of Saskatchewan’s military history will give future generations the opportunity to reflect on the service, the sacrifice, and duty they embodied. On Remembrance Day and every day, may we strive to be worthy of the freedoms our soldiers fought to protect. Please join me in recognizing and honouring Saskatchewan soldiers forever reflected in these Colours. Lest we forget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Remembrance Day

Hugh Gordon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to mark Remembrance Day. On November 11th, we gather in solemn gratitude to honour the Canadians who have served our country, those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who continue to defend our freedoms. Today we remember generations of soldiers, sailors, and aircrew who answered the call of duty in times of war and of peace. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment have shaped our nation and secured the freedoms we cherish.

This year our remembrance carries a particular sorrow following the tragedy at CFB [Canadian Forces Base] Wainwright on October 17th, 2026. Sergeant Morgan Wong, Private Shaun Farrell, Private Aidan Goulding, and Private Hayden Lykkemark lost their lives while serving Canada. Their deaths are a profound loss to their families, their fellow service members, and our entire country. As Saskatchewan mourns its own native son, Private Shaun Farrell, we stand with all those grieving. As of yesterday, nine soldiers remain in critical condition. We hold them and their families in our thoughts as they face an uncertain and difficult road ahead.

On this day of remembrance let us honour the fallen, support those that serve, and remember that the freedoms we enjoy are sustained by extraordinary sacrifice. Lest we forget.

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

Nutrien Invests in University of Saskatchewan

Barret Kropf: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s another great day for students in Saskatchewan as Nutrien’s $15 million investment in the University of Saskatchewan has come to life.

When this investment was announced by Nutrien last year, it came with the ambitious goal of creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and communities while helping advance the future of agriculture. Those investments have taken shape across campus with doors opening at the new Nutrien engineering lecture theatre, the Nutrien Digital Agriculture Centre, and the Great Mother Earth Knowledge Centre.

The first of these new spaces opened on October 16th. The newly renovated engineering lecture theatre is now the largest in the USask [University of Saskatchewan] College of Engineering, and it will create the environment to improve learning for our aspiring engineers.

The digital agriculture centre brings researchers, students, producers, and more together around the rapidly evolving area of agriculture research, helping create more resilient food systems.

And finally the knowledge centre. It will be a place to learn about the land from an Indigenous perspective. It will create a welcoming space for land-related teachings, research, and engagement with topics of significance to our Indigenous communities.

These three spaces will create learning environments with three different focuses, all with the same goal — helping us provide a better education in a strong, steady Saskatchewan. Thank you.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

30 Years Of Medevac Services in Northern Saskatchewan

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This summer I was honoured to join Rise Air, La Ronge EMS [emergency medical services], Northern Air Medevac, and fellow dignitaries to celebrate 30 years of medevac services in northern Saskatchewan.

This milestone is an important time to recognize the dedicated, professional, and committed individuals who have worked tirelessly and diligently to ensure that people across the North have access to emergency medical transportation when they need it the most.

With the vast distances, difficult weather conditions, and challenging infrastructure in northern and remote communities, it is easy to understand how important this service is to all people in northern Saskatchewan and why the statistic of 30,000 medevac missions conducted in three decades of operation is worthy of celebration.

When a medical crisis occurs, patients, families, and communities can remain assured that this service is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year for the last three decades, and that behind every flight there are pilots, paramedics, and maintenance crews ensuring that the aircraft is safe and ready to fly and that qualified medical professionals will be providing care during the transportation.

This massive undertaking cannot be done by one organization alone. So to Rise Air, La Ronge Emergency Medical Services, and Northern Air Medevac, and to all the dedicated professions who remain on standby, who answer the call no matter the time of day, and who have worked those long shifts ensuring that our loved ones receive the best care possible, I offer congratulations and a heartfelt thank you on this incredible achievement: têniki, mahsi cho, ninanâskoman, Mr. Speaker.

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

Estevan Resident Receives Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres’ Spirit Award

Hon. Lori Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, every year SARC [Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres] hosts an awards gala that honours diversity and inclusion in the disability service sector.

Estevan resident Julia Iverson received the Spirit Award at this year’s ceremony. Julia has been with Estevan Diversified Services for about 10 years and said she enjoys spending every day there. She works in the kitchen, washes and cleans the linens and puts them away. She also takes lots of notes, colours, and handles other duties, Mr. Speaker.

Around EDS [Estevan Diversified Services] Julia is known for her desire to make people smile, laugh, and be happy. Her infectious laugh and positive, outgoing nature make her someone everybody loves to spend time with. For Julia, having a good spirit means trying to keep everyone happy — 100 per cent. Staff at EDS agree, describing her as the true definition of spirit.

Her personality also shines through in her sense of style. She might have purple hair or a braid, with the brightest of clothes to match. Her clothing and jewellery reflect her personality.

Staff explained the joy she brings. There’s always a silver lining, and Julia is that silver lining, Mr. Speaker. Sometimes when you listen to her laugh, you find yourself laughing. Staff at EDS said, “Julia is not only our rock star, but also our biggest cheerleader.” They said they are there to support Julia, “but honestly, she takes care of us.”

Julia encompasses what a strong, steady Saskatchewan means, Mr. Speaker.

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

Opposition Plan for Health Care

Meara Conway: — Last week, where our leader spoke about our plans for the future — Grid and Growth; affordability relief; big, bold change in health care — that Premier spent the bulk of his Throne Speech response slagging the NDP [New Democratic Party]. They’re scared, Mr. Speaker.

Our future plans will make primary care the foundation of our system. It was built with the support of thousands of patients, providers, experts, including a former front-line RN [registered nurse] who has spent decades in health policies.

She’s not the only one. Dr. Cheryl Camillo, a proud Saskatchewan resident who has spent the bulk of her career training and educating future health care providers, she analyzed all the data. But the Premier keeps attacking her personally. It’s sad. It’s desperate. It’s disturbing.

But I do want to thank the Premier for two things. He has brought so much attention to this plan, of which we couldn’t be more proud.

Second, he has shown unequivocally that AI [artificial intelligence] didn’t write our report. AI leaves much to be desired, but I’m pretty sure it knows the population of Finland. I wrote billion instead of million in my own Austin Powers moment. That exclamation mark is mine. I couldn’t hide my excitement as I looked around the world at what was possible. Humans make mistakes, Mr. Speaker, but we also have the answers, particularly the ones on the front line holding up a failing system, working short without a pay raise or a contract for near half a decade.

So to the Premier: what does he think of our plan? Because it’s the first of many more.

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

Remembering Sacrifices Made by Canadian Armed Forces

Travis Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 112,247 — that’s how many Canadians died fighting in both world wars, the Korean War, and Afghanistan. If you include the Boer War and peacekeeping efforts, over 118,000 Canadians have made the ultimate sacrifice in combat since 1867.

Thousands more have come home wounded, physically and mentally. And earlier this fall we saw four Armed Forces members who made the ultimate sacrifice and 39 who were wounded during a training exercise at CFB Wainwright. Our hearts go out to those who were impacted by the events of October 17th.

