The Speaker: — Seated in my gallery today is someone that we all know and appreciate — Monique Lovatt from the Clerk’s office, Legislative Assembly. Joining Monique today is her husband, Ken, and Sandra Gardner from the Clerk’s office. I introduce Monique today because she has made the decision to retire at the end of April from a remarkable career of close to 42 years of work in the Legislative Building. In fact today is her official last day. Monique has dedicated nearly her entire working life to serve the Legislative Assembly, a milestone of which she has served with dedication and professionalism at every stage of her career.

Monique was born and raised in Sedley, Saskatchewan. She worked at the U of R [University of Regina] in the main library for six years and came to the Legislative Library in 1982 for a summer job and worked there until 1984. She then joined the Legislative Counsel and Law Clerk’s office in 1984 and the Office of the Clerk in 1986.

Monique has served in various portfolios: secretary to the Clerks-at-the-Table, secretary to the Clerk, coordinator of interparliamentary relations and protocol, administrative assistant to the Clerk, and coordinator of Assembly protocol, and coordinator of interparliamentary relations and protocol. During Monique’s time in the building, there have been 275 MLAs [Member of the Legislative Assembly], 4 Clerks, 11 Speakers, 5 premiers, 9 Lieutenant Governors, and 19 leaders of the opposition.

I would like to wish you all the best, Monique, in your retirement. You will be missed.

As I formally introduce Monique and her husband, Ken, to their Legislative Assembly, I ask that you welcome them and join me in congratulating Monique on an incredible career of service in the Legislative Assembly and to the province of Saskatchewan.

I recognize the member from Melfort.

Mr. Goudy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join with yourself and acknowledge a lady who’s worked in the background for a long time. And I must just for the record say, Monique, that I think all of my reports are in before you’re leaving. And we’ve really appreciated your service to this Assembly, and you’ve done a great job. You know, I didn’t know you were a librarian beforehand until today, but that explains a little bit. And we really appreciate all that you have done for us, and you’re truly a friend.

And Ken — just a fun fact for your husband — I didn’t realize too he’s had a picture in every Speaker’s seat across the country except for Quebec, so I’m sure you’ll be making some trips.

And as the Government of Saskatchewan, we just want to wish the two of you all the best in your years ahead and thank you again for all your service. So join with me in appreciation to Monique for all of her years of service at the Legislative Building.

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

Ms. Beck: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to follow you and the member opposite and on behalf of the official opposition say what an honour it is to look up into the gallery today and be able to say some kind words on the record about the very first person, Mr. Speaker, that I met, I believe, or remember meeting after being elected. And I’m sure that’s the case for many, many members here.

What an extraordinary career, finding out for the first time today that you started as a student, which maybe explains why you were written up for the care that you showed the SLIP [Saskatchewan Legislative Internship Program] interns here in the legislature over so many years.

You know, the role has changed, as the Speaker mentioned. There have been many members who’ve stood in my place, many LGs [Lieutenant Governor] in the province that you’ve seen during your time in your role. But one thing has never changed, is your attention to detail, your steadfastness. And we knew that if it was in Monique’s hands, we were in good hands.

And I hope she doesn’t mind me sharing this, Mr. Speaker. One of the last conversations I overheard in the rotunda before we broke for the Easter break was, you know, Monique going through all the details of what she had passed over, and still offering to be on the phone if there was anything that came up when she was in retirement that maybe she had missed. I suspect the details are well taken care of, but I think that there are many things that we didn’t even know that you were paying attention to, Monique, and we are going to find that out today after your retirement. That said, 40 years of service to all members, 40 years of service to the people of Saskatchewan; we are very, very lucky to have had you for that long.

And I want to wish you and Ken just a wonderful retirement. Do all the things that you’ve not had the opportunity to. And Ken, I do hope you get to sit in that last Speaker’s Chair at some point during this retirement.

I invite all members to join me and the official opposition in thanking Monique and her family for the four decades of service to the people of Saskatchewan.

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

Hon. Ms. L. Ross: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I ask for leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Hon. Ms. L. Ross: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, seated in your gallery is five members from the Royal Regina Rifles Trust and Operation Calvados committee. Just one second here, I just want to make sure we don’t forget anyone because we did have an addition to our list. So today, seated in your gallery as I said, we have five members from the Trust: Brigadier General (Retired) Cliff Walker, Kyleah Smandych, Kelsey Lonie, Curtis Kleisinger, and Corporal (Retired) Jim Sinclair.

Mr. Speaker, this past Saturday we had the honour and the privilege of attending a viewing of an absolutely spectacular 9‑foot statue of what they call a Farmer John. And that’s named after all the large number of Johns who enlisted in the Second World War and were members of the Royal Regina Rifles.

Our Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to provide a $40,000 grant to support the Regina Rifles Trust Battlefield Tour that will be taking place this June. So with that, I ask all members to join me in welcoming these fine people to their Legislative Assembly.

And while I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, seated in your gallery I’d like to introduce guests from On Cue Performance Hub today. Earlier today I had the pleasure of meeting with Kathleen Irwin and Valerie Overend from On Cue to discuss the work they are doing to support the arts in Saskatchewan. On Cue Performance Hub, Inc. was established in 2019 as a Regina-based, artist-run performing artist organization. Their mandate is to strengthen Regina’s performing arts community while enriching community well-being in our local community.

Recently our government was proud to provide a $20,000 grant on funding to On Cue to support the development of women’s carpentry for the creative arts apprenticeship program in Regina, in partnership with the YWCA. Mr. Speaker, I invite all members to join me in welcoming these fine ladies to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thanks, Mr. Speaker. Request extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to join with the minister and welcome some of the guests that have joined us here today, those being the leaders behind the Royal Regina Rifles Trust with Operation Calvados, Mr. Speaker. I was here at the ceremony on the weekend, and what a touching ceremony remembering the incredible honour in service and sacrifice of the remarkable Regina Rifles, Mr. Speaker. Here we are almost 80 years on from D-Day, Mr. Speaker, and of course it was those Regina Rifles, those Farmer Johns that were there on the beaches, Mr. Speaker, acting in such a heroic way, Mr. Speaker, with significant losses as well.

I want to recognize Brigadier General Cliff Walker here today and thank him for all of his leadership. Of course he’s led so many initiatives in this province and in this country. Operation bald eagle was an initiative that that brigadier general led. And of course he led the Rifles as well.

I also want to welcome Corporal Jim Sinclair to his Assembly here today to thank him for his leadership for many, many, many decades, and that service continues. I want to recognize Kyleah and Kelsey and Curtis as well from that committee. And I just want to recognize the artist for that beautiful piece that will honour the memory of the Regina Rifles on the beaches of Normandy, forever telling that story and remembering them of service and sacrifice. And they were an incredibly successful unit.

I’m very proud that my grandfather was there with them on the beaches that day, Mr. Speaker, and advanced through Ardenne Abbey and all the way through into Germany, Mr. Speaker. And we just want to honour all of the service and sacrifice of all the Regina Rifles, Mr. Speaker. So I ask all members to join with me in thanking these members for their service.

And, Mr. Speaker, while on my feet, as her MLA it would be wrong for me not to identify a remarkable leader to this Assembly and to the people of Saskatchewan and to all of us, Monique Lovatt and her husband, Ken, who are with us here today. Her service to this province is nothing short of remarkable. Monique, thanks for all the good ways and kindness and all the teaching you’ve offered to all of us as MLAs. Thank you for the service to this Assembly, to that Table, and to the people of Saskatchewan.

