Hon. Ms. L. Ross: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, seated in the Speaker’s gallery, it’s my pleasure to introduce a group of very special guests to our Legislative Assembly.

Joining us today are the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers, who are in Saskatchewan as part of their national tour. With them are members of the Saskatchewan Filipino community, members of the Philippine Artists Circle, and members of the delegation who are supporting their journey.

The University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers are renowned internationally for their unparalleled talent and passion dedicated to the art of choral music. Earlier today the choir graciously performed here in our Legislative Building. It was truly outstanding and their voices filled the rotunda with joy. It was absolutely breathtaking.

This occasion provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the deep cultural ties between the Philippines and Saskatchewan. And through their performance the choir highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and fostering international relations.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members here to welcome the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers and support them in sharing their talents with us today. Mabuhay.

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

Mr. Teed: — Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to join with the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport as the official opposition critic in welcoming these outstanding singers, outstanding guests to their Legislative Assembly. It is my honour to welcome the University of the Philippines Madrigal Singers on their national tour through Canada.

Mr. Speaker, it was something to listen to, echoing through our marble halls this afternoon. I was able to take a quick peek in and listen to . . . it sounded like maybe an African-themed program that you were singing through. It was just amazing. Mr. Speaker, this is just such an exemplary example of talent. I just want to say thank you so much for choosing to make our legislature a stop on your visit.

And I just want to, while I’m on my feet, just acknowledge the deep ties between the Philippines and Saskatchewan and the amazing contribution that the people of the Philippines have brought to our beautiful province, making our province a more rich and vibrant place.

And so, Mr. Speaker, I would ask all members to join me on behalf of the official opposition in welcoming these talented singers to our Legislative Assembly, and theirs for the day here today.

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

Hon. Ms. Eyre: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Leave for an extended introduction.

The Speaker: — The minister asked for an extended introduction. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Hon. Ms. Eyre: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government has proclaimed April 28th to May 4th Missing Persons Week here in Saskatchewan. It’s hosted every year by the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership, which is unique to the province. It includes community-based Indigenous organizations along with police agencies and government ministries. Its goal, Mr. Speaker, to honour more than 140 long-term missing in the province and to raise awareness about missing persons’ cases and issues.

This year’s theme is Stories, not Statistics, which reminds us that Saskatchewan’s missing persons are loved. They are deeply missed by their families and friends who continue to search for them in the hope that they will one day be able to bring them home.

Mr. Speaker, we have several of these devoted family members with us in the gallery this afternoon and I would like to welcome them, Mr. Speaker. I had the honour of meeting some of them at the announcement this morning before the second annual Walk to Honour the Missing. And I would like to thank all the families for sharing their loved ones’ poignant stories through the beautiful memory boxes that they created yesterday before the candlelight vigil in Wascana Park.

Today’s Walk to Honour the Missing and last night’s vigil, Mr. Speaker, were attended by the families, as well as members of the public, organizations that support families and investigate cases of missing persons. Several of my colleagues were there, Mr. Speaker, as well as His Honour the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan. A full list of events can be found on the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership’s Facebook page and on the government’s website, saskatchewan.ca, under help for missing persons.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in welcoming these families to this, their Legislative Assembly.

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

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to join the minister in welcoming the families of missing persons. First of all, I just want to say:

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

I just want to say thank you for coming here to join today. I’ve seen, known a lot of you out there that have had loved ones gone missing and/or murdered. So I just want you to know that here the official opposition, we are thinking about you. We are praying and we’re also praying for those that are still missing, that we want them to come home so that families have closure. So gichi-miigwech.

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

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

Hon. Mr. Duncan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, seated in the west gallery we’re joined by members of the Crown Investments Corporation Advisory Council on Indigenous Reconciliation, also known as ACIR. The advisory council is comprised of Indigenous engagement subject matter experts from across the Crown sector and government ministries, and the council enhances the work of government in advancing prosperity and economic reconciliation.

The council’s work is focused on four main areas: training and development, recruitment and retention, business development and procurement, and community investment, all with the objective of meeting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action no. 57 and 92.

Joining us in the gallery this afternoon is Dawn Anaquod, Wavell Starr, Joanne Johnson, Jennifer Matts, Joseph Daniels — who by the way, Mr. Speaker, did an excellent job of emceeing a very important event yesterday between the signing of an MOU [memorandum of understanding] between SaskEnergy and the First Nations Power Authority — Dana Soonias, Courtney Mihalicz, Julie Ann Wriston, John Lax, and Darcy Tourangeau.

Mr. Speaker, as well there’s a few members of the ACIR committee who could not be here today, but I wanted to put their names in the record as well for the great work that they are doing: Fawn Redwood, Tara Gereaux, Alethea Foster, Marmie Poitras, Kyle Bateson, Daryl Bunnell, Matt Smith, Shelley Thomas Prokop, and Cherish Jean-Baptiste.