All of these individuals are sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, friends, and so much more. And while each of us gather in our communities tomorrow with our neighbours and our families, we will have the opportunity to remember their sacrifices, to teach our children to not forget that freedom is not free.

It is only because of our Armed Forces that Canada exists as a nation and we enjoy the liberties we have today. A nation that was built on battles like Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, Juno Beach, Operation Medusa, and much, much more.

I ask that all members join me in recognizing the sacrifices made by Canada’s Armed Forces past, present, and future. Lest we forget.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Future of SaskTel and Saskatchewan Government Insurance

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, this Premier has a minister who hid his plan for a $26 billion spend on coal. And he hid his plan for a hyperscale AI data centre in the RM [rural municipality] of Sherwood. Now he’s looking at merging the headquarters of SGI [Saskatchewan Government Insurance] and SaskTel but insists that there’s nothing to see here. It’s not surprising that the people of this province are not quite prepared to take that minister at his word.

So I have a simple question for the Premier. Will he commit today that there will be no job losses and there will be no whole or partial sale of either Crown?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

[10:30]

Hon. Scott Moe: — There’ll be no job losses, Mr. Speaker, as we see the shared office space between SGI and SaskTel.

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

Carla Beck: — Mr. Speaker, we have half an answer there. I didn’t hear anything about the whole or partial sale of either of these Crowns. And, Mr. Speaker, it’s no wonder that people have these concerns because this government, this entitled and out-of-touch government have been trying to dismantle our Crowns for years, if not through the front door then through stealthy backroom deals.

But the impact, regardless, has been clear to the people of this province: record job losses at SaskTel, and this minister has driven multiple Crowns into record debt with no ounce of accountability.

Mr. Speaker, why does this Premier seem to want to continually run our Crowns into the ground?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, 19 years ago this past Saturday we had the great honour of forming a Saskatchewan Party government in this province. In that campaign, the former premier Brad Wall, he ran on a mantra of hope beats fear, Mr. Speaker.

Nineteen years later what we see is the NDP opposition have not listened to that nor have they learned their lesson with respect to our commitment to that. They’re still throwing out these tired old scare tactics time and time again, Mr. Speaker.

And I would say this with respect to any Crown sales in this province: we don’t need a motion that the opposition has suggested they might be putting forward. There’s actually a law in this province, Mr. Speaker. It’s called The Crown Corporations Public Ownership Act, and it ensures that SGI, SaskTel, SaskPower will not be divested. It was voted on on the floor of this Assembly. It was passed unanimously with support from every member serving at that point in time.

So the NDP can continue with what feels like fearmongering to the people of this province. It’s this government, Mr. Speaker, that is going to strengthen the Saskatchewan economy and thereby strengthen the Crowns that are offering utilities, affordable utilities, in this province, Mr. Speaker.

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

Data Centre and Crown Utilities

Carla Beck: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I’ll give him this: that is quite a load of revisionist history if I’ve ever heard it. But I think the fact remains Saskatchewan people do remember what this government has tried time and time again to do to our Crowns. And that is why they have these concerns. That’s why they have worries about what the AI data centre is going to do to our Crown corporations.

And, Mr. Speaker, this minister is really, really missing the mark when it comes to instilling any sort of confidence when it comes to the impact on power rates for people in this province. Now last week he insisted the power rates would actually go down because of this AI data centre. Yesterday, well, Mr. Speaker, he confirmed that power rates are still on track to go up next year.

A simple question to the Premier: how can power rates go up and down at the very same time?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, that referenced revisionist history is recorded in Hansard with the passing and the voting, the unanimous vote on the floor of this Assembly in support of The Crown Corporations Public Ownership Act, ensuring that those Crowns will remain public . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please. Member from Saskatoon . . . South Albert especially.

Hon. Scott Moe: — Mr. Speaker, ensuring that our Crown corporations, our Crown utilities will remain publicly owned and will offer some of the lowest rates that we see being offered in that suite of public utilities across Canada.

What this government is focused on doing is attracting investment to strengthen those Crown utilities, like the Bell investment here in our capital city, Mr. Speaker. Bell Canada will be a significant utilizer of SaskPower, in the power that we are already producing, Mr. Speaker.

And in the case of SaskTel, there is an exclusive arrangement for SaskTel to be the exclusive agent for Bell Canada’s AI data fabric, Mr. Speaker. An opportunity that SaskTel would not have on their own without a partnership with one of the significant telecoms in our nation. So a Canadian company making an investment, supporting jobs — over 3,000 jobs — in this capital city, in this province, strengthening SaskPower, strengthening SaskTel, Mr. Speaker.

The question is for the Opposition Leader, Mr. Speaker. In their opposition to this Bell Canada investment, the largest investment in Canadian history, why would they oppose that investment that is going to strengthen the very Crown corporations that she’s concerned about?

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

Data Centre Projects

Brittney Senger: — Oh boy. Mr. Speaker, it’s not just our Crown corporations that people are concerned about. This minister wants us to trust him, but his story changes every single day. A trumped-up news release from this government on August 27th reads, and I quote, “Saskatchewan currently has over 30 applications for data centre developments in the queue, which are being evaluated based on the new framework.”

But yesterday he downplayed that number and said 30 had been bandied about and nothing more. For the record, how many hyperscale data centres are being evaluated? And where will they be located?

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

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well I would say this, Mr. Speaker. We are very proud of the fact that Bell Canada is investing $52 billion into a new infrastructure project here in this city that will strengthen Canadian data sovereignty, strengthen Canadian AI sovereignty.

I’m very proud of the fact that Bell Canada is investing the largest single private sector investment in the history of Canada — not a dollar of government money, by the way, Mr. Speaker. The largest private sector investment in the history of Canada: $52 billion. An investment, Mr. Speaker, that is going to create thousands of jobs here in Saskatchewan. Bell Canada is going to . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Minister.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I am very proud of the fact that Bell Canada is making the largest single private sector investment in the history of the country into Saskatchewan right now. An investment that is going to create thousands of jobs here in Saskatchewan. An investment that right now, today, 1,100 people on that job site that the NDP would put out of business, put out of work tomorrow if they had that opportunity, Mr. Speaker. An investment to relocate the head office for Bell AI Fabric to this city . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I will remind the minister to connect to the answer to the question.

I recognize the member from Saskatoon Southeast.

Brittney Senger: — Oh boy. Mr. Speaker, I’m going to say it again, but I think the minister needs to look up what digital sovereignty is in ChatGPT because he certainly does not understand it. He’s either embarrassed that he doesn’t know the answer to our question or he’s refusing to provide the details on these data centres to the public. I don’t know which is worse: the hiding, the political games, the constant gaslighting of the people of . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Okay. We’ve been like, on the edge, a number of the questions that crossed the line. I’d ask you to apologize to the minister and, yes, withdraw.

Brittney Senger: — I apologize and withdraw. So to the Premier: will he show some leadership and table a list of data centres being built in Saskatchewan by the end of the business day?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well, Mr. Speaker, the specific question, the list of data centres being built in Saskatchewan: Bell is the list of data centres being built in Saskatchewan right now. A $52 billion investment, the largest in the history of the country, Mr. Speaker, which actually will allow — they mentioned data sovereignty — allow them for their plans, their health care plan, their power plan, their Twitter account, all of which can now be actually written in Saskatchewan using sovereign AI infrastructure, given the fact that they rely on AI to write everything that they do.

