Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, seated in your gallery are individuals promoting Heart Failure Awareness Week, which is being observed May 5th to the 11th this year.

Carolyn Cyr with the Heart & Stroke Foundation and Dr. Andrea Lavoie, an interventional cardiologist at the heart function clinic, have brought with them today patients, caregivers, and health care staff from across the province who wish to increase awareness about heart failure in Saskatchewan.

I’m going to go through some names here, Mr. Speaker. And I apologize if I miss anyone or if I’ve named somebody who is not here and if I have mispronounced a name, but I just want to get these on the record if I can.

Brenda Hildebrand, Harrison Thunderchild, Shantelle Gould, Scott Bradford, and Paul Gee are all individuals living with heart failure from North Battleford, Saskatoon, Regina, and Moose Jaw.

Kelly Johnson, Kerri Hysuick, Amarah Paquin, Tara Griffiths, Elise Buschau, Amber Gorman are all health care staff from Regina and Saskatoon.

As well, Lori Garchinski, executive director of provincial services, tertiary care at the SHA [Saskatchewan Health Authority], joins the group in support of the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

The group have been having meetings all day today to spread awareness and speak to the importance of public knowledge around heart disease. I have been fortunate enough to meet with Carolyn Cyr, Dr. Lavoie, and Scott Bradford, and did so in February during a tour of the heart function clinic at the Regina General Hospital. During that visit I was pleased to learn about the important work that this multidisciplinary team does at the clinic for a little over 500 patients. And I look forward to meeting with them again later this afternoon.

And, Mr. Speaker, I’d like to ask all members to welcome this group of guests to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join in with the minister opposite in welcoming this group of patients, caregivers, and health care staff that are doing advocacy this week.

As the minister said, it was absolutely lovely to meet with Carolyn Cyr earlier today. It’s always a pleasure to see her. And she was also joined today by Kelly and Scott and Cathy, so it was lovely to hear their individual experience and how the heart function clinics have been instrumental to their role as, you know, patients who are recovering from health care emergencies and then keeping them out of the emergency room.

We met earlier with my colleague from Regina Walsh Acres, and it’s an absolute pleasure to see them here today. Thank you for your advocacy on behalf of folks all across the province, and I would ask all members to join me in welcoming them to their Assembly.

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

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to join with the Minister of Health and the member opposite in welcoming this group, but I would like to particularly single out some very dear friends of mine, Cathy and Scott Bradford, Mr. Speaker.

They’re a wonderful couple from Moose Jaw and they’re very dear friends, together with their daughter Ada, and the late Maren, who of course was near and dear to all of us. Maren was unfortunately lost due to illness a couple of years ago, Mr. Speaker, but the loss is still felt very much through the community.

And Cathy and Scott are excellent friends and wonderful citizens of the city of Moose Jaw. Cathy actually was the doula for two of my three children, and so she has got a special place in my family.

So if all members could please join me in welcoming Scott and Cathy to their Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Agriculture.

Hon. Mr. Marit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for leave for an extended introduction.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Hon. Mr. Marit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Agriculture Student Scholarship is an important part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to developing young agriculture leaders. Each year we recognize four emerging leaders in Saskatchewan for their passion and dedication to agriculture. We received many exceptional submissions from students across the province.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure I welcome the winners for the 2024 Saskatchewan Agriculture Scholarships to their legislature. They are seated in your gallery, Mr. Speaker, and I ask when I introduce them that they give a wave so that people will know who they are.

Our grand prize winner is Marleigh Mann from Lloydminster. Marleigh wrote an exceptional essay about the future of sustainable Saskatchewan agriculture. It emphasized innovation, adaptability, and the overall vitality of the industry. Furthermore it advocated for building public trust in agriculture through transparency and educational opportunities. Marleigh will pursue a post-secondary education at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan in the fall. Congratulations, Marleigh.

We also have the three runner-up recipients with us in their legislature today. Clare Wever, who is also from Lloydminster. Clare interviewed various agricultural producers in the province for her application. Through her interviews she learned first-hand the sustainable agricultural practices being undertaken by Saskatchewan producers, producers who are safeguarding the environment while enhancing food security. Clare is currently in her first year at the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan, focusing on animal welfare.

Next we have Katie Moyle from Hanley. Her essay talked about the past, present, and future of sustainable agriculture in Saskatchewan. She highlighted how Saskatchewan producers have been leaders in sustainable agriculture for generations and continue to innovate and push forward best practices. Katie will attend the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan studying agribusiness.

Next we have Maddy Anderson from Rosetown. Her essay focused on environmental sustainability showcasing how Saskatchewan producers are using new and innovative technologies for soil and water conservation, while highlighting new advancements in precision agriculture. Maddy will attend the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan studying agribusiness.

I ask all members to join me now in congratulating this year’s Agriculture Student Scholarship winners and wish them all the luck as they pursue their career in education and in agriculture. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, it’s an honour to join with the minister to welcome these leaders to their Assembly, Mr. Speaker. We all know that agriculture in Saskatchewan is world-class, that we lead the world on so many fronts and so many innovations. And it’s because of young people like these, Mr. Speaker, that we’ll continue to lead the world well into the future in such a critical industry and a proud industry in our province.

I want to welcome Marleigh Mann and to offer our congratulations to her for her exceptional work on this front, and I want to welcome the runners-up as well and to thank them for their exceptional leadership in the province: Clare Wever, Katie Moyle, and Maddy Anderson. These recipients of the Ag Student Scholarship represent the best of this province.

So on behalf of the official opposition, it’s my pleasure and my honour to welcome these young leaders to their Assembly and to thank them for their service and leadership for many decades moving forward.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Education.

Hon. Mr. Cockrill: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, I’d like to join with the Ministers of Health and the member opposite in welcoming some folks from my part of the world who have joined us here at the legislature today for Heart Failure Awareness Week.

I want to welcome Brenda and Byron Hildebrand. Brenda of course is here to share with my colleagues on both sides of the House about a health situation that she had several years back. And so it’s a real pleasure. Thank you very much for speaking on behalf of your situation but also many people around the province and in our community, The Battlefords. Thank you for being here today.

So to you and through you, Mr. Speaker, I’d ask all members join me in welcoming Byron and Brenda to their legislature.

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you to all members, it’s my absolute pleasure to welcome today to the east gallery 17 grade 4 students from École Laval, a school I am proud to host in the great constituency of Regina University. It’s such a pleasure to have you here today. I look forward to meeting with you after, taking a photo, answering any and all questions that you have. I promise we will all be on exceptionally good behaviour for you today.