Mr. Speaker, I’d ask all members to join with me in welcoming the members of the advisory council to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to join the minister in welcoming these guests to their legislature. It’s always wonderful to hear that there are Indigenous people that are working towards and advancing reconciliation in this province, and as the critic for First Nations and Métis relations and truth and reconciliation, it’s important to see the good work that’s being done and led by strong Indigenous leaders.

And I just want to say thank for your public service and the leadership you bring, and especially when it comes to truth and reconciliation. Miigwech.

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

Thanks.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — It’s an honour to introduce 26 fabulous grade 12 students from Humboldt Collegiate in Humboldt. And they are accompanied by two teachers, Mr. Millette and Mr. Rowe. Both teachers have been here a number of times, so it’s great to see them again with another great grade 12 classroom.

So I ask all members to join me in welcoming these fabulous students to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Mr. Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my pleasure to welcome the group that came from all the way from Philippines, University of the Philippines, madrigal music that they are doing over here, and they are on the tour of Canada. They will be travelling to other provinces as well, but I will welcome over here to the legislature.

And just to let you know that Filipino is one of the biggest community and growing community in every sector — in our health care, in education, in our hospitality. And we wish to make sure it grows the same way. And we have a special connection with them as well. So I will ask and request all members to join me and to welcome this group to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to you and through you, it’s wonderful to have everyone that’s here today, but I’d be remiss not to welcome Elder Lorna Standingready, seated in the east gallery, Mr. Speaker, looking upon us here today.

This is someone who has led in this province, in our community for so many years. She’s always fought for justice and truth and reconciliation, long before those words were ever spoken in that way. She’s a minister within the community. She’s a matriarch within the community. She’s someone that I’ve relied upon as a teacher. She’s a survivor of residential schools, Mr. Speaker, and somebody that day in, day out makes this community and this province a better place. So I ask all members of this Assembly to join with me in welcoming Elder Lorna Standingready.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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 presenting our petition calling on the government to reverse the ban on third-party sex ed providers in our public schools.

Mr. Speaker, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to our attention the following: banning third-party providers of sexual health education will mean fewer kids getting access to evidence-based sex education, which we need desperately in Saskatchewan given that we have the highest rates of teen pregnancy, STIs [sexually transmitted infection] and HIV [human immunodeficiency virus] transmission in the country.

We also have the highest rates of sexual assault and domestic violence in the country. Banning third-party sexual health education has a broader reach as this ban impacts additional prevention education programs, programs focused on body safety, consent, and healthy relationships. Mr. Speaker, all children have the right to a comprehensive, age-appropriate sexual health education.

I will 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 reverse its policy decision to ban third-party sexual health educators in Saskatchewan schools and to listen to experts and stakeholders in developing comprehensive sex education curriculum for all of our publicly funded schools.

Mr. Speaker, the undersigned reside in Regina. I do so submit.

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

Mr. Skoropad: — 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 not to collect or remit the carbon tax on home heating in Saskatchewan has led to a drop in inflation; further, that despite the decision not to charge the carbon tax on home heating, Saskatchewan families continue to pay that tax out of pocket at pumps, grocery stores, and more.

[13:45]

I will read the prayer:

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.

Below, the undersigned are residents of Yorkton and Saskatoon. I so present.

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It’s a privilege to rise again today and present a petition to this legislature calling for the funding of IVF [in vitro fertilization] treatments, Mr. Speaker.

You know, today I’m presenting this petition. I’ll try and be inclusive, talk about all the different people that this impacts: really impacts queer communities, impacts single people, and I want to talk today about the impact that this has on women in particular, Mr. Speaker.

This petition is calling for the funding of in vitro fertilization treatments for fertility care, Mr. Speaker, but before people can get to the point of being approved to even pursue this, there is often, as per policy requirement, two years of struggles with fertility. Mr. Speaker, two years of struggling to conceive, often with women being told they must have three consecutive miscarriages before they will be permitted to testing to investigate the root causes.

Mr. Speaker, this is a horrific situation for anyone to find themselves in, certainly when it comes to mental health, when it comes to their experiences as an individual trying to navigate the health care system, Mr. Speaker. The toll that this takes on families is not just financial, but is emotional and is a significant contributor to declining mental health amongst people struggling.

I’ll read the prayer:

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

The signatories of this petition today, Mr. Speaker, reside in Weyburn. I do so present.

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

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling for adequate funding for education. Mr. Speaker, this is something I’ve talked about as a former educator, grade 6/7 teacher for the last eight years in Regina. Saw every day the impacts that the Sask Party’s cuts to education have meant for students — whether you’re an EAL [English as an additional language] student who comes to this province as an immigrant knowing no English and being plopped into a school without any supports besides the classroom teacher; or a young child, a kindergarten student who doesn’t have access to speech pathology and isn’t able to develop and have their speech be supported and their growth there continue in a good way.

