CONTENTS
Government Commits to
Funding Additional RCMP Officers
Royal Canadian Air
Force Celebrates 100 Years of Service
Saskatchewan Science
Centre Hosts Discovery Week as Part of 35th Anniversary Celebration
Call for Increased
Access to Fertility Care
SaskTel’s Rural Fibre
Initiative Continues to Improve Connectivity
Kelliher School Hosts
Agriculture Day for Students
Opposition Relationship
with Federal Parties
Cost of Living and
Affordability Measures
Health Care Staffing
and Provision of Pediatric Care
Minister of Education
and Support for the Education Sector
Overdose Deaths and
Treatment for Addictions
PRESENTING REPORTS BY
STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES
Standing Committee on
Human Services
FOURTH
SESSION — TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE
of
the
Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan
DEBATES
AND PROCEEDINGS
(HANSARD)
N.S. Vol. 65 No. 52A Wednesday,
April 24, 2024, 13:30
[Prayers]
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Crown
Investments Corporation.
Hon. Mr. Duncan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker,
to you and through you to all members of the Legislative Assembly, I’m pleased
to welcome 20 public service employees that are seated in your gallery. They’re
here as a part of the parliamentary program for the public service. They’ve had
an opportunity to tour the building and they’ll be meeting with various
officials, I believe, with your office, yourself. And members of the government
and the opposition will have an opportunity to meet with them this afternoon.
Participants
today come from the ministries of Energy and Resources, Government Relations,
Health, the Public Service Commission, SaskBuilds and Procurement, Social
Services, and the Legislative Assembly Service. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that
all members would not only join with me in welcoming them to their Legislative
Assembly but thanking them for the work that they do each and every day to
provide services to the people of this province. And so with that I’d ask all
members to help me in welcoming them to their Assembly.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from
Saskatoon Meewasin.
Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To
you and through you, I’d like to join with the minister and join in welcoming
these fine public servants to their Legislative Assembly as they take in the
parliamentary program today. I just want to say thank you so much to those
folks for all the work that you do keeping our province running every single day.
And I look so forward to joining with the minister and hearing all of the
thoughtful questions that you have for us and give you an overview about what
life looks like as an opposition MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly].
So
with that, I’d like to ask that all members welcome these public servants to
their Legislative Assembly.
And
while I’m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, I’d also like to make an introduction of
someone who is no stranger to the Saskatchewan legislature. In my capacity as
the official opposition critic for Parks, Culture and Sport, I would like to
introduce and welcome one Don Young up in the galleries here today.
Don
is currently serving as the executive director of the Cathedral Arts Festival,
and he has taken it upon in his role to ensure that the Cathedral Arts Festival
is authentically engaging with the community stakeholders that we have here in
Regina, including the Indigenous community, the newcomer community, and the
small businesses that are so important to our Cathedral neighbourhood, Mr.
Speaker. And so I just want to thank him for that important work.
And
I won’t keep you long, but you know, he’s also just a fantastic door knocker,
Mr. Speaker. And another time, I will regale our story of being out at minus
30, minus 45, trying to get these two gentlemen elected. Of course we didn’t
get to too, too many doors that day, but it was certainly a good time. And I’ve
appreciated getting to know him, and sitting with my seatmate here, his
daughter. And so, Mr. Speaker, with that, I would like to ask all members to
join me in welcoming Don Young to his Legislative Assembly.
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Parks,
Culture and youth.
Hon. Ms. L. Ross: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I
ask leave for an extended introduction.
The Speaker: — The minister has asked for an
extended introduction. Is leave granted?
Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.
The Speaker: — Carried.
Hon. Ms. L. Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and
through you, it is my pleasure to introduce three guests seated in the west
gallery from the Saskatchewan Science Centre. Joining us today is Saskatchewan
Science Centre CEO [chief executive officer] Sandy Baumgartner. Sandy, give us
a wave. Sandy is an advocate for curiosity with more than 30 years of
experience in the non-profit science-based education sector. We’re very lucky
to have her at our Science Centre since 2008.
And
joining Sandy are two board members: Dawn Pratt, a resident of Saskatoon and a
member of the Muscowpetung Nation — Dawn has a master’s degree in science and
is an expert on Indigenous STEM [science, technology, engineering, and math]
education; give us a wave, Dawn — and Charles-Henri Warren, who represents our
government on the board. Charles is executive director of the francophonie
affairs with the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, which includes the
French-language service centre.
These
guests are joining us to help celebrate Discovery Week in Saskatchewan and the
35th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Science Centre. The Saskatchewan Science
Centre opened on April 25th, 1989 and has since inspired joy and learning
across our province.
Mr.
Speaker, I want to thank Sandy, Dawn, and Charles and the Science Centre staff
and the board for the amazing job they do in creating curiosity in science,
technology for people of all ages within our community. Thank you so much, Mr.
Speaker.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from
Saskatoon Meewasin.
Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Again to you and through you, I would like to join with the Minister of Parks,
Culture and Sport as the opposition critic for Parks, Culture and Sport and
welcome these very important guests to their Legislative Assembly.
I
would like to welcome CEO Sandy Baumgartner, board members Dawn Pratt and
Charles-Henri Warren. And I just want to thank you all so much for the work
that you do at the Saskatchewan Science Centre.
As
a Saskatoon-born lad, the Saskatchewan Science Centre is a somewhat new
experience for me. I showed up just the other day for the eclipse, thinking
that there might be some action happening there, and I was at the wrong
location, confusing our . . . the museum. Or no, I think, sorry, I
showed up at the RSM [Royal Saskatchewan Museum], not at the Science Centre
which I was supposed to show up at, because I need to get my Regina locations
under control.