And just really want to welcome these students and their teachers, Madame Leask and Madame Pain, to this, their legislature. And I’d ask all members to join me in giving a big round of applause to these wonderful young people seated up there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Hon. Ms. Eyre: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Very pleased to introduce and welcome a group of future lawyers who are here with us today, who are currently articling for the courts or the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General. And we had a lovely chat earlier.

If you could each give a wave: Amy Miller, Eric Turcotte, Jillian Borrowman, John Pluck, Kelsey Leik, Logan Lang, Naomi Oke, Saleem Abou Koube, and Tim Haggstrom.

Mr. Speaker, Amy is clerking at the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. In addition to law, she has degrees in English and Russian literature and culture, and plans to join the criminal law practice group at McDougall Gauley in Regina.

Eric is also clerking at the Court of Appeal. He completed his law degree with a French Common Law minor and will be moving to Ottawa this summer to clerk at the Federal Court of Appeal.

Jillian is a former playwright and theatre director. She is articling with the Ministry of Justice and plans to practise with the ministry’s civil litigation team.

John is also currently articling with the Ministry of Justice and plans to practise there, which is wonderful.

Kelsey is clerking at the Court of Appeal. She plans to travel for a bit after completing her articles and will then practise at MLT in Saskatoon.

Logan grew up on a grain farm near Yorkton. He is currently articling in Regina with the Ministry of Justice and plans to practise law in either Regina or Yorkton.

Naomi is articling as a clerk for the Court of King’s Bench and plans to practise as a Crown counsel with the civil law branch at the Ministry of Justice.

Saleem is also articling at the Court of King’s Bench and will continue his legal career at Blake, Cassels & Graydon in Vancouver.

Tim is articling at the Court of Appeal. He will then be taking on the position of national director of the Runnymede Society, which I addressed recently at the U of S [University of Saskatchewan].

And as I said, Mr. Speaker, I met with this fine group earlier and what struck me is the variety and range of their experience, which was familiar. I remember the summer that I was faced with the big decision of whether to pursue law, a master’s degree in English or French or journalism, and it was a tough decision.

But the articling experience is pivotal, and where you go requires a lot of thought. And as I shared with them, looking back, instead of a rather dry downtown Toronto insurance litigation firm, I wish I had considered a rotation at the ministry as one example where you’re exposed to a real range and variety, Mr. Speaker.

These students at the Ministry of Justice have experienced three months in constitutional law, legislative drafting and services; three months in civil law; one month at a private firm; two months in an alternative rotation of their choice; and sometimes also some time at the court. And, Mr. Speaker, we want to continue to attract and retain to the ministry and prosecutions the best and the brightest young lawyers, which is also why we recently announced a new partnership with the University of Saskatchewan College of Law on clinical placements of students during their degree studies with the ministry, with prosecutions, and rural legal aid. And these students can be amazing ambassadors.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in welcoming these promising young lawyers to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Ms. Sarauer: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s my honour to join with the minister in welcoming this esteemed group of individuals to their Legislative Assembly, bordering on a very important precipice in their lives completing their clerkship, their articles, and moving on to practise, Mr. Speaker. As the minister stated already, a very robust and well-rounded group of individuals with backgrounds that are incredibly interesting. They’ve spent their time articling within the ministry where you get a very wide range of experiences, very important range of experiences, or clerking with the judiciary which is also an incredibly invaluable experience that you will take for the rest of your life.

[13:45]

For those who are staying within Saskatchewan, thank you for staying within Saskatchewan. You’re about to join a very esteemed bar, Mr. Speaker. There’s members on both sides of the House of that bar so we can speak well to the quality of the individuals. I know I’m biased there but we’re very happy to see you join the profession. And we know, as the minister has stated already, that you are at the beginning of what will be a very exciting and a very interesting and challenging career. We all wish you all, no matter where you go, the best. And I ask once again all members to join me in welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’d like to join with the member opposite and the minister in welcoming this group of young lawyers. As one of the few lawyers in the Assembly, I always feel it’s good to have more and more lawyers coming in here.

So more specifically I would like to introduce Derek Vanstone, a lawyer who grew up in Saskatoon, is now working for Hatch in Toronto, which is an international engineering firm. He is here for the food, fuel, and fertilizer conference. I first met Derek many years ago when I was a Young Conservative and he was a very Young Conservative. So, Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all members join me in welcoming Derek Vanstone to the legislature today.

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

Mr. Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you this afternoon in the west gallery, I’d like to introduce a couple of individuals. The first is Jamie Martens. Jamie, if you can just give us a quick wave. Jamie has been a councillor for the city of Martensville since 2012 and currently serves in her role as deputy mayor, and she’s also served on several FCM committees, Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Alongside Jamie this afternoon, in her first visit to the legislature, is her daughter Arianna. And Arianna and I and Jamie have been touring the building this morning and she’s quite in awe. This is, like I said, her first visit, and I’m really hoping it’s not her last visit. And I’m really expecting it won’t be her last visit as Jamie is our Saskatchewan Party candidate in Martensville-Blairmore this year.

So with that, I’d like everybody in the room to please welcome Jamie and Arianna to their Saskatchewan legislature.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to present the following petition. The folks who signed this petition wish to bring to your attention: the Sask Party government voted against meaningful duty-to-consult legislation; the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada has called on all levels of government, including provincial governments, to reform laws, policies, and strategies that rely on outdated and backwards principles of European sovereignty over Indigenous peoples and lands; and 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.

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 on Yellow Quill First Nation. I do so present.

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

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present our petition to the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to suspend the fuel tax. The undersigned residents of the province wish to bring to our attention the following: Saskatchewan people are struggling to keep up with increased costs of food, shelter, and other basic necessities as wages have not kept up with the rate of inflation; that according to an October 2023 Angus Reid poll more than one-third of people in Saskatchewan are struggling with the cost of living; that the Sask Party government could provide immediate cost-of-living relief to Saskatchewan families by suspending the 15‑cent-per-litre provincial fuel tax and they could follow other jurisdictions such as Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and Newfoundland who have suspended or reduced their provincial fuel taxes to make life more affordable for the residents of their provinces.

I’ll read the prayer, Mr. Speaker:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to suspend the collection of the provincial fuel tax from gasoline and diesel for a period of six months to help families struggling with the high cost of living.

Mr. Speaker, the undersigned residents reside in Prince Albert. 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 Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to fix the crisis in health care. The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to our attention the following: that there were 951 health care closures across rural Saskatchewan between August 2019 and July 2023.

Mr. Speaker, that’s a big number that has affected a lot of Saskatchewan people across this province. And when we have, you know, we’ve lost 21 per cent of nurses in rural and remote Saskatchewan in the last six years, there’s a problem. And it’s the choices that this government is making about how it treats our health care professionals, how it makes decisions around health care. It has real life impacts for people. We continue to have the longest wait times for knee and hip replacement surgeries. We continue to see Saskatchewan women having to travel to Calgary to get breast cancer care. People deserve to have adequate and accessible health care when and where they need it, Mr. Speaker.