There’s a lot, a lot of issues in Saskatchewan schools. And I hope this government is listening to teachers when they say class size and complexity matters, and they need support from this government to improve that for Saskatchewan kids, for Saskatchewan’s future.

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 provide adequate, sustainable, and predictable operating funds for our 27 public and separate school divisions to ensure that schools, teachers, and other caring professionals are able to meet the needs of every student in Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, the residents of today’s petition reside in Regina. I do so present.

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

Ms. Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise yet again today to present another petition calling for the government to improve labour laws in Saskatchewan. Those who have 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 since the onset of the pandemic, and it is well known now that paid sick leave has been proven to save employers money while making workplaces healthier and safer for workers.

Mr. Speaker, it’s very unfortunate to say that 71 per cent of workers in Canada have experienced workplace violence and/or harassment. Mr. Speaker, I just heard from yet another person this morning in my office who disclosed a harassment situation in her workplace. Mr. Speaker, this happens way too often in Saskatchewan. The government should do much more than they do to ensure that workplaces are harassment free in this province.

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.

All provisions which exist in our private member’s bill, Bill 613. We do hope the government passes that legislation.

Mr. Speaker, those who have signed this petition come from Canwood, Leoville, and Spiritwood. I do present.

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

Ms. Conway: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This petition is calling on the government to remove lead waterlines in Regina. The province of Saskatchewan is responsible for ensuring that the people of Saskatchewan get safe drinking water, but many citizens here in Regina do not have safe drinking water because the pipes that deliver that water, the water to their homes, are both made of lead and they’re quite old, resulting in high concentrations of lead leaching into their drinking water.

This situation has unequal impacts on the health of vulnerable people, including children, low-income residents, Indigenous people, seniors, renters, and new Canadians living in Regina’s core neighbourhoods. The province of Saskatchewan administers federal infrastructure dollars that is intended for revitalizing core infrastructure, including safe drinking water.

The signatories are calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to ensure access to safe drinking water for all Regina residents by providing supports to the city of Regina to replace lead water mains quickly and safely.

The signatories reside in Regina. I do so present.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Play Showcases Talents of Persephone Theatre’s Young Company

Mr. Love: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the incredible work of the Persephone Theatre in Saskatoon for its youth-focused acting program, Young Company. This is a unique blend of classroom and theatre for teens aged 14 to 19 who aspire to find a career in the performing arts.

This past winter I had the privilege of attending The Trials, a performance that showcased the young performers’ immense talent and dedication under the guidance of instructor Kristi Friday. The Trials presents a near-dystopian future triggered by the climate crisis, positioning youth as jurors in a trial to hold previous generations responsible for the state of the planet.

Mr. Speaker, we know the youth bear a disproportionate burden when it comes to climate change. Their perspectives are crucial, yet often under-represented in discussions on climate action. The Trials gave these youth a meaningful platform to engage deeply with their audience on a discussion that is so important.

I want to thank Young Company for reminding me about the vital role that the arts play in bringing forward positive change and for helping all of us to move towards a more sustainable future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Melfort.

Raising Awareness During Missing Persons Week

Mr. Goudy: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was touched and humbled today to join with the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Social Services, and several colleagues to take part in the proclamation announcement as part of Missing Persons Week in Saskatchewan, April 28th to May 4th.

Mr. Speaker, for the past 11 years the Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed this week with the Saskatchewan Missing Persons Partnership to raise awareness about missing persons cases and trying to help others from experiencing the same tragedy. Long-term missing persons are those who have been missing for more than six months.

And, Mr. Speaker, to sit at the table with families who have lost loved ones, it was heartbreaking to say the least. And you know, to see that there’s many organizations in our province who are pulling together and working together with these families and raising awareness and trying to figure out ways of putting together policies and procedures and legislation that can help us make sure that this doesn’t happen moving forward.

So, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to thank the families for being here today and sharing their loved ones’ stories with us. I hope that events such as last night’s candlelight vigil and today’s walk provide some measure of comfort as you bear such an ongoing and overwhelming burden. And please know that everyone in this Chamber, on the government and opposition side, that many of us are parents and grandparents, and our hearts are truly with you. Thank you.

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

School Holiday Lunch Highlights Staff’s Dedication to Their Students

Mr. Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Coronation Park Community School. The staff at this school show incredible dedication to their students, both in the classroom and outside. They go the extra mile to truly show they care.

One of these ways is through their annual holiday lunch. I had the honour to attend and serve food at their event on the 14th of December. The food was also served by volunteers in the community from the Regina Police Service and from the Regina fire department. It was inspiring to see how much the staff at Regina Coronation school care about the well-being of their students, and it was wonderful to see how much joy the meal brought to all the kids.