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

Farm Land Used for Data Centre Projects

Sally Housser: — Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. This entitled and out-of-touch government has nobody to blame but themselves for the mess they’ve created with the hyperscale data centre in the RM of Sherwood. And the minister can try to rebrand it as Regina data centre all it wants, but the city of Regina had no input into this whatsoever.

Mr. Speaker, it’s a data centre that is being built on some of the most prime farm land. And now we have some secret list of 30 data centres that’s under consideration.

Now, Mr. Speaker, if the minister won’t release that list to us or to the public, perhaps he’ll do his colleagues the courtesy of telling them what farm land in their riding is up on the chopping block next.

Speaker Goudy: — Is that a question? I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Well I’ve got to say, the irony of the NDP now being worried about farm land, Mr. Speaker . . . My goodness, I hardly know where to start. But using that, Mr. Speaker, if that is their position, why are we building Harbour Landing in the city of Regina? Why is Coopertown being built right now? They’re not concerned about farm land. They could care less about farm land. What they care about, Mr. Speaker . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please. I would . . .

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will rephrase. It seems like they could care less about farm land in this province.

The reality is, Mr. Speaker, that what they actually are seeking to do is to stop the largest single investment in the history of Canada. An investment that will strengthen our Crown corporations. An investment that will see the relocation of Bell’s AI Fabric head office to the city of Regina. An investment that will create thousands of jobs, Mr. Speaker. An investment that just today . . .

[Interjections]

Speaker Goudy: — Order, please.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many of those members have a lot to say from their seat, very little from their feet. So maybe the member from Meewasin, who has a . . . I will actually do something right now. I’m going to cede the floor to the member from Meewasin so he can ask his question.

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

Sally Housser: — Mr. Speaker, we have plenty to say from our feet, and we’ll continue to do so.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan farm land should be used for growing crops and feeding the world. It’s not for building data centres. Everybody in Saskatchewan knows that. And the people in Texas know it as well. It’s part of the major reason for the stunning upset in Texas we saw by the Democrats last week. And the members should probably remember that in their own ridings.

Mr. Speaker, everybody knows this except for this tired and out-of-touch government. When the minister goes back to his riding of Meadow Lake, is he going to talk to the local farmers and ask them if they want a data centre built on their land as well?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of CIC.

Hon. Jeremy Harrison: — Mr. Speaker, I talk to the local farmers in Meadow Lake every week. And I can guarantee you this as well: the next local farmer in Meadow Lake the NDP talks to will be the very first one, Mr. Speaker.

But the reality is that the NDP are anti-investment, the NDP are anti-development, and the NDP are anti-jobs; that they have opposed every single major investment made into this province, Mr. Speaker, because they actually don’t believe in growth.

That is a stark contrast to this side, who have worked very hard to create the conditions to see $100 billion of new investment coming into this province, Mr. Speaker, create the conditions for that investment to happen, for that investment to be successful, for those thousands of jobs to be created. They would never have that happen, Mr. Speaker, if they ever had the chance to form government.

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

Affordability for Post-Secondary Students

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, this entitled and out-of-touch government is laser focused on building their hyperscale data centre. But they are forgetting to make sure students can afford to live. We are joined today by Logan Weatherald, who is a student at the University of Saskatchewan. His student housing has gone up by $800 in three years. That cost on top of tuition is simply unaffordable.

What does the Minister of Advanced Education say to Logan? Will he meet with Logan after question period?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much for the question. There is two parts to it. The member referenced the data centre, and I want to put on record and say for sure that our institutions are totally in favour of the work that’s happening: the innovation; the jobs that are created; the centres of excellence that are going to be located at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, Sask Poly, and others. So let’s make that clear.

[10:45]

Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to meet with the student and any individual that wants to talk about tuitions and affordability in Saskatchewan. And certainly that is a focus.

As the member knows and should know and all members should know, the multi-year funding agreement that we made last year in Saskatchewan is historic. It allows our institutions to have amongst the best funding arrangements in the country, Mr. Speaker, and part of that is limiting tuition from 0 to 3 per cent. So we are very proud of the funding arrangements that we have, the relationships we had. But we put students first.

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

Tajinder Grewal: — Mr. Speaker, the fact of the matter is that young people like Logan are leaving our province because the costs are too high. Last year more than 5,000 young people left our province, 7 per cent more than the year before. And it’s the direct result of this entitled and out-of-touch government allowing everything to get more expensive. Housing, tuition, groceries — the list goes on and on and on.

Does the minister realize that his government’s choices are driving up costs for young people and driving them out of our province?

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I want to be very respectful to the student. And certainly, you know, in the part of the question that the member puts forward, we have the lowest rental rates in Canada as far as housing goes. Rates have dropped three of the last four years.

But, Mr. Speaker, I want to talk more about the University of Saskatchewan and the news conference that the NDP had there last week. You know, Mr. Speaker, they went there, and one of the two students happened to be an employee of a member of the legislature. They upset the University of Saskatchewan. Here’s what they had to say:

The University of Saskatchewan would like to clarify the tuition comparison raised at a recent NDP press conference, where Saskatchewan students’ tuition was described as “twice as high as the Canadian national average.”

That is simply not the case. Mr. Speaker, the University of Saskatchewan is a U15 university. It has more professional colleges than most universities. That skews the tuition up. But ensuring that we have competitive tuition is a priority for this government.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Freedom of Information Requests

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll remind that minister that the question was about a student in the gallery here today, and you just had to say how great they have it here in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, the freedom of information process is essential to democracy, but this entitled and out-of-touch government does their best to block the requests. Here’s an example: way back in November of 2023, our office submitted a request to the Water Security Agency for information on a flood risk assessment. Pretty simple, right?

No, not this government. They quoted us $107,000 for that information. That’s not an estimate, Mr. Speaker; that’s an insult.

Does the minister feel it was reasonable to quote more than the cost of a truck to learn about the flood risk assessment at the Water Security Agency?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now contrary to the narrative that the opposition seems to be desperately trying to concoct as the ejector seat heats up over there, Mr. Speaker . . .

Speaker Goudy: — Sorry. “Concoct,” that’s getting close. But anyways, Minister.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The fact of the matter is the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to transparency, privacy, and the public’s right to obtain information and access records is long-standing, Mr. Speaker.

In 2025‑26 under this government, access-to-information requests were granted either in whole or in part, if the records existed, over 93 per cent of the time, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan’s overall rate of compliance with recommendations from the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner remains incredibly high relative to other jurisdictions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Pretty rich from a minister that sends nothing but blacked-out pages to this side of the government and tries not to have a public inquiry into a wildfire — that he destroyed — up in the North.

Mr. Speaker, this entitled and out-of-touch Sask Party government doesn’t just black out entire freedom of information requests; they charge the taxpayer thousands of dollars to do so. Our office put requests on the marshal who was fired, the decision to extend coal, the GTH [Global Transportation Hub], heck, even just the condition of our school infrastructure. Thousands of dollars, and nothing but hundreds of blacked-out pages.