I wish you and Ken nothing but the best in your new journeys and adventures and travel and time with family and some rest and relaxation. And I know I’ll see you around the rink as well and through the community. But on behalf of the official opposition, it’s an honour to honour Monique on her final day of service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I want to join with the minister and the member opposite and welcome Cliff Walker to this, his Legislative Assembly. Retired Brigadier General Cliff Walker has done so much work in his career.

But I really want to talk about his advocacy he has chosen, Mr. Speaker, to do in his retirement. And it has been extensive and it is very thoughtful and very welcome to the people of the province. So thank you, Retired Brigadier General, for all of your work. Thank you for starting the Bold Eagle program — not the bald eagle, the Bold Eagle program — and it’s still continuing to this day. And up the Johns. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Leave requested for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome two special people that I’ve had the pleasure of working with the last few years in your gallery, and that’s Terri Quinney and Jordan Belly from Onion Lake.

Just want to talk a little bit about Onion Lake. We all know that they are a force to be reckoned with in this province. They have the passion, commitment to help and work for inherent and treaty rights holders. And they have been working hard in pushing this government to do right by them and on behalf of all inherent and treaty rights holders in this province. And they’re leaders when it comes to consultation. They’re leaders in Indian Country.

[The hon. member spoke for a time in Saulteaux.]

[13:45]

I just said I’m grateful to see you here joining me here, and also for the work that you do in your community and in this province. With that I ask all members to join me in welcoming Terri Quinney and Jordan Belly to their Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The month of April is Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month, and seated in your gallery today are guests with personal experience when it comes to this life-saving option for patients. I’d like to recognize Jenna Lockert, joined here today by her father, Raymond Deck.

Jenna is a nurse here in Regina who donated to her brother. Jenna and her brother Kyle are featured in our social media campaign this year, entitled Great Actions Leave a Mark, raising awareness about the option of living donations. And I’d encourage everyone to watch for their story a little bit later this month.

Jenna and Kyle are strong advocates for organ and tissue donation. Throughout the month of April they attend events and they speak about and promote donation. I would ask all members to join me in welcoming these individuals to their legislature, and thanking them for sharing their personal story to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s an honour to be on my feet. It’s a pleasure to join with the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, as the opposition critic for Parks, Culture and Sport, to welcome Kathleen and Valerie to their Legislative Assembly today from On Cue Performance Hub.

Mr. Speaker, in this Chamber we know that the arts play such an important role in building community. And I am so proud to see the work that this organization is doing in their community, especially in this recent announcement with their partnership with YWCA with women’s carpentry.

In my younger years I was involved in some stage productions. I haven’t been involved in a little, little while, but it was always just so amazing to see the work that the folks who worked on those stage productions did, bringing alive productions where you feel like you’re almost in those rooms, in those spaces. So I’m so excited to see and hear about the continued work that your organization will do in Regina. And I want to ask all members to join me in welcoming Kathleen and Valerie to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m hopping up on this briefly as well just to welcome and say hello to a friend seated in your gallery, Kathleen Irwin. Kathleen is a giant in the theatre community. She’s an incredible advocate for the arts, and she was one of the strong, imposing mothers during my childhood. I grew up with her two younger daughters who I consider to be dear friends, Dr. Dorian Kristmanson and Kyrie Kristmanson, who followed very much in her mother’s footsteps and is an incredible artist living currently in France but graces us with her presence and talents often here in Saskatchewan as well. So I would be remiss if I didn’t say a hello to my friend Kathleen and welcome her to her Legislative Assembly.

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

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to take a moment to join with the minister to also welcome Jenna and Raymond to their Legislative Assembly.

You know, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the opposition for the advocacy that you’ve done and continue to do around organ and tissue donation. It makes a big deal to the people who receive those donations. So it’s life changing, life-saving. Thank you for what you do. I ask all members of the Legislative Assembly to join me in welcoming these fine folks to their Chamber. Thank you.

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

Hon. Mr. McMorris: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, they’ve already been introduced but, you know, we all represent great communities. In the great constituency of Indian Head-Milestone I think I represent the best communities, and I think it’s represented here. There are 18 people in the gallery. Three of them are from Sedley, Saskatchewan.

There’s not a lot of population in Sedley, Saskatchewan between the Deck family and — sorry, Monique, but — the Parent family from Sedley. Thank you very much for representing your communities. And to the Decks, of course. So fitting on a day coming after Green Shirt Day yesterday. Thank you for the work that you’ve done in the organ donation area. It’s really much appreciated. And you’re representing Sedley very, very well. Thank you.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to present the following petition. The folks who signed this petition wish to bring to your attention the following: the Sask Party government voted against the meaningful duty-to-consult legislation; the Sask Party government continues to move forward in duty-to-consult processes without fulfilling constitutional obligations; and again the Sask Party has never addressed cumulative impacts, yet duty-to-consult must consider cumulative effects on the ability to practise inherent and treaty rights before approving projects in Saskatchewan.

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 enshrine duty-to-consult into law by enacting the meaningful duty-to-consult legislation.

The folks who signed this petition reside in P.A. [Prince Albert]. I do so present.

The Speaker: — I recognize the minister of SaskWorks.

Hon. Mr. Hargrave: — Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: whereas the Trudeau Liberal-NDP [New Democratic Party] coalition carbon tax is one of the main causes of affordability issues and inflation in the nation of Canada; that the federal Liberal-NDP government was politically motivated in issuing a carve-out for home heating oil; and that the Government of Saskatchewan’s decision to not collect or remit the carbon tax on home heating in Saskatchewan has led to a drop in inflation; further, that despite the decision to not charge the carbon tax on home heating, Saskatchewan families continue to pay that tax out of pocket at the pumps, grocery stores, and more.

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 Canada to immediately suspend the carbon tax across the nation of Canada and acknowledge its significant impact on affordability and inflation in Canada.

The below undersigned are residents of Saskatoon, Warman, and Martensville. Thank you.

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

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition calling on the government to address that very cost-of-living crisis. Mr. Speaker, 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 new tax and fee hikes makes life more expensive, all while harming struggling industries like tourism, culture, and fitness; while other provinces have acted, the Sask Party government ignored our call for a gas price relief plan.

Mr. Speaker, 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 meaningfully address the cost-of-living crisis in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, the undersigned reside in Saskatoon. 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 to fix the crisis in health care. The undersigned residents would like to bring to our attention the following: that there were 951 health care closures across rural Saskatchewan between August of 2019 and July of 2023.

You know, Mr. Speaker, 200,000 people don’t have access to a family doctor in this province. We have the longest wait times for knee and hip replacement surgeries in the country. We are sending women out of our province to get basic breast cancer care. The health care system in this province is in crisis, and folks are asking this government to fix it.

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 immediately address the short-staffing crisis in health care and work with health care workers on solutions to improve patient care.

Mr. Speaker, the signatories today reside in Regina. I do so present.

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

Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in my place to present a petition calling on the Sask Party government to adequately fund education.

Year after year we’ve seen cuts to education under this government. Election year after election year, we see promises made and promises broken. Education in this province is at a breaking point, Mr. Speaker, and this government has walked back commitments in the past. That is why teachers have asked for some accountability around the investments that this government has promised. And they have refused that accountability. One must ask themselves why.

