The Speaker: — I would just like to welcome all the guests. It’s great to see so many people here at their Legislative Assembly. I’d just like to caution you that you’re not to take part in any of the proceedings. That includes heckling or talking or taking photos or video recordings or displaying any banners or flags of any sort at all. Please enjoy your stay.

ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Mr. Speaker, I have two quick introductions I’d like to make. One is in the west gallery, a group of 14 grade 12 students from F.W. Johnson Collegiate. Once again their teacher is Scott McKillop, and it’s great to see that group. I hope to have a chance to say hi to them afterwards, after the routine proceedings, Mr. Speaker.

And in terms of another group I was going to introduce, they haven’t arrived at the gallery yet but I will endeavour . . . Just arriving now. A photo finish, Mr. Speaker. I was looking for them. This is a group of a dozen or so. Social policy 469 — their class is 469, social policy — from the University of Regina. They’re social work students. I had a chance to meet with them earlier today and have a good chat with them and hopefully convince them to stay in Saskatchewan because they do such important work, these soon-to-be graduates. So I’d ask all members to help me welcome these two groups here today.

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

Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to join with the minister opposite in welcoming this delegation from the University of Regina to this, their Legislative Assembly. As the minister said, this is social policy 469, a social work class, and they’re with their professor, Tanessa Johnson. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting with them, together with my colleagues the member from Regina Rosemont and the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

If the observations, the questions, the engagement from today, if it’s any indication, the future of social work in Saskatchewan is very bright indeed, Mr. Speaker. So I’d ask all members to join me in welcoming them again to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Mr. Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I would like to introduce two guests situated in the west gallery. Just give a wave. Chantel Kaufmann, she’s a teacher in Regina, Mr. Speaker; and Jodi Krechowiecki, she’s a financial advisor. But Jodi Krechowiecki will always be known as Jodi Kowalchuk to myself, Mr. Speaker.

They are from the breast cancer advocacy association of Saskatchewan, and after question period, we are looking forward to having a meeting with the Minister of Health and discussing some of the issues with breast cancer treatment in the province of Saskatchewan.

So please join me in welcoming Chantel and Jodi to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to join in with the member opposite in welcoming Chantel and Jodi to their Legislative Assembly today, to thank them for the advocacy that they are doing on behalf of themselves and other women in Saskatchewan who are working to access breast cancer treatments. And I ask all members to join me in welcoming these folks to their Assembly today.

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

Hon. Ms. L. Ross: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have some very special guests seated in the west gallery. These are members from the Gujarati community here in Regina. Joining us today is Jigar Patel, Marmik Patel, Swapna Patel, Bharat, Umang Patel, Dhaval Patel, and Himanshu Patel. And senior members from the Gujarati community is Pravin Patel, Jagdish Patel, and M.K. Patel.

Mr. Speaker, we are pleased to have over 5,000 members of the Gujarati community who have chosen to make Regina home, and over 12,000 Gujarati community members throughout the whole province of Saskatchewan. I look forward to meeting them after. We had a wonderful time celebrating Diwali this past weekend along with the member from Gardiner Park. We had great food, wonderful dancing, wonderful entertainment, good friends. So thank you so much for joining us today.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Rosemont.

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to join with the member opposite to give a big kem chho to our guests in the back here today, the leaders from the Gujarati Samaj of Saskatchewan, the Gujarati community here in Regina. These leaders are remarkable leaders in our community.

I want to give a special shout-out to Jigar Patel for all of his leadership, Mr. Speaker, and all the members that have joined us here today, and to thank them for their enriching contributions to Saskatchewan and to Canada. We had the pleasure of joining along with the two members opposite, myself and the Leader of the Opposition, at the Diwali celebrations on Saturday, Mr. Speaker. They were wonderful as always, Mr. Speaker.

And we had the pleasure of joining just a couple weeks ago at the Navratri celebrations, Mr. Speaker, where more than 4,000 Gujarati Canadians come together to celebrate as they would be around the world, Mr. Speaker. And it was past my bedtime when we came together that Friday night, and they were still dancing when I left close to midnight. But it was a wonderful celebration.

The leaders in this community enrich our community on so many fronts, Mr. Speaker, not least in assisting with immigration and retention, Mr. Speaker, and making sure that we’re supporting those that are settling in Saskatchewan. And I just want to say thank you to them but all Gujarati Canadians for choosing Saskatchewan, for building their lives here and in so doing, building and bettering this province and this country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour and pleasure to introduce our guests in the east gallery, those who travelled all the way from Saskatoon, and some local from Regina, for calling a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine.

I wish I could know the name of all of them but those that I know them personally — Jamil Ahmad, Sadia Rehman, Iman Hassan, Sadiqur Rahman, Naeema Bashir, Tayyaba Farooq, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, Shafqat Cheema, Haleema Akhtar, MD Ismail-Hussain, Muhammad Shaladat, and Mulana Jawad, Imran Asfer, and Afia. Thank you very much for coming for that great cause.

Mr. Speaker, our leader, the Leader of the Official Opposition, has called for an immediate ceasefire last week. While that will provide a possibility to provide food and medical supplies for innocent men, women, and children, the ceasefire will give an opportunity for dialogue to safe release of innocent hostages.

Mr. Speaker, I will request all members of this Legislative Assembly to give them a warm welcome and appreciate their efforts for peace and stability. Thank you.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Environment.

Hon. Ms. Tell: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to introduce in the west gallery 60 grade 7 and 8 students. You guys want to wave? All right. Accompanying them this afternoon are their teachers Erica Larson, A.J. Schlenker, and Kristopher Jan.

I look forward to meeting with them after question period. I ask all members to please join me in welcoming them to their Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Government Relations.

Hon. Mr. McMorris: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you to the rest of the Assembly, I’d like to introduce someone seated in your gallery, Melissa Neufeld. If you want to just give us a wave. I know many of our people on our side would certainly know who Melissa is.

Melissa worked in my office for the last two and a half years and did a great job. But before that she worked for WestJet, and she kind of got that customer-first mentality. And when people walked into our office they certainly knew that, where she had worked before, because she certainly had that welcoming attitude and embodied the whole kind of WestJet . . . We’re very lucky that WestJet made some decisions because we’ve got a number of WestJetters working in our building and we’re a better government for it.

But I just want all people to welcome Melissa. She’s moved on and taken that attitude to College Park II, which is a retirement home. And I know she’s become a best friend with so many of the residents already, I’m sure, and is doing a great job over there.

So our gain was WestJet’s loss. College Park’s gain is our loss. Mr. Speaker, I’d like all people to welcome Melissa to her Legislative Assembly.

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

Ms. Beck: — Request leave for an extended introduction, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — Leave has been requested for an extended introduction. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Ms. Beck: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to welcome everyone who has joined us today in all of the galleries to witness the proceedings here in their Legislative Assembly.

To the social work students in the 400‑level social policy class. As a fellow social worker, it’s always wonderful to see social workers coming here to join us. To Chantel and Jodi for their work at the breast cancer advocacy group. To the members of the Gujarati community who have joined us here today, after almost 50 years of the establishment of the Gujarati Samaj of Saskatchewan, a growing population here in Regina of 5,000, and after a wonderful Diwali celebration. I welcome all of them, Jigar Patel, the seniors and everyone who’s joined us here today, Mr. Speaker.

And I’d like to welcome all of the people who’ve come to the Assembly today to have their voices heard when it comes to the war in Israel and Gaza. Mr. Speaker, as has been noted, last week we reiterated our calls for the immediate release of all hostages and for a ceasefire to ensure free flow of humanitarian aid, medical supplies, food, fuel, and water to civilians.

Mr. Speaker, also as I noted last week, we are seeing a disturbing rise in forms of hate, whether it be anti-Semitic, anti-Palestinian, or Islamophobic hate. Mr. Speaker, hate in all of its forms has no place here in Saskatchewan. And understandably, what is unfolding in the Middle East is weighing very heavily on so many people in our province today.

I ask all members to welcome all of our guests to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon University.

Ms. Bowes: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to join with my colleague and the Leader of the Opposition in welcoming all guests who have come today from across Saskatchewan, residents of Saskatchewan who are calling on the Saskatchewan government to publicly stand with the people of our province who overwhelmingly are asking for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for Gaza.

Specifically I want to commend the excellent work that the organizers here today and these residents have undertaken in leading the call for peace. The official opposition has unequivocally joined them in calling for an immediate ceasefire as well as unrestricted access to humanitarian aid.

