CONTENTS
Standing
Committee on Crown and Central Agencies
Bill No. 57 The Information Services Corporation
Amendment Act, 2026
THIRTIETH
LEGISLATURE
of
the
Legislative Assembly of
Saskatchewan
STANDING
COMMITTEE ON
Hansard
Verbatim Report
No.
15 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Chair C. Young:
All right. Welcome to the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies,
everyone. Im Colleen
Young, and Ill be chairing the meeting this afternoon. We have committee
members joining us: Kevin Kasun, Doug Steele, James Thorsteinson, Jordan
McPhail, Erika Ritchie, and sitting in for Don McBean is Aleana Young.
Before we begin our business, I would
like to table the following document: CCA 16‑30, Crown Investments
Corporation of Saskatchewan: Report of public losses, January the 1st, 2026, to
March 31st, 2026.
I would also like to advise the
committee that pursuant to rule 145(1), the following document was committed to
our committee: Saskatchewan Government Insurance Superannuation Plan: 2025
annual report.
Bill No. 57 The
Information Services Corporation Amendment Act, 2026
Clause 1
Chair
C. Young:
Today we will be considering Bill No. 57, The Information Services
Corporation Amendment Act, 2026, beginning with consideration of clause 1,
short title.
Minister Harrison is here with his
officials. And I ask that officials introduce themselves and state your title
the first time they speak at the mike, and Hansard will turn the mikes
on for you.
So, Minister, if you want to
introduce your officials and begin with any opening remarks you may have.
Hon. Jeremy Harrison: Sure.
Well thanks very much, Madam Chair. I have Kent Campbell, the president of
Crown Investments Corporation; Max Bilson, behind, from the Ministry of
Justice; Richard Davis, senior advisor to the president of Crown Investments
Corporation; and Megan Dolo, our counsel at the Crown Investments Corporation;
and Emma Keogan, my chief of staff. So thanks, Madam Chair, and thank you to
members of the committee for being here this afternoon.
We
are here to discuss Bill 57, The Information Services Corporation Amendment
Act. Information Services Corporation, or ISC, was officially established
on January the 1st, 2000 by the government of the day as a commercial Crown
corporation. ISC has played an important role in Saskatchewans registry and
land titles sector.
When established, essential
registries such as land titles, mineral rights, personal property
registrations, and mapping services were spread across multiple government
departments. These systems were largely paper based, slow, and increasingly
unable to support a modern economy. The government utilized the legislation
available to it to form a single specialized organization to manage these
functions more efficiently, securely, and transparently. And ISC was created.
[16:00]
At its launch, ISC assumed
responsibility for Saskatchewans land titles system, the personal property
registry, the mineral rights registry, and provincial geomatics and mapping
services. In practical terms ISC has helped make Saskatchewan easier to do business
in. Today ISC specializes in operating public registries, registry-related
services, and government technology platforms. Their focus has always been on
delivering long-term service continuity, security, and value for citizens while
supporting governments in meeting their regulatory and service-delivery
objectives efficiently and responsibly.
Registries are not just
databases; they are infrastructure. They underpin landownership, secured
financing, corporate governance, and legal certainty. ISC operates through
three closely connected areas: (1) registry operations where they manage
essential public registries under long-term agreements; (2) services which
support compliance, corporate transparency, enforcement, and recovery processes
used by governments, financial institutions, and legal professionals; third,
technology solutions where they design and operate registry platforms and
government technology systems that prioritize security, uptime, and regulatory
alignment.
In 2023 the Government of
Saskatchewan and ISC signed an early extension of the Saskatchewan registry
agreement through to 2053, reinforcing our belief of ISCs ability to deliver
critical services to Saskatchewan residents and businesses collectively and
reliably. The extension ensured certainty, continuity, and stability for
another 30 years of registry services in Saskatchewan. It secured revenue in
long-term predictable cash flows, which enabled sustained investment in system
modernization, cybersecurity, and service improvements without disruption.
In 2013 the Government of
Saskatchewan made the decision to take the former Crown corporation public
while retaining 29 per cent ownership interest through shares while also
establishing a golden share. The golden share is a safeguard that protects
public interest. It helps ensure registry services remain reliable,
Saskatchewan jobs are protected and stay in our province, and decisions about
this critical public infrastructure are made with Saskatchewan people in mind.
ISC is one of only five
Saskatchewan-headquarters TSX-listed [Toronto Stock Exchange] public companies,
and the Government of Saskatchewan is proud of the significant number of
high-quality jobs ISC maintains within the province, including its head office
and a substantial local workforce. As ISC continues to grow and evolve, it
remains rooted in Saskatchewan with its Regina-based headquarters and
substantial local workforce of approximately 580 employees, while delivering
innovation and value across its international markets.
ISCs board and executive
leadership bring deep experience in government services, technology, finance,
and regulation with a strong emphasis on oversight, renewal, and
accountability. We are confident in ISCs board and management leadership, its
vision, and the companys ability to continue creating value for customers and
the province alike.
Part of the 2013 transition
to a public company was for the Government of Saskatchewan to appoint board
members to ISCs board of directors. This ensured the shareholders voice was
represented while enabling the board to provide oversight and guidance to ISCs
executive leadership.
In September 2025 the
Information Services Corporation announced they would be undertaking a
strategic review to explore options to further maximize shareholder value. As a
29 per cent shareholder, the government publicly announced our support for this
review, along with the consideration of any outcome of the strategic review,
subject to provisions that would protect the provinces best interest and
Saskatchewan jobs.
The strategic review
contemplates but is not limited to asset divestments, acquisitions,
transformative business combinations, or a sale of ISC. The golden share
already exists in the legislation, which protects ISCs head office and local
jobs right here in Regina. Through these amendments we have not only
strengthened the rights the Government of Saskatchewan holds through the golden
share, but weve ensured that the Government of Saskatchewan will continue to
have those rights, notwithstanding any future business reorganization of ISC.
And it bears repeating that any such future reorganization would require not
only the approval of the Saskatchewan courts, but of the Government of
Saskatchewan itself.
The amendments strengthen the
golden share by ensuring that ISCs intellectual property stays in
Saskatchewan, maintaining ISCs service obligations to the province, and
strengthening language to ensure the head office remains in Saskatchewan.
Specific amendments to
section 2 of the bill were made to strengthen protections around ISC. It closes
loopholes by covering transfers made directly or indirectly. It prevents key
intellectual property required for service delivery from being moved outside
Saskatchewan. It also blocks transfers of assets or functions that could
undermine ISCs ability to meet its contractual obligations. The focus is on
ensuring service continuity and protecting Saskatchewans interests under the
July 5th, 2023 agreements.
Overall the amendment ensures
ISC cannot restructure or transfer core elements in ways that would weaken
accountability or service delivery.
Additionally section 12
ensures the Crown keeps the golden share unchanged even if ISC undergoes a
corporate restructuring. If a transaction occurs which involves a
restructuring, this section ensures that CIC [Crown Investments Corporation of
Saskatchewan] will receive the golden share with exactly the same rights and
conditions it had before. In other words, this provision allows the golden
share to be carried forward through our corporate arrangement while protecting
the Crowns existing rights so they remain identical after any transaction.
In 2012 the government made
the decision to take the former Crown corporation public while retaining
approximately 29 per cent ownership through shares. The process associated with
the strategic review continues to be an ISC-led process.
The Act would only come into
force upon proclamation. These amendments would only be enacted at such a time
that the ISC-led process had concluded and a final decision had been made by
the Government of Saskatchewan with regard to the results of the review.
This government is focused on
our economy and local jobs and facilitating investment growth. These proposed
amendments support that focus. Not only do the amendments maintain and
strengthen the golden share, but other amendments would facilitate the growth
and evolution of ISC. The amendments would secure board appointments for the
government into the future regardless of how the company is structured, and
lift the ownership cap on shares which could facilitate new investments.