I’ll read the prayer:

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the Government of Saskatchewan to immediately address the short-staffing crisis in health care and work with health care workers on solutions to improve patient care.

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

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

Ms. Bowes: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to rise today to present our petition calling for pay equity legislation. The undersigned residents would like to bring to our attention the following: that Saskatchewan is one of only four provinces not to have implemented pay equity legislation; that Saskatchewan has one of the highest gender wage gaps in Canada, which is the result of systemic gender discrimination in compensation for work that must be corrected with pay equity legislation; that while pay equity advocacy primarily seeks to address gender-based wage discrimination, it must also be mindful of ability-, age-, identity-, and race-based wage discrimination.

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 introduce pay equity legislation.

The signatories today reside in Weyburn, Redvers, and Fillmore. I do so present.

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

Ms. Ritchie: — Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present a petition calling to address the housing crisis in Saskatchewan, calling for more affordable homes and tenant protections. The undersigned residents wish to bring to your attention the following: that the cost of housing in Saskatchewan has skyrocketed, making it increasingly difficult for many individuals and families to secure stable and affordable housing.

Over the past decade homelessness has surged, pushing people onto the streets. Meanwhile the government has made drastic cuts to the housing program. The Government of Saskatchewan has wasted $596 million on vacant housing units; some of these remain uninhabitable because of cuts to the maintenance and renovation budget over the last decade. Monthly rent increases and prices in Saskatchewan have also significantly increased while the wages for Saskatchewan families have remained stagnant, and as a result people have been forced to cut back on groceries and use the food bank.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan call on the government to immediately implement a comprehensive affordable housing strategy aimed at helping individuals and families in securing stable and affordable housing. The strategy must restore the cuts made to the housing portfolio and invest in the development of affordable and low-income housing units.

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

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Standing against Antisemitism on Yom HaShoah

Hon. Mr. Wyant: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, yesterday was Yom HaShoah, otherwise known as the Holocaust Remembrance Day. Each year Jewish communities in Israel and abroad remember the tragic events of the Holocaust. They also remember the heroism of the Jewish resistance that continued to work against Hitler’s regime.

Mr. Speaker, just last year the world witnessed the largest collective murder of Jewish people since the Holocaust on October 7th. This event shows how important it is to remember the evil that antisemitism continues to perpetrate on the world, and it also highlights the strength of the Jewish people in Israel and in the Diasporas abroad.

Mr. Speaker, the Holocaust didn’t just start with concentration camps. It started when regular people didn’t speak out against antisemitism, when the Nazi regime was able to weaponize people against each other, when neighbours were turned against one another. We remember each day the rise of antisemitism in our country.

Mr. Speaker, this day is very personal to me. Mr. Speaker, save for a very few members of my family, almost all of my father’s family was exterminated in the death camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Flossenbürg, Ravensbrück, just to name a few. Only by the grace of God did my father escape, and as a family we remember those who died and what they would have contributed.

As members of a democratic society, it’s our duty to stand together against fascism and antisemitism. There is no place for antisemitism or hatred of any kind in Saskatchewan or in this nation. Never forget.

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

Red Dress Day and Support for Indigenous Communities

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in honour of Red Dress Day that was held yesterday, May 5th every year. My colleagues and I joined the many families for the MMIWG2S+ [missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, two-spirit, plus] walks that were held across the province. Red Dress Day is a day to remember and honour our loved ones that have not made it home and to stand with our relatives and communities that have been affected.

Mr. Speaker, Red Dress Day is every day for Indigenous women, for our families, and our community. It is a reminder of the deep pain and trauma Indigenous communities have endured and continue to endure when those we love have been taken from us. Red Dress Day is also a stark reminder of the ongoing issue surrounding gender-based violence and that we must take a stand for the rights of Indigenous people while underscoring the importance of equality and justice.

Mr. Speaker, as a society we must recognize and address the disproportionate violence and discrimination faced by Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. And it is imperative to understand gender-based violence is a result of colonialism, racism, and patriarchy. I ask all members to join me in recognizing Red Dress Day. Gichi-miigwech.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Prince Albert Northcote.

Heart Failure Awareness Week

Ms. A. Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Our government is recognizing May 5th to 11th this year as Heart Failure Awareness Week in Saskatchewan. We have been working with Heart & Stroke to help raise awareness of heart failure and its impact on our province. Heart failure is a serious and growing problem in Canada. In Saskatchewan nearly 25,000 people are currently living with heart failure and 3,200 people are diagnosed annually with this complex and incurable condition.

Despite these staggering numbers, most people don’t understand or know what heart failure is. It is a chronic condition caused by functional or structural problems with the heart. Heart failure places a significant strain on families, caregivers, and people living with this condition, and also places considerable burden on our health care system.

Heart Failure Awareness Week is an opportunity to learn about heart failure, the signs and symptoms, how to reduce risk, and how to better support those living with this complex and incurable condition so they can live longer.

I am pleased to share these messages to raise awareness among my colleagues and people right across Saskatchewan so we may better understand heart failure. I encourage everyone to visit Heart & Stroke’s website at heartandstroke.ca to find out more. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

National Nursing Week and Call for Nursing Task Force

Ms. Mowat: — Today marks the beginning of National Nursing Week. I rise in honour of the more than 11,000 nurses in Saskatchewan who are tirelessly committed to taking care of patients and their families every single day.

The theme of this year’s Nursing Week is “Changing Lives. Shaping Tomorrow.” When we look to the future of nursing in this province, it’s clear that major changes are needed. Nurses in Saskatchewan are overworked and undervalued, working in crowded ERs [emergency room] with plummeting staff members, and an overreliance on travel nurses.

The Saskatchewan Union of Nurses has been crystal clear — meaningful change depends on nurses being at the table. This should be a no-brainer, Mr. Speaker. The nurses are the ones on the front lines. The nurses are the ones who see the worsening cracks in the system. The nurses are the ones who know what needs to be done.

[14:00]

And yet for over a year now, the Sask Party government has refused to put together a nursing task force to get to the root of the issue. This National Nursing Week we must honour nurses by giving them a voice when it comes to the crisis that’s hitting them so hard.

I ask all members to join me in thanking Saskatchewan nurses for their dedicated service and calling on the government to assemble a nursing task force. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood.

Mammography Camera to Improve Diagnostics at Breast Health Centre

Ms. Lambert: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Residents of Saskatchewan will now have access to an innovative new mammography camera at the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre of Care Breast Health Centre. The machine, called the Hologic 3Dimensions mammography system, has curved paddles to make the test more comfortable for patients and creates a sharper image for better diagnosis capabilities.