But
I just want to thank you all so much for the work that you do every day
providing something that is so valuable to the Regina community. And
congratulations as you celebrate Discovery Week and your 35th anniversary,
opening in 1989. It is such an accomplishment and I just hope that you will
have another 35 years of success forward.
So
at this time I would ask all members to join me in welcoming these folks to
their Legislative Assembly.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from
Saskatoon Southeast.
Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would 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. Mr. Morgan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Seated in
your gallery is Alan Hustak, who is a guest today of myself, the member from
Indian Head-Milestone, and Last Mountain-Touchwood. Alan is currently the
display curator at the Fort Qu’Appelle Heritage Museum, but he is also — and
probably of more interest to the members here — a contributing editor for the Fort
Qu’Appelle Times, which is one of the Grasslands News chain.
I
first met Mr. Hustak when he was a newscaster at CFQC news in Saskatoon. We had
both volunteered for plays being done in Castle Theatre. I would point out that
at that time I was a volunteer and I was not old enough to drive, so it was
some time ago. In 1967 he went to the Montreal Expo for the weekend and he
stayed for some 50 years. During that time he wrote 17 books, including one on
Peter Lougheed. He also knew John Diefenbaker. He wrote about Premier Ross
Thatcher and a number of other things.
Seven
or eight years ago he came back to Fort Qu’Appelle to deal with his mother’s
estate, something which should ordinarily take a month or a few weeks. He’s
been here for seven or eight years and is not done yet. Mr. Speaker, I want to
welcome him back to Saskatchewan even though he’s been here for some years.
One
of the reasons why I wanted to do the introduction is that he is now 80 years
old, which makes him one of the very few citizens who is actually older than I
am. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all members of the Assembly welcome Alan
Hustak to his Assembly.
The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the
Opposition.
Ms. Beck: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like
to join with the much older minister opposite and welcome Alan, who I can’t
quite see there, to his Legislative Assembly.
One
of the first interviews I believe that I gave after becoming the leader was
with Alan, and I wasn’t sure quite what to expect. I was out in Southey and we
went out back and he had the tape recorder there. He asked me some very
difficult questions. I felt like I was being assessed up and down. And then
when I found out that he’d written 17 books and had met with so many
distinguished leaders from across the country, Mr. Speaker, I’m glad I didn’t
know that going in. I would have been much more intimidated.
But
Alan is someone who has — even with the absence from this province — a great
love of the province, a great love of the communities that he serves, and he
does so covering local events and politics with such flair and with such skill.
We are indeed very lucky, although sad the circumstances to have drawn him back
to our province, and I would like all members to join with me in welcoming Alan
to his Legislative Assembly.
The
Speaker:
— I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.
Hon. Mr. Marit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sitting in
the west gallery, I’d like to introduce Regina Kowalsky, Kristen Ferguson — I’m
trying to keep everybody right here — and Renee Klein, and of course my chief
of staff, James Cherewyk.
Renee
has just joined our staff last week in the role of senior administrator. And
next to her, Kristen will be leaving us next week as she has accepted a
position outside of the building. And last but definitely not least, my current
senior admin is Regina Kowalsky, who will be leaving us next week as she has
decided to take on a new role called motherhood.
So
I’d like everybody to please welcome my team to the building and wish them well
in their new careers. Thank you.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Coronation Park.
Mr. Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker,
to you and through you, I would welcome 41 students from Harvest City Christian
Academy from Regina Coronation Park. They are sitting in the east gallery,
incredible students. Mr. Speaker, this group of students are accompanied by
their teachers, great teachers, Ms. Willow Yemba and Ms. Cook. Thank you very
much for bringing this class to their Legislative Assembly.
Mr.
Speaker, I have a special and a very great memory with this school. When I was
doing my driver education training, I did a practicum at a very great school,
Harvest City Christian Academy. It is one of the fastest growing, diverse
schools in our constituency.
I
will meet with these students after question period to take their hard and
smart questions, and I will request all members in this Assembly to join me and
give a warm welcome to our future faces to their Legislative Assembly. Thank
you.
The
Speaker:
— I recognize the member from Yorkton.
Mr. Ottenbreit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know,
it’s always an honour to introduce guests to this Legislative Assembly, and
some days are just a little bit more special.
Today
in the west gallery I’d like to introduce to the Assembly, Pastor Kevin and
Rachelle Sawatsky, good friends from Yorkton. We’ve been friends for over 10
years. In fact Rachelle’s actually worked in our Yorkton constituency office
over 10 years as well. Again great friends, they run the DreamCentre in
Yorkton. That’s a great outreach for young families there.
And
it’s only fitting that they’d be here on administrators’ appreciation day, for
all the work that Rachelle does in the office to keep me on the straight and
level. But also she just convocated with her master’s in counselling, which
also comes in handy dealing with me many days.
So
I ask all members to welcome my good friends, my constituency assistant, Rachelle
Sawatsky, and Kevin to their Legislative Assembly.
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Rural
and Remote Health.
Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to
present the following petition to the Legislative Assembly.
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.
The
undersigned are residents of Martensville and Warman. I do so present.
[13:45]
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 Truth and
Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action no. 47 has called on
all levels of government including provincial governments to reform laws,
policies, and strategies that rely on the outdated and backwards principle of
European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands; the Sask Party
government 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; and that Saskatchewan needs
legislation to ensure provincial duty-to-consult is fulfilled and is carried
out with the honour of the Crown.
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 Prince Albert. I do so present.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Coronation Park.