I want to recognize a few people in particular who have joined us today and who have been instrumental in the organizing efforts that have been undertaken in our province. First among those organizers, from the group Canadians for Humanity, we are joined by Mohammad Abusha’r. We are also joined by Imam Hassan Sadiq.

[13:45]

I know as well we are joined by a delegation of students from University of Regina Muslim Students’ Association as well as the Somali Sudan association and numerous other delegations.

I want to urge the Saskatchewan government to look at what is happening in the conflict that has currently gotten to the point that it has reached a level of genocide. And I want to urge them to look at the facts and look at what’s happening and support the growing call across our province and amongst those across the world calling for action. Thank you.

The Speaker: — I caution you again not to take part in the proceedings. No clapping.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Kindersley.

Mr. Francis: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that the Liberal-NDP [New Democratic Party] federal government continues to infringe on the constitutional rights of the province of Saskatchewan and implement policies that are detrimental to our province’s economic well-being; that the commitments and actions of the federal government have made the control of Saskatchewan’s resource rights unclear; that an unsupportive federal government will continue to impede Saskatchewan’s potential to play a global role in providing resources to the world market.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan take the following action: to call upon the Government of Saskatchewan to implement Saskatchewan-first policies and legislation that will support the development of Saskatchewan as a global supplier of food, fuel, and fertilizer without federal infringement on Saskatchewan’s constitutional authority.

The undersigned are residents of Lloydminster. I do so submit.

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

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan calling for universal access to birth control. These citizens wish to bring to our attention that Saskatchewan has some of the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy in the country and that cost is one of the biggest barriers to accessing contraceptive birth control in Saskatchewan, especially among adolescents. We know that having consistent and affordable access to contraceptive options is essential for promoting bodily autonomy, preventing unwanted pregnancy, and saving money on sexual and reproductive health care. And we also know that sexual and reproductive health care are rights and are human rights.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to adopt a policy making no-cost prescription contraceptive available to all Saskatchewan people.

This is signed by individuals in Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker. I do so present.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present our petition calling on the government to ban conversion therapy. Mr. Speaker, today is transgender remembrance day. Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observance on November 20th that honours the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.

Mr. Speaker, one such violence perpetuated against trans and queer people is conversion therapy. Conversion therapy is alive and our community is under attack by a government that has openly quoted and used conversion therapy resources in their attempt to justify their pronouns and gendered names legislation that will cause irreparable harm. Conversion therapy continues to perpetuate the notion that being trans or being queer is a choice and is something to be cured. And we know that this isn’t true.

On this Transgender Day of Remembrance we remember all those who have lost their lives due to violence against the trans community. The undersigned continue to call on the government to ban conversion therapy.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to ban the practice of conversion therapy and prohibit transporting youth and adults outside of Saskatchewan for such purposes.

The undersigned live in Regina. I do so submit.

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan calling for the funding of in vitro fertilization treatments here in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, the signatories of the petition wish to bring to your attention the following: that one in six in Canada will need assistance conceiving; IVF [in vitro fertilization] treatments are prohibitively expensive with one cycle costing upwards of $10,000, and despite this being a medical condition, Mr. Speaker, and public health care being a right here in Canada, there is no financial support in Saskatchewan for those requiring fertility treatments; the ability of people in Saskatchewan to conceive should not depend on their socio-economic status; and that investing in people determined to grow their families here in Saskatchewan makes economic sense.

Mr. Speaker, other provinces have created programs that provide this financial assistance in providing fertility treatments to those eager to conceive.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Government of Saskatchewan immediately move to cover the financial burden of two rounds of IVF treatments for Saskatchewan people experiencing infertility.

And the signatories of this petition today, Mr. Speaker, are from Radville and Weyburn. I do so present.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Acres.

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present our petition calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to fix the rural health care staffing crisis. The undersigned residents would like to bring to our attention the following: recruitment and retention of health care professionals is a particular issue in Saskatchewan’s rural health care facilities, leading to many emergency room, acute, lab, and X-ray service disruptions; that the pandemic has created burnout and led to early retirements and resignations, which has rippling effects for small cities and towns.

And, Mr. Speaker, I had a conversation this weekend with a health care professional that was truly crushing. They’re holding on by a thread, and they just need us to actually commit to fixing some of these problems in our health care system.

So I’ll read the prayer, Mr. Speaker:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to fix the rural health care staffing crisis.

Mr. Speaker, the signatories today reside in Delisle and Vanscoy. I do so present.

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

Ms. Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise once again to present a petition calling for the improvement of labour laws in Saskatchewan. Those who’ve signed this petition wish to bring to our attention the following: that even after the October 1st increase, Saskatchewan’s minimum wage remains the lowest in Canada. In addition, Mr. Speaker, the opposition has twice introduced paid sick leave legislation since the onset of the pandemic, calling for a minimum of 10 paid sick days each year and 14 days during a public health crisis. Mr. Speaker, paid sick leave is well known to have been proven to save employers money while making workplaces healthier and safer for all workers.

In addition, 71 per cent of workers in Canada have experienced workplace violence and/or harassment, and much more needs to be done to ensure that workplaces in Saskatchewan are harassment free. Mr. Speaker, these calls mirror the private member’s bill that we have introduced, Bill 613. We do hope that the government takes those provisions seriously and passes them expeditiously.

I’d like to read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to improve conditions for Saskatchewan workers by passing legislation to increase the minimum wage, guarantee paid sick leave, limit nondisclosure agreements which could silence survivors of workplace harassment, and require employers to track and report incidents of violence and harassment in the workplace.

Those who’ve signed this petition today come from Regina and Moose Jaw. I do so present.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon University.

Ms. Bowes: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to present our petition today calling on the government to reverse the ban on third-party sex ed providers in public schools.

The undersigned residents of the province would like to bring to our attention the following: that banning third-party providers of sexual health education will mean fewer kids getting access to evidence-based sex education, which we need given that Saskatchewan has the highest rates of teen pregnancy, STIs [sexually transmitted infection], and HIV [human immunodeficiency virus] transmission in the country, the highest rates of sexual assault — among the highest rates — and domestic violence in the country; that banning third-party sexual health education has broader reach as this ban impacts additional prevention education programs, programs focused on body, safety, consent; that parental inclusion in a child’s education has always been top priority for teachers, and parents have always had the right to withdraw students from sexual health education; that banning third-party educational providers from schools is seriously harmful to a child’s well-being; that all children have the right to comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual health education; that third-party sexual education providers are trained professionals who are best suited to teaching sexual education in the classroom; that many teachers have expressed great concern because they are not adequately trained to administer sex health education; and finally that third-party providers have always strived to provide the best education with oversight from school boards. I’ll . . .

The Speaker: — Move on. You’re way over time. I recognize the member from Saskatoon Nutana.

Ms. Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition to address the affordability crisis. The undersigned residents of the province wish to bring to your attention the following: that inflation is the highest it’s been in more than three decades; that half of Saskatchewan residents were living paycheque to paycheque before transportation and food costs skyrocketed in 2022; that the Sask Party government’s 32 fees and taxes make life more expensive, all while harming struggling industries like tourism, culture, and fitness.

While other provinces acted, the Sask Party government ignored the opposition’s calls for a gas price relief plan. Indeed just last week, the member for Regina Rosemont made a private member’s motion calling on the government to suspend the provincial fuel tax on gasoline and diesel for a period of six months in order to help families struggling with the high cost of living.

We call on the government to meaningfully address the affordability crisis in Saskatchewan.

This petition is signed by the residents of Saskatoon. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Premier’s Board of Education Award

Mr. Lemaigre: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was pleased to be at the Saskatchewan school board annual general meeting to see Ile-a-la-Crosse receive the 2023 Premier’s Board of Education Award for Innovation and Excellence in education.

The formation of the board in 1974 was a profound moment in Saskatchewan’s history, and one that has had lasting positive impacts on northern students, families, and communities. The school board made decisions about the construction of the new school, which was designed by Métis architect, Douglas Cardinal. They hired 21 new teachers that first year, with only one teacher remaining from the previous year. No longer was it forbidden to speak Cree or Michif at school.

By January 1st, 1975 all assets of the school board were controlled by the new board. This was the first time Indigenous people were making decisions about who would teach their child and administer the school. Ile-a-la-Crosse temporary education committee and the subsequent elected board of education were the first Indigenous-controlled boards of education in Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to congratulate Ile-a-la-Crosse on this award. Thank you.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina Rosemont.