Mr. Speaker, I’m proud to say that the partnership between the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation, and their donors resulted in the machine being ordered and installed within six weeks. With this new machine, the hospital can reduce wait times and help with early detection and prevention measures.

Enabling greater access to health care for all residents remains a priority for this government, and I am very happy that residents of Saskatoon and surrounding communities will now have access to this machine. Innovation continues to be part of our strategy to accelerate access to breast health procedures from mammography to surgery and further care that a patient might need.

On behalf of my constituents in Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood and the greater Saskatoon area, thank you to all involved in the procurement of this important device and a further thank you to the donors who continue to contribute to Saskatchewan’s health care system. Thank you.

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

Agriculture Student Scholarship Recipients Represent Bright Future for Saskatchewan Agriculture

Mr. Skoropad: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the future is bright in this province. Saskatchewan’s youth, like the four ag scholarship winners here today, will be key to the future success of our agriculture industry as the world looks to us for sustainable food, fuel, and fertilizer they need.

This year under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the scholarships were increased to 3 and $6,000. The goal of these scholarships is to bring attention to the many opportunities in the agriculture and agri-foods sector and encourage the province’s youth to work in this industry, help tell our story, and build public trust. Applicants were required to produce a science-based, three-minute video or write a 1,000‑word essay highlighting the importance of farming and environmental sustainability. Applicants also had to provide a conditional acceptance letter from a post-secondary institution as well as a letter of reference.

There were 49 applications this year. Mr. Speaker, these winners here today show exceptional knowledge and expertise and are well on their way to making the ag sector in this province even stronger. Marleigh, Clare, Katie, and Maddy, on behalf of all members, we are so proud of your hard work, your dedication, and your accomplishments thus far. And we are so pleased to support you on your post-secondary journey and wish you continued success in your bright future. Thank you.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Lloydminster.

Opposition Position on Carbon Tax

Ms. C. Young: — Mr. Speaker, the other day in estimates when the Premier talked about the NDP [New Democratic Party] leader attending the Trudeau campaign school in Ottawa she got quite defensive and said, “. . . the Premier knows so very well that this was not a campaign school.”

Well the problem is, Mr. Speaker, we have the evidence. We have the slides from the NDP leader’s presentation. Here’s the title of the slides, and I quote: “Defeating Conservatives in Saskatchewan,” guest speaker, Carla Beck. That sounds an awful lot like a campaign school to me, Mr. Speaker. And worst of all, her presentation was about defeating the one federal party that will end the carbon tax, which makes it very clear the NDP support Trudeau, they support Singh, and they support the carbon tax.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people overwhelmingly oppose Trudeau and his carbon tax, yet this NDP leader flew to Ottawa in the middle of the legislative session not just to attend, but to lead a session at the Trudeau campaign school. How could she do that to Saskatchewan?

The Speaker: — I would like to caution the member. On that member statement, there’s a lot of things that were said that is not allowed. You’re talking about party deliberations. You named the member by her name rather than by her position, so on the one part I’d like you to withdraw and apologize when you mentioned the member’s name rather than by her title. I’m asking you to withdraw and apologize for that.

Ms. C. Young: — I withdraw and apologize.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Provincial Fuel Tax and Affordability Measures

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, last Thursday the Sask Party voted unanimously to defeat our motion to suspend the fuel tax and give Saskatchewan families a break. Mr. Speaker, does the Premier care to tell us why?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The entire gas tax, plus that fund is added to, Mr. Speaker, make up the Highways budget in the province of Saskatchewan. That’s the highways investment that we make to ensure that our commodities are able to find their way to a port position, Mr. Speaker. It’s also the investment that we make in safer highways, safer intersections because it’s our, because it’s our families that are travelling down those very same roads, Mr. Speaker, and we think that that investment is most certainly warranted.

I understand why the members opposite don’t correlate the gasoline tax with the investment in highways because, quite frankly, under their administration they did not invest the entire amount into highways, Mr. Speaker. What they did is they took those dollars and invested them in other areas of government. It is a fact, Mr. Speaker, and you can check the previous budgets in Public Accounts on that, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to that, when it comes to affordability I talk day in, day out about the $2 billion in each and every budget that is afforded to the people of this province, families of this province, due to the strength of our growing and vibrant economy; the tax affordability cheques that went out last year, Mr. Speaker, to each and every resident over the age of 18; and the savings in carbon tax on our home heating natural gas and electricity, which is a larger number, Mr. Speaker, a larger number than what the Leader of the Opposition is advocating for.

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

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, the Sask Party have shown through their actions how completely out of touch they are with the reality that Saskatchewan families are facing — 57 per cent of people in this province struggling just to pay for groceries. And instead of using their power to offer them some relief, the Sask Party used their majority to say no to suspending the gas tax. Mr. Speaker, that tells you everything that you need to know about how out of touch this Sask Party government has become, and why, Mr. Speaker, it’s time for a change.

Premiers in Alberta and in Manitoba have provided this relief to people in their province. Why does the Premier think that Saskatchewan families don’t deserve the same?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Asked and answered, Mr. Speaker. And what I would say and ask of the Leader of the Opposition and all members opposite is, in the very same vein, why did they vote against the budget? $2 billion in affordability measures in this year’s budget voted against by this NDP, Mr. Speaker.

In this budget was the enabling legislation to ensure that Saskatchewan families are not going to pay carbon tax on their home heating natural gas and their home heating electricity, unlike anywhere else in the nation. Why did you vote against that savings for Saskatchewan families, Mr. Speaker?

We’re going to continue to ensure that we have a budget that’s put forward that allows Saskatchewan cities, Regina in the budget documents themself being identified as the most affordable city to live in in the nation of Canada, we’re going to ensure that is the case with the $2 billion that are again in this year’s budget. We’re going to ensure that we have a strong and growing and vibrant economy so that we can continue to make the investments in our classrooms, in our health care system, and in our communities.

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

Supports for People with Disabilities

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, this government is failing to deliver on the cost of living, and they’re failing to deliver when it comes to providing care to the most vulnerable. Today we’re joined by families, by individuals living with disabilities, their caregivers, and their loved ones. And they’re here today to tell their stories about this government’s failure to provide care for adults in this province living with intellectual disabilities.

Tara Jo Kadlec is here to tell the story of her brother Cory. Cory passed away just weeks ago. And last year Cory spent 10 months locked in a dementia ward because of the lack of appropriate care placement in the community. His family says, Mr. Speaker, that he never recovered from this experience.

What does the Premier have to say to this family, to Tara Jo, and to her family about why they’re failing so badly?