Driving here, I heard Evan Bray talk about how he’d invited Samantha Becotte, the president of STF [Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation], and the Education minister on the show tomorrow. I sure hope the Education minister shows up so he can continue that important dialogue and explain why he is so dug in when it comes to adequately supporting kids across Saskatchewan in the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, the signatories of this petition are calling on the government to adequately, sustainably, predictably fund education to ensure that schools, teachers, and other caring professionals are able to meet the needs of each and every single student in this province. The signatories reside in Regina. I do so present.

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

Ms. Ritchie: — Mr. Speaker, I rise to present a petition to the Government of Saskatchewan to protect the Duncairn Reservoir Migratory Bird Sanctuary from expansion of irrigation.

The undersigned residents wish to bring to your attention the following: that water is a valuable resource to be used for the benefit of all people of the province; that the Swift Current Creek Basin has had a moratorium on new water allocations since 1981 due to supply constraints in the Southwest; that Duncairn reservoir was designated a migratory bird sanctuary in 1948, covered by the Migratory Birds Conservation Act; that the Provincial Auditor has pointed out that the Water Security Agency is not taking sufficient steps to monitor and enforce licensed water users; that effective monitoring of water allocation and usage is key to Saskatchewan having a sustainable supply of water available.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly call on the government to protect Duncairn Reservoir Migratory Bird Sanctuary from any proposed expansion and irrigation.

This petition is signed by the residents of Maple Creek and Swift Current. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Royal Regina Rifles Donate Statue for Juno Beach Legacy Tour

Mr. B. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Juno Beach Centre is one of Canada’s national treasures and a monument to the legacy of our veterans. June 6th of this year will mark 80 years since Allied forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and began the liberation of Europe from the Axis occupiers.

To help commemorate this great occasion, our very own Royal Regina Rifles will play an important part in the proceedings. A statue of a Royal Regina rifleman has been sculpted and will be transported to France where it will be unveiled just inland from Juno Beach, right where the men from Regina, from farms across Saskatchewan and from many First Nations, landed to fight for our freedom.

A group of serving and retired members of this Royal Regina Rifles are working together to organize a tour, a legacy tour to coincide with the 80th anniversary. Together with university students and community partners, the tour plans to produce written and visual documentaries to help future generations remember these brave heroes. The organizing committee is raising the funds to allow serving and retired members of the Royal Regina Rifles to join the rifleman statue’s journey to Juno Beach. Anyone interested in participating by volunteering or by donating can visit rrrtrust.org.

Mr. Speaker, the statement is true that where we have been does make us who we are. We dare not ever forget our past or those upon whose shoulders we stand. On behalf of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, it is our promise that we will never forget.

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

Green Shirt Day Raises Awareness of Organ Donations

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday communities across Canada came together to observe Green Shirt Day, and it’s a reminder of the profound impact of organ donation and the legacy of Logan Boulet. As we donned our green shirts yesterday, we honoured Logan’s memory and reaffirmed our commitment to promoting organ donation.

[14:00]

When Logan Boulet was tragically killed in the Humboldt Broncos crash, he had already made the decision to donate his organs, which ended up saving six other lives. But he has saved so many more than just six. It is estimated that nearly 150,000 people, inspired by Logan, registered as donors, changing countless lives. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity and the potential for one individual to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the Boulet family for their advocacy and for sharing Logan’s story with the world. Their courage has ignited a movement that will continue to save lives for years to come. Let us carry forward Logan’s spirit by spreading awareness about organ donations and encouraging others to register as donors. Together we can honour his memory and ensure that his legacy of compassion lives on.

I ask all members to join me in thanking the Boulet family for all of the lives that they have touched, and I encourage everyone watching to consider registering for organ donation. Thank you.

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

Hindu Society of Saskatchewan Banquet Recognizes Indo-Canadian Contributions

Mr. Cheveldayoff: — Mr. Speaker, it was a special night in Saskatoon this past Saturday at TCU Place. The Hindu Society of Saskatchewan celebrated their 38th Annual Vegetarian Banquet. Many, many MLA colleagues were in attendance, including the Speaker, the Premier, and several cabinet ministers, MPs [Member of Parliament], and mayors.

The Lieutenant Governor opened the evening thanking the Indo-Canadian community for their contribution to the mosaic of the province. The Premier thanked everyone in attendance for contributing to the economy and our social fabric. In his keynote address, the Premier highlighted the Indo-Canadian relationship and spoke about the wonderful Indo-Saskatchewan relationship.

The other keynote speaker was the India High Commissioner to Canada. His Excellency Sanjay Kumar Verma, a great friend of Saskatchewan, spoke about the close trading relationship Saskatchewan has with India, and he extended his gratitude to the Premier and cabinet ministers for making the effort to personally visit India on several occasions.

Mayor Charlie Clark spoke about the history of the Hindu Society in Saskatoon and joked that there were so many government cabinet ministers and MLAs in attendance he thought we could get the decision made on the new arena and the convention centre done right there that evening.

Mayor Greg Dionne from Prince Albert was also in attendance. Community leader Bob Behari and others were honoured throughout the evening.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask all members to recognize the great contribution Indo-Canadians make to our country, province, and our community.

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

Braids Honour Deceased Indigenous Actor

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I rise today with a braid in my hair to mark a tragedy. This past Friday, Indigenous actor Cole Brings Plenty was found dead in a wooded area. He was 27 years old. He was found with his braids cut.

Mr. Speaker, Indigenous people like Cole Brings Plenty, like myself, hair is sacred. Braids are sacred. They tie us to the Creator, to our ancestors, and to our culture. For decades, Indigenous men were forced to cut their hair short to assimilate into settler culture. Growing it long and braiding it once again has been a source of great pride, a way to help heal historical trauma, so to hear that a bright young light was found dead with his braids cut has been devastating.

Today, April 8th, Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are braiding their hair. They’re doing it in memory of Cole Brings Plenty, but also in memory of the countless Indigenous men in our history who had their braids taken from them.

I ask all members, whether or not they have braids in their hair, to join me in marking this sad day and this painful history. Miigwech.

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

World Autism Awareness Day

Mr. Fiaz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in the Assembly today to recognize April 2nd as World Autism Day. Mr. Speaker, we know that each person with autism has unique challenges and strengths. Because of this, it is important to adopt and provide supports that are designed to meet the individual’s needs. Our government is committed to ensuring appropriate accommodations, understanding, and acceptance for our neurodiverse individuals that allow them to lead and enjoy their full life.

Mr. Speaker, the autism spectrum disorder individualized funding program gives parents the opportunity to acquire the services that best suit their child’s need. Parents have the flexibility and the freedom to choose from the range of eligible therapies and supports that will benefit the child the most. Youth and adults also have access to learning and socializing programs in the community that are also funded by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Group programs can support children and adults to learn and socialize in meaningful ways.

Today we celebrate the meaningful ways they contribute to our communities and we recognize the efforts of the educators, family members, and caregivers who support them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Emergency Medical Services Trial System

Mr. Grewal: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government is committed to ensuring patients receive timely access to the care they need within the most appropriate setting. We have heard directly from our EMS [emergency medical services] providers of the challenges that our hospital emergency departments, particularly in Regina and Saskatoon, are experiencing. A significant number of patients calling 911 are transported to a provincial emergency department which is not always the most appropriate facility to address their health care needs.

This is why, Mr. Speaker, we are piloting a new EMS trial system in Regina and Saskatoon. A new software program will allow certain non-emergent 911 calls to be further evaluated by a registered nurse and potentially directed to alternative appropriate health care options when it is determined that an ambulance is not required. A dedicated registered nurse will be available 12 hours a day, seven days a week to utilize the new EMS trial system at each of the Regina and Saskatoon medical communication and coordination centres.