The strategic review is an
ISC-led process, but the Government of Saskatchewan will continue to support
the ISC board of directors and executive leadership.
In closing, I want to
emphasize that the legislation before this committee is fundamentally about
continuity, protection, and preparedness. Bill 57 maintains and strengthens the
Government of Saskatchewans golden share, ensuring that Saskatchewan jobs, the
head office, and critical decision-making authority remain protected here at
home. It also ensures that those protections endure regardless of how ISC may
evolve into the future.
At the same time, the
amendments provide flexibility flexibility that allows ISC to continue
investing responsibly, adapting to technological change, and remaining
competitive in a rapidly evolving global environment while still anchoring its
core responsibilities to the Saskatchewan people.
Ultimately
this legislation reflects a balanced approach, one that safeguards public
interest, supports long-term service reliability, and positions Saskatchewan to
benefit from a strong, stable, and forward-looking registry partner for decades
to come. For those reasons I believe Bill 57 is prudent, responsible, and in
the best interests of Saskatchewan residents. Thank you.
Chair
C. Young: Thank you, Minister. Ill
open the floor now to questions from committee members, and Ill recognize Ms.
Young.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you, Minister, for those introductory
remarks. Why introduce this legislation prior to the conclusion of the
strategic review?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Yeah, thanks. Thanks, Madam Chair. I mean we were proactive, which is, you
know, precisely what I laid out in my introductory remarks. Being prepared to
be responsive to recommendations from a review when they come, which we have
not yet received.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you. Are there preliminary recommendations or information that you can
share with the committee that would have informed the drafting of this
legislation?
Kent Campbell:
When the government indicated its support of the strategic review back in
September, one of the scenarios we wanted to prepare for was a potential sale.
If you look in the ISC news release at that time, it did say that as one of the
options. And so thats when we decided to consider that as a potential for a
scenario that could develop.
Aleana
Young:
Have there been any conversations with prospective buyers?
Kent Campbell:
So through Crown Investments Corporation we do have a co-operation agreement
with ISC that allows them to provide us with some updates on how their process
is going. That information is all confidential, and of course this is an ISC
board-led process. I mean its not a government process, its not a joint
process; its an ISC board-led process. But through that agreement we are able
to get updates on where they are at.
Aleana
Young:
Can you expand on that?
Kent Campbell:
So we signed an agreement with ISC in December, later in December of this
year, and that allowed them to provide us with an update on where their board
and committee is in terms of looking at different options. Thats really all I
can say.
Aleana Young: Thank
you. Walking through some of the changes that have been brought forward, and
having heard the ministers comments about these changes strengthening the
position of the province of Saskatchewan, the golden share, can you for the
record explain how each of these changes will do so?
Kent Campbell:
Yes, for sure. So under subsection 2(e) it talks about strengthening of the
statutory rights associated with the golden share. And so its really been
expanded in three areas.
The first is clarification
that CIC may veto any form of transfer, direct or indirect, of ISCs head
office outside of Saskatchewan. And so the difference there was we added the
word indirect, which was not there before. We just think that provides a better
protection if there was, you know, some sort of a transfer to an entity within
a larger entity. So we think thats an important addition.
The second was adding a new
right to veto any transfer of intellectual property that ISC uses to perform
its duties under the contracts with the province of Saskatchewan, including
under the master services agreement. This ensures that the intellectual property
used by ISC to perform its contracted registry services will continue to be
domiciled in Saskatchewan. And we feel this is important, just given all the
considerations around the importance of that information, the importance of
privacy, and issues like cybersecurity, sovereign oversight of data. So thats
why that one was added.
The third one was a veto to
any transfer of assets or functions that would interfere with ISCs ability to
meet its contractual commitments to the Government of Saskatchewan. So that is
really in relation to things like the MSA [master service agreement], just
strengthening that through wording and legislation. We already have a
contractual agreement that they are obligated or their successor would be
obligated to meet. This just puts that specifically in legislation.
So those are really the
nature of the three additions to strengthen the golden share.
Aleana Young: Thank
you, deputy minister Campbell. Can you expand on the changes made to 12(4)?
[16:15]
Kent Campbell:
Yes, thank you. So section 12 had originally directed the issuance of a
golden share from ISC to CIC once ISC was established in 2013. So the addition
of subsection 12(4) is an addition that will confirm that CIC may also acquire
a golden share through any corporate reorganization, and that it will confirm
that CIC will continue to hold the golden share and its associated rights on
behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan and any future entity. So basically
transfer of all those rights, should that be required.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you. Yes, I understand that. Can you expand on the rationale for that
change and what you believe it will facilitate?
Kent Campbell:
Again this is something that was added to basically have in place, to plan
for any potential scenario we would want to consider out of the ISC-led review,
should it be in the interests of Saskatchewan people. And we wanted to make
sure that whatever reorganization might be recommended or considered, that the
rights to our golden share continue in the right entity.
Aleana
Young:
And what potential scenario would that be contemplating?
Kent
Campbell:
It contemplates if theres a reorganization of a company or some sort of plan
of arrangement. We want to make sure that that golden share and all of those
enhanced powers that we have are with the ISC entity, that main entity that is
providing those services to Saskatchewan people.
Aleana Young: Looking at the changes that have been made to the
definitions through Bill 57, repealing largely all of the definitions that
explicitly refer to the government, am I correct in my understanding that this
is again in contemplation of a potential sale of ISC? I believe Bill 57 repeals
the definitions for things like agent of the government, government
minister, person, specified limits.
Kent
Campbell:
Yes, so those sections were repealed because they were specifically tied to the
15 per cent ownership restriction. And so if were eliminating that
requirement, then those definitions fell off.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you. And the repeal of the definitions of both a corporation and of an
associate?
Kent
Campbell:
Can you repeat the question?
Aleana
Young:
Just some further definitions that were repealed. I believe the definition of
both a corporation and an associate, such as a party involved in another
shareholding party, were also repealed.
Kent
Campbell:
Right. And the reason for that is we wanted to make sure, when that restriction
was in place, that you couldnt have two entities that were related having a
higher percentage of 15 per cent, right? And so thats what thats in reference
to.
Aleana
Young:
For Bill 57, if and when passed.
Kent
Campbell:
Pardon me?
Aleana
Young:
For Bill 57, if and when passed.
Id
like to talk briefly about the somewhat complicated formula that exists in the
current legislation as it relates to the number of board members that the
minister is allowed to appoint. Can you expand on the rationale for the changes
being made? Specifically interested in how this strengthens the position of the
province and the people of Saskatchewan.
Kent
Campbell:
Yes, so the formula in the existing legislation is a formula based upon the
percentage of government shares. So its a formula that would determine that.
In this case weve basically set a floor or a limit that it will be two
regardless of how many shares the government owns, regardless. And so thats
just switching from a formula to a straight appointment of two directors. But
really the main strengthening of this bill is in the enhancements, the three
enhancements to the golden share that I talked about earlier.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, deputy minister. You referred to a floor. Please correct me if Im
wrong. My understanding is that in the existing legislation its prohibited to
appoint fewer than two members.
Kent Campbell:
Right.
Aleana
Young:
This is no longer the case. In Bill 57 hypothetically no members could be
appointed.
Kent Campbell:
Yes, youre right. Floor is maybe not the best term. It provides the
minister the opportunity to appoint . . . may appoint two directors.
Aleana
Young:
Can you help the committee understand how this strengthens the position of
Saskatchewan in the governance of ISC, if previously two was the floor and now
two is in fact the ceiling?