Canadian Western Agribition

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Mr. Speaker, today for the 52nd year, the Canadian Western Agribition kicks off right here in Regina. I hardly need to tell you what this week is all about. For more than half a century, agricultural producers from around Canada and the world flock to Regina. They come to see everything our remarkable livestock producers and agricultural manufacturers, innovators, and industry leaders have to offer.

Through this show we get to show off that Saskatchewan’s a world leader in farming practices, technology, breeding, and crop sciences, and as a livestock competition, sale, and show it can’t be beat. Agribition is the best beef show on the continent, and that’s not even counting the entertainment. From rodeos to mounted shooting, these aren’t just experts but athletes, and I can’t wait to cheer them on.

I want to take a moment to thank CEO [chief executive officer] Shaun Kindopp and the whole team at the CWA [Canadian Western Agribition] for their incredible work they put into a year like this and every year. Agribition is such a huge part of what makes Saskatchewan so proud and so special.

I ask all members to join with me in thanking the organizers, the volunteers, and the participants for making it such a success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Cypress Hills.

Mr. Steele: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Something that’s near and dear to my heart is the Canadian Western Agribition, officially open today in Regina. This morning we welcomed visitors to Saskatchewan. I was pleased to attend the Burning of the Brand with the Premier and a number of other colleagues.

This world-class event, the best beef show on the continent and largest livestock show in Canada, the Agribition has an economic impact of more than 96 million to our provincial economy. In addition to the overall economic impact, the sale figures from the livestock sales alone last year topped 2.2 million. Clearly the Agribition is an important marketplace for producers, showcasing high-quality food we produce to the world.

[14:00]

Not only that, but the show also delivers education to the public and schoolchildren. At the Agribition people learn about where their food comes from and how it is produced. This year’s event also included the first Canadian Animal AgTech Awards. The Indigenous Agriculture Summit and the Grain Expo are also part of the Agribition, not to mention the Maple Leaf Finals Rodeo.

The event is an international hub, hosting over 1,200 international guests from 60‑plus countries around the world. I would like all the members to join me in thanking the Canadian Western Agribition and staff and volunteers for all their hard work. Thank you very much.

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

Protecting Children’s Rights

Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today on international Children’s Day I want to celebrate the resilience and potential of Saskatchewan children and youth, and reaffirm the Saskatchewan NDP’s commitment to upholding their rights under the UN [United Nations] Declaration of the Rights of the Child.

Our province is home to remarkable young minds filled with boundless creativity and aspirations for a brighter future. Every child has a right to dignity, safety, protection; and so it was beyond concerning to see this government invoke the notwithstanding clause to introduce legislation that violates their rights, just to score political points.

Notwithstanding a judge’s warning it could do harm, and irrespective of the independent voice of the Children’s Advocate, it is our duty to advocate for the rights of all children, to leave this world better than we found it. And this government seems incapable of even doing that, but we’ve seen tremendous advocacy from young people across Saskatchewan, standing up and pushing back.

Our duty to children is universal, Mr. Speaker, so it is with heavy heart that I acknowledge the dozens of Israeli children and over 5,000 Palestinian children killed since October 7th. Our party has called for peace, for a ceasefire, partly in recognition of the fact that children are innocent. The Sask Party government’s failure to even acknowledge the loss of life on both sides is incredibly troubling. Let’s work collaboratively to ensure every child’s rights are protected, their voices are heard, and their futures are full of promise — in Saskatchewan and right across the world.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Willowgrove.

Infrastructure Funding Announcement in Saskatoon

Mr. Cheveldayoff: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to borrow a phrase from the member from Saskatoon Riversdale and say, it’s another great day in Saskatoon Willowgrove — all of Saskatoon, in fact.

Last week our Minister of Government Relations delivered an exciting announcement at Saskatoon City Hall. Three different levels of government will be spending nearly $152 million in combined traffic projects and the development of a new leisure centre to serve the people of Saskatoon.

Mr. Speaker, our government is very proud to deliver $34 million in provincial funding for this initiative. Partnership money will be allocated to 55 new zero-emission and diesel-fuelled buses that will renew the current transit fleet. It will also improve road infrastructure and install fibre optic networks to create a more intelligent and efficient commuter service for users.

The new leisure centre will include a pool, fitness centre, weight room, as well as a multi-purpose area and child spaces to accommodate the needs of the many, many young families starting to live their lives in Saskatoon. We’re planning for future growth, Mr. Speaker, and Saskatoon continues to be a vibrant centre for people to be educated, raise a family, and start a business or career here in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, it is indeed a great day in Saskatoon.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Martensville-Warman.

Uranium Company Reinforces Role in Global Energy Transition

Mr. Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Cameco is one of the largest global providers of the uranium fuel needed to energize a clean-air world. And I’m so excited to announce that Cameco will be joining us at COP28 [Conference of Parties 28].

Mr. Speaker, we have spoken fondly of Cameco in this House before being one of Canada’s largest employers of Indigenous people — approximately 50 per cent of workers on Saskatchewan uranium mine sites are also residents of the province’s North — and being one of the most sustainable producers in the country.

CEO of Cameco, Tim Gitzel, had this to say, and I quote, “Cameco’s vision of energizing a clean-air world acknowledges the increasingly important role we know nuclear power must play in meeting the growing global demand for decarbonization, electrification, energy security, and affordability.”

COP28 will be an incredible opportunity for Cameco to further reinforce the role they play in the clean-air energy transition through nuclear. Mr. Speaker, this will also be an incredible opportunity for Cameco to build new partnerships and show on the world stage the sustainable practices that we are so proud of here at home.

Saskatchewan’s nearly $1 billion-a-year uranium industry made Canada the world’s second-largest producer in 2022. We’re so proud that Cameco is part of that story, and we’re also so glad to have the opportunity to have Cameco share their story on the world stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Arm River.

Great Economic News in Saskatchewan

Mr. Skoropad: — Mr. Speaker, it’s another great day in Saskatchewan. Last week’s labour force survey showed Saskatchewan had the lowest unemployment rate in the nation, with 19,300 new jobs created year over year. Mr. Speaker, in September the province saw a 14.8 per cent increase in year-over-year housing starts. We saw record population growth and huge investments, including BHP’s $6.4 billion phase 2 expansion of its Jansen potash project.

Mr. Speaker, you’d think we’d be out of great news if you listened to the rhetoric from those members opposite, but the good economic news doesn’t end there. The value of Saskatchewan’s building permits increased by 42.2 per cent year over year. The value of wholesale trade in Saskatchewan increased by 31.6 per cent year over year. And just today, Mr. Speaker, we saw the value of Saskatchewan’s investment in building construction increase by 18.5 per cent year over year.

Under this government Saskatchewan will continue to be one of the most attractive jurisdictions to live, work, and raise a family. Our economy is building opportunities for citizens and protecting communities across the province. Quite the contrast to days under the NDP government, Mr. Speaker, when people and investment were fleeing the province.

And while the members opposite don’t believe in our international engagement strategy, we are seeing it pay off in the form of significant private sector investment, investment that leads to more jobs, for the people here at home. And, Mr. Speaker, on this side of the House, we will always be proud of that record.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Gender-Based Violence and Supports for Women

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, not all good news. Friday we learned that the Sask Party member for Cut Knife-Turtleford was arrested and charged as part of a human trafficking investigation by Regina city police. Of course, this is completely inappropriate conduct for anyone, let alone a sitting member of this Assembly. And this just after a year ago Lyle Stewart invited Colin Thatcher, a convicted wife murderer, to attend the Throne Speech.

What does the Premier have to say to Saskatchewan people who see a troubling pattern from the Sask Party MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly] while Saskatchewan maintains some of the worst rates of violence against women in the entire country?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I as well learned on Friday of an incident involving a Member of the Legislative Assembly. The government was contacted by law enforcement indicating that there was a member that was charged, Mr. Speaker. I put out a statement subsequent to that by indicating that this individual will no longer would be serving in the government caucus, Mr. Speaker, due to what can only be described as vile and disgusting behaviour, decisions that most certainly should not be made, Mr. Speaker.

The consequences from the government perspective were swift. They were harsh, Mr. Speaker. And I think we can agree that all members in this Assembly need to be working together to support those women in particular that are in vulnerable situations, Mr. Speaker, and should not be looking to exploit their situation.

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

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, unfortunately the numbers speak for themselves. We have the highest rates of gender-based violence in the country, and it’s been that way since 2009. In fact the rate in Saskatchewan is double the national average. Mr. Speaker, when you see that record alongside the Sask Party MLAs honouring wife killers or being charged in human trafficking investigation, it makes Saskatchewan people wonder about the Sask Party government, and they’re left questioning.

