STANDING
COMMITTEE ON
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
MINUTE NO. 14
9:59 a.m. — māmawapiwin náyati room
(Room 8)
1. Present: Trent Wotherspoon in the chair and members David Chan, Hugh Gordon, Daryl Harrison,* Megan Patterson,* Joan Pratchler, and James Thorsteinson.
Substituting Members
Daryl Harrison for Terri Bromm
Megan Patterson for Travis Keisig
Provincial Auditor’s Office
Tara Clemett, Provincial Auditor
Victor Schwab, Deputy Provincial Auditor
Jason Shaw, Deputy Provincial Auditor
Jason Wandy, Deputy Provincial Auditor
Carolyn O’Quinn, Assistant Provincial Auditor
Diana Fink, Principal
Michelle Lindenbach, Principal
Jennifer Robertson, Principal
Lesia Lazurko, Senior Manager
Provincial Comptroller’s Office
Brent Hebert, Provincial Comptroller
Jane Borland, Assistant Provincial Comptroller
2. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 19, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority — Regulating Recreational Cannabis.
The following Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Greg Tuer,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Warren Fry,
Vice-President, Corporate Services
Greg Hutchings,
Vice-President, Liquor Wholesale and Distribution
Lynnette Skaalrud, Acting Vice-President, Regulatory Services
3. The following document was tabled:
Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority: Status update, dated January 21,
2026
(PAC 76-30)
4. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 1, chapter 19, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority — Regulating Recreational Cannabis.
5. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 29, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority — Regulating Commercial Permittees’ On-Table Sale of Liquor.
The following Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Greg Tuer, President and Chief Executive
Officer
Warren Fry, Vice-President, Corporate Services
Greg Hutchings, Vice-President, Liquor
Wholesale and Distribution
Lynnette Skaalrud,
Acting Vice-President, Regulatory Services
6. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 29, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority — Regulating Commercial Permittees’ On-Table Sale of Liquor.
7. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 16, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority — Regulating Locally Manufactured Craft Alcohol.
The following Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Greg Tuer,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Warren Fry,
Vice-President, Corporate Services
Greg Hutchings,
Vice-President, Liquor Wholesale and Distribution
Lynnette Skaalrud, Acting Vice-President, Regulatory Services
8. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 16, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority — Regulating Locally Manufactured Craft Alcohol.
9. The committee recessed from 10:59 a.m. until 11:04 a.m.
10. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 7, Trade and Export Development — Monitoring International Trade Offices.
The following Ministry of Trade and Export Development officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Jodi Banks,
Deputy Minister
Ryan Cossitt,
Assistant Deputy Minister, International Engagement
Aaron Wirth,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy and Competitiveness
Blair Hudyma,
Executive Director, International Offices
11. The following document was tabled:
Ministry of Trade and Export Development: Status update, dated January 21,
2026
(PAC 77-30)
12. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 100 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 7, Trade and Export Development — Monitoring International Trade Offices:
We recommend the Ministry of Trade and Export Development obtain and evaluate formal feedback (e.g., surveys) from parties that worked with its international trade and investment offices.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Trade and Export Development is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
We recommend the Ministry of Trade and Export Development establish targets for key performance indicators used to monitor the success of its international trade and investment offices.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Trade and Export Development is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
14. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 102 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 7, Trade and Export Development — Monitoring International Trade Offices:
We recommend the Ministry of Trade and Export Development formally document its methodology for measuring the key performance indicators of its international trade and investment offices.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Trade and Export Development is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
We recommend the Ministry of Trade and Export Development report key information (e.g., key performance indicators and results) publicly on the performance of its international trade and investment offices.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Trade and Export Development is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
16. The committee recessed from 11:55 a.m. until 12:58 p.m.
17. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 21, Immigration and Career Training — Coordinating English-language Programs.
The following Ministry of Immigration and Career Training officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Drew Wilby,
Deputy Minister
Christa Ross,
Assistant Deputy Minister
Darcy Smycniuk, Assistant Deputy Minister
18. The following document was tabled:
Ministry of Immigration and Career
Training: Status update, dated January 21, 2026
(PAC 78-30)
19. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 21, Immigration and Career Training — Coordinating English-language Programs.