Kent Campbell:
Yeah, Im happy to answer. You know, I think we want to make sure that we do
have representation on that board regardless of the particular percentage of
share ownership. And when those directors are appointed, of course this is a
publicly traded company it is not a government entity and so those board
members do have a fiduciary responsibility to the best interests of the
corporation. But by having representatives appointed by the government,
certainly theyre to project our interests as shareholders as part of those
considerations. And the ability to appoint two is there.
Aleana
Young:
Which was there previously.
Kent Campbell:
Sorry, can you repeat the question?
Aleana
Young:
Which is in the existing legislation. No?
Kent Campbell:
So under the existing legislation there was a formula based upon the
percentage of shares owned. There was a floor of two. That is now may appoint
two.
Aleana
Young:
Currently how many board members does ISC have? Ten?
Kent Campbell:
Thats correct.
Aleana
Young:
And in the existing legislation it prohibited appointing, then, fewer than two
members to represent . . . Forgive me. I dont know if it would be
CIC or the province of Saskatchewan. You can clarify for me if thats important
to you.
Kent Campbell:
Yeah. So Crown Investments Corporation, as a government entity we hold the
shares, and those members are appointed by government in relation to, or in
reflection of, the ownership that CIC owns. So theyre appointed by the
province.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you. So of the 10 existing board members, in the existing legislation is
a floor of no fewer than two board members being appointed to represent the
province of Saskatchewan. In Bill 57 the province of Saskatchewan can appoint a
maximum of two.
Kent
Campbell: Thats correct. May appoint two.
Aleana
Young:
And what, if any, mechanisms or policies, laws, or regulations would prevent
the ISC board from restructuring in the future to further minimize
proportionately the representation that Saskatchewan may have on that board? To
be clear, what could, if anything, prohibit ISC from having a board of 20, for
example?
Kent Campbell:
So one of the powers that we enjoy under the current legislation that would
remain is approval of any bylaw changes. And so were they to increase the
number of directors, say, we would need to approve that change.
Aleana Young: So in
the current legislation, carrying through to Bill 57 should it be passed by the
legislature, any bylaw changes made to ISC have to be approved by whom?
Kent Campbell:
Yeah, Ill find the reference in the legislation.
Aleana Young: Thank
you.
Kent Campbell:
So that power is specified in 2(1)(e) golden share (i), where it says,
carrying the condition that the holder of that share vote, by a separate vote
as a class, to veto . . . (ii)(B) to amend the articles.
Aleana
Young:
And that separate class refers to the one class B share?
Kent Campbell:
There is one golden share, and thats what that class relates to.
Aleana
Young:
So for the committee and for the record, the holder of the class B share has
veto over bylaw changes at ISC, regardless of whether they remain majority
owner?
Kent Campbell:
Thats correct. Those powers are tied to the class B golden share holder.
Aleana
Young:
If hypothetically a separate entity were to acquire the remaining shares of ISC
beyond the 29 per cent held by the Government of Saskatchewan, would they have
the ability to change that provision and thus change the bylaws?
Kent Campbell:
I think, you know, certainly my interpretation is the legislations strong
and the wording is strong in terms of the powers of the golden share, meaning a
single authorized share carrying the condition that the holder of that share,
by separate vote as a class, can veto amendments to the articles.
Aleana Young: I
appreciate your interpretation, Deputy Minister Campbell. Please let the record
show that I am smiling while I say that. What existing laws or regulations
would prevent a majority shareholder beyond the Government of Saskatchewan,
with their one class B share, from changing that provision and thus the bylaws?
[16:30]
Kent Campbell:
So it is specifically this piece of legislation and that definition of the
golden share that prevents that.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you. So to put a point on it, additional legislative changes would be
needed for any bylaw changes to take place without the explicit consent of the
Government of Saskatchewan?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
If I could just respond, Madam Chair. The president of Crown Investments
Corporation, the president has, you know, responded to a number of these
questions with regard to the strength of the statute. The advice that we have
conveyed from legal counsel with regard to the statute is what it is. The
president conveyed that response.
And with regard to kind of
endless hypotheticals, I mean, were not kind of here to respond to endless
hypotheticals. What I can tell you, Madam Chair, is that we have not received
any recommendation from the board-led process. When we receive a recommendation,
we will be transparent about what that recommendation is and about what the
governments decision is.
What we have put in place
here though is a strengthening of the statutory authorities contained for the
province to be in a position, as a minority shareholder, to secure our position
through the golden share. Thats what we are doing here. You know, with regard
to all of the hypotheticals I know that the members are going to want to spend
hours asking about, were not going to be responding to those.
We have laid out what were
doing here with the statute, you know, with the individual provisions. Weve
spoken to those as well. But we have not received a recommendation, and were
not going to speculate on what a recommendation could be or media reports or
any of that.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Minister. My apologies, President Campbell.
Madam Chair, Im under the
impression this has been a very productive committee meeting thus far. I
appreciate the ministers comments. This isnt a hypothetical. Im just asking
for clarification on whats a very important point about the governance of ISC.
Its pretty straightforward. It was my last question.
To this end, Im just looking
for confirmation that additional legislative changes would be needed to change
any bylaws at ISC without the explicit consent of the government? I didnt
think this was controversial.
Chair
C. Young: Your last three
questions, if not four, were what-ifs. So as the minister said, they are
hypothetical. But Ill let Mr. Campbell answer.
Kent
Campbell:
Yeah, maybe on this one again, so what the power of the golden share provides
us with is the ability to veto any amendment to the articles.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, President Campbell. If a sale of ISC does take place . . .
Madam Chair, I hear you
laughing. The minister has said, as has President Campbell, that this
legislation has been presented to the Assembly. For hypotheticals emerging from
the strategic review, it is my duty as a member of the opposition . . .
Its the function of this committee to ask questions about the changes being
made, contemplating any number of potential outcomes of the strategic review,
of which we have been told we cant have any information on.
Chair
C. Young: Mr. Campbell at this
point in time has already told you, and so has the minister, that the
recommendations are not in front of them at this point in time. So your
questions around the what-ifs are based on nothing at this point in time
because they do not have any recommendations in front of them.
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, respectfully, its not . . .
Chair
C. Young: You can debate whats
been presented, or you can ask questions based on whats presented in the bill
before you. But outside of that, you know, youre asking questions that maybe
are hypothetical in nature.
Aleana
Young:
I just want to be really clear. You are indicating I cannot ask questions about
how this legislation will impact whatever the outcomes are of the strategic
review that President Campbell and the minister have said they cannot share
with the committee. And youre saying that I am not allowed to ask questions
about that in the Crown and Central Agencies Committee?
Chair
C. Young: Your questions are to be
based on the bill before you and the changes that are being proposed within the
bill.
Aleana
Young:
And, Madam Chair, the minister has said that this bill is being brought forward
in contemplation of any number of potential outcomes that may emerge from the
strategic review. We do not know what those outcomes are.
This has been a very
productive committee meeting for the last 30 minutes. Im not clear why its
going off the rails. We dont know what the outcomes of the strategic review
are going to be. There are legislative changes that have been made in anticipation
of any number of potential outcomes.
Its incumbent on us, it is
our duty as opposition members to ask questions about that. That is the
function of this committee. Thats whats supposed to happen when legislations
brought forward.
Chair
C. Young: Is there any other
questions outside the ones that youve asked with regards to what-ifs?
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, all of the questions are related to the impacts of the existing
legislation on what could happen to ISC. You dont introduce legislation to
keep something the same, and there is no information available about what the
potential outcomes were.
I asked my first question why
this bill was being introduced before the conclusion of this strategic review,
and the minister and the president of CIC indicated it was to be proactive. How
is it inappropriate to ask questions about this legislation?