What does the Premier say to those Saskatchewan people who are questioning this government’s choices and their priorities?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, in addition to supporting women that may be in a vulnerable state, Mr. Speaker, or anyone that may be in a vulnerable state, you’ve seen investment by this government most recently, not only in the capital but in operations of second-stage housing, Mr. Speaker.

You’ve seen this government move into the regulatory space to support, all too often, women, Mr. Speaker, that are in a vulnerable position through the advent and passing of Clare’s Law. The Saskatchewan Employment Act had amendments added to it, Mr. Speaker, as well as The Victims of Interpersonal Violence Amendment Act was introduced and passed in this House, Mr. Speaker.

As indicated in the Speech from the Throne, you’re going to see a strengthening of the human trafficking Act here in the province of Saskatchewan, again all in an effort to stop and to ensure that those individuals — all too often women that are in a vulnerable state, Mr. Speaker — are being supported by this government, and those individuals that are part of putting them in that state, Mr. Speaker, exploiting them in that state, are held accountable to the law.

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

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, again, highest rates of gender-based violence since 2009 in this province. These are the questions that Saskatchewan people are asking in light of Friday’s news and in light of this government’s record of failure when it comes to keeping women in this province safe.

Documents tabled in the Assembly show that the most recent wait-lists for counselling for survivors of sexual assault currently sits at 291 people. And the average wait time for those waiting for this service in the North after a sexual assault, Mr. Speaker, it’s three to six months. That’s their record and, based on the conduct of their MLAs in the government caucus, it’s fair to question if fixing this simply isn’t a priority for that government.

How does the Premier defend his record and his choices, and how is this, Mr. Speaker, building and protecting Saskatchewan?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — In addition to the amendments to the laws in the province, Mr. Speaker, that I mentioned in the previous answer, amendments already conducted and passed on the floor of this Assembly, amendments that are forthcoming in this very session that were alluded to in the Speech from the Throne, Mr. Speaker, is almost $30 million that has been provided in this very space to support individuals, Mr. Speaker.

There’s just under $9 million that is supporting 12 provincially funded transition houses and three residential programs for immediate needs for families or individuals, Mr. Speaker, to address their shelter needs. Just under a million dollars in the operational funding for second-stage housing, which I also alluded to in a previous answer. $1.9 million as well to 14 different agencies, Mr. Speaker, offering family violence intervention programs across the province; 1.7 to sexual assault service providers in the province; just under a million dollars to family intervention rapid support teams, or the FIRST teams, providing assistance to law enforcement as well as others when there’s a domestic disturbance to call on, Mr. Speaker.

And so there is almost $30 million of investment in this current year’s budget, Mr. Speaker, which builds on top of a number of the legislative and regulatory amendments that have been made, and those that are coming this session as well.

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

Access to Mammograms

Ms. Beck: — Thirty million, Mr. Speaker. That’s almost as much as they lost in the AIMS [administrative information management system] debacle. But, Mr. Speaker, clearly this tired and out-of-touch government is failing Saskatchewan people, and especially failing Saskatchewan women. We see that when it comes to violence against women, and we also see it in health care.

Last week we learned from a Saskatoon doctor that some women who need mammograms in Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker, are being told that they have to wait until June of 2024. That’s seven months away. What does the Premier have to say to women who are being forced to wait seven months for a mammogram in this province?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, investment in diagnostics and cancer care is an area where this government has invested and invested heavily, Mr. Speaker. Cancer care investment is up about 183 per cent since we’ve had the honour to form government, Mr. Speaker.

Currently there is eight locations across the province that are conducting mammography services. We have a mobile unit that travels around to various communities, I believe about 40 different communities in the last year, to make that service more accessible.

[14:15]

But this is an area where we do need to build some capacity, Mr. Speaker. And so the Minister of Health is actively engaging with a number of private deliverers, Mr. Speaker, so that we can look at potentially some public investment in the private delivery of additional mammography services for Saskatchewan people so that we can ensure that they have access to the care that they need.

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

Ms. Beck: — Let’s say this clearly, Mr. Speaker. Seven months is way too long for women in this province to be waiting for a mammogram. Full stop.

And, Mr. Speaker, these delays, these long wait-lists, they don’t just happen on their own. It’s happening because this tired and out-of-touch government simply isn’t making this a priority. It seems that this is a government too focused on kids’ pronouns or trips to Dubai or putting out fires in their own caucus to focus on what matters in health care and what matters to women.

The annual report from the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency shows that the number of mammograms done last year is down 10,000 scans. What’s the plan to turn this around so that Saskatchewan women don’t have to wait for months for a mammogram?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — There’s a number of different factors that do determine, Mr. Speaker, the availability of mammograms in our province, the availability of, especially, technologists, radiologists and such, Mr. Speaker. The quickest way for us to achieve the outcomes that we need is to privately fund a number of these services, Mr. Speaker, through . . . publicly fund, pardon me, through the private sector to procure some of the outcomes ultimately that Saskatchewan people expect, Mr. Speaker.

That’s some of the work today that the Minister of Health is doing, Mr. Speaker, in addition to ensuring that the eight locations that we currently have are up and running, as well as the mobile service that we have that is visiting in excess of 40 communities each and every year is up and running at full capacity, Mr. Speaker.

This is a priority for the Minister of Health, priority for this government, Mr. Speaker, and I think it’s an expectation that the people of Saskatchewan have.

[Interruption]

The Speaker: — Order. Order. Order. Security.

Okay, let’s take a recess.

[The Assembly recessed from 14:18 until 14:56.]

The Speaker: — Okay colleagues, we’re going to resume.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Inclusion of Holocaust Education in High School Curriculum

Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise in the House today to speak about today’s announcement that Holocaust education will be a compulsory component of the renewed social studies 10 curriculum. Mr. Speaker, this will be a provincial graduation requirement.

The Holocaust claimed the lives of six million Jews, along with millions of other marginalized peoples in Europe. Knowledge of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust is important for our youth as it demonstrates the dangers of prejudice, discrimination, and dehumanization, be it the anti-Semitism that fuelled the Holocaust or other forms of racism or intolerance.

Mr. Speaker, today we face an alarming rise in Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism, and this is concerning as we approach a time when Holocaust survivors and other eyewitnesses will no longer be alive to share their testimonies. This is why the commitment to Holocaust education is so critical.

When we see Jewish businesses in Canada being boycotted, we must remember “never again.” When we see Jewish day schools hit by gunfire, we must remember “never again.” When we see post-secondary institutions encouraging anti-Semitic rhetoric, we must remember “never again.” And when we hear of synagogues receiving bomb threats, we must remember “never again,” Mr. Speaker.

So I’d like to read a quote from Jack Kowarsky, who is a Holocaust survivor from Vancouver:

Education holds the key to fostering the spirit of tolerance. The true way of living is found in being compassionate, learning from each other’s differences, accepting the individuality of those around us, and creating a harmonious coexistence.

Mr. Speaker, that quote speaks to the importance of this announcement. And with the inexcusable anti-Semitism that is not only prevalent in society today but on the rise globally, I think that education is our best tool to reducing hate and discrimination within Saskatchewan and beyond.

I think one of our former premiers said it well when talking about the importance of Israel. In speaking of his trip to Israel, Tommy Douglas said, “After a trip to that country, Israel was like a light set upon a hill, the light of democracy in a night of darkness.” He went on to say, “The main enmity against Israel is that she has been an affront to those nations who do not treat their people and their workers as well as Israel has treated hers.”

Mr. Speaker, again I think this quote speaks to the long-standing support this province has in responding to the abhorrent anti-Semitism that unfortunately exists provincially and globally. Mr. Speaker, this new requirement will ensure that our youth are aware of the tragic past and will provide them the tools to reduce hate and discrimination in our society.

[15:00]

The renewed social studies 10 curriculum in Saskatchewan is expected to be introduced to high school students for the 2025‑2026 school year. The curriculum renewal and implementation process will involve teachers and other content experts, and the Ministry of Education will work with the Jewish community in Saskatchewan for their input into the content.