This initiative will improve EMS wait times and ensure they are able to return to their home communities when it matters most. We are pleased, Mr. Speaker, to have another support in place to ensure patients are accessing the most appropriate care they need. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Cannington.

Agri-Food Exports Help Feed Countries Around the World

Mr. D. Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s another great day in Saskatchewan. Our agri-foods products are continuing to feed communities and families around the world. Exports to the North African countries of Morocco and Algeria have both experienced solid growth over the last year. And, Mr. Speaker, our producers sent over 1.2 million tonnes of product to Algeria in 2023 with most of those exports being durum and lentils. And Moroccan trade also experienced significant growth with exports increasing 22 per cent and reaching almost 750 000 tonnes.

We’ve dedicated a significant amount of our engagement to our South Asian partners. The nation of Indonesia is now our sixth leading agri-food market with a 62 per cent increase from the year prior. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year we have also heard that our exports to India have reached a value of $712 million, an increase of 71 per cent in 2023. And we’re continuing to work to diversify our economic links with India, the fastest growing economy on the planet.

And thanks to these vital partnerships, we’ve already achieved our 2030 growth plan goal of $20 billion in total agri-food exports, seven years ahead of schedule.

Mr. Speaker, results like this show our plan is working and why we’ll never take the advice of the members opposite on how to run an economy. Thank you.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Cost of Living and Affordability

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, 57 per cent of people in this province are struggling to pay for groceries. They’re worried about putting food on the table while this tired and out-of-touch government does nothing to offer relief.

Why won’t the Premier finally act? Why won’t he take off the fuel tax for six months to offer some relief to families who are struggling in this province?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Many times on the floor of this Assembly and the rotunda, I’ve talked and spoke about the $2 billion in affordability measures that are in each and every budget that has been released by this Saskatchewan Party government, Mr. Speaker, including initiatives like reducing by 112,000 people the people that pay provincial income tax here in the province.

The fact of the matter is that there are numerous affordability measures in place in this province. They’ve been added to over the course of the last couple of years, Mr. Speaker. I think to the $500 tax affordability cheques that were provided in a year of surplus under this government. I think to the rebates that came from some of our Crown corporations, the licensing division of our Crown corporations. I think of the 10 per cent reduction in utility costs that we had, Mr. Speaker, to the point . . . all the while being able to preserve the fact that in Saskatchewan today, a family of four pays no personal income tax on the first $59,475 that they earn.

That is comparable to $21,000 below that in Manitoba, Mr. Speaker, where you pay starting on your income at $38,000. It’s initiatives like this that have removed people from the tax rolls, the provincial tax rolls in Saskatchewan, and continue to ensure that our communities are some if not the most affordable places in Canada to live.

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

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, for the Premier’s information, the measures that have been in every budget have 57 per cent of people in this province struggling to pay for their groceries. But this Premier is refusing to offer any new relief to the people in this province who are struggling. A crisis, Mr. Speaker, of affordability made worse by decisions made by that government.

Now despite what the Premier would have people believe, it’s this tired and out-of-touch government’s decisions that have hiked power bills and have tripled, tripled the take on the PST [provincial sales tax].

Now will the Premier quit with the spin and with the memes and actually deliver cost-of-living relief for the people in this province?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, first and foremost when it comes to increases in the PST revenue, there’s more people living in the province of Saskatchewan consuming goods, paying for those goods across the board.

Mr. Speaker, today’s provincial sales tax at 6 per cent is a far cry from the 9 per cent it was under the members opposite. And most certainly as I have spoken to many times on the floor of this Assembly, it’s important for this government to stay focused on the $2 billion in affordability measures that are present in each and every budget, including the budget that was released and passed just this past 10 or 14 days ago, Mr. Speaker.

Those $2 billion are continuing, Mr. Speaker, in this year’s budget. They include removing 112,000 people off the tax rolls. They include a graduate retention program for our youth that are setting up, starting a career in Saskatchewan, and ultimately choosing a community on where they may be able to raise their family. They include supports for those that are living with autism, Mr. Speaker.

And they include many other supports for Saskatchewan families to ensure that as we see today in the budget documents, Mr. Speaker, that Saskatchewan cities, mainly Regina is one of the most affordable cities, if not the most affordable city, across all of the income metrics, Mr. Speaker, for a family to live in Canada.

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

Government’s Job Creation Record

Ms. Beck: — Well, Mr. Speaker, the people of this province know their budgets best, and they know that this tired and out-of-touch government is failing to deliver any relief when it comes to the cost of living. And this failure, Mr. Speaker, impacts every family in this province but none more so than the families who are losing their jobs.

Friday’s job numbers in this province showed that 6,000 — 6,000 — jobs were lost last month, and that means that this Premier continues to have the worst job creation record in the entire country. When will the Premier finally recognize that the people are struggling and when, Mr. Speaker, when will he actually do something about it?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, this is one of the most egregious cherry-picking of stats that I’ve seen on the floor of this legislature. Mr. Speaker, year over year, February to February, jobs in Saskatchewan up 10,500. 2023, Mr. Speaker, during the year of 2023 jobs up just under 20,000. Year before that, building on a 10,900 job increase in the province.

There are no job losses in the province of Saskatchewan. That’s why you’re going to see this province achieve 1.25 million people living in it just this year. It’s because they have moved here or stayed here because they have a job, Mr. Speaker.

[14:15]

And I would quote, Mr. Speaker, Jason Childs. He’s the economics professor right here in Regina. And he says, and I quote, “We have remarkably low unemployment and our labour force participating rates are pretty high, so it’s not like there are people sitting around saying, I need a job.” That’s Jason Childs, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, there are more jobs in this province today than there has ever been. There are more people living in Saskatchewan than there has ever been, Mr. Speaker, and it remains one of the most affordable places in Canada to raise your family.

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

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, I think that we hit a nerve. But while the Premier might not like it, facts are facts. And it’s a fact that 6,000 people lost their jobs last month in Saskatchewan.

Now he might have this part confused because what went up was the unemployment rate, while 3,800 people in this province left the labour force altogether. It’s a fact that that Premier has the worst job creation record in the country. Mr. Speaker, it’s time for a change.

When will the Premier finally accept any responsibility for his record of failure when it comes to creating more jobs and bigger paycheques for the people of this province?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Facts are facts, Mr. Speaker, and that is the third-lowest unemployment rate in the nation of Canada. Mr. Speaker, facts are facts. That is in the province where we have the fastest growing population since 1914 right here in Saskatchewan.

We have in this province the second-highest per capita number of jobs of any area in the nation of Canada, Mr. Speaker, and we remain one of the most affordable places to raise your family, to find a career, and ultimately to set down your roots.

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

Ms. A. Young: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s beautiful outside; I thought all the snowflakes had melted.

So let’s talk about the facts — 6,000 fewer jobs, unemployment up to 5.4 per cent, the labour force that has shrunk by 3,800 jobs. And it’s not just across the province that this Premier is failing to create jobs. He’s failing in his own backyard. In the P.A. and northern region, which includes the Premier’s hometown of Shellbrook, there are 4,100 fewer jobs since this time last year, 4,900 fewer jobs than when this Premier took office.

So, Mr. Speaker, what does the Premier have to say to his neighbours in his hometown when they ask why there are almost 5,000 fewer jobs than there were when Brad Wall was premier?

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

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Everybody in Saskatchewan knows that the number one economic challenge that we’re facing right now is a labour shortage. We hear it day after day and over and over again from our business community that they can’t find enough people to fill the jobs that are being created in our economy. And that’s a fact, Mr. Speaker.