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Mr. Speaker, I welcome Tara Jo, and very sorry to hear of the passing of Cory. I know this, I’ve heard about this case last . . . many months ago, I should say, Mr. Speaker. I know there sometimes is challenges in finding placements for group homes for highly specialized needs on the medical intervention side of things.

Mr. Speaker, the Health minister and myself have recently met with parents who are interested in having a group home available for those who have those extremely high medical needs that it’s probably not the best setting for them in a long-term care home or in a hospital. For example, they might be younger than all the other residents, and it might not be the best spot for them, Mr. Speaker. So the government is actually looking at the possibility of that. There’s examples in other provinces that the ministries of Health and Social Services are also looking at to better meet the needs of clients who don’t necessarily . . . shouldn’t be in a hospital setting.

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

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, this isn’t a one-off failure; this is a system failure. Cory had Down syndrome. He was 41 years old. He loved dinosaurs, Jurassic Park, burgers, and spending time on his dad’s farm near Davidson. And he had health needs that weren’t being met in the community. Tara Jo fought tooth and nail for Cory to live somewhere where he felt safe, and he finally ended up in the family’s care. From there, Tara and the family had to fight every day to get basic help.

How is this acceptable in Saskatchewan in 2024?

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Mr. Speaker, in terms of group homes, we’ve been able to increase the budget. There’s been a growing need of course, Mr. Speaker, in our province since we’ve formed government. The disability program area, for example, has gone up by 248 million; that’s a 348 per cent increase included in this budget.

This government has also brought forward individualized funding to fill gaps in programming that traditional group homes may not fill the need. So, Mr. Speaker, we’re actually looking at ways to support those with the highest complex medical needs in our province, and that work will continue.

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, Tara Jo and her family did everything that they possibly could to get the support that her brother needed. But the supports available to them just weren’t good enough, and Cory suffered needlessly and Cory’s family has suffered needlessly as a result.

We’re joined today by many fierce advocates who don’t want to be here. They wish they didn’t have to fight so hard. Brenda and Candace Olson have joined us, together with their son and brother Jerome. Jerome lives with cerebral palsy. He’s been in and out of homes. His family is tired. Jerome is back living with family because they feel they’re out of options within the system.

We’re also joined by the Gardiners who care for Matthew Brandon of the For The Love of Matthew page, who described the lack of support from the ministry in their time with them over the years as “a living nightmare.”

When will this government invest in sufficient supports for those living with developmental disabilities in Saskatchewan and start to lift these families up?

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. In my time as the minister I’ve been able to meet with several of these families and work with them. I know the ministry works very hard to find good placements or good situations.

Sometimes it may not be ideal based on what is happening throughout the system, Mr. Speaker, but I would note the increases we’ve been able to make, this government’s been able to make in the CLSD [community living service delivery] area, a 348 per cent increase, as well as this budget, Mr. Speaker, 10 new group homes.

The members from Westview and Eastview were just recently in Saskatoon with myself to open, with Elmwood, new facilities, three new facilities. Two new were announced as well, Mr. Speaker.

[14:15]

There’s certainly more work to do in this, but we’re able to do that with a strong and growing economy to help find the best placement possible. May not be perfect at the time, but we’ll continue, the ministry will continue to work with families to find an ideal situation going forward.

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, these are not new issues, and this government is moving at a snail’s pace to bridge these gaping chasms. The lack of coordination between Health and Social Services is failing individuals living with developmental disabilities in this province.

Most homes have no nursing care at all. The lack of collaboration means an unacceptably low quality of care. The management of health issues often falls to exhausted family members, individuals like Tracie Bellisle who is here today with her son Brandon who requires a high level of support. He’s been on a wait-list for a group home for over a decade. Nothing else available.

Brandon, who is a social and bright young man, was recently placed in a totally unacceptable situation with four non-verbal seniors. Medication errors and a lack of suitable care led Tracie to pull him from that placement on the advice of Brandon’s doctor. Does the minister really think that the status quo is good enough?

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Mr. Speaker, in terms of the group homes I want to go on record and thank so much the group homes and all the DSWs that work, disability support workers who do great work each and every day and sometimes in very difficult cases. So I certainly appreciate that effort with the dozens of group homes that the ministry has contracts with. And good work happens every day, Mr. Speaker.

And just again in this budget there’s been increases to wages, and that’s on top of several in the past few years since I’ve been the minister, and previous ministers before that. But also on the operational side is this budget came forward with an operational oversight unit to work with third parties, to work with our CBOs [community-based organizations] to ensure there’s governance structure in place, as well as on the operations side as well to make sure our most vulnerable people in our province are looked after. That’s on top of increases, Mr. Speaker. Granted, I know there is more work to do in this area, but I want to continue this work as we go forward.

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, the minister touts increases. I can’t stress enough that this sector is in crisis. The auditor reported on this back in 2021. She identified risks, a lack of oversight, a lack of standards. She made nine recommendations, and the last that we were updated, none of them were fully implemented. I raised these issues with the former minister of Social Services going back to 2021, how the lack of training and wages for staff impacts those living with disabilities in these group home settings. And it’s only gotten worse since then. A turnover rate of 30 per cent means that individuals will have over 1,000 different people providing intimate and personal care over their lifetime. A revolving door of care is not only undignified, it’s dangerous.

Will the minister finally listen to these families, take the crisis in the sector seriously, and stop with the lip service and the slogans? Stop talking about making Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live with disabilities, and make it happen.

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — As I mentioned before, Mr. Speaker, I have met with many of these families that the member has brought forward. We thank them for being here to again tell their story. I think that’s important to keep that on the attention of myself and the government.

But I think this government has acted. Is there certainly more to do? I’ve talked about the increase on the wages side, but also on the capital side, the operational side for our valued CBO partners. And again I want to thank each and every one of them. And the member’s right; some of the DSWs, the disability support workers, they almost become family to many of the people that they do look after. And we thank them for their work each and every day for doing that.

And so again we partner with third parties to deliver good service. Nearly $500 million in wages just this year to the CBO sector, a 3 per cent lift. So there’s certainly more to do. I acknowledge that, Mr. Speaker. I think this government has been committed and it’s shown that through the last several budgets.

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

Ms. Conway: — A 3 per cent lift that may not even make it to those front-line workers. Thank them in action, not words.

Mr. Speaker, then there are the families that can’t get access to institutionalized care or a group home, who are left to go it alone, families like Cathy Chartier’s, whose daughter Rebecca has low-functioning autism and the mental capacity of a five-year-old.