Once again, Saskatchewan teachers and school staff have stepped up to the plate to take care of their students. I’m so proud to be able to say that we share a community. I invite all members to join me in thanking the teachers and the staff at Regina Coronation school for the dedication that they have for their students. Thank you.

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

Singers Are Ambassadors of Philippine Culture and Friendship

Mr. B. McLeod: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend a warm welcome on behalf of our government to the Philippine Madrigal Singers, known as Madz, and their delegation who are visiting our province as part of their intense 60‑concert tour. Recognized by UNESCO [United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization] as artists for peace, Madz are ambassadors of Philippine culture and good will, and are one of the most awarded choral groups in the world.

The choir’s week-long visit to Saskatchewan began on Friday, April 26 and will end on Friday, May the 3rd. Madz had a busy week planned that included hosting choral workshops, three concerts — all sold out — fundraising for the Regina community, and touring the area. Mr. Speaker, last night I had the pleasure of attending their concert in my constituency at the historic St. Andrew’s United Church in Lumsden — beautiful facility and the acoustics were amazing.

Mr. Speaker, 2024 also marks the 75th anniversary celebration of the Philippines-Canada friendship, which makes the Philippine Madrigal Singers’ visit even more special. Over the years the Philippines has become an important trading partner across Canada, and here in Saskatchewan we are proud to have a strong and growing Filipino community who have contributed greatly to our province’s economy and rich cultural fabric.

I’d like to again thank Madz for being here today as we are proud to celebrate this anniversary together. Thank you for your presence in our legislature today. And to your friends and hosts, thank you for bringing your friends to this your legislature.

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

Advisory Council Works toward Economic Reconciliation

Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to highlight the important work of the CIC [Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan] Advisory Council on Indigenous Reconciliation, or ACIR. This advisory council originated from the ongoing Crown collaboration initiative with a mandate to enhance the Government of Saskatchewan’s endeavours towards economic reconciliation.

Comprised of representatives from across the Crowns and key government entities, the council is committed to sharing knowledge and providing direction towards fostering economic, social, and cultural prosperity among the Indigenous peoples, ensuring their success across Saskatchewan.

Mr. Speaker, some notable accomplishments in the council’s short tenure include the launch of the Crown Career Pathways Indigenous internship program in October of 2023 and the inaugural Indigenous Employee Networks Conference held this past March. With specific attention to training and development, recruitment and retention, community investment, and Indigenous business development and procurement, the council is poised to make tangible, lasting differences in the lives of Indigenous peoples and advance meaningful reconciliation.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members of this Assembly to join me in commending the ongoing efforts of the CIC Advisory Council on Indigenous Reconciliation and thank them for the work in paving the way towards a more prosperous future for all in Saskatchewan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Partnership Will Help Indigenous People Find Natural Resource Sector Jobs

Mr. Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday I joined the Minister of Trade and Export Development and several Indigenous business leaders at the English River First Nation Business Complex for an exciting announcement.

The province is investing $400,000 as part of a new partnership with the Saskatchewan First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence. This investment will be used to conduct a needs assessment which will identify barriers faced by Indigenous peoples when trying to enter employment in the natural resources sector. The assessment will be used to develop strategies to connect Indigenous people to jobs in the natural resource sectors.

[14:00]

I’d like to read some comments from our partners into the record, Mr. Speaker. From Sheldon Wuttunee, president and CEO [chief executive officer] of the First Nations Natural Resource Centre of Excellence: “We want our kids to be well-prepared and want them to participate and build values for the future. Partnerships like this we are announcing today are extremely important to us.”

From Chief Delbert Wapass of Thunderchild First Nation: “The Saskatchewan Party has done so much to help Saskatchewan’s Indigenous people.”

Sean Willy, president and CEO of the Des Nedhe Group, said, “This is another groundbreaking partnership created in Saskatchewan.”

And finally, Mr. Speaker, from Tyson Bear, Chief of Flying Dust First Nation: “By working together, we will grow together for a better future for all of us in Saskatchewan.”

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Opposition’s Positions on Corporate Donations and Carbon Tax

Mr. Ottenbreit: — Mr. Speaker, the NDP like to rage against lobbyists. They like to rage against out-of-province political donations, and they like to rage against corporate donations. But when it comes to sell $200 tickets or $2,500 sponsorships to the NDP leader’s cocktail reception, who do they ask? Out-of-province, corporate lobby firms.

The NDP leader claims she says the same thing in every room. She says she opposes the Trudeau carbon tax, but then she goes to the Trudeau campaign school. They accuse our minister wrongly of not talking to reporters after question period. Then the NDP leader ducks reporters after question period.