Why is this government so allergic to transparency? And does that minister think it’s time to fix our broken access-to-information laws?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Justice.

Hon. Tim McLeod: — Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And as all Saskatchewan residents will appreciate, when a request for information comes in, there is a lot of time and effort that goes into that. There’s a lot of paper that’s generated, depending on the size of the request. And those costs must be borne, Mr. Speaker. So if the opposition have requests, they will pay for the paper that’s necessary to provide.

I would note, Mr. Speaker, that in 2005 the opposition, when they were in government, received a grade of F — that’s 44 per cent or below — from the national freedom of information audit. At that time, the Information and Privacy Commissioner said that the NDP had “a somewhat relaxed approach to access and privacy.”

Mr. Speaker, it would seem that they also have a somewhat relaxed approach to applying the actual facts to their narratives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Provision of Neonatal Health Care

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Now that government knows it’s failing on accountability, and it’s also doing that with the nurses, the women, and infants of this province.

This is what a nurse put into a letter shared with the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses:

We were already routinely operating at 26 to 27 babies before additional beds were added. And now we are seeing census numbers of 31 to 33 babies in a 28‑bed unit.

Mr. Speaker, of course this is in our NICUs [neonatal intensive care unit] here in Regina.

I’m extremely concerned about the current state of critical overcapacity in the Regina NICU, the moral distress with staff, and ability to maintain this pace without something awful happening.

What does the Minister of Health have to say to those nurses? And is it going to take something awful to happen before he darn well acts?

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. First off to the nurses and the physicians and really all the health care professionals that work at our NICUs and really serving pediatric patients and neonatal patients right across the province, whether that be in Regina here or Saskatoon or Prince Albert, I want to say a big thank you for looking after some of our youngest and most vulnerable patients, Mr. Speaker.

This is a government that recently made the investment to increase the bassinet number from 25 to 28 here at the NICU at Regina General Hospital, Mr. Speaker. That comes with a two-and-a-half-billion-dollar investment to add nearly 20 FTE [full-time equivalent] of staff, of capacity, to ensure that not only do we have the bassinets in place, that we already also have the staff in place to serve those patients and their families, Mr. Speaker.

This is an area that has been busy over the last several weeks as the government, through our patients-first health care plan, where we are ensuring that every patient has access to the right care at the right time and as close to home as possible, Mr. Speaker . . . We’re going to continue looking at making investments to serve neonatal patients.

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

Addressing Homelessness

Nicole Sarauer: — Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago the encampment in my constituency of Regina Douglas Park was taken down. Since then, this entitled and out-of-touch government has done nothing to ensure the people who lived there have access to the supports they need. And it sure seems like they just don’t care, Mr. Speaker.

The people who left Pepsi Park left because they had to. But they didn’t have anywhere else to go. Two weeks have come and gone, but nothing has changed for folks on the front line.

What has the Minister of Social Services been doing since the encampment came down?

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

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With regards to the encampment at Pepsi Park, 11 individuals in the first three days from that encampment chose detox and treatment, Mr. Speaker.

That is what we are doing as a government, is ensuring that each and every individual who needs help, who needs assistance, who needs to be navigated to a place where they can start to rebuild their lives, Mr. Speaker . . . That is a commitment that this government has made under a provincial approach to homelessness. And it’s work that’s going to continue with the federal government, with the city of Regina and other cities in the province, Mr. Speaker, as well as our community-based organizations and our Indigenous partners. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 74 — The Workers’ Compensation (Strengthening Compensation Outcomes) Amendment Act, 2026

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that Bill No. 74, The Workers’ Compensation (Strengthening Compensation Outcomes) Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the Minister of Advanced Education that Bill No. 74, The Workers’ Compensation (Strengthening Compensation Outcomes) Amendment Act, 2026 be now introduced and read for the first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

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

Hon. Ken Cheveldayoff: — Next sitting of the Assembly, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — Next sitting.

Bill No. 638 — The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (Accountability and Transparency) Amendment Act

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Jordan McPhail: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Bill 638, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (Accountability and Transparency) Amendment Act be now introduced and read a first time.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved by the member from Cumberland that Bill No. 638, The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (Accountability and Transparency) Amendment Act be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

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

Jordan McPhail: — At the next sitting of the Assembly.

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

MOTION UNDER RULE 61

Results of Proposed Crown Corporation Head Office Location Change

Carla Beck: — Before orders of the day, Mr. Speaker, I seek leave to move a motion under rule 61.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave has not been granted . . . Sorry, sorry. One moment. Will the Leader of the Opposition briefly state the purpose of the motion and read . . . Sorry. I apologize for that.

Carla Beck: — Of course I will. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is an important motion that I bring forward today — one that I think we should, I hope that we can all be united on — regarding some much-needed clarity around the potential sell-off, whole or partial, and operation of our Crowns.

If leave is granted, Mr. Speaker, I would move the following motion:

That the Assembly calls upon the government to guarantee that the proposed merger of the SaskTel and SGI head offices will not result in job losses or the whole or partial sell-off of either Crown corporation.

Speaker Goudy: — And again, my apologies. The Leader of the Opposition has requested leave to move without notice a motion of urgent and pressing necessity under rule 61. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

Speaker Goudy: — Leave has not been granted. Next item of business.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 73 — The Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act

Speaker Goudy: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Jeremy Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pleased to rise today to move second reading of Bill No. 73, The Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act. Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility as a government to ensure that the most vulnerable members of society are protected while maintaining a safe, responsible, and compassionate health care system.

Since MAID [medical assistance in dying] was legalized in Canada, Saskatchewan has worked diligently to ensure that services are delivered responsibly to citizens of this province. Our provincial MAID program operates under a centralized model with the Saskatchewan Health Authority providing oversight of both assessments and provisions across the province. We believe this approach supports consistency, accountability, and high standards of care for patients. That is precisely what The Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act does. It strengthens safety for patients.

First of all, MAID will not be available to anyone under the age of 18. And I want to be very clear. The Government of Saskatchewan believes that children should not qualify for MAID in our province. Second, MAID will not be available where a person’s sole underlying medical condition is mental illness. And third, MAID will not be available to individuals who do not have capacity to make their own health care decisions.

[11:00]

Now, Mr. Speaker, we are pleased as a government to see that parliament in Ottawa recently indefinitely banned MAID eligibility for individuals whose sole underlying medical condition is mental illness. And our government has consistently over the years opposed that expansion.

What this legislation does is sends a very clear message that Saskatchewan remains committed to mental health treatment, recovery, and support rather than expanding eligibility into an area where significant concerns persist both from health care professionals and from patients as well as families.

Mr. Speaker, hope and recovery are foundational principles of mental health care. Every day, Saskatchewan people who once believed their circumstances were hopeless receive treatment, support, and care and go on to live very meaningful lives in our province. Our government is simply not prepared to endorse a system where a person’s mental illness alone could become the basis for ending their life. We believe people facing mental illness deserve treatment, support, and hope, not assisted death. Mr. Speaker, these are very common-sense safeguards. When the outcome is irreversible, the threshold for certainty must be exceptionally high.