Mr. Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to
present a petition to the Legislative Assembly to address the affordability
crisis.
We,
the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to
your attention the following: that inflation is the highest it has been more in
three decades; that according to Angus Reid, 84 per cent of Saskatchewan people
are feeling stressed about money, highest such rate of inflation, financial
insecurity in Canada; that half of Saskatchewan residents were living paycheque
to paycheque before transportation and food costs skyrocketed in 2022; that the
Sask Party government power, PST, and tax hikes makes life more expensive.
While other provinces acted, the Sask Party continue to ignore the opposition’s
calls for gas relief.
We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request
the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to call on the Government of
Saskatchewan to meaningfully address the affordability crisis in Saskatchewan.
The
signatories of this petition reside in Regina, Saskatchewan. 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 a petition calling on the
Government of Saskatchewan to protect the Duncairn Reservoir Migratory Bird
Sanctuary from expansion of irrigation.
The
undersigned residents would like to bring to our 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
allocation since 1981 due to supply constraints in the Southwest; that the
Duncairn Reservoir was designated a migratory bird sanctuary in 1948, covered
by the migratory bird conservation Act, protecting migratory birds, their
nests, and the management of those areas; and that the Provincial Auditor has
pointed out that the Water Security Agency has not taken sufficient steps to
monitor and enforce licensed water uses; that the proposed expansion of
irrigation would pose a significant threat to the fish and migratory birds.
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 protect the Duncairn Reservoir Migratory Bird Sanctuary from
any proposed expansion of irrigation.
Mr.
Speaker, the signatories today reside in Val Marie and Swift Current. I do so
present.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Douglas Park.
Ms. Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today
to present a petition calling for the government to improve 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 to minimum wage,
Saskatchewan’s minimum wage remains the lowest in the country.
Mr.
Speaker, in addition, the official opposition has twice introduced paid sick
leave legislation calling for a minimum of 10 paid sick days. And it’s
well-known now that paid sick leave has been proven to save employers money
while making workplaces healthier and safer for all workers. Mr. Speaker, it’s
very sad to say that 71 per cent of workers in Canada have experienced
workplace violence and/or harassment, and so much more needs to be done to
ensure that workplaces in Saskatchewan are harassment free.
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.
Mr.
Speaker, all these provisions can be found in our private member’s bill, Bill
613. We do hope the government passes that before the end of this session.
Those who signed this petition come from Sturgis and Foam Lake. I do so
present.
The
Speaker:
— I recognize the member from Athabasca.
Mr. Lemaigre: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister
of Finance has provided Assistant Commissioner Blackmore of the RCMP [Royal
Canadian Mounted Police] with a letter outlining our commitment for additional
funding for officers.
Recently
at SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] convention, Assistant
Commissioner Blackmore quoted, saying “The letter of commitment to funding is a
game changer for us.”
Should
RCMP “F” Division be able to provide more officers to Saskatchewan, our
government will immediately fund them. The letter indicated 7.7 million
has been set for 50 officers in the first year and is set to increase as
officers begin working here in the province. However we will fund as many
officers as Assistant Commissioner Blackmore can bring in.
This
is in addition to the 228 million for the RCMP in the 2024‑25
budget, and we are providing $21.6 million for the RCMP’s First Nation
policing program. Mr. Speaker, this will enhance community outreach and safety
in the North and in our urban centres. Staff Sergeant Morgan Buckingham, the
director of Prairie region of the National Police Federation said, “Our members
will be properly resourced, which will translate to safer communities for
Saskatchewan.”
On
behalf of the Legislative Assembly, thank you to our dedicated RCMP officers
who help keep our communities safe. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Lakeview.
Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, 100 years ago this
April the Royal Canadian Air Force was formed and in the 100 years since, the
women and men of the RCAF [Royal Canadian Air Force] have served all Canadians
with distinction. And this century of history is also Saskatchewan history.
From the British Commonwealth air training plan in the Second World War through
to the present day, Saskatchewan has played a central role in pilot training
and in air force operations.
Earlier
this year I had the great privilege to tour 15 Wing just south of Moose Jaw,
where I had the opportunity to meet with the wing commander, Colonel Daniel
Coutts, and the base chief, Chief Warrant Officer Rachel Fox. And I had the
tremendous honour to sit in the cockpit of a Snowbirds jet with Regina native
and then commanding officer of the Snowbirds, Lieutenant-Colonel Denis Bandet.
Getting to meet the people who are working each and every day to train the next
generation of pilots for Canada, seeing their simulators and the aircraft up
close, well, Mr. Speaker, it was a special day to say the least.
And
I ask all members to join me in marking the centennial of the Royal Canadian
Air Force and thanking all air force members, veterans, and their families for
the sacrifices they make each and every day for all Canadians. Thank you.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Pasqua.
Mr. Fiaz: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. April 22 to
28 is Discovery Week in Saskatchewan. This week offers the chance to ignite
scientific curiosity and discovery in Saskatchewan in celebration of the 35th
anniversary of Saskatchewan Science Centre. Our Science Centre is one of the
largest family tourist attractions in the province, bolstering our economy in
addition to offering year-round educational programming.
The
centre is a non-profit educational facility that was created by a visionary
group of women who was part of the Junior Service League in 1978. These women
recognized the need for public awareness and understanding of science and
technology, and their passion is kept alive by the Science Centre’s staff
today.
To
celebrate this anniversary and in recognition of Discovery Week, the Science
Centre will be hosting events, activities, and programming from the archives.
The public is encouraged to participate by visiting the Science Centre during
its regular operating hours or at Adult Science Night on April 25th.