Mr. Speaker, the addition of Holocaust education has also been announced in other provinces across our country, including Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, and Ontario. Anti-Semitism has no place here in this province or anywhere else. This announcement is one small step in furthering tolerance in our society. Never again, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Minister of Education for providing his remarks in advance and for the remarks that he brought to the Assembly here this afternoon. In particular I want to thank the minister for acknowledging a value that I as well share, that education is our best tool to reduce hate and discrimination within our province and beyond. Certainly it’s always a good day in the Assembly when we find values that we can share on both sides, and that would certainly be one of them. I thank the minister for his words.

Mr. Speaker, the official opposition supports these changes that will make Holocaust education mandatory in Saskatchewan schools and to be included in the renewed social studies 10 curriculum. Mr. Speaker, I taught the history 10 course that’s still in place in Saskatchewan schools several times early in my teaching career. I think in my first year too I taught it two or three times, and that course is from 1992. And curriculum renewal is always important.

And again the official opposition absolutely supports the renewal of this curriculum and the inclusion of outcomes that will make Holocaust education mandatory to ensure that every student that is educated in Saskatchewan goes through this learning that the minister did a good job detailing the significance, the importance of, that we support on this side.

Mr. Speaker, in this Assembly we all recognize the rise in anti-Semitism that’s happening in our world, in our province today. And we all agree that it has no place in our province or in our world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Expansion of Child Support Recalculation Service

Hon. Ms. Eyre: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to announce the expansion of the child support recalculation service to include an initial calculation service. Mr. Speaker, this will help many families who are going through separation to calculate child support at no cost. And this is important when we talk about access to justice. And certainly I am proud that our government continues to expand what access to justice means by thinking outside the courtroom.

To that end, this service expands on the child support recalculation service, which started in 2018 as part of The Family Maintenance Amendment Act. For the past five years, only recalculation has been available to update existing child support orders and agreements. So currently, Mr. Speaker, separated parents can access a recalculation service to update support amounts for existing child support orders, which generally happens when their income changes.

This change that we are announcing means that parents will now, going forward, also be able to calculate initial support orders right off the top. So parents will now be able to bypass the court system at the beginning of a separation to get a fair child support decision from a neutral party, in this case the Ministry of Justice’s child support service.

In terms of the recalculation service, Mr. Speaker, which has been in place since 2018, 507 decisions have been provided to update child support agreements and court orders for some 730 children. For many people, going to court of course to pursue a child support order can signify a heavy financial burden. And when faced with the reality of separation, many parents don’t know where to turn for answers. Do I need a lawyer? Can I even afford to hire a lawyer and still pay the bills on my own? And if I represent myself, how much time will I need to take off work? How is this legal conflict going to affect my children?

What this means, Mr. Speaker, with this announcement, is that there will be no need, if both parents consent to go down this path, to complete complex court forms or pay court or legal fees. It is also important to highlight that the Ministry of Justice provides assistance in many other areas of family law, including with programs such as mandatory dispute resolution and the family law screening program in Regina and Saskatoon which started last year.

Mr. Speaker, every situation is different. Some parents who do not consent or agree on support will still need to go to court to determine child support payments. However every option that we can offer to ease the pressure and help save families time and money is worthwhile.

Mr. Speaker, this service aims to take away some of the stress that comes with these situations and allow more parents who find themselves in this situation to focus their time and money on what really matters most of all, which is their children. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

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

Ms. Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I’d like to thank the Minister of Justice for providing her remarks in advance, and thank her for her words on this very important project today. As had been stated by us before, we’re very happy to see the expansion of this project as it has been created. So far it has benefited many families in Saskatchewan. We do hope that the new expansion will benefit a large group of people, as has been mentioned by the Minister of Justice.

Access to justice in Saskatchewan is a huge challenge, in particular when we talk about access to family law legal services, Mr. Speaker. So any step that the government can take to help reduce those barriers, help fill in the gaps that exist right now in terms of accessing the justice system for family law clients, is incredibly important.

As has been mentioned by the minister, there is the barrier of requiring consent from both sides to be able to participate in this program. Of course that will be a disappointing barrier to many, but totally understand why that barrier at this point in time is necessary and important. But we do hope that this will be a challenge to the minister to continue to push that ball forward in terms of ensuring that access to services, access to resources, and access to essentially decisions for families who are dealing with a breakdown of a relationship, dealing with trying to get the child support that they need for their families, are able to be obtained as easily as possible.

I do also want to give kudos to the organizations within the ministry that the minister has mentioned, but in particular the Family Law Information Centre, Mr. Speaker, that does incredibly good work, positive work in the community every single day. I know in particular Kim Newsham and Suneil Sarai, who have been working there for quite some time, help a countless amount of Saskatchewan residents through the walk-in clinic services, through the family law information kits, through the work that they do just answering the phone every single day. I cannot give them enough props for the work that they do and everybody within the ministry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — Why is the Government House Leader on his feet?

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To request leave to move a motion regarding committee membership for the Standing Committee on the Economy.

The Speaker: — The government has requested leave. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Leave has been granted. The Government House Leader may proceed.

MOTIONS

Committee Membership

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move:

That the name of Greg Ottenbreit be substituted for the name of Ryan Domotor on the Standing Committee on the Economy.

I so move.

The Speaker: — It has been moved by the Government House Leader:

That the name of Greg Ottenbreit be submitted for the name of Ryan Domotor on the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

The Speaker: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 151 — The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act, 2023

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to move second reading of The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act.

Our government recently announced its intention to stop collecting the carbon tax on home heating effective January 1st, 2024. We’ve been clear in our position that we oppose the carbon tax and feel that it would be better to remove it entirely for everyone from everything. That remains our position and has been our message to the federal government. We have delivered that message to the federal government at every opportunity and will continue to do so because we believe that it is in the best interests of the people of this province.

Our decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on SaskEnergy bills is a direct response to the federal government’s decision to unfairly change the application of the carbon tax. The decision by the federal government to stop charging the carbon tax on home heating oil unfairly impacts the people of this province.

We believe that removing the carbon tax from SaskEnergy bills is in the best interests of the people of this province. It’s the only fair thing to do and it is a necessary measure to ensure Saskatchewan families can afford to heat their homes this winter. Removing the carbon tax will save Saskatchewan families an average of $400 next year.

The federal government could choose to restore fairness while making life more affordable for Saskatchewan people by exempting all home heating sources from the carbon tax. They have said that they will not do so. Our government, Mr. Speaker, cannot accept this. That is why we are taking action to remove the federal carbon tax from home heating sources delivered by our Crown utilities.

The overall intent of the legislation is to ensure that the efforts of this government to make home heating affordable through the removal of the carbon tax from SaskEnergy bills does not also implicate unelected officials in any potential legal ramifications. The proposed amendments clearly state that the Crown and its minister have the sole authority to pay or withhold payment of any charge, tax, or levy required by part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act.

Specifically the proposed legislation designates the Crown as the sole registered distributor of marketable natural gas and non-marketable natural gas in Saskatchewan in place of the corporation with all powers, rights, authorities, responsibilities, and obligations for the purposes of part 1 of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act which is the federal legislation that pertains to the carbon tax.

The amendment states that any carbon tax payments to the federal government would be made from the General Revenue Fund and would be made at the sole direction of the minister. It allows the minister to issue directives regarding the distribution and delivery of marketable and non-marketable natural gas related to the corporation’s role as a service provided to the Crown and requires that all directives be made public on the corporation’s website to ensure that responsibility for any decisions made with respect to the compliance with federal carbon tax legislation remains with the elected government.

The proposed amendments also specifically indemnify the corporation and individuals in the corporation. This specifically includes current and former directors of the corporation, officers of the corporation, employees of the corporation, agents of the corporation, members of the corporation, affiliates of the corporation, and representatives of the corporation. In short, the Crown and its ministers assume all responsibility associated with collecting, remitting, or withholding the federal carbon tax.

Mr. Speaker, we have not taken this course of action lightly. We as a government understand the potentially severe consequences of our actions on this issue. But it is not our intent for anyone else to be forced to bear the consequences of our decisions. We value the hard work of the women and men who work at SaskEnergy providing essential services to the people of this province and we want to see that work continue without fear of penalty or reprisal for implementing decisions made by this government.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act.

The Speaker: — It has been moved that Bill No. 151 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Nutana.

[15:15]

Ms. Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet and enter into debate on Bill No. 151. I want to start off by saying that I think in Saskatchewan we are facing an affordability crisis. Groceries have never been more expensive. The cost of other life essentials have continued to rise and Saskatchewan people are feeling it whether it’s in the grocery store, at the pump.