And they say they won’t take out-of-province, corporate donations from lobbyists, then they send out fundraising emails to their leader’s cocktail reception to out-of-province, corporate lobbyists.

Say one thing, do another. That’s the NDP, Mr. Speaker.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Cost of Living and Carbon Tax

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, this tired and out-of-touch and increasingly desperate government is failing to deliver the cost-of-living relief that Saskatchewan people need and deserve, with 57 per cent of people in this province struggling to pay the grocery bill. But it’s no wonder when we see that under that Premier’s watch, families are bringing home less while the cost of everything is rising.

Why won’t the Premier act and finally offer Saskatchewan people some relief and suspend the fuel tax?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Once again on the floor of this Assembly, Mr. Speaker, I would say that in this most recent budget that was introduced — and I suspect is going to be passed in the days ahead — we were able to preserve over $2 billion worth of affordability measures for Saskatchewan people and Saskatchewan families. It’s in those affordability measures that we are able to say that Saskatchewan is one of the most affordable, if not the most affordable place to live in the nation of Canada, Mr. Speaker.

There is no doubt that we are facing affordability challenges across this nation, I would say largely put on the people of this nation by the federal coalition government and the introduction and the ever-increasing, annually increasing carbon tax that they have put on the backs of all Canadian families. It’s pushing up the price of the fuel when families and mothers are going to the gas pumps to fill up their vehicles to take their children to sports and to school. Mr. Speaker, it’s put on the price of the groceries that we see each and every day when we go to the grocery store in whatever community across this nation we might have.

And it’s a tax that has largely been supported not only by the federal NDP but by their brothers and sisters here in Saskatchewan, their provincial arm of their party, Mr. Speaker, to the degree that there are members in the provincial NDP that have found their way to Ottawa to attend a Trudeau campaign school. These folks definitely are Trudeau’s choice in the province of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. They just may not be Saskatchewan people’s choice.

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

Management of Provincial Economy

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, whether the Premier understands it or not, Saskatchewan people are struggling. And Saskatchewan people are struggling because this Premier keeps selling out Saskatchewan jobs. Mr. Speaker, the Sask Party’s plan isn’t for Saskatchewan jobs. No, it’s literally a plan for jobs anywhere else but Saskatchewan.

Now, Mr. Speaker, he doesn’t have to take my word for it. Statistics Canada yesterday released new data, new data that shows that after the last 12 months in this province we’ve lost another 91, 91 Saskatchewan businesses. That’s 91 fewer businesses hiring local people and fewer businesses benefiting local communities.

Mr. Speaker, why won’t this Premier stop selling out Saskatchewan jobs and hire Saskatchewan?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, the most recent reports from Statistics Canada have Saskatchewan jobs up ten and a half thousand over the course of the last year. What that has precipitated, Mr. Speaker, is 30,000 more people living in Saskatchewan communities, people coming from all over, all around the world, making their home in a Saskatchewan community.

Mr. Speaker, we have 225 individuals that have brought their families, are working in a Saskatchewan Health Authority complex in a community across Saskatchewan. Many of them largely are recruited from the Philippines.

We have people that are working in the potash industry, Mr. Speaker, due to — another statistic from Statistics Canada — Saskatchewan last year was second in attracting private sector investment into our province, into our communities, private sector investment that is employing many of those ten and a half thousand people, Mr. Speaker. And Statistics Canada also says that we’re set to lead the nation when it comes to private sector capital investment in the nation of Canada this year.

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

Ms. Beck: — Saskatchewan people can’t pay their bills, businesses are closing, but this Premier is clapping for himself as are his minions, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan people, they don’t care about spin, increasingly desperate spin, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan people care about results.

And the results are in. Over the last year, 8 businesses closed in Regina, 30 were lost in Saskatoon, Mr. Speaker, and 53 businesses were closed everywhere else in the province. That means that there are 91 fewer businesses than there were 12 months ago.

Mr. Speaker, to the Premier: how is that growth that works for everyone?

The Speaker: — I’d just like to caution the Leader of the Opposition on her choice of words. I recognize the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation.

Hon. Mr. Duncan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Through our Crown corporations alone we’re going to spend $2.6 billion in this province in the upcoming year on capital, Mr. Speaker.

We’re going to extend fibre across this province, Mr. Speaker. In fact the budget of the Crown corporations in terms of capital under the last NDP government in the last year, Mr. Speaker, doesn’t even equate what SaskTel is going to spend in capital in this province.

And, Mr. Speaker, when you look at the record, how many Saskatchewan jobs were created when $16 million were lost under the NDP on a Chicago-based fibre optics company? Zero. How many jobs were created in Saskatchewan when $9.4 million was lost on a Newfoundland cable company? Zero. How many jobs were created in Saskatchewan when $25 million was lost on an Atlanta, Georgia-based dot-com company? Zero, Mr. Speaker. That’s the record of the NDP.