20. The committee recessed from 1:19 p.m. until 1:21 p.m.
21. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 30, Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan — Inspecting Elevating Devices.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan
Bill Scott, Chief Executive Officer
Chris Selinger, Chief
Inspector
Ministry
of Government Relations
William Hawkins, Executive Director, Building and Technical Standards
22. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2023 report volume 2, chapter 30, Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan — Inspecting Elevating Devices.
23. The following document was tabled:
Technical Safety Authority of
Saskatchewan: Status update, dated January 21, 2026
(PAC 79-30)
24. The committee recessed from 1:34 p.m. until 1:37 p.m.
25. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency — 911 Call Taking and Dispatching for Fire Emergencies.
The following Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Marlo
Pritchard, President and Fire Commissioner
Charlene
Luskey, Executive Director, Emergency Communications
26. The following document was tabled:
Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency:
Status update, dated January 21, 2026
(PAC 80-30)
27. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 126 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency — 911 Call Taking and Dispatching for Fire Emergencies:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency expand its IT security requirements and monitoring to safeguard the continued availability of its 911 systems and data.
The committee noted that the
Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has complied with the recommendation.
28. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 127 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency — 911 Call Taking and Dispatching for Fire Emergencies:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency establish and periodically test disaster recovery plans related to critical 911 systems.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
29. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 128 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency — 911 Call Taking and Dispatching for Fire Emergencies:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency formally set a timeliness target for call taking and dispatching 911 fire calls to fire departments and monitor success in reaching the target.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
30. The committee concurred with recommendation 4 made at page 133 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency — 911 Call Taking and Dispatching for Fire Emergencies:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency broaden its 911 quality assurance program to include dispatch services.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
31. The committee concurred with recommendation 5 made at page 134 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency — 911 Call Taking and Dispatching for Fire Emergencies:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency periodically confirm whether 911 staff at the Provincial Emergency Communications Centre have appropriate training certifications.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has complied with the recommendation.
32. The committee concurred with recommendation 6 made at page 136 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency — 911 Call Taking and Dispatching for Fire Emergencies:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency rationalize the necessary level of Provincial Emergency Communications Centre staff to support funding approvals for its service provider.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
33. The committee concurred with recommendation 7 made at page 136 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency — 911 Call Taking and Dispatching for Fire Emergencies:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency determine eligible expenses for the administration fee it pays to the Provincial Emergency Communications Centre service provider.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
34. The committee concurred with recommendation 8 made at page 137 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2024 report volume 2, chapter 13, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency — 911 Call Taking and Dispatching for Fire Emergencies:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency obtain and review timely quarterly financial reports from the Provincial Emergency Communications Centre service provider to confirm appropriate expenses are incurred for delivering 911 services.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
35. The committee recessed from 2:24 p.m. until 2:29 p.m.
36. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 2, chapter 18, Parks, Culture and Sport — Providing Safe Drinking Water in Provincial Parks and 2025 report volume 2, chapter 19, Parks, Culture and Sport — Drinking Water in Provincial Parks.
The following Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Greg Gettle,
Deputy Minister
Paul Johnson,
Assistant Deputy Minister, Parks
Phil Pearson,
Executive Director, Park Planning and Facility Management
37. The following document was tabled:
Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport:
Status update, dated January 21, 2026
(PAC 81-30)
38. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2022 report volume 2, chapter 18, Parks, Culture and Sport — Providing Safe Drinking Water in Provincial Parks and 2025 report volume 2, chapter 19, Parks, Culture and Sport — Drinking Water in Provincial Parks.
39. The committee recessed from 2:49 p.m. until 2:57 p.m.
40. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 4, Education — Overseeing Independent Schools.