This
government proudly provides 620,000 annually to support operation costs of the
Saskatchewan Science Centre, and we are so thankful for the work they do in our
province. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our government, I wish the Science Centre a
happy 35th anniversary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
University.
Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
This week is Canadian fertility week, and during this time we raise awareness
about the diverse paths to parenthood and advocate for equitable access to
fertility treatments. With British Columbia now moving to cover up to one round
of IVF [in vitro fertilization] treatments, Saskatchewan remains only one of
two provinces with no support for those struggling.
Mr.
Speaker, I want to make it known that one in six people will struggle with
fertility, and that IVF treatments can be prohibitively expensive, with
Fertility Matters indicating that a cycle can cost upwards of $20,000. Mr.
Speaker, the cost of paying for these treatments damages the financial health
of families, their ability to invest in their homes, communities, and
retirement, which is to say nothing about the mental and emotional toll it
takes on individuals.
For
members of the 2SLGBTIA+ [two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
intersex, asexual plus] community and single individuals, fertility care may be
the only means to recognize a dream of parenthood, and that increasing
Saskatchewan’s fertility rate will increase our economic health and our
outlook, and that provinces like Quebec, with comprehensive childcare and
fertility care, see measurable economic positives.
So
this week, Mr. Speaker, I reiterate my call on the government to support
Saskatchewan families by providing fertility care. Since 2020 we’ve actively
been presenting petitions and working with advocates to push for this critical
support. Mr. Speaker, this week and all weeks, let’s continue our efforts to
ensure that all Saskatchewan people have access to the fertility care that they
need here at home.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from
Saskatoon Westview.
Mr. Buckingham: — It’s another great day in
Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. Last week SaskTel announced phase 7 of their
multi-year rural fibre initiative. SaskTel is investing another 80 million
for phase 7 of this project. This will bring high-speed internet to Saskatchewan
residents right across our province, serving most communities with over 300
residents.
Being
connected to the internet with lightning-fast download and upload speeds is not
just a luxury but important in our daily lives. This investment will help grow
business right across our province. The possibilities are endless, Mr. Speaker,
when you are connected to the outside world. This will expand access to
leading-edge broadband technology and is critical in preparing Saskatchewan for
its future.
Mr.
Speaker, phase 7 will bring high-speed fibre internet to an additional 61
communities. From Waskesiu to Whitewood and Good Spirit to Glaslyn, this
network will criss-cross Saskatchewan, connecting us like never before. Mr.
Speaker, when complete SaskTel will have invested over 1 billion to bring
high-speed internet to 85 per cent of Saskatchewan residents via the rural
broadband initiative.
Mr.
Speaker, bringing high-speed internet to 85 per cent of Saskatchewan is an
important milestone and a great investment into our future. Thank you, Mr.
Speaker.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Last
Mountain-Touchwood.
Mr. Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday
Kelliher School organized Agriculture Day with the help of grade 11/12 teacher,
Mrs. Bailie Shindle. Students from Lipton School were also invited to attend
and take part in this exciting learning opportunity.
Special
guests, including the Minister of Agriculture, attended the event. Students
explored over 30 agriculture-related stations hosted by producers and
organizations that presented information about their contributions to the
agriculture industry in Saskatchewan.
Generous
community members and businesses attended, including Canada Malting, ProSoils,
Richardson Pioneer, Eskdale Seeds, Tee Two Land & Cattle Co., and many,
many more. Thanks to Dairy Queen and Valley Bake Shop for providing breakfast,
snack, and lunch.
Mr.
Speaker, I’d like to talk about Mrs. Bailie Shindle. Bailie was raised in
Lloydminster and considered herself a city girl until she met a remarkable
farmer who grew up near Dysart. Despite having little knowledge about
Saskatchewan agriculture at the time, Bailie fully embraced farm life and
educated herself about agriculture. Now not only has she started teaching
agriculture in a classroom, but she also took on the challenge of organizing Ag
Day, and what a phenomenal job she did.
Thank
you to Principal Miranda Wenc and all the staff at Kelliher and Lipton schools.
Thank them for the fantastic work they did on that day and each and every day.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from
Lloydminster.
Ms. C. Young: — Mr. Speaker, the NDP likes to quote
from Angus Reid polls. Well, guess what? There’s a new Angus Reid poll out just
this morning. It says Justin Trudeau is at 78 per cent disapproval in
Saskatchewan. And Jagmeet Singh is at 70 per cent disapproval. So what did the
NDP leader do last week? She flew to Ottawa to attend the Trudeau-Singh
campaign school.
[14:00]
Mr.
Speaker, it just proves the NDP is not on Saskatchewan’s side. But they are on
the side of the Trudeau carbon tax. They are on the side of high inflation.
They are on the side of shutting down our resource sector and killing thousands
of jobs in Saskatchewan, and they are on the side of Trudeau and Singh. It’s no
wonder the NDP are Trudeau’s choice for Saskatchewan.
Mr.
Speaker, the NDP can be on Trudeau and Singh’s side if they want, but the
Saskatchewan Party will always be on Saskatchewan’s side.
The Speaker: — I
recognize the Leader of the Opposition.
Ms.
Beck:
— Mr. Speaker, this tired and out-of-touch government has lost the plot, Mr.
Speaker. They’re more focused on photoshopped photos of meetings that didn’t
happen than they are on actually taking care of the things that matter to
people. Things, Mr. Speaker, like health care and education and the cost of living.
Now the Premier has the power to offer
families relief today if you want it, Mr. Speaker. The question is, why is he
choosing not to? Why won’t he give Saskatchewan families a break at the pump?