On the record on this side of this House, we’re growing jobs; we’re growing this economy, Mr. Speaker.

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

Funding for Education

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, not only do we have a premier who’s not standing up for Saskatchewan jobs, he won’t even stand up and answer his own questions. Now this is a premier who is failing. He’s failing when it comes to the cost of living, he’s failing when it comes to jobs, and he’s failing when it comes to our kids’ classrooms.

The Education minister asked school board trustees to use their voice and speak up about the Sask Party’s record on education. Well, Mr. Speaker, here’s what Saskatoon Public had to say, and I quote:

This increase will not come close to addressing the significant increase in student need. There’s not enough money in this budget to decrease average class size or adequately address the issue of classroom complexity.

So, Mr. Speaker, why is the Premier choosing not to invest in our kids’ classrooms?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, I’ll remind the Leader of the Opposition that this budget saw the largest ever school operating funding increase in provincial history. For Saskatoon Public alone — and I’ve shared these numbers yesterday; I’ll share the numbers again — Saskatoon Public will receive $286 million to their school operating grant, an increase of 26.7 million or 10.3 per cent year over year, Mr. Speaker.

This is a government that is investing in education, is continuing to do so. But, Mr. Speaker, that’s a leader of the opposition that said that she would put class size and complexity in the contract, which would undermine the role of school boards, one of whom she used to sit on. Thank you.

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

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, I will remind the minister that it is because of the record of that government that no one in this province trusts them when it comes to education.

Now, Mr. Speaker, to the minister I’ll say this: be careful what you wish for. Because this minister, who asked school divisions to speak up, should listen to what school divisions have to say. And I quote: “In 2016‑2017 high school enrolment was 8,558 students with 520 teachers. In 2023‑24 high school enrolment is 9,031 students with 480 teachers.” Mr. Speaker, that’s 473 more students with 40 fewer teachers.

How does the Premier, the minister, how do any of them defend that record?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You know, to keep the discussion specific on Saskatoon Public, since 2018 enrolment in Saskatoon Public has gone up 16 per cent, but operating funding has gone up 24 per cent since that time, Mr. Speaker.

In this budget alone, as I said, Mr. Speaker, we’re seeing a double-digit percentage increase to the funding to Saskatoon Public, not to mention two new joint-use schools for four new schools being built in Saskatoon in future years to address the enrolment growth that we’re seeing and really the challenges of growth that we see in our province, which we didn’t see under the NDP.

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

Mr. Love: — Mr. Speaker, this minister’s short record on education is not one to be proud of, and he should have been fired long ago. Under this tired and out-of-touch government’s watch, they’ve hired just one new classroom teacher while adding 15,000 new students province-wide. And the reality, the reality in Saskatoon Public Schools is that they’ve added 473 more high school students with 40 fewer teachers there.

Now when I asked the minister in committee if this government’s record of underfunding would cause more cuts, he said I was ridiculous. Does the minister think Saskatoon Public School Board is ridiculous too?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will remind the member opposite again, Saskatoon Public is going to see a 10.3 per cent year-over-year funding increase. With that funding, they’re going to be able to offer more supports for students, hire more EAs [educational assistant], more teachers, Mr. Speaker. We’ll continue to work with Saskatoon Public and every school board in this province. Thank you.

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

Mr. Love: — And I’ll remind that failing minister, it’s not just Saskatoon Public speaking out. It’s other divisions too. Yesterday, Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools added their voice:

This announcement is a good first step, but we require years of additional investments in education to reduce the funding gap and return to service offerings that were reduced in 2016‑17.

That is their record, Mr. Speaker. Both divisions in our largest city are speaking out about this tired and out-of-touch government’s failure to properly support our kids and their classrooms. Does the minister honestly believe that he’s got it right and both divisions in our province’s largest city have it wrong?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the member opposite for the question and bringing up Saskatoon Catholic, because while the funding increase year over year was 10.3 per cent for Saskatoon Public, the year-over-year percentage increase for Saskatoon Catholic was 14 per cent. Again, since 2018 enrolment has increased 21 per cent in Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, and the operating funding has gone up 32 per cent in that same time frame, Mr. Speaker.

Again, Mr. Speaker, this budget has the largest school operating funding increase that this province has ever seen. The member won’t even stop to listen to my question . . . listen to the answer to his question, pardon me, Mr. Speaker. If he would, he’d hear about our record investments into education. Thank you.

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

Contract for Tire Recycling

Ms. Conway: — Or to summarize the minister’s answer, what are they complaining about, Mr. Speaker?

An Hon. Member: — They should be grateful.