Chair
C. Young: Minister or Mr. Campbell,
if you have anything further to add to her comments?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Not anything significant, Madam Chair, other than to say that which Ive said
in the House, you know, during question period on a number of occasions weve
been very transparent with regard to the initiation of the strategic review.
Weve been very transparent about our support for the strategic review, and
weve been very transparent about the fact that we are going to protect the
interests of the Saskatchewan public, whatever the outcome of that review is.
Which is why we have introduced these specific provisions in the bill, which
were happy to speak to the individual provisions in the bill on that basis.
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, I have a number of questions that are relevant to ISC and what
could happen to ISC, and I will continue to ask them. If the Minister does not
want to answer, thats okay. If his officials dont want to answer, thats
okay. I will continue to ask them. You can rule me out of order or shut down
the committee, but like, I dont think these are controversial questions to be
asking. Im frankly flummoxed by whats happening right now.
Chair
C. Young: Do you have another
question with regards to the changes in the bill?
Aleana
Young:
Yes, I have many questions, many questions, Madam Chair. The minister and the
president of CIC have indicated that the changes to this legislation are in
anticipation of any number of outcomes that may emerge from the strategic
review happening at ISC, including a potential sale which I recognize may not
occur, but is one potential outcome.
Should a sale go through,
what control will Saskatchewan have on changes to pricing, ad valorem fees,
things that will impact anyone purchasing or transferring a property or
registering a business in Saskatchewan?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
You know, as weve said, we havent received a recommendation from the board as
of yet. And were not going to be speculating as to what the recommendation if
any is going to be from that process.
But what we are doing here,
Madam Chair, is making sure that we have in place the interests of the public
by strengthening the provisions of the information services Act, including
ensuring intellectual property remains in the province, ensuring the continuity
of the service obligations from ISC through the master services agreement,
strengthening the head office language provisions. That is what we are doing
here in this statute.
And you know, we havent
received a recommendation, and were not going to be speculating on what that
is. Thats an ISC process, and any questions with regard to that probably
better put to ISC.
Aleana
Young:
Currently in Saskatchewan the value of land is going up. Percentage fees are
going up at the same time that land is appreciating, which obviously leads to
bigger payments and record profits for ISC, which is a good thing. If this is
transferred to a private company, what control if any would remain with the
Government of Saskatchewan?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
I mean, weve responded to all of these. Kent, if you want to add to this?
Kent Campbell:
Sure. So ISC right now is not a government company. Theyre a publicly traded
company. They recently signed in 2023 an extension out to 2053, the master
services agreement and associated agreements with the government. And so the
very clear expectation is that that would be continued under those existing
terms with whatever the ISC entity might look like at the end of this process.
Aleana
Young:
So the representatives on behalf of Saskatchewan overseeing the quality of
registry deliveries for Saskatchewan would be those two board members.
Kent Campbell:
The master services agreement is really an agreement between ISC the
corporation and our Ministry of Justice, and so thats . . . Its a
contractual arrangement, and theres all sorts of responsibilities and powers
associated with that. So government has power, significant power, in relation
to its contract with ISC through that mechanism as well.
Aleana
Young:
Can that agreement be provided?
Kent Campbell:
The master services agreement?
Aleana
Young:
Yes.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Madam Chair, Id note that the master services agreement has been public, and
it was tabled in this Assembly in July of 2023.
Aleana
Young:
Excellent news. Thank you. A specific question: can you clarify for the
committee why certain full investor presentations were removed from public
access? Specifically I was looking for the March 2024 investor presentation
that no longer has a video or the slide deck available and an edited
transcript. It pertains to the strategic review and its no longer available.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Madam Chair, so I literally have no idea what the members referring to. But if
this is an ISC presentation, ISC is a private company. The Government of
Saskatchewan is a shareholder. So if ISC, you know, operate their website in a
particular way, obviously the Government of Saskatchewan has nothing to do with
that.
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, this is the Minister Responsible for CIC and a shareholder of ISC.
Its . . .
Chair
C. Young: As the minister said,
its a private company. If they choose to take down their website, they take
down their website.
[16:45]
Aleana
Young:
Circling back to the master service agreement, I believe I asked this, Mr.
Campbell, in CIC estimates the other night. There was:
. . .
an initial one-time payment of $150 million from ISC to the Government of
Saskatchewan, additional payments of $30 million a year for the following
five years starting in 2024. Starting in 2033, the agreement allows for
contingent payments for the remaining life of the agreement tied to the overall
growth of the registry revenue.
Thats a quote from the
government press release. Why is there that gap from 2029 to 2023?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Madam Chair, you know, the agreement I think we just indicated has been
publicly tabled. The agreement is not a part of the deliberation. Im not
really sure how we could comment on a contract that was signed a number of
years ago and the rationale for provisions in that contract. The contract is
public. Weve been very transparent about that. It was tabled shortly after it
was signed.
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, I asked in committee the other night. The record reflects that I
was directed to today. So Im asking today.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Sorry, I didnt catch it. Could you repeat the question?
Chair
C. Young:
[Inaudible] . . . repeat the question.
Aleana Young: I asked
this question in CIC estimates, and I was told to ask today. So Im asking
today.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
So thanks, Madam Chair. You know, consulting with legal counsel, were, you
know, not going to be in a position to comment on individual contractual
provisions from the master services agreement. And you know, its really not a
part of or relevant to the bill.
Aleana
Young:
What are the contingent payments after 2023 that the government expects to
receive?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Yeah, I think I just replied to that.
Aleana
Young:
Is there any anticipation of any implications for the bankruptcy process as a
consequence of any changes that could be made to ISC?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
You know, again, Madam Chair, I mean were very happy to kind of speak to the
individual elements of the amendments to the ISC Act. But you know, I think
have been indulgent in getting into some of the hypotheticals the member has
put forward. But you know, we could be here for the next four hours just
responding to off-the-wall hypotheticals. Were not going to be indulging in
that any further.
So with regard to the
individual provisions of the statute, we are, you know, more than happy to
speak to those which is what the purpose of clause-by-clause consideration is
in this process. But were not going to be engaging or speaking to all of the
hypotheticals the members would like to get into.
Aleana
Young:
Frankly, Madam Chair, thats disrespectful. These are concerns and questions
that have come forward from a variety of stakeholders across . . .
Chair
C. Young: Im going to stop you
right there, because yes, they are maybe something that you have heard and have
come from stakeholders, but they are not questions that are in reference to the
bill which is on the table for discussion and the changes that have been
proposed within that bill.
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, the bill before the committee could significantly alter the
structure and function of ISC, which has implications for legal professionals.
It has implications for landowners. It has implications for agricultural
stakeholders.
There are a number of
organizations and individuals who have fair questions about this legislation. I
intend to continue asking these questions, unless you would like to rule me out
of order or shut down the committee. These arent controversial, spurious
questions. This bill is being introduced in anticipation of any number of
potential outcomes, as indicated in their opening remarks by the minister and
the president of CIC.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Yeah, I would just say this: the very rationale for the strengthening of the
information services Act and the protections through the golden share for the
Saskatchewan public, thats the entire purpose of introducing the bill. And
thats what Ive spoken to in the House.
Weve been very transparent
about what we are doing to ensure and strengthen the position of the province
and protect the interests of, you know, the folks that, you know, shes
referencing. That is the very point of what we are doing.
And you know, look, its the
job of opposition to oppose and thats fine and to, you know, come up with
worst-case scenarios and all of those things. You know, Im not going to speak
to those though.
What we are going to speak to
is what were doing here today. What we have done proactively, which is ensure
and strengthen the interests of the people of the province through the
statutory authorities that we have in the information services Act. Thats what
were doing here.
And we have a number of
amendments that we are happy to speak to which I spoke to in the introductory
comments, which, you know, we spoke to in the House during second reading,
which weve spoken to in the House during a committee stage, which weve spoken
to the media about as well.