The
Speaker:
— I recognize the Premier.
Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, as I’ve said many times
on the floor of this Assembly, there’s $2 billion in each and every
budget, and those remained in this budget that was introduced a couple of weeks
ago by this Deputy Premier, our Deputy Premier, the Minister of Finance, Mr.
Speaker.
Included
in those affordability measures are measures that have increased the number at
the level of income at where we pay income tax in Saskatchewan — over $20,000
higher than in Manitoba — removing 112,000 people from the tax rolls, many of
them low-income people, Mr. Speaker. And I would say that that matters in the
affordability matrix of people in this province, Mr. Speaker.
Certainly
what we won’t do, Mr. Speaker, and what we won’t do is support the Trudeau
government like the NDP do on the number of policies that they have brought
forward that are increasing the inflationary pressures for not only
Saskatchewan but Canadian families, Mr. Speaker. We will not attend a Trudeau
campaign school to ensure that Mr. Trudeau can stay in power to enact more of
those policies that are quite frankly hurting Saskatchewan and Canadian
families, Mr. Speaker.
And
so it is only due to the strength of a strong and growing and prosperous
economy that we are able to keep those affordability measures in place here in
Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. I’m happy to say with some news releases today that
the strength of that economy is really showing through comparatively to other
areas of the nation.
The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the
Opposition.
Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, the Premier’s
desperation continues to show. And no wonder, because this tired and
out-of-touch government is failing to deliver on the cost of living, Mr. Speaker,
and they’re also failing to deliver when it comes to health care.
Now
today, Mr. Speaker, we’re joined by the Weber family. Zach is 15 years old and
he has a chronic immune condition in his esophagus that causes inflammation and
constriction in his throat. And like many kids in this province, he needs to
travel out of province to get the treatment that he needs from a pediatric
gastroenterologist, or a pediatric GI. Again, Mr. Speaker, this family has to
fly to Toronto to get the care that should be available here in Saskatchewan.
What
does the Premier have to say to this family about the ongoing shortage of
pediatric GIs in our province?
The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.
Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, I would welcome the
Weber family, Zach and his family, to their Legislative Assembly, Mr. Speaker.
And I’m certain that the Minister of Health would be happy to sit down with
them and discuss their specific situation, Mr. Speaker. And if there is
anything, links that he can make within the Saskatchewan Health Authority to
help out that situation, I know that he’d be more than willing to create those
avenues, Mr. Speaker.
We
have a long-standing, Saskatchewan has long-standing agreements with many other
provinces for services that may not be available on a temporary or permanent
basis here in the province, that we have agreements with other provinces where
we will compensate those provinces for the services, Mr. Speaker.
What
we have done over the last number of years is expand those number of services.
In particular, pediatric services are offered at the Jim Pattison Children’s
Hospital, Mr. Speaker, which is a good environment to attract physicians into
with their association with the College of Medicine, Mr. Speaker, and the
research opportunities that are there.
However
when it comes to pediatric GIs, Mr. Speaker, the Saskatchewan Health Authority
through the HHR plan, the health human resources plan that we have, is working
very hard to recruit three pediatric GIs into the province, Mr. Speaker. My
understanding is they have two that are very close to finalizing some
contracts, Mr. Speaker. And it would be our hope that they would be offering
services within the province, Mr. Speaker, sooner rather than later.
The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the
Opposition.
Ms. Beck: — Saskatchewan people, Saskatchewan
children should be able to get health care in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. It’s
as simple as that. And this Premier’s failure to hire and keep health care
workers in our province is driving more people away. The last pediatric GI
closed their practice in 2023, leaving families like Zach’s without access to
care. And again they’re now forced to fly to Toronto to access care that should
be available here at home.
Is
it okay with the Premier in any way that this family is forced to spend
thousands of dollars to fly out of province when we have a children’s hospital
in Saskatoon that isn’t being fully staffed?
The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.
Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, no. Most certainly
that’s why we’ve invested and invested heavily in a health human resources plan
here, Mr. Speaker, that is bringing physicians, nurses, medical professionals
to communities right across this province. And yes, is active in recruiting
specialists, not only to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, Mr. Speaker, but
to other major urban centres as well, Mr. Speaker.
I
failed to mention in my first comments that in addition to the Saskatchewan
Health Authority being very close to finalizing two of these contracts and
working hard to find and recruit a third pediatric GI to the province so that
we can offer those services in Saskatchewan, what they have done in the
meantime, Mr. Speaker, the interim time, is they’ve secured a rotation locum
pediatric GI, a specialist that is on a rotational basis tending to a number of
cases here in Saskatchewan.
I
know the Minister of Health can have more detailed information on this in a
subsequent meeting with Zach and his family, Mr. Speaker. But most certainly it
is the intent of this government — and it’s why we’re making the investments —
to ensure that we have pediatric GIs to offer those services to families like
Zach’s, Mr. Speaker, for years into the future.
The Speaker: — I recognize the Leader of the Opposition.
Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, I’m not sure the
Premier understands the timeline here. Since that human resources plan has been
in place, we’ve lost two pediatric GIs and have none in the province right now.
But this isn’t just a health care issue, Mr. Speaker, it’s also a
cost-of-living issue. Zach’s family has applied to Telemiracle and to Hope Air
to cover some of the costs. And they’re thankful for that support, but they’re
left paying out of pocket, Mr. Speaker, for the rest.
Now
the Premier likes to talk about how affordable life is here in Saskatchewan
under the Sask Party. What does the Premier have to say to Zach’s family who
are paying thousands to access health care in Toronto that should be available
here in Saskatchewan?