Here’s what Deloitte had to say, an interesting report that just came out last week. And here’s what Deloitte had to say — and Deloitte doesn’t lie, Mr. Speaker — had to say in their April 2024 economic outlook:

The economy of Saskatchewan is poised for relatively strong performance this year compared to that of the rest of the country. We’re seeing strong investment in the province driven by sizable investments in its potash industry. Couple this strength with solid population gains, relatively low household debt burdens, and Saskatchewan’s economy is poised to grow.

Mr. Speaker, this is on top of leading the country in economic growth last year, poised to lead the country again in economic growth this year and the year following. That’s because we’re working with our business community to make sure that that environment exists for investment and job creation going forward.

The Speaker: — I would ask the Minister of Trade and Export Development . . . for the use of the word “lie.” You know very well you can’t do indirectly what you’re not allowed to do directly. Please stand up and withdraw and apologize.

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Withdraw and apologize.

The Speaker: — Stand up, please. Don’t slouch. Disrespect of the institution. Stand up.

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Withdraw and apologize.

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. That’s a remarkable level of confidence for a member whose own home community has lost 5,000 jobs — 5,000 fewer jobs in the Meadow Lake region than there were when this Premier came to office. And, Mr. Speaker, those are the facts.

And it’s not just the North; the Premier is also failing the South. And those are the facts. In the Swift Current and Moose Jaw area, Mr. Speaker, 800 jobs have been lost since this Premier came to office. Does the minister really think that losing 800 jobs over six years is a record to be proud of?

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

[Applause]

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Well thank you to colleagues, Mr. Speaker.

This is precisely why the NDP have zero credibility on the economy. This member stands up and says there have been 5,000 job losses in Meadow Lake, Mr. Speaker. The entire community of Meadow Lake has 5,000 people that live in it. And I can guarantee you, Mr. Speaker, the challenge that we have in Meadow Lake today is the fact that we don’t have enough people in our community to fill the jobs that are being created and that exist.

And the reason that we have jobs being created, Mr. Speaker, in our community and right across the entire province, is because we are exporting more than we ever have before — $50 billion in exports this year, $53 billion last year. In the highest year of the NDP government, there were $10 billion of exports from Saskatchewan, fifty . . .

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This Premier has the worst job creation record in Canada. Those are the facts. But it’s not just on the number of jobs where he’s failing; he’s also failing to create good jobs that pay the bills.

So let’s look at head offices in Saskatchewan. Just before the Premier came to office there were 85 head offices here, and since then we’ve lost six. That’s a decrease in 7 per cent. How is losing head offices in Saskatchewan growth that works for everyone?

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

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Well my colleague the Deputy House Leader just looked on SaskJobs right now. There are 13,401 jobs that are posted, Mr. Speaker. Those are good jobs that employers are looking to fill, and they are seeking employees to hire into those roles.

And, Mr. Speaker, the NDP can heckle and criticize and talk down the economy and attack our job creators all that they want, but the reality is the job creation record of this government has been remarkable. Over 100,000 jobs have been created over the course, Mr. Speaker, of the last 16 years.

And I will put that record every single day against that of the NDP, Mr. Speaker. Over their 16 years in office, how many jobs did they create? Zero. In fact not only did they not create zero, they lost jobs. They lost population. We’ll put our record of growing the population and growing jobs every single day of the week up against theirs.

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

Ms. A. Young: — Wow, Mr. Speaker. Spoken like a man who would stare directly into an eclipse. When those head offices close, Mr. Speaker, the people who work in them move elsewhere. The good-paying jobs in those head offices go with them.

So, Mr. Speaker, let’s look at that same period of time. Saskatchewan has lost 1,064 head office jobs under this Premier, a decrease of 17 per cent. None of those people are here in Saskatchewan — paying taxes, supporting local businesses, building their communities, putting their kids in our schools. And, Mr. Speaker, it does not have to be this way. We can do so much better than this tired and out-of-touch government. So when, Mr. Speaker, will the member for Meadow Lake face the music and admit that his job creation strategy just isn’t working?

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

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Well we are very happy to talk about head office jobs. And let’s talk about one company, Mr. Speaker, as far as head office jobs, for example. K+S Potash, a company that is now employing hundreds of people here in Saskatchewan, a company that has invested billions of dollars and is investing billions more into this province, Mr. Speaker, and a company, lo and behold, that had once actually had a head office in Saskatchewan.

Why did that change, Mr. Speaker? Because they nationalized the company and they fired all of the head office people and sent them back. That’s their record, Mr. Speaker. They might shake their head and say, oh well, you know, that was a previous NDP government.

Mr. Speaker, be under no illusion. If these members ever got the opportunity to govern again, you would see the same thing — attacks on the potash sector, attacks on our job creators, attacks on the major employers. We hear them talk about it every single day of the week. There should be no surprise what they’re going to do, Mr. Speaker. We’re going to continue to work to create jobs . . .

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

Contract Negotiations with Teachers and Funding for Education

Mr. Love: — Mr. Speaker, when we left the House just over a week ago, teachers were optimistic that they’d reach a deal with that minister on an accountability framework. All that minister had to do was get a deal signed and teachers would be back in classrooms. That’s what teachers wanted, that’s what students wanted, and that’s what parents wanted. But there’s no deal in sight.

Will that minister finally agree to get out of the way, commit to binding arbitration, and get a deal done?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s disappointing that this week we’re back to a situation where the STF leadership has declared job actions that do have significant impacts on students and families and teachers around our province, Mr. Speaker.

It’s disappointing that the STF decided to go back there because government is making every effort to get a deal done, Mr. Speaker. We’ve added significant increases to the school operating funding. We have a multi-year funding agreement with school divisions to ensure classroom supports funding is predictable over the next several years. We’ve offered a healthy salary increase. We’ve offered language around classroom safety, Mr. Speaker, and we’ve offered the ability for the union leadership to manage their own dental plan.

Government earnestly would like to get a deal done. It’s really hard to get a deal done, Mr. Speaker, though, when the union leadership is not at the bargaining table. And the teachers that I’ve spoken with this last week in my community, they want to get an agreement done. It’s time. It is time, Mr. Speaker, for people to reach out to the STF and ensure that they’re back at the bargaining table.

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

Mr. Love: — Mr. Speaker, the truth is that this minister’s offered teachers a pinky swear. And he should know that that counts for less than nothing for teachers in Saskatchewan, and that’s because the best predictor of future behaviour is past behaviour.

Teachers know there’s always a big difference between the Sask Party promises in an election year versus what’s actually in the budget after the ballots are counted. He’s lost all credibility. This tired and out-of-touch government has lost all credibility in education. When will that minister accept the consequences of his political games, commit to accountability, and get a deal done with teachers?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, if we want to talk about past history, let’s just take our multi-year funding agreement that this government has had for post-secondary institutions over the last several years, Mr. Speaker. Are the members opposite calling that a pinky swear? This government has delivered on that multi-year funding agreement. We actually, my colleague the Minister of Advanced Education just topped that up in the last budget to continue to support these institutions. That is what has been offered, Mr. Speaker, right here to the education sector.

When it comes to accountability, Mr. Speaker, we absolutely want teachers to have a voice in their school divisions in how those classroom supports funding are allocated. And, Mr. Speaker, I should let the House know that what has been offered to the union leadership is actually to put the accountability framework in legislation. But what did they say? They said no. This is a government that’s trying to get a deal done, making every effort, and it’s very disappointing to not have a willing partner at the bargaining table.