We’ve been very clear on this side that we agree that SaskEnergy shouldn’t have to pay the carbon tax. And we’ve also been very clear that we’d like to see relief at the pump by having the fuel tax removed for a period of six months from fuel. We’ve also been very clear about a wage increase, increasing the minimum wage and other benefits for workers.

And so certainly it is a complex matter. There are constitutional issues that this bill is raising, questions around legal liability, cost implications. I heard the minister opposite make mention just now of Saskatchewan people not having to bear the consequences of this legislation, but I would submit to you, Mr. Speaker, that any legal and financial liabilities that are borne out of legislation that is in violation of federal law is going to be hitting taxpayers. And so I take strong exception to the statement by that minister that they will bear the consequences.

And I think it’s important that they remember that it is taxpayers’ money that they are holding in trust and need to ensure that they are spending wisely. We’ve seen all too often how this is a government that squanders and mismanages and leaves the taxpayer on the hook.

And so when it comes to this piece of legislation, we will take our time to review the bill. We will seek legal consultation to understand from the legal experts the implications of this bill, those constitutional questions, and then also the financial impacts of this bill, because certainly we don’t take that duty lightly on this side of the House. Our due diligence is a vital matter and it’s the job of the opposition to do that. So we will not be rubber-stamping a bill that’s before this House, and we’ll have many questions that we will need answered on the merits of this bill in the days ahead.

And I would just also say that while we have been very clear in our opposition of a price on carbon and its effect on Saskatchewan people during an affordability crisis here in Saskatchewan, that we’ve also asked that the revenues collected from large emitters under the provincial carbon tax should be used by providing relief to Saskatchewan people on their power bills by building more renewable power generation and promoting energy efficiency retrofits for households and business.

I’m sure we’ll have much more to say on this bill in the coming days, and with that I will make a motion to adjourn debate on Bill No. 151.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

ADJOURNED DEBATES

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 138

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. McMorris that Bill No. 138 — The Workers’ Compensation (Extending Firefighter Coverage) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

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

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve been up in these adjourned debates. After being a little bit ill I feel like a bit of a rookie MLA, so hopefully this goes well. But thankfully we’ve got a piece of legislation to talk about here in Bill 138 that I’m really happy to be up and talking about. I think it’s really important changes to The Workers’ Compensation Act in these amendments, and so I’m quite pleased to be up and talking about this.

My understanding of this Bill 138, that it will be adding six new cancers to the list of occupational diseases for firefighters and that this will create the broadest coverage for presumptive cancers in Canada, which is a great move.

Before I get into some of the reasons why I’ll be supporting this bill, I want to first of all give credit where I think credit is due, and that is to the firefighters and the paramedics that have brought these concerns year after year to this building through the Saskatchewan Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association. They’ve come here year after year lobbying the government and the opposition for changes such as these. And they’ve got other asks as well, but we’ll focus on these ones today.

They do such a great job highlighting the changes that they’d like to see, providing a road map for the legislation of how that could take place, and sticking with it. And they could teach us a lesson in persistence, sticking with that message. And so again I’m mentioning this to give credit where credit is due to these incredibly well-organized, articulate, passionate individuals that serve our province day in and day out as firefighters and paramedics, and take time to come here to lobby for changes that’ll make their jobs, their lives more fulfilling and more safe due to the risks that they undertake when they go to work each and every day.

I think that it’s good to see these changes, but we need to acknowledge that there’s also some sadness that comes in that recognition, because firefighters do put themselves at risk. We know that firefighters are already — that’s professional and volunteer — taking incredible precautions to limit their exposure to toxic chemicals when they fight a blaze.

We know that firefighters have updated the protocol for doffing equipment, cleaning themselves, cleaning their bodies, cleaning their equipment to make sure that their exposure level is as low as possible, but yet they can’t prevent that exposure. That’s part of their heroic act of going in to fight a blaze, is to expose themselves to chemicals that we know are cancer causing.

So it’s incredible advocacy that they’ve done to raise awareness of this in Saskatchewan. And I do hope that other provinces will follow suit as we now have the broadest coverage of any province, which is a good thing to see.

I want to also take a minute to just reflect on the work that firefighters do in our province. You know, there’s maybe a couple clichés that I think are still accurate. You know, we talk about firefighters, first responders running towards danger when others are able to run away. But the truth is that they do that while preparing every day of the year for when they’re called into that action.

Something that I’ve become aware of when it comes to the heroic acts of firefighters and first responders is the level of care that they put into upholding their own physical health, their own well-being including their mental health, in a profession that causes them to respond to just horrifically tragic situations, that they’ve got to engage in that level of self-care for their physical health, their mental health. And they do that throughout the year to ensure that when they are called upon that they’re able to carry out those duties that save lives.

I know that my seatmate here has had the honour of taking part in a couple of these firefighter fitness tests. I think I would be embarrassed if I had to do that. He runs every day. I run once a year, usually chasing my kids somewhere. But you know, he’s taken part in these fitness tests where you’re carrying equipment, you’re crawling, you’re climbing, you’re hauling, and it’s incredibly taxing. And you know, he’s lived to tell the story.

But firefighters, they engage in this. I know I’ve got a friend. My friend Jared’s a firefighter, a resident in Saskatoon Eastview, and I see him running around the community all the time. He’s always engaged in that personal fitness to make sure that when he is called upon, he’s able to carry out his duties, because when he does that he saves lives.

And so I want to just give some respect to those firefighters and first responders that do so much to take care of themselves so they can take care of us.

I think that there’s a little bit that we still need time to think about, as there are some elements of this bill that were a bit of a surprise to us. But by and large, Mr. Speaker, I will voice support for this but will continue to listen to my colleagues as they raise their own questions and we see this bill proceed through the stages of normal debate here in this Assembly.

But at this time, I will voice my eventual support for this, but I’ll move that we adjourn debate on Bill 138 at this time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 140

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 140 — The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. My pleasure to enter into debate today on Bill No. 140, The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act, 2023. As has been canvassed by some of the speakers before me, this piece of legislation is repealing a number of public and private bills which, you know, by all accounts appears to be some good legislative housekeeping work.

I don’t have much to say on this, Mr. Speaker, beyond what a fun opportunity it’s been to look at some of these pieces of legislation being repealed, these bills being repealed, and kind of have a journey down memory lane and a blast from the past of Saskatchewan’s past. It’s been quite interesting to look at some of these pieces of legislation, to see these Acts that were passed, you know, looking at some of these going back to the 1920s, which is pretty neat, Mr. Speaker.

I know there will be further comments entered into adjourned debate. So with that, I am happy to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 140.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 141

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 141 — The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Again always a pleasure to get to be on my feet in the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan and now on Bill No. 141, The Statute Law Amendment Act. Mr. Speaker, in summary this bill looks at some housekeeping changes for various Acts — fixing spelling, grammar, cross-referencing mistakes, as well as of course adapting the legislation to remove any references to Her Late Majesty the Queen and replace these with references to “the Crown,” which seems to be more inclusive, Mr. Speaker, and good forethought for the future.

I think it was noted by one of my other colleagues just the sheer amount of work that has gone on in the background for a piece of legislation like this. So to the many, many hands, many brains and expertise in the background of legislative drafters, and all the people responsible for making these changes — which go I think unseen and sometimes unappreciated by the members of the public — I want to recognize, I think, the good work that has gone into this as it was noted by one of my colleagues that there appear to be no mistakes in such a vast amount of material. So a shout-out to those brilliant people doing all of this good work behind the scenes to make sure our legislation is up to date and, you know, ensuring that there are no errors, spelling, grammatical, or otherwise.

And with that, Mr. Speaker, I move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 141.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 142

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. Duncan that Bill No. 142 — The Miscellaneous Statutes (Utility Line Locates) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

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

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ll put a few comments on the record with respect to Bill 142 this afternoon, Bill 142, The Miscellaneous Statutes (Utility Line Locates) Amendment Act, 2023.

[15:30]

You know, I read through the minister’s comments on his second reading speech and saw a lot of common vocabulary that we often see, talking about consistency, alignment, you know, ensuring that there’s consistency with other utilities and Crowns and common practices. And that’s all good, you know. I think that I didn’t see anything there that raised a major red flag for me in terms of major changes that would put this legislation out of line with other jurisdictions or other services.

It’s primarily a requirement for anybody who’s going to be digging around for utility lines to provide three working days’ notice to SaskTel, SaskPower, or SaskEnergy, when it used to be 48 hours. So you know, we hope to see that as a positive change, but I think time will tell and we’ll certainly need to hear more comments both from my colleagues in opposition as well as the public and interested stakeholders in these areas.