So were happy to speak to
what we are doing to make sure that our position is as strong as it can be, but
were just not going to get into all the hypotheticals. And again I understand
the opposition are doing their opposition thing, but you know, were just not
going to go there.
Aleana
Young:
On March 3rd, SGEU [Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union] and
ISC signed a new agreement. Could there be any impacts on the existing CBA
[collective bargaining agreement] or SGEU members?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
You know, I dont know how many more times we kind of need to go around the
wheel here. But what were doing here, Madam Chair, is making sure that the
core interests of the people of the province are being protected through this
bill. Thats what were doing, ensuring the intellectual property stays in
Saskatchewan, ensuring that the same standards or better are going to be the
result of any recommendation that comes from the process, which we do not have
a recommendation from the board through the process yet. What were doing is
making sure that the interests of the public are being maximally protected
through the changes were making.
Aleana
Young:
Moving to the protection of privacy and data and intellectual property or
critical assets. The ability to access and analyze data is obviously incredibly
valuable. I understand from the comments made that the changes to 3(b)(i) to
(iii) are intended to protect against the transfer of intellectual property or
critical assets outside of Saskatchewan.
Should there be a majority
shareholder who is outside of Saskatchewan, would these laws apply if it were,
say, the company thats been publicly reported as having emerged as a bidder
for ISC out of Quebec? Would it be Saskatchewan law that applies?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
So yeah, what we have done, Madam Chair, through the strengthening of the
statute, is ensure that the intellectual property will be domiciled in
Saskatchewan. That will be the law.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Madam Chair. And if Saskatchewan is not the majority shareholder . . .
I didnt get an answer to my question, Madam Chair.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Right. And Id say this right now, Madam Chair, that Saskatchewans not the
majority shareholder right now. We own 29 per cent. Were minority shareholder
in Information Services Corporation right now which is a publicly traded
company on the TSX. And the provisions of the Saskatchewan statute apply
through the golden share.
Aleana
Young:
Sure. So . . .
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Well its not sure. Thats actually the law.
Aleana
Young:
As has been reported, there is a bidder from Quebec who has emerged in the
potential purchase of ISC.
Chair
C. Young: Excuse me, you can stop
there. Thats according to you.
Aleana
Young:
No, its in the . . .
Chair
C. Young: But the law was just
stated to you.
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, its recorded in the business section of The Globe and Mail.
This has been well covered in the news for months.
Chair
C. Young: Globe and Mail is
not here tonight. Were dealing with the bill thats on the table.
Aleana
Young:
Right. I just want to be clear, Madam Chair. Youre going to prevent me from
asking questions about a sale that has been reported at length nationally?
Thats what youre going to do?
Chair
C. Young: Im here to work through
questions that are pertaining to Bill 57 and the changes that are in there as
per . . . not to offer the debate on something that you have read in The
Globe and Mail.
Aleana
Young:
Sorry . . .
Chair
C. Young: That is not going to
happen.
Aleana
Young:
Youre not going to allow me to ask . . .
Chair C. Young:
Youre out of order on that one. Sorry.
Aleana
Young:
So the changes being made in legislation 3(b)(ii) to (iii), which speaks
specifically to the protection against the transfer of intellectual property or
critical assets outside of Saskatchewan . . . I want to be very
clear. Im not allowed to ask a question about whether Saskatchewan
jurisdiction or Quebec civil law would apply?
Chair
C. Young: No, youre not. Sorry.
Because it is not part of what the bill is proposing this evening.
Aleana
Young:
Frankly, Madam Chair, thats an incredibly disappointing and partisan
interpretation.
Chair
C. Young: It isnt, because Im
looking at the bill right in front of me. Im reading the same comments that
the minister did in the second reading. So that is not something that was part
of those discussions. So, Minister, if you have anything else youd like to . . .
Aleana
Young:
I guess the answer is no, then. There is nothing to protect the data and
intellectual property of Saskatchewan people? This shouldnt be a controversial
question. There could be . . . it could just be yes.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Again oppositions opposing but I mean, you know, dont put words in my mouth.
And shes done this on other occasions. And you know, fine, if the opposition
opposes. What Ive been very clear about in talking about this . . .
Aleana
Young:
Point of order. Point of order.
Chair
C. Young: Ms. Young, do you have
any other questions pertaining to the changes in the bill outside of proposing
what you have read or heard somewhere?
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, point of order.
Chair
C. Young: And your point of order
is?
Aleana
Young:
Personal attacks in committee are not appropriate.
Chair
C. Young: They arent on the other . . .
on both sides. Sorry, it is not just on one side.
A
Member:
Madam Chair, point of order.
Chair
C. Young: Im sorry. Youre not
recognized in the committee at this point in time.
Do you have another question?
Aleana
Young:
Yeah, I just want to be clear. Im not allowed to ask questions about the
potential transfer of data and intellectual property outside of Saskatchewan.
Im not allowed to ask questions about potential outcomes that may emerge from
the changes being made by your government to this legislation.
Im not allowed to ask
questions about the impact on fees, on service delivery. Im not allowed to ask
questions about contracts that exist with workers in Saskatchewan. Im not
allowed to ask questions about the potential impacts on tax revenue, on profits,
and money that goes to the Government of Saskatchewan.
I just want to be really
clear about this, Madam Chair, that youre not going to allow me to ask any
questions about that, on behalf of the opposition, people of Saskatchewan, and
the many stakeholders who are interested in this and have put forward their
concerns?
Chair
C. Young: Minister and Mr.
Campbell, do you have any response?
[17:00]
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Well like I said, Madam Chair, you know, weve been very transparent about what
our bill is intended to do, which is to strengthen the protections for the
people of this province, ensuring that the head office from ISC remains in
Saskatchewan, that jobs in Saskatchewan are protected, that the intellectual
property is not just protected but remains domiciled here in this province, and
legislating the service obligations and standards under the master services
agreement in the context of not just contract but also statute.
That is what this bill is
doing. I think its very . . . You know, I think its very clear.
There is an ISC-led board process right now that is undertaking a strategic
review thats going to result or may not result in a recommendation. And we
have not yet got to that point. We will be transparent when a recommendation is
received about what the decision is on the part of the Government of
Saskatchewan.
But what we have done here is
make sure that we are protecting the interests of the people of this province,
which is what this bill does.
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, as it pertains to the proposed changes in Bill 57, specifically
there is a removal of ownership limits and the repeal of the 15 per cent cap on
share ownership and the elimination of restrictions on both voting
concentration and dividend entitlements tied to excessive ownership. Is that
correct?
Kent
Campbell:
Yes. The answers yes.
Aleana
Young:
And the removal of the ownership limits may enable fuller majority control by a
single entity, including but not necessarily limited to potential foreign
ownership?
Kent
Campbell:
The law does not speak specifically to that.
Aleana
Young:
So the law does not prohibit or prevent potential foreign ownership.
Kent
Campbell:
Correct.
Aleana
Young:
Are there concerns that the changes to government board representation, a
reduction to two fixed directors, may weaken
the provinces influence over corporate decisions or reduce real-time oversight
capacity?
Kent Campbell:
So having two representatives appointed to the board I think provides a
really good perspective on . . . from the Saskatchewan perspective.
And so I think, yes, that is a very important influence. But the other thing to
consider is the power of that class B share, the golden share, the powers, the
enhanced powers within it to protect Saskatchewan interests.
And of course a big part of
the ISC business is related to the Saskatchewan registry systems. And there is
a service agreement in place that also provides the government with a lot of
power. We retain all that data, and theyre a service provider to us. So
theres lots of mechanisms the Government of Saskatchewan will continue to have
in relation to influence with ISC, and part of that is having two board
members.