Now, Mr. Speaker, this bill also addresses concerns that have been raised by health care workers throughout Saskatchewan. Many physicians, nurse practitioners, and other health professionals have asked for stronger legislative protection for those who conscientiously object to participating in MAID.

What this legislation will do is it will protect the right of practitioners and other individuals to refuse to provide or assist in the provision of MAID without fear of disciplinary action, adverse employment consequences, or requirements imposed by a health regulatory body. No health care professional should be compelled to participate in a procedure that conflicts with their sincerely held beliefs.

Now at the same time, Mr. Speaker, this legislation does not diminish the responsibility of health care professionals to continue providing appropriate care and support to patients. Existing expectations regarding patient care and professional conduct will remain in place and regulatory bodies will continue to maintain policies that support patients while respecting the beliefs of health care providers in Saskatchewan.

Now our government believes that the expansion of MAID should never outpace the safeguards necessary to protect children, those who may be experiencing mental illness in our communities, or those facing circumstances where consent and capacity cannot be assured.

The Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act recognizes that MAID is not merely a question of access. It’s also a question of protection, Mr. Speaker — protection for people struggling with mental illness, protection for those who may lose capacity, protection for young people. And it provides certainty to health care workers in our province, and it ensures that Saskatchewan’s MAID framework continues to operate safely, responsibly, and compassionately.

With those comments, Mr. Speaker, I’m pleased to move second reading of Bill No. 73, The Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Speaker Goudy: — It has been moved that Bill No. 73, The Medical Assistance in Dying Additional Safeguards Act be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina South Albert.

Aleana Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the opposition, my thanks to the minister for those introductory comments on Bill 73. And it’s my opportunity to enter some of our own on the record.

Mr. Speaker, medical assistance in dying and death is a very serious topic. Of course this is something that has been in public discourse. I know this is something that all of our offices have heard from, Mr. Speaker. And the importance of maintaining non-partisan discussion, and ensuring things like this, things like suicide prevention, things like mental health are areas that both sides of the legislature can come together in the best interests of the people that we serve is incredibly important.

I think back to the suicide prevention bill introduced by the former member for Cumberland, Doyle Vermette, a friend and colleague to many of us in this Assembly, which of course after being voted down twice by members opposite was eventually voted on unanimously.

Mr. Speaker, I was reminded by my colleague from Eastview what a great day that was in the legislature, as mental health, as suicide, as death is something that should be unifying. These are not conversations that should become partisan. We hugged. We cried. Unfortunately — and I’m confident this remains a deep frustration and hurt for the former member from Cumberland — we haven’t seen the action needed on that critical cause here in Saskatchewan.

In regards to Bill 73 of course there’s going to be some questions any time legislation is introduced in this Assembly, and our critics will be doing the outreach necessary in advance of this being debated more fulsomely. And I know my colleague from Regina Northeast has put in some written questions on this subject to the Table. And for the information of those members opposite listening, I believe she’s been told she’ll have to wait six months for any responses. There’s no actual data available to provide to her.

So I’d read that into the record perhaps by way of notice, and a request that if this is a very urgent issue, as has been articulated by the minister, worthy of legislating by members in this Assembly and by this building, that such information be provided so that this debate can be well informed, Mr. Speaker. Because this is an incredibly important piece of legislation, as I said off the top. This is something our offices have all heard from, and is certainly in public discourse here in Canada, Mr. Speaker.

We hope this is a bill that will be well informed, that will be debated respectfully with the care that it needs for the individuals who may be impacted, through their own families — obviously not those under 18, Mr. Speaker, or those suffering from mental health — but by families around this province who are having conversations about medical assistance in dying, in favour and support of it.

It’s an important discussion, Mr. Speaker, for us as a province, for our own communities, as well as for our country. And I look forward to more information coming forward from this government so that that debate can go forward in a good way. With that I’m happy to conclude my remarks and I move to adjourn debate on Bill 73.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 61

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 61 — The Mandatory Testing and Disclosure (Bodily Substances) Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It really is an honour to stand and put some comments on the record in adjourned debates on Bill 61, The Mandatory Testing and Disclosure (Bodily Substances) Amendment Act, 2026. I think it’s a really important piece of legislation and I think it certainly deserves our deep consideration.

And you know, Mr. Speaker, in my years in this Assembly, my years in this role representing the good people of Saskatoon Eastview, I think the well-being, the safety, the mental health of first responders is an issue that I have become increasingly passionate and aware of. And to be frank, it’s not due to what happens in here. It’s due to the advocacy, the hard work, the relationship building that I’ve had the honour to engage in with paramedics, firefighters, and police, and dispatch as well. I know that those are the folks that will be impacted by this legislation, as well as corrections workers and victims of crime.

But I know that on this side of the Assembly, you know, we’re always here to have a discussion and to work together when it comes to considering worker safety, on-the-job safety, for people who serve this province especially in this type of work.

You know, Mr. Speaker, we like to say in this Assembly that no one serves here alone, right. We have our families supporting us. What we do in here and what we do in this work and the amount of support that we need for our families, it’s important. I don’t mean to diminish that in any way.

But let’s put that in perspective to the people who go out and meet people in this province in the worst moments of their life responding to traumatic calls and instances that involve children, loved ones, terrible accidents, crimes — terrible situations that these first responders are exposed to day in and day out. And then let’s imagine the support network that they need around them to do that work.

We are not called to do that work in here as legislators, but these first responders do that day in and day out. And the impact on them and their loved ones — their families, their spouses and partners, their children — is immense. And so I want to commend, while I’m on my feet, each and every first responder in this province for the work that they do and for the toll that it takes on them and their loved ones.

And so when you have a piece of legislation that comes forward that can provide, I think, some meaningful pathway to support them in the work they do, I’m all ears. And I want the members opposite to hear, you know, that we can and will work together when there’s ways to support these first responders in the important work that they do. And this legislation certainly deserves thorough consideration.

I see that there’s some changes here to legislation from 2006 that can, you know, in many ways bring some updates and maybe a little bit more ability to enforce some of these orders when it comes to finding out if somebody’s been exposed to a dangerous pathogen or disease. You know, I think that’s important, Mr. Speaker.

I will note that this is coming forward in the province with the highest rate of HIV [human immunodeficiency virus] infections in the country and either the worst or second-worst when it comes to things like hepatitis B and C. So our first responders who are exposed to these pathogens, it’s not a surprise that they’re concerned about their workplace safety and that they brought forward some requests to have greater protections and greater enforcement for these orders. And faster enforcement, I would also want to add.

But you know, there’s nothing in this legislation to make that situation better, to reduce the transmissions of infectious diseases that put these first responders at risk. I commend this government for listening to responders seeking greater protection, and I would encourage this government to further listen to first responders when it comes to reducing HIV and hep B and C infections in this province, to provide greater protection to those first responders. That would be wise on their part.

I would also encourage this government to further listen to first responders when they raise concerns about the way that they are exposed to trauma on the job and the impact that that has on their mental health and well-being, as well as the well-being of their families and loved ones.