She requires one-on-one, 24‑7 care, but Cathy doesn’t receive close to that. She gets 30 hours per week and has to fill in the gaps at great personal and financial cost. She doesn’t get the supports she needs from this ministry through self-directed funding to provide a safe situation for her daughter. She’s told that a group home wait-list is long. She and her husband are growing older. They worry about what will happen to Rebecca when they’re not around anymore.

When will the minister put in place the supports that families like Cathy and Rebecca need and deserve? Finally, will the minister set up follow-up meetings with the families that have attended here today so that their stories can fuel true action?

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Well again I would submit to the member, there has been significant investments in this area: 348 per cent increase in the years since this government has had the honour to serve in this great province, Mr. Speaker. So there is self-directed funding; that is new to this government.

CLSD, the folks in that part of the ministry do great work. And it’s sometimes challenging work, and there is always work to do. And again I met with the . . . [inaudible] . . . families, as was mentioned by the member opposite, to try and find a way to fill some of the gaps that are out there. The self-directed funding is part of that. The increased funding to group homes is a part of that as well. On the wait side, on the operational side, the operational oversight unit is a very important part of that, those commitments.

But, Mr. Speaker, there’s more to do. And it’s particularly those who have very high medical needs, and we want to find the right setting for them.

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, on the record I’ll ask for a commitment from the minister to meet with each of these families in follow-up meetings so that their stories can fuel change.

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

Hon. Mr. Makowsky: — Again, Mr. Speaker, met with several of these families and would be honoured to do so once again at their convenience.

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

Health Care Staffing and Discussions with Nurses

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, this government is failing to deliver in social services, and they’re failing to deliver when it comes to health care. We hear story after story from nurses and health care workers about the challenges facing our hospitals: 139 million spent on contract nursing by December; fire code violations and stop-the-line procedures in emergency rooms. Health care workers have the answers, but this tired and out-of-touch government isn’t listening.

It’s Nursing Week, and the minister has the opportunity to do the right thing. Will he finally say yes to a nursing task force?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And as part of National Nursing Week and including here in Saskatchewan, we’re very grateful and want to extend our appreciation and gratitude to all the nurses of all designations, 19,000 nurses across this province, Mr. Speaker, and a growing number of nurses here in Saskatchewan, serving the people right across our great province.

Mr. Speaker, we are committed to creating more opportunities for nurses here in Saskatchewan. That’s why we have been meeting with them regularly, meeting with front-line health care providers, meeting with the unions, working to establish more training seats for example, Mr. Speaker, and to create more training opportunities here in Saskatchewan so that we can train more of those very valuable nurses of all designations and, in addition to that, get them hired into our facilities right across this province, Mr. Speaker.

That’s the level of commitment that we have shown in the past, Mr. Speaker. We’ll continue to collaborate very closely with nurses and continue to do this in the future, Mr. Speaker.

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

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, listening to local voices is what’s needed to fix the problems in health care, but this tired and out-of-touch government doesn’t listen. That’s why emergency room nurses have to send open letters to the minister’s office, and it’s why nurses have been asking for a nursing task force for over a year.

Saskatchewan people deserve a government that listens to front-line workers, not lobbyists and consultants. Why won’t the minister call for a nursing task force? How will he get to the root of the retention issues in health care?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Health.

Hon. Mr. Hindley: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And we have been working to listen to nurses, to hear from them, to meet with them whenever possible, Mr. Speaker, to not only hear from them directly some of the challenges that are out there in our health care system, but also the solutions, Mr. Speaker, to those challenges.

For example, as we’ve talked about for some time now around challenges at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, we’ve been working very closely; I have met personally with nurses there. I’ve been to St. Paul’s, Mr. Speaker. We’ve asked, Mr. Speaker, that SHA senior leadership be engaged with them.

And as a result of that, Mr. Speaker, some of those ideas have been brought forward as part of the Saskatoon capacity pressure action plan, and ideas that have been coming directly from front-line health care providers including nurses, including doctors, including others in leadership positions there, Mr. Speaker.

We’re going to continue that engagement to make sure that we are listening to front-line health care providers, hearing from them the challenges but also the solutions and working closely with them to implement those solutions, Mr. Speaker.

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

Government’s Fiscal Management

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. This tired and out-of-touch government is failing to deliver basic health care services to people in this province, and they’re failing to deliver support for vulnerable people as well. They’re also failing to create good jobs and to grow this economy.

Let’s just look at the value of merchandise exports. For 11 consecutive months the value of merchandise exports in Saskatchewan has fallen year over year. Job growth is anemic, corporate profits are falling, and shortly government tax revenues will be falling too.

Now, Mr. Speaker, the Premier and his ministers spent thousands of dollars flying around the world, but they’re delivering less this year than they were last year. And those are the facts.

So, Mr. Speaker, my question to the minister: why didn’t he bring up that fact this morning in his fireside chat with the Premier and former prime minister Harper?

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

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Well I can’t tell you how happy I am to talk about the economy here in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. Seventy-eight billion dollars of GDP [gross domestic product]. Those numbers just came out, I believe, last week — second in the entire country in growth. Year before, over a 6 per cent growth rate in our GDP, Mr. Speaker, leading Canada.

Our exports are up nearly $50 billion this year. And I can tell you a big part of the discussion today at the food, fuel, and fertilizer summit put on by the Sask Chamber of Commerce was about how we keep that momentum going, how we continue to grow our exports, $50 billion this year.

And keep in mind in the final year of the NDP government, which was probably their best year, exports were $16 billion, Mr. Speaker. Fifty billion dollars of exports on $78 billion of GDP is how this government is able to pay for all of the services that are provided. It’s how the budget has gone from $7 billion a year when we formed government to nearly $20 billion a year this year, Mr. Speaker. Growth is what pays for all of the services that we so value in this province, and that’s what we’re . . .

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

Ms. A. Young: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Let’s talk about those StatsCan numbers because you know they show ag down, forestry down, mining down, oil and gas down, construction down, transportation down. Let’s talk about that, Mr. Speaker.

And let’s also talk about this government’s contract with Stephen Harper. Every year we pay Calgary-based Harper & Associates a quarter million dollars every year to help this struggling government. Almost a million dollars since this Premier came to office, and when we FOI [freedom of information] the contract with Harper & Associates, Mr. Speaker, can you guess what happened? It came back redacted. Almost every detail withheld for the actual description of work that the taxpayers of Saskatchewan are paying Harper & Associates to do.

How does the minister justify this total lack of transparency?

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

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Well, Mr. Speaker, I wish that member had listened to the discussion today that occurred at the food, fuel, and fertilizer summit put on by the Sask Chamber of Commerce. Because what she would have heard from business leaders, from partners, from stakeholders including chambers of commerce across the province are the vital importance, Mr. Speaker, of international engagement, about why our direct engagement with leaders around the world has resulted in literally hundreds of millions of dollars of opportunities for our companies to do business which results in tens of thousands of jobs here, Mr. Speaker.