Aleana
Young:
So I want to be clear. There is no concern about a reduction in real-time
oversight capacity, yes or no?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
The members of the board . . . I think you have to understand the
role that board members on a publicly traded company play. I mean their
fiduciary obligation as members of the board are to maximize the profitability
of the company. You know, we would ask our board members to view that through
the lens of their shareholder, or who their shareholder theyre representing.
But really I mean, you know, the role of a board member on a public company is
to maximize the profitability of the public company.
Aleana
Young:
And the Government of Saskatchewan doesnt believe that this could weaken the
provinces influence over corporate decisions?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
You know, again were just not going to get into every hypothetical. We appoint
board members who I think have, you know, been diligent in their duties. Ive
not spoken to the board members. Its not my job to give them orders. They have
a statutory role as a member of a board of a publicly traded company. You know,
that will continue to be the case with board members who are representing the
government if theyre appointed through that mechanism. But you know, they have
responsibilities that are laid out in corporate law across the country about
what their responsibilities are as board members.
Kent
Campbell:
And maybe just to add on that.
Aleana
Young:
Please.
Kent Campbell:
I think, you know, that theres enormous powers under that golden share, and
those have been expanded as part of that. And you know, thats a pretty rare
thing for a publicly traded company, right. And theres significant influence
the province has just through those provisions, and weve enhanced them.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Mr. Campbell. I think this, as it pertains to the board
representation, this is the part that I dont understand. You keep speaking
about an enhancement here. And previously the government could not appoint less
than two board members, but could appoint more. And now they can only appoint a
maximum of two board members. How is that an enhancement?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
So you know, I would just maybe say and the presidents spoken to the exact
same question a number of times already what we are doing here is ensuring
that, you know, were going to continue to have very strong protections through
the golden share, through the statutory instrument. And thats, you know,
including the intellectual property provision. Thats the service obligations.
Thats the head office language. That is what we are doing through this
statute, and thats what these amendments are about.
Aleana Young: Id
like to circle back briefly to the 15 per cent cap on share ownership, the
removal of the ownership limits in Bill 57. Mr. Campbell, you confirmed that
there was nothing to exclude potential foreign ownership. Is there anything
that could exclude potential state ownership?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
So I can maybe speak to that. The president had, you know, indicated the kind
of legal position which is the correct one. I would say this though: pending a
recommendation that may or may not come, and you know, not sure of the time
frames but if a recommendation comes from the board, that is something . . .
all of those factors are going to be looked at by the cabinet. And we will make
a determination as to whats in the best interests of the Saskatchewan public.
But were not going to speculate, given the fact that we dont have a
recommendation.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you. The president of CIC, it was indicated he gave the legal answer,
which is the right one. So based on the ministers comments just then, I will
assume that there is nothing prohibiting potential state ownership. Its a
simple yes-or-no question, Madam Chair.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
You know, I get it, Madam Chair. Im prepared to be, you know, indulgent of
questions from those opposite. But dont . . .
Aleana
Young:
But this is your obligation. Its not indulgent.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
What I would ask though, Madam Chair, is that the opposition refrain from
putting words in my mouth.
Aleana
Young:
Answer the question, please.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
What I would say is that, pending a recommendation that we have not received,
we will look at a recommendation through the lens of what is in the best
interests of the province of Saskatchewan.
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, Id prefer not to put words in the ministers mouth. Id prefer if
he answered the question, so Ill ask it again. The president of CIC confirmed
that there was nothing prohibiting a full or majority control by a single
entity, including a potential foreign ownership. So again, is there anything
preventing full or majority control by a single entity which could be
state-owned?
Its a yes or no. Like this
doesnt have to be controversial, Madam Chair. The fact that this committees
going so off the rails seems to suggest that perhaps this is more controversial
than I assumed. I thought this was pretty straightforward.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Thanks, Madam Chair. The same response, which is that, you know, whatever the
recommendation that comes forward, were going to be looking at that
recommendation through the lens of whats in the best interests of the
Saskatchewan public. And thats precisely why were putting even stronger
controls in place through the statute for the province.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Madam Chair. Having received no response to the question, having now
asked it twice, I suppose the record can reflect that, barring a contradiction
from the minister or officials present, that the removal of the ownership
limits could enable full or majority control by a single entity, including
potentially a state-owned company.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
You know, thats what I would just say,
Madam Chair. Like opposition is opposition. But you know, my answer stands,
which is . . . And please dont put words in my mouth. My answer
stands that well be looking at any recommendation that comes forward, if one
does, through the lens of whats in the best interests of the people of the
province.
Aleana Young: In Bill
57 there is a shift from statutory protections to contractual protections with
new provisions that focus on protecting obligations under the 2023 master
service agreement, with an emphasis on preventing actions that would impair
contract performance. Is that correct?
Kent Campbell:
So in relation to those commitments and services, I wouldnt characterize it
as a shift but rather a strengthening. So there are contractual agreements in
place, and you then see this also bolstered by having a legislated requirement
in this legislation as well.
Aleana
Young:
Can you be more specific about the strengthening?
Kent Campbell:
So right now theres contractual obligations that the company would have to
provide services. And so if you look at the strengthening provisions under the
golden share, weve added in components related to the assets or functions that
would affect the ability of ISC to deliver on its commitments under the
agreements. And so theres a contractual obligation already there, and whats
been added is basically an additional legislative power just to reinforce the
importance of that and to strengthen it.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Mr. Campbell. So to be clear, you are saying core protections are
moving from contract into law?
[17:15]
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Maybe Ill just speak to that. I think the presidents been very clear that
this is an additional . . . There is both contractual elements to the
master services agreement, which are being strengthened by actually putting the
contract as a statutory instrument. So that is a significant strengthening and
provides even more protection for the people of the province.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Madam Chair. Its clear theres perhaps not some understanding.
Moving core protections from law into contract is a significant shift.
Contracts can be amended, renegotiated, reinterpreted. Its more difficult to
change the law. So again, are core protections being moved from law into
contract or contract into law?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
You know, weve answered this. I mean, I
appreciate the members legal interpretations, but Ill take the legal
interpretation from Max Bilson.
Aleana
Young:
From whom?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
From the Attorney General, deputy attorney general.
Aleana
Young:
So just to be clear, this is the Attorney Generals interpretation.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Yeah, we just consulted with the deputy attorney general and that is the
interpretation, that this is strengthening the provisions of contract by making
them statutory.
Aleana Young: The
changes, the repeal reduction of regulatory provisions in Bill 57, can you
clarify and expand upon what regulation-making authority has been removed,
narrowed, or expanded?
Kent Campbell:
So the regulations that would be removed were all in relation to that
ownership provision of the 15 per cent. And so once that provision is removed,
the associated regulations would also drop off. Thats what thats in reference
to.
Aleana
Young:
So again, is there an understanding that this is narrowing or expanding
regulation-making authority in key areas?
Kent Campbell:
Its essentially removing regulatory powers that relate to oversight of that
15 per cent ownership provision and how thats interpreted. So you couldnt
have, under the current legislation, related parties that control more than 15
per cent. And so by removing that 15 per cent ownership cap, any regulations
that would be associated with that would also be removed.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you. Can you expand upon how this is going to increase the governments
ability to impose future conditions and respond to emerging risks?
Kent Campbell:
Could I ask you to just be a little bit more specific in terms of which
provisions?
Aleana
Young:
Yes. So were talking about the impact on the ability to make regulatory
provisions with the changes to the 15 per cent ownership. And the narrative has
been tonight that the position being put forward by CIC and by the government
is that this is enhancing the position of strength for the province of
Saskatchewan.
Im hearing that this is
perhaps and I dont say this in a politically loaded way potentially going
to reduce some of the ability to make those regulations in key areas. I was
trying to square the circle of how that can be true. And there is also an enhancement
of the governments ability to impose any future conditions or respond to
risks.