I want to note that in Saskatchewan we love our Crown corporations, and people in Saskatchewan see the value that they bring to our province. And that’s why it’s so disappointing to see the Sask Party government mismanaging and running them into the ground.

You know, in the 2020 election when I was elected, members opposite will remember I ran against two Sask Party candidates. And the first one, I don’t know if he was relieved of his duties or if he stepped down for spreading some conspiracy theories online about COVID coming from cell phone towers or from outer space. But you know, that individual also did something interesting. He wrote a letter to the editor published in the Saskatoon StarPhoenix calling for the privatization of our Crowns, calling for the privatization of SaskTel.

Yet he was still deemed acceptable to run under that Sask Party banner. He was still deemed to be an acceptable candidate despite his views on privatizing those Crowns that Saskatchewan people love. And I think that that tells you all you need to know about what this government thinks about those Crowns.

At this point I’ll have a seat for just a few seconds and move that we adjourn debate on Bill 142.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 143

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. Cockrill that Bill No. 143 — The Child Care Amendment Act, 2023/Loi modificative de 2023 sur les garderies d’enfants be now read a second time.]

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

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope those viewing at home aren’t sick of my voice yet today. Well some people get sick of my voice. You should ask the four people I live with.

I’m happy to be on my feet to put a few comments on the record, talk about Bill 143, The Child Care Amendment Act, 2023. I understand that this bill introduces a few changes in Saskatchewan where child care centres need to have a board of directors, parental advisory committees made up of parents with kids who are enrolled there. Obviously you know, I have talked at length in this Assembly about the role that parents have in education, including early childhood learning, early childhood education, so that’s a nice piece to see here.

I also understand there’s some changes in terms of allowing non-profit operators of child care centres to operate more than one facility at a time. But I’ll note that, you know, more centres is good, but this doesn’t solve one of the biggest things holding back those needed child care spaces, which is workers.

And you know, we’ve seen several guests over and over again come to this Assembly, sit up in these galleries, and talk about the challenges that they’ve experienced just trying to open a child care centre, being able to run those centres, not finding the support that they need from the Sask Party government, including one individual who had an application but the ministry didn’t even have enough staff to review that application for it to be approved.

So these are troubling stories that we’ve seen from, you know, real people, real Saskatchewan citizens who want to see the success of child care in this province, and they’re running into roadblocks created, or simply they’re being ignored by this government, which is disappointing to see because child care is such a vital part, such a vital piece in our society, and there’s so much room to improve.

A vital part of our education system, when we think about education really beginning at birth, or even before that in terms of caring for mothers and expectant families, such an important part of raising children in Saskatchewan. Also a vital part of our economy, ensuring that when parents are ready to get back into the workforce or maybe enter the workforce that we have high-quality, dependable certified child care spaces there for them.

And so there’s so much room to improve. I hope that these amendments in Bill 143 will allow those improvements to take place. But again it requires more consultation with those stakeholders invested in this sector in our province, and so we’ll continue to consult with those folks. I know our lead critic, the member from Regina Elphinstone, will be doing that work, but at this time, Mr. Speaker, I’ll move that we adjourn debate on Bill 143.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 144

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. Merriman that Bill No. 144 — The Police (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

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

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’ve been gone for a little while but I recognize you too. You look the same.

Happy to be on my feet for another adjourned debate on The Police (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act, Bill 144. You know, when I had a look at this it took me back. I think it was maybe election night or maybe the day after in 2020, and you know, the Premier was reflecting on his election victory and he spoke directly to the supporters of the Buffalo Party, and he said, we hear you; we hear your concerns and we will work for them.

And look at where we are years later. None of these changes, a lot of the things that this government has done, the path that they’ve taken us down was not in their election platform, was never spoken of before that election, including the marshals service, their own independent police service; including Saskatchewan revenue agency; including all of these things that they’re clearly doing to speak to those on the far right political spectrum in Saskatchewan.

And I think back, you know. He tipped us off on that night when he said, we hear you; we will listen to your concerns. Even though they were not elected under this mandate, they’ve governed from that mandate, and here we see it coming up in this legislation, The Police Amendment Act of 2023. You know, I think Saskatchewan people should rightly question the direction that this government is going on many fronts.

When this is a government that has overseen the rise in crime that many communities in Saskatchewan have experienced, this is a government that’s overseen all of that, yet they’ve done nothing, nothing to address those underlying causes of crime in our society. Those things that, if we were to address, we would certainly see, certainly over the span of their time in government, a reduction in those levels of crime that they’ve done nothing to address.

Things that make a person insecure — maybe that’s food insecurity; insecurity of safe, affordable housing; the insecurity of person in terms of being victims of all forms of violence both in the home, outside the home. We see all of these things that could be deemed as predictors or underlying causes of violence that they’ve done nothing to address.

But what they have done is they’ve signalled to taxpayers that they want to spend $20 million just in the start-up costs for a new police force in Saskatchewan, with still no compelling reasoning about why this needs to be done under the banner of a new marshals service.

We’ve heard RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] and police services across the province saying if you were really concerned with solving crime, you would invest that straight to the front line where resources are needed today. And yet they refuse to do this, instead going in their own direction that no one has asked for and no one has advised them on with experience in front-line policing in Saskatchewan.

So it makes me wonder who they’re trying to appeal to.

Mr. Speaker, I think that there’s lots in this legislation that needs time to look at, consider the consequences, both intended and unintended. And I hope that this government is willing to listen to stakeholders who understand what should be done if they want to address the rising rates of crime that we’ve seen under the leadership of this government over the last 16 years, because there certainly would be lots there to listen to. And I hope that that does take place.

But at this time, Mr. Speaker, I will move that we adjourn debate on Bill 144, The Police (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act. And that’s all from me.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 145

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 145 — The Funeral and Cremation Services (Legal Decision-Maker Protection) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It is a real privilege to be able to stand and enter debate on Bill No. 145 today. And I won’t take a lot of time, Mr. Speaker, but I do want to take a couple minutes and talk about this piece of legislation.

And I want to begin, Mr. Speaker, by thanking the Minister of Justice for her work on bringing this forward, and her work in ensuring that this is a piece of legislation that does come before the House, Mr. Speaker, because of the good changes that are contained therein. And in addition to thanking the Minister of Justice I also want to take this opportunity to thank my colleague, the member for Regina Douglas Park, our Justice critic, who also did a lot of advocacy and outreach to the Minister of Justice on ensuring that these changes were made.

This bill, Mr. Speaker, changes the order of priority for people who get control over the disposition of human remains, so the parent or legal custodian is replaced with the legal decision maker, Mr. Speaker. Practically speaking, if there is someone who dies who has separated or divorced parents and there’s a disagreement over what to do, the control goes to the individual . . . the parent who was responsible for raising the child, the primary parent, whereas previously, Mr. Speaker, it used to just be the parent who was older. And this was something that I didn’t know. I think this was news to all of us, and again I think speaks to the good work done by the Ministry of Justice on this.

This first came to my attention from a constituent of mine, Mr. Speaker, who I’d like to speak about briefly and just recognize in the couple minutes that I have to speak to this bill. Trina Lendvay, a constituent of mine, Mr. Speaker, who unfortunately tragically lost her son Jagger Leippi at the age of 18. And when Trina first reached out, she said, Mr. Speaker, and I’ll quote: “In short, I need to start somewhere with someone who’s willing to make some changes, and I hope you can point me into a direction.”

And Trina went on to describe the situation of losing her son, Mr. Speaker, obviously something that no parent should ever have to experience. No parent should ever have to bury their child. And beyond that, Mr. Speaker, no parent should have to — whether it be a mother or a father — no parent should have to endure the trauma that unfortunately Trina went through as a result of the acrimonious relationship with her ex-husband, Mr. Speaker.

In engaging with our office, she talked about the deterioration of that relationship and the way that she had lived with it, Mr. Speaker, a relationship that included domestic violence, both physical and verbal. And just the trauma that she then had to go through years later dealing with the tragic death of her son at 18 years of age and discovering that, despite being the primary parent and caregiver and the one with the relationship with her son Jagger, it was in fact her ex-husband who had control over his remains, over the funeral, over what a burial or cremation would look like. And that despite, again being the mother of Jagger and the primary parent, she had no ability to have any kind of control or involvement, Mr. Speaker.