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.
Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And welcome
Zach and his family to their Legislative Assembly here this afternoon. I have a
received an email from Zach and his mom and dad, Alyssa and Marc, and I have
read through that to better understand his circumstances and their
circumstances. And I’d be very pleased to meet with the family here after the
proceedings today to talk further about Zach’s case, Mr. Speaker.
As
the Premier mentioned, this is a priority for us as a government. We are
working very hard through the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority], through the
new health recruitment agency as well, using every avenue we have to try to
secure a pediatric gastroenterologist here for our province.
This
is a subspecialty that is in great demand, not just here in Saskatchewan but
across Canada. And I have asked our teams to make sure that we put our
absolutely best foot forward when it comes to making sure that we have salaries
and benefits and incentives to attract those specialists here that we need and
to make sure that we have a fully staffed pediatric gastroenterology program at
the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital as soon as possible, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Walsh Acres.
Mr.
Clarke:
— Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Webers leave for Toronto — their second trip
there — on May 7th, and they don’t know what to expect when they get there. All
that they know is that Zachary is going to eventually need surgery. It could be
this visit, or they could be sent home and told to make a third trip to
Toronto.
They’ve
exhausted Telemiracle, Hope Air, and frankly a family shouldn’t have to
crowdsource so that their sick kid can get health care. Will the minister work
with the Webers and ensure that Zachary gets the health care he needs?
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.
Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I will
sit down and meet with the family after the proceedings here today to talk
about their journey so far when it comes to Zach’s medical care and the care
that he requires for his quality of life, Mr. Speaker.
We’ll
have a look at everything that’s been covered thus far, either through
provincial government programs and services, and additional options here as
well through charities and other organizations.
Mr.
Speaker, I would again just reiterate how important it is for us — and I have
had the opportunity to meet with other families as well across this province
who have raised concerns — and know how important it is that we do have a fully
staffed children’s pediatric gastroenterology care unit at the Jim Pattison
Children’s Hospital, Mr. Speaker. And I am confident through our teams that we
will hire those, fill those vacancies as quickly as possible so that children
can get the care they need as close to home as possible.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Walsh Acres.
Mr.
Clarke:
— Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, the Webers are travelling two provinces
over for health care that they should be able to get here at home. They live in
Saskatoon, home to our province’s own children’s hospital, but due to this
government’s failure in recruiting and retaining pediatric specialists, our own
children’s hospital can’t see our sick kids.
Last
time that we brought this up, Mr. Speaker, on April 10th the Health minister
said that they had doctors interested. Two days later they reposted two
pediatric GI positions on saskdocs.
Question
to the minister: how many kids are being sent out of province due to this
minister’s inability to recruit and retain pediatric specialists?
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.
Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My
understanding when it comes to pediatric gastroenterology is that the SHA is
currently negotiating on a couple of contracts for a pediatric
gastroenterologist. And as soon as those contracts are finalized, we’ll make
sure that the public is aware of that, and we’ll communicate that publicly.
Secondly,
Mr. Speaker, we are working to fill vacancies across this province. And that
includes in pediatrics, and not just specifically at the children’s hospital,
but there are some other vacancies that are temporary right now in other parts
of the province. Mr. Speaker, the last time I checked, there were 14
pediatrician vacancies. That’s pediatricians across the province, Mr. Speaker,
including 4.5 vacant positions at the children’s hospital. However I would say
that 6 of the 14 positions are in the act of hiring, and the process right now,
Mr. Speaker, we hope to have those filled as quickly as possible.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Walsh Acres.
Mr.
Clarke:
— Mr. Speaker, with so many vacancies at our children’s hospital, it makes you
wonder how many more kids are being sent out of province for care that they
should be able to be getting here at home. How many more families like the
Webers, like the Sorons, are forced to pay out of pocket to ensure their kids
are safe and healthy? And what happens when those out-of-province hospitals
can’t accept any more of our kids?
Zachary
was originally referred to Calgary and Montreal. But just like our own
children’s hospital, those hospitals weren’t accepting Saskatchewan’s sick kids
either. What is the minister going to do when Toronto can no longer take our
sick kids?
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.
Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And that
does speak to the challenge that is seen nationally right now when it comes to
recruiting and training and hiring pediatric specialists of a variety of areas
of subspecialties, not just in Saskatchewan but of course in other provinces as
well, Mr. Speaker.
As
I said previously, the SHA is, my understanding, is very close to and is in the
process right now of finalizing contracts with two pediatric
gastroenterologists, Mr. Speaker. I would say this is a significant priority
for me as the minister, for us as a government.
I
have had the opportunity last month to meet with the new head of pediatrics for
Saskatchewan, Dr. Terry Klassen, and I will be meeting with him on a regular
basis. I have a meeting set up with him next week. This is one of the items
that I have brought to his attention. He has expertise being involved with the
children’s health program in Manitoba. He also has experience at the Stollery
hospital in Edmonton. And I’m confident, through Dr. Klassen and his team at
pediatrics, that they are going to do everything they can to fill the vacancies
we have, Mr. Speaker.
[14:15]
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Elphinstone-Centre.
Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, this government is
absolutely failing the people of Saskatchewan on health care. And they’re doing
no better when it comes to transparency and accountability. Yesterday when we
asked about this government’s decisions that led to a lucrative tire contract
going to an American company, no one from that government wanted to touch the
question. Barely a peep from the Premier, and no one made available to the
media for questions out in the rotunda after.