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

Mr. Love: — Mr. Speaker, that minister talks about record funding. Let’s look at the facts. Well that’s what the CFO [chief financial officer] of Holy Trinity School Division did. And in his words, “The math is a bit off.” This individual, this CFO did a report that takes down that Sask Party’s spin on education funding. He found that the government is 728 teachers short when it comes to keeping up with enrolment, 728 teachers shortchanged in our schools today, Mr. Speaker.

Why should Saskatchewan people believe that Minister of Education when CFOs of school divisions are pulling out the red pen on that minister’s homework?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — Mr. Speaker, the families of this province, the teachers of this province, the students in this province, both present and future, can count on this government to continue investing in education. Nine new schools in this year’s budget, two major renovations, two new minor capital projects in addition to the 15 major capital projects that we have right around the province corner to corner to corner, Mr. Speaker.

[14:30]

This is a government that recognizes that our province is growing faster than it has in over a century, Mr. Speaker. We’re responding to that with more capital projects in the education space, more school operating funding, Mr. Speaker. This is a government that has invested in education and is going to continue to do so. Thank you.

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

Emergency Hotel Stays Paid by Social Services

Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Question for the Minister of Social Services: when did he realize that not one but in fact two of the top utilized hotels by the Ministry of Social Services were connected to his officemate, the Sask Party member from Regina Northeast?

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Mr. Speaker, when the member brought that issue forward, when an individual came on the floor of the House Assembly. I don’t know the exact date but when that particular case was brought forward. But as a result of that and the issues that the member has brought up, I asked the ministry to take a look at how hotel usage and procurement is done in emergency situations. And those decisions are with the ministry and front-line third-party organizations such as Mobile Crisis who find places in emergency situations, Mr. Speaker.

We’ve looked at it. We’ve made some changes to procurement of hotels, Mr. Speaker. There’s also an RFP [request for proposal] process going under way. I want to make sure there’s good value for taxpayers but more importantly, ensuring that vulnerable clients have a safe place to stay, putting a roof over their head.

I know the member opposite wants to play politics, Mr. Speaker. I’m more focused on looking after vulnerable people here in our province.

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, the minister didn’t touch my question, but he said he will provide those numbers. So let’s talk about that. He said he will provide those numbers. When? If not today, when will we get the amount paid out to the Thriftlodge hotel going back six years?

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Mr. Speaker, I’m not sure if the member opposite was listening. I directly answered her initial question. But in terms of information . . . At the ministry, I appreciate the work those individuals have done. We’re a very busy ministry, Mr. Speaker, but on top of that, finding out that information. That information was provided to that member.

Subsequently, subsequently, subsequently there was more information asked for. I believe she has the information from the Thriftlodge for the most recent year. As for additional information, I’ve committed to providing that information in due course, Mr. Speaker, and that will be provided as I’ve committed.

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, the point is we had to fight tooth and nail months and months and months to get basic questions on the Sunrise Motel. So again the question was, when? Set a deadline. When will you provide those six numbers going back six years for the Thriftlodge motel?

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Mr. Speaker, I’ve committed to that member the information requested, and that will be in due course here. But as a result of those numbers and what the member opposite brought forward, the ministry’s made changes to the procurement of hotels when needed. We’ve done extensive investments in areas for individuals to be able to find a place to stay. In terms of emergency shelters, we’ve been able to expand that right across the province, Mr. Speaker, hopefully over time being able to reduce our reliance on hotels. But I think there still will be need for that into the future.

We have a new policy. We got rid of the NDP policy. The new policy we’re going to bring forward, there’s the RFP side in Regina and Saskatoon as well as the three-quote policy to ensure we’re getting the best deal, Mr. Speaker. Of course my focus in all this is we want to have a roof over the head . . .

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

Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Last week the coroner released updated overdose death statistics, and once again the numbers are staggering. Mr. Speaker, in the first three months of this year, 113 lives were lost due to overdose. That means that every day this year a family has had to hear the news that they’ve lost a loved one.

During the same week that these alarming numbers were released, we also learned that a vital community organization that saves lives has been forced to limit their hours due to this government’s choices.

Mr. Speaker, when will the minister realize that his decisions cost lives? When will we see an evidence-based plan to keep people alive?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government has a plan and that plan is focused on getting people the treatment that they need so that they can live healthy and safe lives in recovery. The question addresses Prairie Harm Reduction. Mr. Speaker, our government provides Prairie Harm Reduction with $2.2 million in supports every year and those supports are for outreach. Those supports are to connect individuals to the treatment that they need to help them live healthy lives in recovery.

Mr. Speaker, our plan does not allow room for crack pipes and for instructions on how to use crack pipes. That’s not the plan that our government is following. We’re following a plan that expands treatment spaces, that allows people to more easily access those treatment spaces, and that wraps supports around those individuals so that they can live healthy lives in recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

The Speaker: — I’d like to introduce a special guest. Seated in my gallery is the Hon. Don Toth, former Speaker and member for Moosomin. Don represented the constituency of Moosomin from 1986 to 2016 and served as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly from December 2007 to October 2011.

Alongside Don is Märt and Andrew Vähi, directors with Village of Hope. They operate a campus in Eston. I ask all members to welcome Don Toth and his guests, Märt and Andrew Vähi, to their Legislative Assembly.

I recognize the member from Moosomin.

Mr. Bonk: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join you in welcoming my predecessor, Don Toth, to the Legislative Assembly. Don, he’s been a Speaker of the Assembly here in Saskatchewan, long-serving MLA in Moosomin area, and according to his wife who I ran into in the grocery store the other day, the best MLA that Moosomin’s ever had.

He’s a man of strong faith and conviction, and we could all do well by following his example. I’d like the Assembly to welcome him to his Legislative Assembly.

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

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join with the member opposite and on behalf of the official opposition, and with you, Mr. Speaker, to welcome Don Toth back to his Assembly. I had the privilege of serving with Don and working with him. I guess it wasn’t always a privilege when he was in your Chair, Mr. Speaker. He was sometimes straightening us out as parliamentarians. But I tell you, Don, you don’t age. You’re looking good up there. Thank you for your service to your province. We wish you and Lois well. I continue to see his family around the hockey rink, Mr. Speaker, and the odd time I get to see Don and Lois as well. But again, on behalf of the official opposition, it’s a pleasure to welcome Don Toth to his Assembly.

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

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join with my fellow colleagues in welcoming these three individuals to the Legislative Assembly: of course no stranger to the House, as has been mentioned, Don Toth; but accompanying Don today is Bishop Märt Vähi and his son Reverend Andrew Vähi. Very pleased that they could be here. These individuals are the co-founders of Village of Hope, Mr. Speaker, and I’m looking forward to meeting with them after question period today to discuss further the great work that they’re doing. So if everyone could please join me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Ms. Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Point of order.

The Speaker: — State your point of order.

POINT OF ORDER

Hon. Ms. Carr: — Mr. Speaker, during question period, the member from Regina Lakeview and Leader of the Opposition said, and I quote, despite what the Premier would have you believe. Mr. Speaker, she was referring directly to the Premier. Mr. Speaker, this is a clear insinuation that she is saying the Premier is lying. I would ask that she apologize.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Opposition House Leader.

Ms. Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was listening to the Leader of the Opposition’s questions very carefully. I do believe it’s within the parliamentary language. I ask that you review the record and make a ruling.

The Speaker: — I will take it under advisement.

MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

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

Saskatchewan Refers Federal Energy Regulations to Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal

Hon. Ms. Eyre: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in December last year at COP 28 [Conference of the Parties 28] in Dubai, federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada Steven Guilbeault announced two interwoven initiatives that we believe will have a significant and harmful economic impact on the energy sector in this province: the federal oil and gas cap, which will enforce a national cap-and-trade emissions system; and announced at the same time new federal methane regulations known as methane 75, which will mandate the reduction of methane emissions by 75 per cent by 2030, along with federal fines and penalties.

Together, Mr. Speaker, these measures do constitute a production cap. They duplicate other punitive federal measures. They were imposed with no consultation — unless you count a “just to let you know” five-minute phone call — and are another example of gross federal overreach into provincial jurisdiction.

Constitutionally, Mr. Speaker, it is our position that the federal government can impose neither of these measures on Saskatchewan. Under section 92A of the Constitution Act, provinces have exclusive jurisdiction over natural resources and power generation. In the carbon tax reference case, the Supreme Court did not give the federal government free rein to legislate on all environmental matters. The Supreme Court did not give the federal government free rein to regulate specific provincial industries. And the federal government knows that, Mr. Speaker.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the application of the carbon tax was extremely narrow, on the very specific issue of minimum national standards of price stringency for emissions. And the Supreme Court emphasized that the peace, order, and good government power which the federal government relied on in that case is an exceptional one that should only be resorted to in extraordinary cases, not every set of regulations, Mr. Speaker, that come along. And remember, the Supreme Court was also completely split.

Since then we have seen growing momentum in the courts against federal violation of provincial jurisdiction, most notably in the Bill C‑69 case, where the Supreme Court agreed with the provinces. Since the carbon tax case we have also seen the Atlantic carve-out for home heating fuel, which flies in the face of any pretense at national standards, let alone the equal application of the law.

Mr. Speaker, today we announced that we will be referring the federal oil and gas cap and methane 75 to the independent Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal, which was established under The Saskatchewan First Act. We will, of course, await the tribunal’s findings, first on the clean electricity regulations — and we’ll get the report back on those next month — and also on this referral, which will come back to us in September.

Remember, these findings can be used as evidence in court. And make no mistake; we are laying the groundwork. We are gathering all facts, all evidence, and considering all options, both offensive — including simultaneous litigation against a number of federal measures — and defensive. On the defensive side, former Supreme Court justice John Major has explored the scenario whereby a province could simply refuse to implement measures that are adverse to it.

Rather than the provinces taking the federal government to court to challenge legislation which the provinces consider unconstitutional, Justice Major has written:

The onus should be reversed, and the federal government should have to bring the matter before the court. What is so terrible [he has written] about a province saying that if you want to impose that on us, you’d better be sure that you’re doing it constitutionally?

Certainly as the federal government attempts to pile on regulation after legislation after policy, the question always has to be top of mind: what is the economic analysis? What is the economic impact? The federal carbon tax, existing and proposed methane regulations, clean electricity regulations, clean fuel regulations, and the oil cap — they are all targeting the same industries in the same regions. They add uncertainty and they add significant new costs on energy production and products.

[14:45]

And when combined, these stacked regulatory regimes present a financial burden that will dramatically impact the competitiveness of Saskatchewan and Canadian industries.

The Speaker: — Five minutes is up. I recognize the member from Regina Douglas Park.

Ms. Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the opportunity to enter in on this ministerial statement, and I’d like to thank the minister for providing a copy of her statement in advance.

Now ultimately what this ministerial statement boils down to is the government is gathering evidence for an inevitable court challenge. Of course there’s a lot of jurisdictional questions when it comes to actions of the federal government right now into provincially regulated territory, Mr. Speaker. But as I’ve said before, when it comes to the economic assessment tribunal, although there’s great people that are working on that tribunal, again this is simply an exercise in gathering evidence for a court application. An economic tribunal is not necessarily needed for that sort of action.

If this government’s going to take them to court, the federal government to court, they should do that. Take them to court. Nothing extravagant about it, not really a need in my opinion for a ministerial statement, Mr. Speaker. We’ll see how the legal arguments advance, as I’m sure there will be other provinces who are also interested in entering into this.

I had other comments about the minister’s statement, but I think I will leave it at that then. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

Bill No. 160 — The Immigration Services Act

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

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — I move that Bill No. 160, The Immigration Services Act, be now introduced and read a first time.

The Speaker: — It has been moved by the minister that Bill No. 160 be now introduced and read a first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

The Speaker: — When shall the bill be read a second time? I recognize the minister.

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Next sitting.

The Speaker: — Next sitting.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

SECOND READINGS

Bill No. 156 — The Tobacco Tax Amendment Act, 2024

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to move second reading of Bill No. 156, The Tobacco Tax Amendment Act, 2024. This measure will help to combat flagrant abusers who are openly selling illicit tobacco with no recourse for their actions. These amendments will strengthen Saskatchewan’s ability to combat illicit tobacco and remain consistent with measures taken by other provinces.

Mr. Speaker, this bill introduces a requirement for tobacco retailers to be licensed to sell tobacco and to purchase tobacco from a licensed wholesaler. There is no cost for obtaining this licence.

The legislation includes two clarification amendments that will update the Ministry of Finance revenue division enforcement officer name to revenue investor, to better align with their responsibilities and to differentiate this group from traditional law enforcement personnel; add a definition of “person” to provide stakeholders a better understanding of who the tax applies to. In addition, the legislation includes a related amendment to The Fuel Tax and Road Use Charge Act to update the enforcement officer name to revenue investigator.

Mr. Speaker, I now move second reading of Bill No. 156, The Tobacco Tax Amendment Act, 2024.

The Speaker: — It has been moved that Bill No. 156 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina University.

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to see Bill 156, tobacco amendment Act, before the House today.

Having just heard the minister’s comments on this, hearing it’s intended to combat illicit tobacco sales and introduce a requirement for retailers to be licensed — something I only recently learned was not the case in Saskatchewan through the good work of the Provincial Auditor and the Public Accounts Committee — hearing the minister’s comments and recognizing some of the reports to that committee around the challenges that exist around enforcement currently, I’m interested to learn more about what this will actually look . . . having heard the comments about the changes to the fuel charge Act and some of the updating around names and titles.

With that, I look forward to learning more about this bill. And I know the critic will do good work engaging with stakeholders across the province. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I’ll move to adjourn debate.

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. 157 — The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2024

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to move second reading of Bill No. 157, The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2024. This legislation implements a tax initiative that was announced in the 2024‑25 budget. Mr. Speaker, the small-business tax rate reduction will be maintained at 1 per cent for another year to June 30th, 2025 to provide further support to small businesses and allow owners to reinvest in their businesses.

This will benefit small business in Saskatchewan with savings of 56 million in corporate income tax. In total, since the small-business rate was lowered in the fall of 2020, Saskatchewan small business will save an estimated 416 million in corporate income tax.

Also this initiative will result in Saskatchewan continuing to be tied for having the second-lowest small-business tax rate in Canada and, when combined with Saskatchewan small-business threshold of 600,000 — the highest in Canada — Saskatchewan’s tax environment will remain very competitive.

In addition, Mr. Speaker, we will be making a corresponding change to the dividend tax credit rate in response to changes to the small-business tax rate. This change will maintain integration between the corporate and personal income tax systems.

Mr. Speaker, I now move second reading of Bill No. 157, The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2024.

The Speaker: — It has been moved that Bill No. 157 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina University.