Kent Campbell:
So I think, you know, the answer relates to the enhanced powers we have under
the golden share. That is really the primary mechanism for strengthening the
powers under this Act. And so theres really, you know, three things that weve
done there. One is, in terms of a veto of any transfer, weve added the wording
direct or indirect to broaden that power. Weve added a new right to veto any
transfer of intellectual property, as well as one related to the transfer of
assets or functions that would interfere with ISCs ability to meet contractual
commitments to the Government of Saskatchewan. So that is the most direct way
in which this legislation strengthens whats in the current legislation.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you. In relation to the changes to the golden share function as
contemplated by Bill 57, how will the golden share address pricing, ownership
concentration, and long-term control?
Kent Campbell:
So the expectation is that, whatever the result of the ISC strategic review
process, that the obligations and commitments that they have to the
Saskatchewan government, the Saskatchewan people, under the master services
agreement and all associated agreements, continue. Those obligations are set
out between now and 2053. So theres continuity there, and that has now been
bolstered by having an additional power provision added in relation to the
golden share.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Mr. Campbell. You spoke about expectation, but what about
enforcement?
Kent
Campbell: Well I think having . . .
I mean, theres the contractual arrangement already in place. This is obviously
a very important service for the people of Saskatchewan. Its also a very
important line of business for ISC. So its important on both sides of that
equation, and what this bill does is add in additional powers under the golden
share to just further bolster the importance of those contractual arrangements.
Aleana Young: And
what does a contractual renegotiation process look like?
Kent Campbell:
So the government is not contemplating any negotiations or changes in that
agreement. We expect those commitments to continue as under this current
contract.
Aleana
Young:
Could current or future shareholders request a renegotiation of that contract?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
You know, this is again . . . Madam Chair, you know, I think there
was a very clear answer that the president provided with regard to the
expectation for the contract going forward. Were not going to answer
hypotheticals.
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, respectfully theyre not spurious hypotheticals. This is about
being strategic and about contemplating what could happen when you make changes
to legislation. Thats the duty all of us have as legislators. The president of
CIC has spoken about the importance of this contract in ensuring value for
Saskatchewan and that it is being strengthened by this legislation. As a
consequence its rational to ask how, when, and in what circumstances could
that contract be renegotiated.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Well if I could, Madam Chair, there is no intention to renegotiate the
contract. Thats why you have a contract. The nature of a contract is that
there is an agreement for a period of time between two parties. That is what
the master services agreement is, and that contract runs till 2053.
Aleana
Young:
So I want to be clear. That contract then, the minister is saying, cannot be
renegotiated until 2053.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
The government has no intention of renegotiating a contract thats in place
till 2053.
Aleana
Young:
So back to my initial question. Should the other party to that contract wish to
renegotiate it . . .
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
I think the member misunderstands the nature of a contract. A contract is an
agreement between two parties, and those two parties are the Ministry of
Justice and the Information Services Corporation. And that contract has a term
till 2053.
Aleana
Young:
And should ISC ask to renegotiate that contract, can ISC ask to renegotiate
that contract?
Hon. Jeremy
Harrison:
You know, again, Madam Chair, we have a contract in place till 2053. Weve been
clear that we have no intention of renegotiating the contract. Its a contract.
That is the agreement, that it runs till 2053.
Aleana Young: Can the
other party request a renegotiation of that contract?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Yeah, thanks, Madam Chair. You know, legal counsel advised that my answer was
the correct one, which is that theres a contract in place until 2053 and that
contract is going to remain in place till 2053.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Madam Chair. The minister has spoken about an intention to be
transparent with any potential outcomes of the strategic review at ISC. What
obligations or commitments exist to ensure the disclosure of those outcomes . . .
of the outcome of the strategic review and the implications for Saskatchewan?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Well I would say, as I have already said, that, you know, we havent received a
recommendation from the strategic review that we would consider, a
recommendation from the strategic review as the government, and that we would
communicate the decision with regard to whatever our determination is as the
appropriate path forward thats in the best interests of the people of the
province.
Aleana
Young:
What, if any, increased contractual or regulatory control will be provided by
Bill 57 to ensure registry fees do not increase exponentially?
[17:30]
Kent
Campbell:
Yeah, we can answer that. So the nature of fees charged for those types of
services are all covered under the master services agreement. So that is not
expected to change. Theyre contractually committed.
Aleana
Young:
The fees do change though. They just changed last month.
Kent
Campbell:
Oh yeah, sorry. I didnt mean to . . . Maybe I misspoke there. I
meant it is defined under the master services agreement, not that they can
never change. But theres formulas within that master service agreement that
dictates and covers that. And so we do not expect the terms of the master services
agreement, as it relates to those factors, to change.
Aleana
Young:
Weve spoken a little bit about data sovereignty. Can you speak to any changes
being contemplated by Bill 57 that will explicitly guarantee data sovereignty
over the long term?
Kent
Campbell:
So I think thats one of the main areas that the legislation has been
strengthened is by adding point (D) under 2(1)(e): A transfer, directly or
indirectly, of any of the intellectual property of ISC or of ISC Inc. that is
used by ISC or ISC Inc. that is necessary to satisfy their respective
obligations under the extension agreement. And so that provides us with
enhanced powers, I would say, that were not there before. And so thats one of
the key strengthenings in this legislation.
Aleana
Young:
In the introduction of Bill 57, appreciating there are a variety of outcomes
possible from the strategic review at ISC, has
any public interest or value-for-money analysis been conducted?
Kent Campbell:
So its ISC thats conducting the review of strategic alternatives, looking
at opportunities to maximize value for their shareholders and stakeholders. And
so theyll be using a variety of metrics, Im sure, as they assess a full range
of potential outcomes including potential asset divestments, acquisitions,
transformative business combinations, or sale of the company.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Mr. Campbell. Is any of that work taking place appreciating the
independent roles of ISC and CIC and the Government of Saskatchewan? Is any of
that work taking place in CIC or the government more broadly?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
You know, I could . . . Maybe Ill speak to that. Kent can maybe add.
But you know, it kind of goes back to the point that, you know, weve made
repeatedly through the process, which is ISC is a publicly traded company.
You know, theyre going to
undertake their own review and analysis, and thats what they are doing through
that strategic review. And theyll provide a recommendation or not based on
that work that theyre doing. But we cant comment on what that work is.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you. Are there any provisions or changes being made through Bill 57 that
would ensure ISC remains a publicly traded company?
Kent Campbell:
No. Theres no provision specifically to that, whether its publicly traded
or privately owned.
Aleana
Young:
Has there been a contemplation of what the impact would be should ISC not be a
publicly traded company?
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
You know, I might just speak to this again because were getting back into
these, you know, myriad hypotheticals.
What I would say is when and
if there is a recommendation that comes from the ISC board, we will look at
that recommendation through the lens of protecting the interests of the people
of the province, which is what this legislation is about strengthening.
So you know, were not going
to speculate on potential recommendations, because we havent got one yet.
Aleana
Young:
Thanks, Madam Chair. No further questions.
Chair
C. Young: Do you have more
questions?
Aleana
Young:
No, I said no further questions.
Chair
C. Young: All right. Thank you,
committee members. Seeing no further questions, we will proceed to vote on the
clauses. Clause 1, short title, is that agreed?
Some
Hon. Members: Agreed.
Chair
C. Young: Carried.
[Clause 1 agreed to.]
[Clause 2 agreed to.]
Clause 3
Aleana
Young:
Madam Chair, I would like to move an amendment to clause 3.
Chair
C. Young: Ms. Young has moved an
amendment to clause 3. Can you please read the amendment?