And
I can understand why, Mr. Speaker. The California-based company that got the
tire recycling contract hired former Finance minister, Kevin Doherty, as their
lobbyist and ended up with the contract. Did the Minister of Environment ever
meet with Mr. Doherty on this contract? Yes or no.
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of the
Environment.
Hon. Ms. Tell: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The answer
is no.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Elphinstone-Centre.
Ms. Conway: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I don’t get to
say this very often: I thank the member opposite for the answer.
Mr.
Speaker, the Sask Party wants to push this all onto the tire stewardship
agency, the TSS [Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan], but it’s the Sask Party
government that’s responsible. The regulations are clear. It’s that minister
who’s responsible for the recycling program in the province. She should be able
to answer questions about the changes made to this government, to the rules
that led to the contract going to this Newport Beach, California-based company,
which led to a net loss of Saskatchewan jobs.
How
did we end up with a contract that sends value-added manufacturing out of
Saskatchewan to other places? Because the TSS report laying out the business
case for this is fully redacted, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of the
Environment.
Hon. Ms. Tell: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Tire
Stewardship of Saskatchewan is an industry, retail-led, independent board. Both
northern and southern recycling tire, recycling operations were chosen through
an RFP [request for proposal], Mr. Speaker. The southern processor was chosen
through a legitimate, bona fide process.
What
the member is actually talking about, Mr. Speaker, they’re belittling the fact
that this CRM [Crumb Rubber Manufacturers] was chosen over a few other
proponents that responded to the RFP. CRM has an outstanding reputation within
the industry, Mr. Speaker, and we appreciate the economic . . . Over
$10 million of investment by this particular company and employment of
dozens — dozens, if not 15 or 20 — employment benefits that they bring to the
community of Moose Jaw, Mr. Speaker. CRM was chosen through a process that
is . . .
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Elphinstone-Centre.
Ms. Conway: — The minister was answering a
question I didn’t ask. She has 100 per cent contradicted what the Premier
answered yesterday on who applied for that RFP. It sounds like there wasn’t one
applicant. It sounds like there was more than one.
Mr.
Speaker, people deserve answers about how this deal went down, and my question
was about the business case for breaking this up between a southern and
northern region. We haven’t heard anything about that, especially when they see
a former Sask Party Finance minister registered to lobby for the
California-based company that got the contract. The lobbyist registry shows
that Kevin Doherty started lobbying for that company back in 2022, right at the
same time that this out-of-country company got the contract.
Why
did the Sask Party make the changes that led to that decision? And what role
did Mr. Doherty play in pulling the strings?
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of
Environment.
Hon. Ms. Tell: — Mr. Speaker, those members opposite
and their crackerjack researchers over there. Tire stewardship 2022 annual
report, it’s all hidden in an annual report: “TSS Board of Directors approved a
motion to proceed with negotiating a contract with CRM as the southern
processor for the province on June 6th, 2022.” Now . . . [inaudible
interjection] . . . I’m actually not talking to you. Mr. Doherty was
not hired by CRM until November 2022.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Elphinstone-Centre.
Ms. Conway: — Wow, Mr. Speaker. There are so many
unanswered questions about this deal.
Why
did the province choose an out-of-country company at a time when a
Saskatchewan-based recycler operating here in Saskatchewan existed? What role did
Kevin Doherty have in bringing about the changes that led to this deal? And why
is the minister pretending she has no control over the file when the law is
clear who’s responsible?
When,
Mr. Speaker, will the minister shed some light on how yet another contract
ended up going to an out-of-province, private company with a well-connected
former Finance minister for a lobbyist? Why, what, when? Will the minister
answer today?
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of
Environment.
Hon. Ms. Tell: — Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, the member
opposite just has it completely wrong. There are two RFP processes — one for
southern, one for northern. The southern one is what you are talking about
right now. It went through an RFP process. The proponent who responded to that
RFP was chosen through Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan.
The
Government of Saskatchewan had no involvement in that particular
. . . in choosing the proponent. Obviously the economics made sense,
the investment that was provided to the city of Moose Jaw and surrounding area
and the jobs in southern Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. The process, you say one
minute, go to RFP; don’t use the RFP and that there’s something wrong with it.
We’ve had enough of you.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
Elphinstone-Centre.
Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, what was the business
case that led to the decision to post those two RFPs? What was the business
case? The minister is responsible. What was the business case? Because the
report is fully redacted.
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of
Environment.
Hon. Ms. Tell: — Mr. Speaker, the decisions made by
the Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan are exactly that, Mr. Speaker. They are
the ones that decided how to split, how to divide up the province, that it was
obviously something that that industry-led board decided to do, Mr. Speaker.
And
I don’t know what the member is getting at, but Mr. Doherty was not hired by
CRM until November ’22 — six, a couple of months later. Couple of months
earlier, that’s when they were awarded the contract, Mr. Speaker. It’s
absolutely ridiculous what’s going on over there.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from
Saskatoon Meewasin.
Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
People in Saskatoon have a lot of unanswered questions about that shady tire
deal. But everybody I talk to knows that this Education minister has got to go.
This minister has sown chaos in our classrooms and has overseen more cuts to per
student funding and the longest teacher job action in Saskatchewan history.
It’s time for this minister to resign. Why won’t he do that today?
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of
Education.
Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — You know, Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday,
when the NDP don’t actually have real criticisms of the policy or decisions,
they get personal, Mr. Speaker.
Now,
Mr. Speaker, if you look at the record of the NDP while they were in
government, in terms of their investments in education versus the record of
this government, when it comes to investing in pre-K to 12 [pre-kindergarten to
grade 12] education, Mr. Speaker, it’s two totally different stories, Mr.