Ms. Conway: — They should be grateful. Exactly.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this morning the leadership of Shercom held a press conference. That’s the Saskatoon-based company that had the tire recycling contract before this government handed it to a company from Newport Beach, California. In the press conference, they raised a number of concerns about this government’s oversight of tire recycling in this province. They claimed that they met with the Premier back in 2016 and were assured that there would be “no changes to their ability to operate in Saskatchewan.”

Did the Premier make that promise? And if so, why did he break it?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Environment.

[14:15]

Hon. Ms. Tell: — Mr. Speaker, as I said a few times here in the past number of days, Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan is an industry-based organization that manages tire recycling in the province. They are awarded delegated responsibility. TSS [Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan] is provided delegated responsibility, and what TSS has done is conduct an open and transparent RFP [request for proposal] process for a processor in southern Saskatchewan. The ministry’s role is one of oversight to ensure that all commitments are fulfilled under the scrap tire recycling program, Mr. Speaker.

The Premier indicated earlier that Shercom did not bid on the contract that we were speaking about in the South. He also thought there may have been only one bidder, not that there was only one bidder, Mr. Speaker . . .

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, the minister is not even in the stratosphere of my question. She is reading tired talking points that she’s read out here day after day. So I’ll ask the question again.

The question was about and to the Premier, who Shercom says made assurances to them back in 2016. Did he make those promises? And if so, why did he break them?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Environment.

Hon. Ms. Tell: — Yeah, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The relationship between Shercom and TSS is between Shercom and TSS. TSS operates independent of government in an industry-led board that addresses and ensures that the scrap tire recycling is conducted in the province of Saskatchewan. That hasn’t changed from three years ago to now, Mr. Speaker. It remains the same. Thank you.

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, the question was about 2016, a time period that TSS didn’t even exist, news flash to the minister. It’s no small thing to receive a promise from a minister and then have it broken. That’s why they say — this is Shercom and I quote — that they were “stabbed in the back in our own backyard.”

Government contracts need to be open. They need to be transparent. And that’s not what we have seen with this deal. Why did the Sask Party send out an RFP for this lucrative tire contract that excluded the Saskatoon-based company already doing the work?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Environment.

Hon. Ms. Tell: — Mr. Speaker, the RFP for the southern processor was issued by TSS. The government had no involvement at all in that particular process. That was done solely by TSS, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, they also raise concerns about value-add jobs being sent out of province. They say that the high-value, value-added processing that they used to do in Saskatoon isn’t being done by the company from Newport Beach, California. They say that tires are now being shipped out of province without actually being fully processed here in Saskatchewan. Now their company has to order product from outside Saskatchewan. In their words, “None of this makes any sense.”

So to the minister: what is your response to that?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Environment.

Hon. Ms. Tell: — Mr. Speaker, the relationship between the tire processors in the province is between TSS and the related tire processors.

An RFP was issued for the southern processor by TSS. Obviously we have CRM [Crumb Rubber Manufacturers], who was awarded the contract for the southern half of the province, Mr. Speaker. And again that relationship is between CRM and TSS.

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, I’ll quote from the submission to the minister that was required in order to get approval for TSS to exist: “The minister is ultimately responsible and accountable for an effective program in Saskatchewan.”

TSS reports to her quarterly, Mr. Speaker. I understand she doesn’t want to touch this file. She doesn’t want to touch the questions, and I understand why. Who would want to be responsible for this tire fire of a deal? But she’s the Minister of Environment. She’s the one who’s accountable. She’s the one who’s responsible. And she should be prepared to answer basic questions here in this Assembly.

Yesterday the CEO of the Saskatoon chamber of commerce wrote to her with a series of requests to improve transparency and get this back on track. Will she be taking them up on any of their ideas?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Environment.

Hon. Ms. Tell: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the oversight provided by the ministry, and I will repeat this each and every time she brings it up, the Ministry of Environment’s role is one of oversight to ensure that all commitments — not the day-to-day operation of TSS — are fulfilled under scrap tire recycling program.

With respect to the letter written by the chamber of commerce in Saskatoon, we will be responding to those in due course. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Ms. Conway: — Didn’t touch the question, Mr. Speaker. I’ll quote here from the TSS governance structure in their own annual report about the Minister of Environment. She sets the mandate and legislation. She sets the regulations. She approves the program, and she ensures compliance, Mr. Speaker.

So again the Saskatoon chamber asked the minister to release the reports that apparently justify this entire fiasco. So far, she has refused. But guess what? She’s the one with the power to release these documents. That’s what the chamber is asking for, that’s what we’ve asked for, and that’s what the Saskatoon company that was already doing the work has asked for.

Sunlight is the best disinfectant, Mr. Speaker. Why won’t the minister release those reports today?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Environment.