You know, these are trauma-exposed professions that . . . You know, my friends who work in this front-line response to emergencies in our province certainly have communicated with me — and the good folks that were here last week with the Saskatchewan Professional Firefighters and Paramedics — passionately and, I would say, vulnerably shared the way that their work impacts them on the job and away from the job. And I would encourage this government to listen to those trauma-exposed professions and to also respond with legislation that can protect them on the job to improve their lives away from the job.

I’ll share just one short story here, Mr. Speaker. I was recently talking to a leader in policing in our province, and this individual shared a story with me about how their job has changed. And he said that, you know, just five or six years ago, if he or one of his colleagues saved a life on the street using naloxone or, you know, emergency care for somebody who was overdosing and was going to die . . . If they saved a life, just five or six years ago, that person would be commended. They would be called a hero. There would likely be an award. There would be public recognition, probably a news story for that act of saving a life. Six years later, 2026, they do that every single day. It’s become a daily occurrence for our first responders to be that emergency front-line support.

So while this legislation does provide hopefully some recognition of those risks, I think that we can go further by looking at ways that we can reduce the number of overdoses, by looking at the street-level supports that were working. You know, we saw in Saskatoon, in the month of April, 656 overdose calls that our fire department responded to — a massive spike that coincided with the loss of front-line harm reduction efforts.

[11:15]

And when those front-line harm reduction efforts were lost, the people left to pick up the pieces are the folks impacted by this bill: firefighters, paramedics, police. So if we want to protect those people, there is much that we can do. And again I will voice that I will work with members on both sides of this Assembly to improve the lives of our first responders on the job and away from the job.

But at this time, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for listening and I’ll move that we adjourn debate on Bill 61. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 62

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. T. McLeod that Bill No. 62 — The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Matt Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll be more brief with this Bill No. 62, The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2026. And I’ll note that this is a multi-housekeeping bill, I think, updating some parts of existing legislation; updating things like job titles, pronoun usage; modernizing language and, you know, eliminating some jargon that would have been there in the past.

But I will note one thing that I think stood out to me and colleagues on this side, is that one of those pieces of legislation that’s being updated here is the provincial sales tax Act of 2018, which infamously was the largest tax hike in the history of this province. And you know, it would have been easy for this government just to have a real good look at that in the province with the highest rate of childhood poverty in the whole country, and also the greatest depth of childhood poverty in the whole country.

I want to explain that, Mr. Speaker. That has to do with the incidence of poverty. We have more children living in poverty in this province than any other province in Canada, and how far they are below the poverty line is also deeper poverty than anywhere else in the country. And this would be the Act that could provide just some relief for those families. Might not be our families, but if we’re in here, we’ve got to think about everyone in this province, Mr. Speaker.

So for those families with children in the home living in poverty, why not take PST [provincial sales tax] off of the clothes that they need to buy for those kids? Why not take PST off items that they rely on at the grocery store for those kids? Why not? Of all the years. If there’s a good argument, I’m here for it, Mr. Speaker. I don’t think one exists.

I’d like this government to consider what we can do because childhood poverty is a choice if we allow it to continue. And on this side our leader has clearly stated that if she has the honour of serving as premier of this province in the future, she will work to eliminate childhood poverty. And this Act will be one of those ways we will do it.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I’ll move that we adjourn debate on Bill 62, The Statute Law Amendment Act. Thank you.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 63

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jim Reiter that Bill No. 63 — The Municipal Employees’ Pension Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to be on my feet today to enter some remarks on Bill No. 63, The Municipal Employees’ Pension Amendment Act, 2026.

My colleague from Saskatoon Riversdale canvassed this area quite a bit yesterday. But I do want to point out when I am out door knocking, I do hear a lot from seniors. And one of their largest concerns is of course around pensions. And I hear from a lot of them that they do need to continue work now because the numbers just aren’t adding up any more.

And it seems that this government keeps on taking things from legislation and moving them to regulations. That’s a pattern that we see frequently, and unfortunately this ultimately does reduce accountability. It reduces transparency, and we’ve seen the mess that it can create in other areas. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I believe I will adjourn debate for the day on Bill No. 63.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 64

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jim Reiter that Bill No. 64 — The Revenue and Financial Services Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a privilege to be on my feet today to enter some remarks on Bill No. 64, The Revenue and Financial Services Amendment Act as per 2026. And on this side of the House I think we do appreciate the clarification on several issues, Mr. Speaker. Obviously no one wants to get that letter in the mail from the tax collectors.

Now I believe the member from Saskatoon Eastview, however, did point out just today some of the measures that can be taken so that that doesn’t happen. And I think if we want to look at anything when it comes to this, it’s to reduce the chances that those letters come in in the first place — of course looking at those cost-of-living relief measures; looking at taking the PST off of things like kid’s clothing, the PST off of things like groceries, the PST off of things like gas; making that life more affordable so that families aren’t put in that position in the first place here in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

And with that I’m prepared to adjourn debate on Bill No. 64.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 65

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 65 — The Protection From Human Trafficking Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to enter into debate on Bill No. 65, The Protection From Human Trafficking Amendment Act, 2026. Of course when we’re talking about human trafficking, we know that this is a very serious issue that continues to plague our province. And we need all hands on deck and everyone’s awareness to stop human trafficking, to notice the signs, and to be involved in figuring out what’s going on and making sure that these folks are found by law enforcement.

This particular bill shows a few different changes. So it provides a duty to report for those who are working in the hospitality industry, which also includes folks who might be transporting victims of human trafficking, as well as the ability for police to be able to track who has stayed in different establishments, so making sure that there is a register of folks who have been guests. And there’s also protections around coerced debts.

So in whole I think what we’re talking about here is many different industries being legally required to spot some of these signs and to report, and to have a duty to report on these issues. Of course we know that our rates here are higher than the national average. In particular this is true for Indigenous women in our province. We also see an over-representation of newcomers; those who are part of, you know, social assistance or the welfare system; and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ [two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning plus] community that fall victim to human trafficking.

We had an opportunity, myself and the member for Saskatoon Westview, to participate in a housing conference yesterday with Camponi Housing in Saskatoon. One of the speakers at that conference was Kendra Mazer from Hope Restored Canada. And we know that this organization seeks to provide supports for individuals who have been sexually exploited or been victims of human trafficking. They have some specific statistics as well, showing that 93 per cent of the folks who have accessed their services are Canadian citizens, that the average age of entry into trafficking for these folks was 13 years old, and that 91 per cent knew their trafficker.

I think there are a lot of misconceptions about what human trafficking looks like, so it’s important for some of us to know what those facts are and to be aware of them as well, as we all play a role in disrupting the stigma and the barriers. And ultimately we’re mostly talking about our young Indigenous girls in this province. And that’s not true for every case, but it’s true for many of the cases, Mr. Speaker. So we’re thinking about the supports that need to exist, being able to connect to those folks.

We certainly thank folks who are working on the front lines, like at Hope Restored Canada, who provide supports in the form of trauma-informed healing, cultural education, skill building, and connection to 24‑hour support from staff, and also to organizations like Nashi, which is a volunteer non-profit organization who works to address human trafficking.

We know that this is an all-hands-on-deck approach with our protective services as well as with the government, as with the federal government. And we appreciate the federal national action plan to end gender-based violence, where some of these dollars I believe are coming from to support the hospitality industry in terms of education. And so these are all . . . This is important work that’s happening.