The fact that their export numbers were only $16 billion in their best year, Mr. Speaker, speaks to the fact that this doesn’t just happen. And we know it doesn’t just happen because it never happened when they were government. We need to engage. We need to support Saskatchewan. We need to work with our companies. We need to sell the province. That’s what we’re committed to doing, and it’s showing real results.

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 in our province continues to take lives. Later this week the coroner will release new overdose numbers that will show what we already know. This is a crisis out of control. Last year we set a record for overdose deaths, Mr. Speaker. We’re on track to set another record this year.

This government touts its treatment-oriented model of care, but you can’t check into treatment if you’ve died of an overdose. How many, how many more months of record deaths will it take before the Sask Party changes course and provides the evidence-based supports people need to stop the harm?

[14:30]

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

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As I’ve said before and I will say again, every loss of life due to an overdose is a tragedy. And our condolences are extended to every family that’s impacted because we know that addiction reaches beyond just the individual, Mr. Speaker, and it impacts families and communities as well.

We also know, Mr. Speaker, that the best way to prevent overdoses is help individuals overcome those addictions, and we are doing just that with our action plan on mental health and addictions, Mr. Speaker. We are adding 500 addictions treatment spaces. We are making it easier for people to access those spaces. And we are giving people the services and supports that they need through recovery-oriented systems of care to ensure that they can live healthy, safe lives in recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, I’d request leave to move a number of motions of condolence.

The Speaker: — The Premier has requested leave to make condolences. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

CONDOLENCE MOTIONS

Lloyd John Muller

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, and there’s a number of condolence motions of former MLAs [Member of Legislative Assembly] that we will make here today.

And I would just offer in the case of the first MLA, a previous MLA from Shellbrook-Torch River — in fact the first two MLAs, but starting with Mr. Lloyd Muller who passed away this past June of this past year.

Lloyd was the MLA from 1982, I believe, until the election in the early ’90s in the constituency of Shellbrook-Torch River, Mr. Speaker, through the ’80s when I was yet in high school. But he did serve, Mr. Deputy Speaker, with respect to the constituency of Shellbrook, actually going over from Canwood right over to Smeaton and out to Choiceland and in that area.

Mr. Speaker, I do recall Lloyd being very active in the community in his involvement with the 4‑H, being active in the community with his involvement with a number of organizations, giving back to his community long before he was elected to the floor of this legislature. In fact in the late ’80s would have been the first time that I, as a part of a class trip . . . And I think there was a class that was here today and we see that often. We were part of a class trip from Shellbrook, about a four-hour drive one-way down here where we came, visited the legislature, said hello to Lloyd, had our photo on the staircase, and then off to visit the Science Centre as well. So that experience has been happening for many, many, many decades as it turns out, Mr. Chair.

But I would just offer maybe a couple more personal comments with respect to Lloyd in addition to the first time I was in this building. Lloyd was our MLA in the area. I did not return to this building until I was elected. I was in it once prior to being elected. But on the morning after the 2011 election when I . . . About 7, 7:30 in the morning, I was up fairly early. I went down to our campaign office. I was feeling pretty good as we had just successfully won the honour to form government again in 2011, and for me, it was the first time that I had been elected, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And who was at the campaign office at about 7 or 7:30 in the morning but was Lloyd Muller.

And I was going to start cleaning the place up a little bit, and so we sat and had a coffee and Lloyd had offered a couple of pieces of advice that I’ve carried with me, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The first was just this. He said, you know, you’ll find your way down to Regina and there’s a lot of things that are going to be happening. And he said, you have a good moral compass. He says, you’ve been raised in the community of Shellbrook, and he said, trust your gut when it comes to various things that are happening. He said, if your gut doesn’t say it’s the right thing, he said, voice your opinion and certainly make your decisions accordingly. He said, it won’t steer you wrong.

And I have carried that with me. I like to think I carried that with me all of my life, but it certainly has given me the confidence to ensure that I . . . in trusting my gut instincts, Mr. Deputy Chair, when it comes to all decisions and all conversations that I’m a part of and have throughout my political career.

The second piece of advice that Mr. Muller had offered was about the pace at which things happen in government. And he said again, you were, you know, raised on a farm and he says, yeah I’ve seen you, you know, working and volunteering in the community and he said, you, you know, have been part of the business community. He said, you like to make things happen. You like to see things through and see some action happening and get to the end of whatever the project is.

And we had done a number of, you know, volunteer projects — a concession building, a 3 or 4,000‑foot concession building at our sports grounds that Lloyd watched. I had been involved with significant upgrades to our hockey arena, and we did it in the same way that every community does, is you get together, you fundraise, and you go and build the thing.

And so Lloyd’s advice was, government doesn’t move that quickly, and he said, you’re going to have to learn how to accept that. And he said, there’s a reason why it doesn’t move that quickly. He said, it doesn’t get down the wrong roads too quickly either, just simply because it rolls along. And he said, you can really think of government as this very, very large wheel. And he said, if you’re good at what you do and you understand that government doesn’t move too quickly, he said, you may be able to find yourself in a position on the floor of this Assembly to, you know, stand to the one side of that wheel and you might be able to nudge it a little bit in the direction that, you know, you and your caucus colleagues would like to see it go. Or you might be able to at times stand on the other side of that wheel and you might be able to nudge it a little bit so that it can change course to some degree if that’s what you believe the best interest of your constituents and more broadly the people of Saskatchewan want or desire at that point in time. But he said, for goodness sakes, don’t stand in front of that wheel and hold your hand up and try to stop it, because you should know that it’s run over a lot better men than you. Mr. Speaker, a piece of advice that, you know, I remember and I remember quite fondly.

I went back and looked at Lloyd’s maiden speech from June 21st of 1982, and it would be a little bit of a maybe comparison to the speech that I’ll bring up in our next individual . . . but Lloyd, as I said, he was part of our . . . a leader in our 4‑H community in Shellbrook. And he very much was an advocate for agriculture during his time in private life, his time in public life, and his time when he returned to private life, whether it be crop production, whether it be livestock production. But he understood very much that agriculture was the very spinal cord of the economy, not just in Rosthern-Shellbrook but across the province of Saskatchewan.

In his maiden speech he made some comments with respect to the Crow rate benefit — there’s something we haven’t heard about in decades, the Crow rate benefit — and in 1982 the importance of that Crow rate benefit to Saskatchewan producers. That has changed to some degree as we see the significant investment in value-added agriculture production and some of, you know, what is happening in, you know, for example, this province increasingly exporting canola oil as opposed to canola seed. In the future I think you’ll see protein, pea proteins and pulse proteins, as opposed to peas and lentils, Mr. Speaker. And that all started back in the days of the Crow rate benefit, which was there to actually subsidize some of the freight that Saskatchewan farmers and agricultural producers were experiencing.