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Madam Chair.
I move the following
amendment:
Clause
3 of the printed Bill
Amend
subsection 2(1) of The Information Services Corporation Act as being
enacted by Clause 3 of the printed Bill:
(a)
by adding the following in paragraph 2(1)(e)(i)(D) after being domiciled
outside Saskatchewan, before the semi-colon:
which
shall be vetoed by the holder of the golden share;
(b)
by striking out and after paragraph
2(1)(e)(i)(E);
(c)
by adding the following after paragraph 2(1)(e)(i)(E):
(F)
a delisting of ISC from the Toronto Stock Exchange that would result in ISC no
longer being a publicly traded company, which shall be vetoed by the holder of
the golden share;
(G) a
sale of shares in the company that would result in any single person holding
more than 50% of the shares of the ISC, which shall be vetoed by the holder of
the golden share; and.
Chair
C. Young: It has been moved by
Aleana Young, MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly]:
Clause
3 of the printed Bill
Amend
subsection 2(1) of The Information Services Corporation Act as being
enacted by clause 3 of the printed Bill:
(a) by adding the following
in paragraph 2(1)(e)(i)(D) after being domiciled outside Saskatchewan, before
the semi-colon:
which
shall be vetoed by the holder of the golden share;
(b)
by striking out and after paragraph
2(1)(e)(i)(E);
(c)
by adding the following after paragraph 2(1)(e)(i)(E):
(F)
a delisting of ISC from the Toronto Stock Exchange that would result in ISC no
longer being a publicly traded company, which shall be vetoed by the holder of
the golden share;
(G) a
sale of shares in the company that would result in any single person holding
more than 50% of the shares of ISC, which shall be vetoed by the holder of the
golden share; and.
Are committee members ready
for the question?
Some
Hon. Members: Question.
Chair
C. Young: Do committee members
agree with the amendment as read?
Some
Hon. Members: Agreed.
Some
Hon. Members: No.
Chair
C. Young: Having heard that it is
not agreed to, the question before the committee is the amendment moved by MLA
Young. I would like to inform committee members that I will be exercising my
right to a deliberative vote.
Those in favour of the
amendment please say aye.
Some
Hon. Members: Aye.
Chair
C. Young: Those opposed to the
amendment please say no.
Some
Hon. Members: No.
Chair
C. Young: No. I think the nos have
it. I declare the amendment defeated.
We
will continue with the original clause.
[Clause 3 agreed to.]
[Clause 4 agreed to.]
Chair
C. Young: I recognize Member
Thorsteinson.
James
Thorsteinson:
Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to move the following . . .
Chair C. Young:
Ill ask Member Thorsteinson first to share the amendment hes making to the
clause. And the one that Member Young is making to the same clause. Okay. Well
vote on Member Thorsteinsons
clause first, if you read it out.
James
Thorsteinson:
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move the following amendment that:
Clause 5 of the printed Bill
Amend subsection 12(4) of The Information Services
Corporation Act, as being enacted by Clause 5 of the printed Bill, by
striking out acquired by the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan
and substituting acquired.
Chair
C. Young: MLA Young has moved an
amendment . . . Oh, doing his first. Okay.
MLA Thorsteinson has moved an amendment to
clause 5 of the printed Bill. Are committee members ready for the question?
Some Hon. Members: Question.
Chair C. Young: Do committee members agree with the
amendment as read?
Some Hon. Members: Agreed.
Chair C. Young: Carried. Is clause 5 as amended
agreed?
Some Hon. Members: Agreed.
Chair C. Young: Carried. We
will now consider MLA Youngs amendment.
[17:45]
Aleana
Young:
Thank you.
Chair
C. Young: You can proceed to move
your amendment.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Madam Chair. Forgive me. I should have spoken to the rationale. This
is fairly straightforward. Having heard extensive comments tonight about the
desire to strengthen the position of the people of Saskatchewan in the golden
share, I move the following amendment:
Clause
5 of the printed Bill
Amend
subsection 12 of The Information Services Corporation Act, as being
enacted by Clause 5 of the printed Bill by adding the following after
subsection (4):
(5)
the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan shall not sell the golden
share;
(6) the
Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan shall not sell any share that it
held on May 5, 2026.
Chair
C. Young: MLA Aleana Young has
moved that:
Clause
5 of the printed Bill
Amend
subsection 12 of The Information Services Corporation Act, as being
enacted by Clause 5 of the printed Bill by adding the following after
subsection (4):
(5)
the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan shall not sell the golden
share;
(6) the
Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan shall not sell any share that it
held on May 5, 2026.
Are committee members ready
for the question?
Some
Hon. Members: Question.
Chair
C. Young: Do committee members
agree with the amendment as read?
Some
Hon. Members: Agreed.
Some
Hon. Members: No.
Chair
C. Young: The question before the
committee on the amendment that was moved by Aleana Young. I would like to
inform the committee members that I will be exercising my right to a
deliberative vote. Those in favour of the amendment please say aye.
Some
Hon. Members: Aye.
Chair
C. Young: Those opposed please say
no.
Some
Hon. Members: No.
Chair
C. Young: The nos have it. I
declare the amendment defeated. Is clause 5 as amended by MLA Thorsteinson agreed to?
Some
Hon. Members: Agreed.
Chair
C. Young: Carried.
[Clause 5 as amended agreed
to.]
[Clauses 6 to 9 inclusive
agreed to.]
New Clause 9
Chair
C. Young: I recognize Ms. Young.
Aleana
Young:
Thank you. I move the following new clause:
New
Clause 9 of the printed Bill
Add the following
Clause after Clause 8 of the printed Bill:
9
The following section is added after section 24:
24.1
If any person holds more than 50% of the shares of ISC, the Extension Agreement
dated July 5, 2023, and the Amended and Restated Master Service Agreement,
dated July 5, 2023 are void and shall be renegotiated between ISC and the
government.
Chair
C. Young: MLA Young has moved a new
clause. Are committee members ready for the question?
Some
Hon. Members: Question.
Chair
C. Young: Do committee members
agree with the amendment as read?
Some
Hon. Members: Agreed.
Some
Hon. Members: No.
Chair
C. Young: The question before the
committee is the amendment moved by MLA Young. I would like to inform committee
members that I will be exercising my right to a deliberative vote. Those in
favour of the amendment please say aye.
Some
Hon. Members: Aye.
Chair
C. Young: Those opposed please say
no.
Some
Hon. Members: No.
Chair C. Young:
The amendment is defeated.
[New
Clause 9 not agreed to.]
Chair
C. Young: His Majesty, by and with
the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, enacts as
follows: The Information Services Corporation Amendment Act, 2026.
I would ask a member to move
that we report Bill No. 57, The Information Services Corporation
Amendment Act, 2026 with amendment. MLA Thorsteinson moves.
Is that agreed?
Some
Hon. Members: Agreed.
Chair
C. Young: Carried. Minister, thank
you for your time this evening. If you have any closing remarks.
Hon.
Jeremy Harrison:
Just thank the committee for their time, and thank our officials as well who
put in a lot of work. I appreciate it.
Chair
C. Young: Thank you, MLA Young, for
your time this evening. Do you have any closing remarks youd like to make?
Aleana
Young:
Thank you, Madam Chair. My appreciation to you, my fellow committee members,
and the minister, as well as the officials who are present here tonight and
behind the scenes, as well as always broadcast services, Hansard, and
everyone in the building facilitating the important work of the province of
Saskatchewan.
Chair
C. Young: All right. That concludes
our business for today, and I would ask a member to move a motion of
adjournment. MLA Kasun has moved. All agreed?
Some
Hon. Members: Agreed.
Chair
C. Young: Carried. This committee
stands adjourned to the call of the Chair.
[The committee adjourned at
17:52.]
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