[15:45]

And I think we can all . . . We probably can’t imagine, but appreciate the nightmare that Trina found herself in, not just with losing her child but then trying to grieve and process that, Mr. Speaker. And it was really terrible. Trina was the sixth person to find out that her child had been killed, the sixth person to find out that she had lost her son. And then to have to fight and to learn that she could not fight to be included in funeral planning, to have a little bit of her son’s ashes, and to be able to mourn in the way that she wanted, was horrible. And through all of this, Mr. Speaker, she still found the strength to reach out and try and ensure that this terrible situation did not happen to another person in the province. And it’s heartbreaking to think that perhaps in the past this has happened to more than just Trina.

And again I don’t want to put words in the mouth of either my colleague from Regina Douglas Park or the Minister for Justice, but my sense and what I’ve been told is that when this was discovered and investigated and it was found that this in fact is the case, I think everybody looked at this and thought, well yes it should be investigated but surely this is not right, Mr. Speaker. And again I really want to thank and highlight the good work that has gone on into ensuring that this does not happen to anyone else in the province.

I said I’d be brief. I don’t want to go through all of the trauma that Trina lived through or the tragedy that she had to endure, but I really did want to take this opportunity and recognize the amazing work that she did as a grieving mother to see this positive change, and patiently. Because as we know, legislative change is not fast. It’s been just over a year I think since this first started, and in this Assembly we all know that sometimes these changes can take time. But you can imagine being a layperson and being a grieving mother on top of that, having the patience and the fortitude to have trust in the process and continue that advocacy, I think is really remarkable. And I want to recognize Trina for the work that she did.

I also, in closing, Mr. Speaker, want to share some words that she sent along when she found out that this bill did in fact contain the changes that she’d been pushing for, and that it was likely to . . . that we expect it to pass in the spring, Mr. Speaker. And she wrote:

I cannot express enough to you and Nicole, to any of you, my gratitude. I’m not even sure I can get the words out. I’m quite literally in tears. The last year and four months have been a test of my strength as I am still fighting for Jagger’s remains.

She goes on, and I quote, “I am forever grateful and forever indebted to all who’ve made change.”

With that, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 145, The Funeral and Cremation Services (Legal Decision-Maker Protection) Amendment Act, 2023.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 146

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 146 — The King’s Bench Consequential Amendments Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Pleased to enter debate on Bill No. 146, The King’s Bench Consequential Amendments Act, 2023.

Again, Mr. Speaker, this is a great piece of housekeeping legislation replacing all references to “Queen’s Bench” with “King’s Bench,” something I know we all still stumble over, Mr. Speaker, and I think about sincerely every time we sit in this Assembly with a picture of Her Late Majesty still hanging over us. These updates keep coming and I think it is a reminder of how intrinsic Her Majesty was in Canada, in her legal code, and really in all aspects of Canadian life, Mr. Speaker.

With that, I am happy to once again be able to recognize I think an extraordinary life of service from Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 146, The King’s Bench Consequential Amendments Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 148

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 148 — The Film Content Information Act be now read a second time.]

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. A pleasure to enter debate on Bill No. 148, The Film Content Information Act, looking at replacing The Film and Video Classification Act of 2016, I believe, ensuring that the public is informed of the classification of any films, you know, such as films that contain violence, which I personally appreciate, Mr. Speaker.

I know there are people who enjoy movies of all genres. I have the tolerance for suspense, horror, violence, gore — anything approaching that — of a sensitive three-year-old child, Mr. Speaker. I even deeply resent the movie previews that sometimes show on YouTube, Mr. Speaker, while I’m waiting for another Cocomelon episode to load for my toddler.

So I, for one, Mr. Speaker, am pleased that the classification of films will be clear and provide audiences with some increased clarity around that, Mr. Speaker. I think informing the public or allowing the public to be responsibly informed on the content of any film is good, Mr. Speaker.

And on this side of the House we are proud of our steadfast and unwavering support for the film community and for theatre owners, actors, creative professionals here in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

This is a change that we’ve recently seen begun to be walked back by this government, but a real lost decade of opportunity, of prosperity, of skills, and professionalism here in the province, Mr. Speaker. This is one of those things where even, you know, whatever we are — almost 12, 15 years later; I have no concept of time — you still hear about on the doorstep, Mr. Speaker.

It is good to see the film and television industry return to Saskatchewan. It is a darned shame that it ever left, and the loss of all those professionals and all those people who have moved from Saskatchewan is, I think, a real shame, Mr. Speaker.

As we move forward I know the critic will be doing good outreach on this bill and my colleagues will have many, many more comments to make. So with that I’ll move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 148, The Film Content Information Act.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 149

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 149 — The Franchise Disclosure Act be now read a second time.]

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

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m honoured to enter into debate today, this time on Bill No. 149, The Franchise Disclosure Act.

There are a number of different things that this piece of legislation does. It establishes the obligation of the franchisor to disclose information to a prospective franchisee, someone who’s going to be opening a franchise. That includes material facts and financial statements, additional prescribed information and documents. Of course it’s always interesting to see what the additional prescribed information will be, as we know that the devil’s in the details, and that often comes out as we look at regulations after bills are enacted, Mr. Speaker.

Other information to be included is a written statement of any material changes concerning the franchise. This applies to franchises operated wholly or partially in Saskatchewan. I’d be curious to know what other jurisdictions are doing because I haven’t seen that much information in the minister’s second reading speech about other jurisdictions, so I’m sort of curious how this is comparable to what’s happening in other places.

It allows the franchisee to rescind an agreement without penalty for 60 days if a franchisor doesn’t honour requirements. So there’s a responsibility there to make sure that franchisees are protected and that they have the right to associate with other franchisees and may form or join organizations of them. It also establishes legal actions that a franchisee can take against liabilities and damages alongside its restrictions.

We know that small business is the backbone of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, that a ton of people work in and own small businesses. And increasingly those are our franchises as well, Mr. Speaker. And we know that, you know, as companies grow we sort of expect the same convenience and location of our favourite coffee place or fast-food franchise as we travel around, so we know that these are issues that impact everyday people and business owners in the province.

And it’s really important to make sure that we’re getting it right, and that these experiences are positive for those who are willing to take the step to become franchisees, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately that’s not always what we hear. We sometimes hear horror stories of a franchise gone wrong or very unrealistic expectations that the franchisor has of the franchisee, so it’s good to see some regulation of this coming out.

And I look forward to doing further consultation to see, you know, whether enough of these considerations have been included in the bill, what types of consultations have taken place, and what benefits will come to the franchisee as a result of this legislation. So I know that we’ll have a lot more to say about this as colleagues weigh in and as we continue to consult, Mr. Speaker. But with that I would move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 149.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Bill No. 150

[The Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Ms. Eyre that Bill No. 150 — The Securities (Saskatchewan Investors Protection) Amendment Act, 2023 be now read a second time.]

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Mr. Teed: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to be on my feet here today to speak to Bill No. 150, The Securities (Saskatchewan Investors Protection) Amendment Act, 2023. And I want to first start by saying thank you to my colleagues and thank you to the Minister of Justice for her comments in the second reading of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, what we see here is some updates to the Saskatchewan securities Act, Saskatchewan investors protection Act, specifically to continue to ensure that this legislation and our securities industry in Saskatchewan continues to be in line with the rest of Canada, which I think is a very important thing when you are an investor and you are looking to invest funds, that the regulations in Saskatchewan should be the same as in Alberta or British Columbia or Ontario.

Primarily what we’re seeing here in this legislation is a change in the penalties for violations in security laws. Whereas we used to see a penalty of $100,000, we now have penalties of $1 million. And again this is good to see. It offers a lot of teeth to this legislation, and it also just ensures that we are in line with other provinces.

Other notable references in this legislation is that it’s allowing the Sask Securities Commission to appoint and designate independent dispute resolution services, and this independent dispute resolution service is able to set its own standards. And the commission will be able to make orders in the public interest.

Some of the changes that they are putting to the independent dispute resolution service will be the ability to change conduct practices, explain reasons for actions, pay fees, forgive debts, waive contracts, meet insurance claims, correct information, credit ratings, and so forth. Mr. Speaker, important changes. Glad to see that this Act is being reopened and glad to see that investors and consumers in Saskatchewan are protected when they go to make investments.

I know that my colleagues will have more to say and our critic will be engaging with stakeholders, so at this time I will adjourn debate on Bill No. 150.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House do now adjourn.

The Speaker: — The Government House Leader has moved to adjourn the House. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried. This House now stands adjourned until 1:30 tomorrow.

[The Assembly adjourned at 16:00.]

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