Speaker. We have an NDP that closed 176 schools, Mr. Speaker. Meanwhile, on
this side of the House, we have a government that has invested in over 100
major capital projects all around the province, Mr. Speaker.
Mr.
Speaker, they fired 400 teachers during their time in government, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, just in the last five years, Mr. Speaker, we have hired over 850
EAs [educational assistant]. We hired more support staff; we hired more
teachers every year, Mr. Speaker. This is a government that invests in
education, takes it seriously, Mr. Speaker, compared to the members opposite.
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from
Saskatoon Centre.
Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker,
the overdose crisis continues to take lives in our province. We set a record
for overdoses last year, and we’re on track to set another grim record this
year. The vast majority of these deaths are Indigenous peoples, even though we
are only 17 per cent of the population in this province.
We
need more access to supports that incorporate Indigenous ceremonies and
Indigenous world views to keep people alive. When will we see a plan from this
government to offer those supports and expand them, like the supports at
Poundmaker’s Lodge?
The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Mental
Health and Addictions.
Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I’ve said
many times in the House, the mental health and addiction action plan that we
unveiled last October, one of the key pillars of the plan is to expand capacity
by more than 500 treatment spaces across the province, Mr. Speaker, including
in-patient treatment, including out-patient treatment. We have detox spaces.
We’re going to have transitional or supportive living spaces, Mr. Speaker.
Five
hundred additional spaces added to the province, to every corner of the
province to address the needs of individuals who are battling addiction across
the full continuum of care. Mr. Speaker, those spaces, some of which have
already been announced at Poundmaker’s Lodge in North Battleford, offering an
Indigenous perspective from addictions treatment, Mr. Speaker.
We
are now making it easier for individuals to access those spaces and we are
wrapping supports around individuals, meeting them where they’re at, Mr.
Speaker, with a recovery-oriented system of care focused on treatment and
recovery so that we can save lives, heal families, and strengthen communities.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker: — I recognize the Chair of the Standing
Committee on Human Services.
Ms.
A. Ross: — Mr. Speaker, I am instructed by the Standing
Committee on Human Services to report that it has considered certain estimates
and to present its seventh report, which includes the 2024‑25 estimates
and the 2023‑2024 supplementary estimates no. 2. I move:
That the seventh report of the
Standing Committee on Human Services be now concurred in.
The Speaker: — It has been moved by the Chair:
That the seventh report of the
Standing Committee on Human Services be now concurred in.
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.
[The
Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. J.
Harrison that Bill No. 158 — The Saskatchewan Commercial
Innovation Incentive (Patent Box) Amendment Act, 2024 be now
read a second time.]
The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Regina
University.
Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
Having paid close attention to the debate thus far on Bill No. 158, The
Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive (Patent Box) Amendment Act, 2024,
at this stage I’m prepared to allow it to move forward onto its next stages.
The Speaker: — The question before the Assembly is
a motion by the minister that Bill No. 158 be now read a second time. Is
it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?
Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.
The Speaker: — Carried.
Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.
The Speaker: — To which committee shall this bill
be committed? I recognize the
Government Deputy House Leader.
Hon. Ms. Carr: — I designate this bill be committed
to the Standing Committee on Economy.
The Speaker: — This bill stands committed to the
Standing Committee on the Economy.
[The
Assembly resumed the adjourned debate on the proposed motion by the Hon. Mr. J.
Harrison that Bill No. 160 — The Immigration Services Act be now read a second
time.]
The Speaker: — I
recognize the member from
Regina Elphinstone-Centre.
Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a
pleasure to be on my feet to speak to Bill 160, The Immigration Services Act. I understand that this is an Act that
increases investigative powers and fines that can be issued against bad-acting recruiters,
bad-actor employers. It’s a bill to protect newcomers, temporary foreign
workers. In general I would say that, you know, we’re looking forward to asking
some questions about this bill at committee, but I would say that a number of
the mechanisms that exist under this Act are welcome to the opposition.
[14:30]
We
do have some questions around what kinds of data is driving these changes. Is
the Sask Party government hearing that there are more abuses? Are they tracking
those in any way? Are they going to be transparent about what they’re hearing
out there in terms of the issues that are arising? Because we know that these
specific workers face unique vulnerabilities and unique abuses.
So
we are looking forward to delving a bit more into this bill and the reasons
that the Sask Party government has felt that they need to strengthen some of
the mechanisms under that bill. I think those are very important issues and a
conversation we need to be having. We also have questions about why this Act
was moved from, for example, the Minister of Labour, from the Ministry of
Labour to Immigration, and why some of these changes weren’t introduced on
other existing pieces of legislation.
So
I know that the critic, the member for Coronation Park, is going to be delving
into this a bit deeper at committee, and I have full faith in him. So with that
I’d be pleased to move that this . . . allow the bill to move to its
next stage. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The
Speaker:
— The question before the Assembly is a motion by the minister that Bill No. 160 be now read a second time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to
adopt the motion?
Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.
The Speaker: — Carried.
Deputy Clerk: — Second reading of this bill.
The Speaker: — To which committee shall this bill
be committed? I recognize the
Government Deputy House Leader.
Hon. Ms. Carr: — I designate this bill be committed
to the Standing Committee on the Economy.
The Speaker: — This bill stands committed to the
Standing Committee on the Economy. I recognize the Government Deputy House
Leader.
Hon. Ms. Carr: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that
this House do now adjourn.
The Speaker: — The Government Deputy 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 till 10 a.m. tomorrow.
[The
Assembly adjourned at 14:33.]
Published
under the authority of the Hon. Randy Weekes, Speaker
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