I think we need to not just, you know, put a check mark in a box that we’ve dealt with human trafficking after putting forward this legislation. We definitely need to chat with stakeholders, find out if this is the right balance, and our critics need to have a look at it as well. It’s certainly a positive step forward, but we need to make sure that supports are there for folks who are leaving these situations, especially when it comes to safe and affordable housing.

With that, I know many of my colleagues will want to weigh in, so I will move to adjourn debate on Bill 65 for today.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 66

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 66 — The Pooled Registered Pension Plans (Saskatchewan) Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to enter in debate on Bill No. 66, the pooled registered pension plan. How nice to note that the federal tax changes now offer variable payment life annuities to pooled registered pension plans, and that these funds and the credit can be seized in order for pay maintenance orders protecting financial viability for many women and children in our province.

And that’s very important. These funds can be divided like other assets in a divorce. An objection to division can also be filed like other assets. And these are now subject to creditor protections, the funds and their interest, whether they’re withdrawn or transferred.

Of course we support greater financial flexibility and consumer protections. We’ve talked to many people on the doorsteps, and were . . . been very careful their whole lives and currently trying to save for the future and have enough when that time of life comes forward. Sometimes presently their pensions just can’t cover the bills, which is why this government continues to ask for cost-of-living relief.

Especially important is protecting the finances for women and children, in that age is important, of making sure that women are treated as equally as men . . . finance industry. We have very high levels of childhood poverty, hunger, and rent, and those things will only climb as time goes on.

With that, I move to adjourn debate on Bill 66, the pooled registered pension plans amendment Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 67

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 67 — The Coroners Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are a lot of interesting things in this bill here. We will continue to consult with our stakeholders to see if they have any concerns about any of these as well, but I’d like to take a minute to appreciate the important work that coroners do. Being in the health care field as well, it’s very important that we understand what’s happening and what the challenges are and making sure we’re doing what we can to take care of those that are working in these fields.

Coroners are constantly overworked, especially addressing the high amount of preventable overdose deaths that are occurring now. And as we know, they just continue to skyrocket under the Sask Party’s government efforts. More resources might be better addressed to preventing why we have these overdoses and this increasing use of drugs.

[11:30]

And one of those can be addressing what the root causes are, the social determinants of health. Those include having economic stability for families and those supporting the children in the families. It’s important that they have education access, because education is the ticket to a better life.

It’s important that they have health care access and quality health care access, that they have safe housing, and they have social supports and food security. That’s among many of the list of the social determinants of health that the Sask Party government is not addressing to the level that needs to happen for betterment of our society.

And I think with that I will move to adjourn debate on Bill 67, The Coroners Amendment Act. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 68

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 68 — The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Amendment Act, 2026/Loi modificative de 2026 sur l’exécution des ordonnances alimentaires be now read a second time.]

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

Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to enter into debate on Bill No. 68, The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Amendment Act. I get many calls in my constituency about enforcement of orders. And many of them are from moms that now in this cost-of-living crisis can’t really make ends meet, and they’re very worried. So I’m glad this is being addressed in some manner, because it really is a cost-of-living measure. And it was one of the root causes of many of the challenges that women face out there. As a government, we want to see real relief for every household.

All kinds of fees are being levied onto parents, and indirectly and directly with the different kinds of taxation that are occurring. I see that there will be a fee on a parent who’s not paying child support. Meanwhile we’ve got the highest rate of children visiting food banks in Canada.

Though we don’t oppose levying fees at any step in improving access to support payments, but we’re not quite certain how much of a deterrent that will be if anyone is already failing to pay a maintenance order and you can’t find the person. Saskatchewan has the lowest rates of payment for children and spousal support at just 77 per cent. And we’re curious as to how much the Sask Party expects to improve that with this amendment.

With that, I move to adjourn the debate on this Bill 68, The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Amendment Act, 2026. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 69

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 69 — The Legal Profession Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a pleasure to be on my feet today to enter some remarks on Bill No. 69, The Legal Profession Amendment Act, 2026.

Now while of course we welcome on this side of the House certain provisions which make it easier for the Law Society to create rules regarding agents and health intervention actions, I think the real question that the House has to ask itself today is indeed: why are so many members in this area in trouble in the first place?

And this brings me back of course to our health care system, Mr. Speaker, to our mental health care system. As was pointed out yesterday by the member of Saskatoon Riversdale, we do see in the legal profession, and indeed in quite a number of high-stress professions, much higher rates — double, triple the rates — of anxiety and depression and sometimes even suicidal ideation, Mr. Speaker.

So I think first and foremost what this House needs to do is address the issue of mental health before it does get out of control, Mr. Speaker.

And with that I am prepared to adjourn debate on Bill No. 69.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 70

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Tim McLeod that Bill No. 70 — The Legal Profession Consequential Amendment Act, 2026/Loi de 2026 corrélative de la loi intitulée The Legal Profession Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Jacqueline Roy: — Merci, monsieur le Président. Je prends la parole aujourd’hui au sujet de projet de loi n^o 70. Quoi dire. Quoi dire. C’est certainement bien de voir en fin de compte qu’il y a des règlements maintenant que la Société de loi de la Saskatchewan peut très bien utiliser quand leurs membres, ou les gens qui sont des non-membres mais qui interviennent dans la communauté légale, ont besoin d’aide pour leur santé mentale.

Mais, monsieur le Président, je crois que c’est important que tout le monde dans la Chambre se demande aujourd’hui: pourquoi est-ce qu’on a des professionnels qui sont dans cette position tout bien pour commencer? Et comme a été dit par le membre de Saskatoon Riversdale hier, monsieur le Président, on voit très bien dans la profession légale et dans les professions associées des taux de problèmes avec la santé mentale double ou triple fois concernant l’anxiété, la dépression, malheureusement quand ça vient à considérer le suicide.

C’est des choses qui sont malheureusement, malheureusement des choses que des gens dans ces professions-là, dans des professions où on voit beaucoup de stresses, sont en train de considérer. Alors je crois que la Chambre aujourd’hui a le devoir, a le devoir de bien considérer pourquoi en premier lieu ces problèmes avec la santé existent ici en Saskatchewan. C’est ça le problème, monsieur le Président, et c’est ça qu’il faut considérer.

Et avec cela, monsieur le Président, je propose donc l’ajournement du débat pour le n^o 70.

[Translation: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to speak to Bill No. 70. What to say. What to say. It certainly is good to finally see that there are now regulations that the Law Society of Saskatchewan can really use when their members, or people who are non-members but who intervene in the legal community, need help with their mental health.

But, Mr. Speaker, I think it’s important that everyone in the Chamber asks themselves today: why do we have professionals who are in this position to begin with? And as the member from Saskatoon Riversdale said yesterday, Mr. Speaker, we see very well in the legal profession and in associated professions the rates of mental health problems have double or triple times the rate of mental health problems — anxiety, depression, and sadly some consider suicide.

These are things that sadly, sadly, things that people in these professions, in professions where there is a lot of stress, are currently considering. So I believe that today the Chamber has the duty, has the duty to really consider why these health problems exist here in Saskatchewan in the first place. That is the problem, Mr. Speaker, and that is what we need to consider.]