The following Ministry of Education officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Clint Repski, Deputy Minister
Sameema
Haque, Assistant Deputy Minister
Charlotte
Morrissette, Assistant Deputy Minister
Jason Pirlot,
Assistant Deputy Minister
Kevin Gabel,
Executive Director, Programs
Janet Mitchell,
Executive Director, Early Years
Rhiannon Shaw,
Executive Director, Corporate Services
Cindy Jeans,
Director, Early Learning and Workforce
41. The following document was tabled:
Ministry of Education: Status update,
dated January 21, 2026
(PAC 82-30)
42. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 43 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 4, Education — Overseeing Independent Schools:
We recommend the Ministry of Education complete risk assessments for alternative independent schools.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Education has complied with the recommendation.
43. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 43 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 4, Education — Overseeing Independent Schools:
We recommend the Ministry of Education centrally track its risk ratings for all categories of independent schools.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Education has complied with the recommendation.
44. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 46 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 4, Education — Overseeing Independent Schools:
We recommend the Ministry of Education centrally track all non-compliance notices issued to independent schools.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Education has complied with the recommendation.
45. The committee concurred with recommendation 4 made at page 48 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 4, Education — Overseeing Independent Schools:
We recommend the Ministry of Education periodically analyze and report to senior management on independent school student achievement.
The committee noted that the Ministry of Education is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
46. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 15, Education — Evaluating the Early Learning Intensive Support Program.
The following Ministry of Education officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Clint Repski, Deputy Minister
Sameema
Haque, Assistant Deputy Minister
Charlotte
Morrissette, Assistant Deputy Minister
Jason Pirlot,
Assistant Deputy Minister
Kevin Gabel,
Executive Director, Programs
Janet Mitchell,
Executive Director, Early Years
Rhiannon Shaw,
Executive Director, Corporate Services
Cindy Jeans,
Director, Early Learning and Workforce
47. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 15, Education — Evaluating the Early Learning Intensive Support Program.
48. The committee recessed from 3:58 p.m. until 4:02 p.m.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of
Education
Clint Repski,
Deputy Minister
Sameema Haque, Assistant Deputy Minister
Charlotte Morrissette, Assistant
Deputy Minister
Jason Pirlot, Assistant Deputy
Minister
Kevin Gabel, Executive Director,
Programs
Janet Mitchell, Executive Director,
Early Years
Rhiannon Shaw, Executive Director,
Corporate Services
Cindy Jeans, Director, Early
Learning and Workforce
Saskatchewan
Distance Learning Centre
Darren Gasper, Chief Executive
Officer
Michelle Miller, Vice-President,
Corporate Services
Sara Hawryluk, Executive Director
50. The following document was tabled:
Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre:
Status update, dated January 21, 2026
(PAC 83-30)
51. The committee concurred with recommendation 1 made at page 15 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 1, Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation document and make public its Board meeting minutes including resulting decisions.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
52. The committee concurred with recommendation 2 made at page 16 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 1, Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation’s Board approve a detailed budget annually.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre has complied with the recommendation.
53. The committee concurred with recommendation 3 made at page 16 of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 1, chapter 1, Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation:
We recommend the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation provide periodic financial forecasts that include written variance explanations to its Board.
The committee noted that the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre is making progress towards complying with the recommendation.
54. The committee considered the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 21, Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre — Supporting Students to Complete Distance Education Courses.
The following officials appeared before the committee and answered questions:
Witnesses
Ministry of Education
Clint Repski, Deputy Minister
Sameema Haque, Assistant Deputy Minister
Charlotte Morrissette, Assistant Deputy Minister
Jason Pirlot, Assistant Deputy Minister
Kevin Gabel, Executive Director, Programs
Janet Mitchell, Executive Director, Early Years
Rhiannon Shaw, Executive Director, Corporate Services
Cindy Jeans, Director, Early Learning and Workforce
Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre
Darren Gasper, Chief Executive Officer
Michelle Miller, Vice-President, Corporate Services
Sara Hawryluk, Executive Director
55. The committee concluded consideration of the Provincial Auditor’s 2025 report volume 2, chapter 21, Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre — Supporting Students to Complete Distance Education Courses.
56. It was moved by Megan Patterson:
That this committee do now adjourn.
The question being put, it was agreed to.
57. The committee adjourned at 4:55 p.m. to the call of the Chair.
Trent Wotherspoon, Chair
Miranda Gudereit, Committee Clerk
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