Hon. Ms. Tell: — Mr. Speaker, the report the member opposite, or she, is referencing was shared with the ministry by TSS legal counsel. This report is not ours to share. Any questions regarding the report are best answered by Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

The Proposed Product Stewardship Program for Scrap Tire Management, ’21‑23, this report the member is referencing is publicly available on the TSS website, Mr. Speaker.

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

Hospital Parking Fees and Management of Health Care System

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It sure must be tough being the least transparent government in Saskatchewan history. Now that tired and out-of-touch government has a lot to answer for this tire deal, and they’ve got a lot to answer about why vulnerable cancer patients are paying to receive treatment at Victoria Hospital.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the minister was quick to blame the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority] when he blamed them yesterday. But news flash to the minister — another news flash — he’s responsible for the actions of the SHA. Now he did commit yesterday to raising this cut with SHA leadership.

So what does the minister have to say? Are vulnerable cancer patients paying for parking today so that they can receive treatment at Victoria Hospital?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just to clarify for the member opposite, the SHA has a CEO and they have a leadership structure and they have a board, and that’s how the SHA operates. The Government of Saskatchewan provides funding to the SHA to deliver services, Mr. Speaker.

On this particular issue, as I said yesterday, this was a decision by the SHA, Mr. Speaker. Further to that, parking services are managed by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. In Regina and Saskatoon, parking has always been paid parking for cancer patients, Mr. Speaker. Prior to the formation of the SHA, under the old health region model, different regions, different facilities, different communities had different policies when it came to parking, and this was a decision made by the SHA to align those policies.

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

Mr. Clarke: — Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people see what’s going on with this tired and out-of-touch government. They see this government’s mismanagement and misplaced priorities and the waste. The list is long in health care, Mr. Speaker.

We could talk about the $70 million just this year on contract nurses, the millions of dollars being paid to Sask Party donors in Calgary for knee and hip replacement surgeries and breast cancer care. We could talk the $240 million on the failed AIMS [administrative information management system] software, all while cancer patients are forced to pay for parking and families with sick kids are forced to pay out of pocket to go out of province to get the care that their kids so desperately need.

Mr. Speaker, if this isn’t a government that has lost touch with the needs of Saskatchewan people, I don’t know what is. Will the minister reverse the cuts and ensure that vulnerable cancer patients get . . . don’t have to pay for treatment at Victoria Hospital?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The list is long of investments made by this government, a government that is committed to its health care system, is grateful for its health care teams, Mr. Speaker.

Recent successes in terms of the number of doctors and health care workers that have been hired in this province, Mr. Speaker. In the past 29 months, 118 family physicians hired, 157 specialists have been hired. Launching a new pilot project to redirect patients from emergency departments. Fourteen new physicians started practising in rural Saskatchewan under the SIPPA [Saskatchewan international physician practice assessment] program. $2.9 billion since 2007 into health care capital projects in this province. Sixteen long-term care facilities, five hospitals built, more under way, Mr. Speaker.

I’ll tell you what isn’t long. It’s the list of what the ideas that the members opposite have for health care, Mr. Speaker, aside from closing hospitals, closing long-term care facilities, firing doctors, firing nurses. That’s their plan and they know it, Mr. Speaker.

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

Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The addictions crisis is devastating families and our communities at alarming rates. Every month the numbers released from the coroners service are even more stark than the last, with news that Regina experienced an alarming number of 280 overdoses just in March alone. That’s 100 more overdoses than reported in the previous months of January and February. This crisis is not getting better, and a policy change that resulted in a 25 per cent increase in overdose deaths in Alberta isn’t going to save lives here.

Mr. Speaker, when will the minister realize he made the wrong decision for Saskatchewan and change course to save lives?

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, the focus of this government is on treatment and recovery, which is a stark contrast to the NDP government in British Columbia. The member opposite asks about recognizing the error of their ways. Well let’s look to British Columbia and the NDP government there, who are now backpedalling and scrambling, trying to undo the policies that this opposition would have us implement.

I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker. We’ll take no lessons from the members opposite. We’ll continue to focus on treatment and recovery and help individuals who are battling addiction find a healthy, safe life in recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The Speaker: — I recognize the Chair of the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice.

Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice

Mr. Dennis: — Mr. Speaker, I’m instructed by the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice to report that it has considered certain estimates and to present the seventh report, which includes the 2024‑2025 estimates and the 2023‑24 supplementary estimates no. 2.

I move:

That the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice now be concurred in.

The Speaker: — It has been moved by the Chair:

That the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice 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. I recognize the Government House Leader.

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

[The Assembly adjourned at 14:30.]

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

Disclaimer: The electronic versions of the Legislative Assembly's documents are provided for information purposes only. The content of the documents is identical to the printed record; only the presentation differs unless otherwise noted. The printed versions are the official record for legal purposes.