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Pleased to rise today and enter a few initial comments on Bill 157, the income tax assessment Act. Having heard the Finance minister’s comments about maintaining the small-business tax rate at 1 per cent, this is I think obviously news that came out of the budget but was welcomed by those in the small-business community, Mr. Speaker.

As we know, nearly 1,000 small businesses have closed in Saskatchewan in the past six years. Unfortunately just over 230 have closed so far this year, Mr. Speaker. Small businesses in Saskatchewan, especially those hardest hit by the pandemic, continue to struggle with a variety of factors ranging from, you know, the carbon tax to supply chains to challenges, Mr. Speaker, with some of the taxes and fees that have been applied to those hardest hit sectors emerging from the pandemic.

So certainly welcome news, Mr. Speaker, although I suppose the news being that we’re not increasing your taxes is perhaps not a peak good news story, although I recognize it’s not a bad news story.

Mr. Speaker, having heard some of the other changes, I know the critic will be digging into those, in particular the corresponding changes to the dividend rate and what the implications are for integration. But with that, Mr. Speaker, I’m happy to move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 157, The Income Tax Amendment 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. 158 — The Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive (Patent Box) Amendment Act, 2024

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

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — I’m pleased to rise today, and at the conclusion of my remarks I will be moving second reading of Bill 158, The Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive (Patent Box) Amendment Act, 2024.

This initiative is often referred to as the patent box program, or SCII [Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive]. The patent box program is intended to incentivize medium- and large-scale businesses to commercialize new products at scale. For a successful applicant, the program would reduce the provincial corporate income tax rate to 6 per cent for income generated in Saskatchewan for commercialized intellectual property.

The legislative change being brought forward today is to extend the life of the program by one year. This will enable applications to be submitted and accepted until June 30th, 2025. During this time, the Ministry of Trade and Export Development will undertake a program review in partnership with the Ministry of Finance during the 2025‑26 budget development process to inform future direction. This change creates no incremental costs to the government, as the program is refunding taxes that the Government of Saskatchewan otherwise would not have received.

Right now to be eligible, applicants must first complete a multi-stage application process that includes application for scientific eligibility, which is reviewed by the National Research Council to confirm the intellectual property is valid and unique; creation of a separate corporation to attract revenue from the unique intellectual property; economic eligibility application requiring the application to meet at least two economic benefit thresholds, such as capital expenditures of $10 million, research and development expenditures of $3 million, a minimum of 10 new employees, a corporate income tax revenue of 3.5 million, or a new benchmark pre-approved by the Ministry of Trade and Export Development.

Once the applicant demonstrates the required economic benefits to Saskatchewan, it would be issued a SCII certificate of eligibility, which can be seen as the final approval. The corporation can then submit the SCII certificate to the Ministry of Finance at a time of its choosing to begin claiming its 10‑ or 15‑year corporate income tax rebate benefit period. The 15‑year option is only available if 50 per cent or more of the research and development is completed in Saskatchewan.

The program’s current application process and eligibility requirements are complex, and our government wants to further support business to grow and take advantage of this incentive and thus will be undertaking the program review.

Mr. Speaker, I move second reading of Bill No. 158, The Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive (Patent Box) Amendment Act, 2024.

The Speaker: — It has been moved that Bill No. 158 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet to offer some initial comments on Bill No. 158, The Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive (Patent Box) Amendment Act, 2024. The minister responsible has provided an overview of this bill.

It is perhaps an important juncture to sort of emphasize the importance of incentivizing research. I know that NDP governments in this province have a strong legacy of offering support to research in technology, in science, in agriculture, which really demonstrate the commitment to research in these areas that might not have otherwise occurred but for that public support and how important that remains today.

The minister, as I said, provided an overview of this bill but this bill is actually quite short. It’s quite limited. It’s pretty much one line. And it really just adds an additional year for folks to apply for the tax credit in question. The bill itself amends seven years and substitutes it for eight years.

Now while this credit is a good idea in theory, to our knowledge no one has actually claimed it, or very few have actually claimed it. So again what we continue to see from this Sask Party government is a lot of talk, a lot of window dressing about their support for certain sectors or their support for certain initiatives, but of course when you look beyond the rhetoric, very little of substance being offered to folks out there in need of assistance and support.

But of course we do have some amazing talent in this province doing good things. A lot of these need to be nurtured and perhaps, you know, this will increase the uptake on this tax credit. I worry that if folks are not claiming it now, the issue is not the time limit, and adding one year will not make the difference. This government needs to roll up their sleeves and do a little bit more work to see how they can actually support these efforts and this sector.

So with that I’m looking forward to hearing from the critic in this area and of course the comments of my colleagues. And I would move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 158.

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. 159 — The Revenue and Financial Services Amendment Act, 2024

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

[15:00]

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to move second reading of Bill No. 159, The Revenue and Financial Services Amendment Act, 2024. These amendments implement measures to combat flagrant abusers who avoid paying the consumption taxes they have collected from consumers but refuse to remit. The changes contained in this bill, along with proposed changes to The Tobacco Tax Act and associated regulations, are expected to generate incremental annual tax revenue of about 50 to $60 million once fully implemented.

To implement this initiative, specific amendments to the revenue financial services Act are required to: enhance collection powers to collect from individuals and businesses who are trying to shield themselves from collection actions, enhance penalties to increase compliance, prevent tax avoidance, and clarify obligations and simplify language to reduce opportunities for clients to behave in ways that are unintended by legislation.

The legislation includes consequential amendments to import an immunity provision from several associated revenue statutes into The Revenue and Financial Services Act. These changes are to come into force October 1st, 2024 unless otherwise noted.

I now move second reading of Bill No. 159, The Revenue and Financial Services Amendment Act, 2024.

The Speaker: — It has been moved that Bill No. 159 be now read a second time. Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre.

Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pleasure to be on my feet to offer some initial comments on Bill 159, The Revenue and Financial Services Amendment Act, 2024. Just a bit by way of a summary in terms of some of the highlights in this bill: if a corporation doesn’t pay its taxes the directors at the time are liable, together with the corporation, for repayment; under this bill the statute of limitations for pursuing a corporation for that purpose is upped from two to four years.

I believe the penalties are being altered from nonpayment. A 500 cap has been changed to 10 per cent of the overall sum. So if it’s higher than 500 that will be changed. A $50 fine for not paying, a $100 fine for filing incorrectly, a $500 fine for failing to produce documents. One sort of concern there, Mr. Speaker, is just an initial question, is why the fine for not filing is lower than the fine for filing incorrectly. It seems to incentivize not filing at all, but I’m sure the critic will have questions for the minister on that.

In general, Mr. Speaker, I can say that the official opposition fully supports pursuing accountability around collecting taxes from corporations, pursuing corporations who are not paying their fair share, and strong recourse options to ensure compliance, and pursuing corporate tax evaders. Whether the methods outlined in this bill are up to the task and are sufficient, I know our critic will be delving into that.

So another initial question just on reviewing the bill, Mr. Speaker, is, there is a provision that bars freedom of information for audited reports, and I question why an individual wouldn’t be able to pursue that FOI [freedom of information] much like requesting their own medical records. But again, I know that the critic will have questions, will review this closely, and will bring those questions to committee after we have some general comments from the official opposition on this piece of legislation.

So with that I would move to adjourn debate on Bill No. 159.

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: — In order to facilitate the work of committee this afternoon and this evening, 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 stands adjourned until 1:30 tomorrow.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:04.]

Published under the authority of the Hon. Randy Weekes, Speaker

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