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I therefore move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 70.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 71

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Lori Carr that Bill No. 71 — The Personal Care Homes (Safer Homes for Seniors) Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to participate in this debate for Bill No. 71, The Personal Care Homes (Safer Homes for Seniors) Amendment Act, 2026.

I think the changes of the Act have already been canvassed. One of the things that is particularly jarring for me is to see the Sask Party government talking about safer homes for seniors or making an attempt to bring in legislation to create safer homes for seniors when this is the government that removed the minimum care standards back in 2011, Mr. Speaker, that legislated safe homes for seniors, Mr. Speaker.

And now we see an attempt to bring back the stick to ensure that there are some homes being brought into compliance, Mr. Speaker. But under this government we have seen in the past 15 years since these changes were made a complete deterioration of care in our long-term care homes, in personal care homes, Mr. Speaker.

We have story after story of folks who come to this legislature — seniors who have left their homes who have ended up dying, freezing outside, being injured, are not under appropriate dementia care, Mr. Speaker. And it’s no wonder with the degradation of the quality of care under this government.

And I’ll say we have some really fine folks that are working in these long-term care homes. We have a dedicated and professional workforce of health care professionals who are trying to do the best they can but are constantly feeling like they’re doing more with less under this government as we see cut after cut.

And so what does this mean? What is the minimum standard of care? Because a lot of folks won’t be familiar with that. What we’re talking about here is the ratio of personal staff hours to resident. At that time it was only two hours, Mr. Speaker. Since then, you know, I’ve seen guidelines come out that suggested that it was closer to three or three and a half was the recommended amount of time. This is personal hours in a whole day where a staff member should be interacting with an individual resident.

Now when you look at the complexity of care that we have in our long-term care homes now, where . . . You know, only the most serious of cases actually gets into long-term care in the first place. I sort of refer to it as short-term care, because by the time my grandfather made it into long-term care, you know, he was essentially palliative by that point and had spent any of his life savings. Thought he was going to live too long, that he wouldn’t be able to afford to live at his personal care home. Despite having multiple bouts of cancer, despite being, you know, an unwell man, didn’t have access to long-term care.

This is not what we want for the people who built this province. This is not what we want for our loved ones, for our family members. We have long advocated for a return to those minimum standards of care. We have long advocated for a seniors’ advocate who could make these . . . shine a spotlight on these issues and advocate for seniors across this province.

So you know, certainly we want to see the government take action to make care homes safer. We want to make sure that this is, you know, it’s going to be enough. And, Mr. Speaker, I’m skeptical that this bill providing some penalties is going to be enough to completely change the nature of care in our province.

We have a plan that we’re bringing forward that will change the nature of care in our province — yourcareourplan.ca. I would encourage folks to check it out. A robust plan to right the ship and to provide the care that people need in our province, when and where they need it.

I know we’re going to dig through this legislation, have a look at it, but I know this government needs to know that there’s so much work, more work, that needs to be done. And with that I would move to adjourn debate on this bill for today.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried.

Bill No. 72

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Jeremy Cockrill that Bill No. 72 — The Opioid Damages Amendment Act, 2026 be now read a second time.]

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

Vicki Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to enter into debate on Bill No. 72, The Opioid Damages Amendment Act, 2026. And of course I was around when the first Act came out, which I think was around 2020, Mr. Speaker. And I remember that, you know, BC [British Columbia] has been leading this charge since about 2018.

It’s interesting how the government will selectively decide when they decide to follow BC NDP on something, Mr. Speaker. But I think this is a good one. This was a good one to follow suit on. And at that time this legislation came forward to allow Saskatchewan to participate in the class action lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors, acknowledging the significant harms to our people and our province and what we have been dealing with as a result of these drugs coming into the system. So it’s an important bill.

There is a very significant impact across our province. There is a significant impact across residents and families. And we know that opioid use has only continued to increase. We see this in the incidents of overdose rates, in the opioid deaths across this province. It has been devastating families across this province. So we absolutely, you know, support going after these folks for some compensation for that.

I understand the legislation now is an attempt to amend that, to bring us in line with other jurisdictions again, and to make sure that those lawsuits continue and can happen on an individual basis as well, and some rules around when to compel medical records, and some new grounds for the government to sue drug companies. So there’s some, you know, additional complications I think that have been identified over the years that are being added here to make sure that we have the ability to take these actions, Mr. Speaker.

[11:45]

But we know there’s been a huge amount of strain on the system. And we know that simply receiving dollars from these companies is not going to fix the mental health and addictions crisis that is plaguing our province right now. We have so much more work to do to ensure that the gaps that exist in the system are filled. Something as simple but very widespread as a gap between detox and residential treatment facilities is an everyday reality for folks who are facing addictions.

And when you think about that for just a moment or two, you can see just how damaging that is, to not be able to meet someone where they’re at when they finally say, “I am here for help; I’m ready for treatment.” And then you say, “Well just wait around for 6, 12, 48 weeks,” whatever the wait-list is at that time. We had extensive conversations about that in the last session. That’s not going to work for most people who are struggling with addiction, where, you know, a day is a lifetime, Mr. Speaker.

And one of the things I wanted to point out is that advocates have been quite concerned about where the proceeds of these lawsuits are going to be spent. And that’s something we want to see the government make strong commitments toward. You know, this is I think something I brought up back in 2020. I think we’re still trying to find out what Saskatchewan’s cut is from some of these lawsuits, and how many dollars we’re going to be receiving as a result of signing on to the class action.

But there is a responsibility. And I want this government to know that people are going to be watching where those dollars are spent, and there’s going to be a lot of questions about how those dollars are being allocated. And so you know, some of those questions include, how much are we getting? What is it going to be spent on? Is this going to be used in addition to the mental health and addictions budget or simply to offset those dollars and be spent elsewhere?

We know we have a huge problem in this province, and we need the dollars and the leadership from this provincial government to make sure that these issues are addressed. And it is no longer an option, nor do I think it ever was an option, to leave these challenges to municipalities, Mr. Speaker.

I think there’s also a question around what the dollars will be spent on in terms of, will professionals be the ones allocating these dollars, who are going to follow evidence-based approaches? You know, if we’re talking specifically about opioids, are these dollars going to go into OAT [opioid agonist therapy] therapies, sort of the matching responses? Is there going to be public education? I think those questions need to be asked.

And I don’t think it should be up to the minister to decide where all this money is being spent. We have seen that their approach is not working right now, Mr. Speaker. We need to rely on the experts. So we certainly support a more coordinated national approach, which I think is what this legislation is getting at.

We’ll have a lot of work to do in consulting with stakeholders, Mr. Speaker. But with that I would move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 72 for today.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Speaker Goudy: — Carried. Wait for the member from Regina Rosemont to get to . . . No, not Rosemont anymore, eh. Mount Royal. Does a good bow. Does a good bow.

Well this House stands adjourned until Monday, November the 16th at 1:30 p.m. Those of you who have to travel, travel safe and enjoy the time with your communities and Remembrance Day.

[The Assembly adjourned at 11:49.]

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

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