Lloyd had also made a number of comments around tourism and the importance of tourism to the area, with the national park to the north, the great number of regional parks that we have across the constituency, the opportunities that we have with all of the lakes in the area. And I know in retired life Lloyd spent a lot of time at Larsen Lake, a small lake actually just outside of one of our PFRA [Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration], what used to be the PFRA pastures there. A small, quiet lake, and he spent a lot of his time there with his wife, Doreen, fishing and enjoying the quiet of retired life.

So agriculture, tourism, but also some discussion around hunting season and the vast wildlife reserve that we have throughout the forest fringe area. And so things haven’t changed a whole lot in that area. I can say they have changed on many fronts, but definitely the priorities of what is now largely the Rosthern-Shellbrook or Saskatchewan Rivers constituency, back then was Shellbrook-Torch River constituency, agriculture is still very much the spinal cord of the industry in the area. Some mention of timber, very much part of the economy in the area. Tourism, an important piece in the area, and certainly some of the recreation opportunities that we have in the sphere of hunting and outfitting and fishing if you’re a better fisherman than I, Mr. Deputy Chair, as my fishing really consists of the great opportunity to wash off my fish hooks in the lake.

Mr. Speaker, I would close with the following motion of condolence:

That this Assembly records with sorrow and regret the passing of a former member of this Assembly and expresses its grateful appreciation of the contribution that he made to his community, to his constituency, and to the province.

Lloyd John Muller, who passed away on June the 27th, 2023, at the age of 86. He served as a member of this Legislative Assembly from 1982 until 1991, representing the constituency of Shellbrook-Torch River for the Progressive Conservative Party. Mr. Muller served as Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly from 1982 until 1985 and again from 1986 until 1991.

Mr. Muller, who was born in Prince Albert on June the 21st, 1937, grew up in Parkside, Saskatchewan. In 1958 he married Doreen Rask, and the couple settled in the same region, where they established a family farm and farmed until 1967, at which time they relocated to a new farm in Foxdale. Mr. Muller was very active in his community throughout his life, particularly in his local 4‑H club. And prior to his time in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Muller also served as the reeve of the rural municipality of Shellbrook.

Mr. Muller is survived and sadly missed by his wife, Doreen; and his children, Lyle, Terry, Tracy; and their families.

In recording its own deep sense of loss and bereavement, this Assembly expresses its most sincere sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.

I so move.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s an honour to join with the Premier and support this condolence motion for Mr. Lloyd Muller. Lloyd Muller was an MLA and served in this Assembly from 1982 to 1991, and represented the constituency of Shellbrook-Torch River, and would be familiar with the role that you’re seated in as well, as he served as Deputy Speaker for several years, Mr. Speaker.

He was born in P.A. [Prince Albert] and grew up in Parkside, and was quite active in his community, Mr. Speaker, and also served, in addition to those community roles and being an MLA, served as reeve of the RM [rural municipality] of Shellbrook as well.

It is never something we do alone in serving the Assembly here, Mr. Speaker. So on behalf of the official opposition we want to thank Mr. Muller for his service to the province of Saskatchewan and also pass along our condolences to his family — his wife, Doreen, and his children and their families. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — I recognize the member from Prince Albert Northcote.

Ms. A. Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to briefly join with the Premier and the member opposite in recognizing and expressing gratitude for Mr. Lloyd Muller’s service to his community, his constituency, and our province. Most of my memories of Mr. Muller are from my youth. Often we’d see him at the local skating rink with his sons who played hockey with my brother over the years.

[14:45]

I especially remember him from when he was a leader of the Foxdale 4‑H Beef Club. At that time I was a member of the Wild Rose 4‑H Beef Club. And every year at the regional show and sale in Prince Albert we would all get together, and the dads were in charge. And great fun was held by all of us because we got to get away with quite a bit more than we would have, I think, with the moms in charge. And I remember Mr. Muller. He really enjoyed that time.

I would like to express my deepest condolences to Mr. Muller’s family, and may you hold all of your memories dear in your hearts and may they give you comfort in your time of sorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. I recognize the Premier.

John (Jack) Fenton Langford

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I would move on with another condolence motion. I’m not moving too far away geographically, sticking with the constituency of Shellbrook-Torch River and the individual that followed Mr. Muller to take a seat in this Assembly on behalf of the constituents of Torch River, and that’s Mr. Jack Fenton Langford.

I don’t remember Jack personally. I didn’t know Jack. However, Mr. Chair, I did pull also his maiden speech, December 9th of 1991, and I looked at a number of the themes that Jack had brought up. I do remember when he was elected, however. I just completed my grade 12 year and was entering the workforce. And I do remember when he was elected, and partially I’ll maybe explain how through a story that I will close with before I make the motion.

But I was looking at Mr. Langford’s maiden speech on December the 9th of 1991 and very much had a similar tone as Mr. Muller’s speech in 1982 previous, recognizing the importance of agriculture to the economy and communities across that constituency. And he speaks to people that he had talked to in many of the communities throughout that campaign and how they viewed some of the challenges that they were facing in agriculture, but also some of the solutions that they may have suggested.

Mr. Speaker, I mentioned under Mr. Muller the Crow rate. As I was reading Mr. Langford’s speech about 10 years later or 9 years later, he mentions the revamp of the programs GRIP [gross revenue insurance program] and NISA [net income stabilization account], and you’ll remember those programs as well. Again in 1993 I had found my way to the College of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, and we had much discussion on those two programs in the years ahead following 1991.

But again Mr. Langford, you know, spoke very in-depth with respect to the impact agriculture had and the people that he had met throughout his campaign. And I know throughout his term of service he spoke very much, you know, on behalf of what is the largest . . . what was the largest and continues to be the largest economic driver in this particular part of the province, and that is primary agriculture, agri-food production. He also mentioned tourism of Christopher Lake and other areas. He mentioned forestry in the Choiceland areas, Paddockwood areas, and the mill operating in and around the Prince Albert area, Mr. Speaker.

How I heard of Mr. Langford, Mr. Deputy Speaker, was yes, through watching the election transpire in 1991 and the New Democrats . . . There was a change in government in that year obviously, as we all know, and Mr. Langford replaced Mr. Muller, whom I formerly spoke about, in our particular area, which followed what . . . which really mirrored what happened in largely across the province.

But I would say, back in that day . . . And I have this memento on my fridge. It was a few years later, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that I have a — not mine — but I have an NDP membership receipt. It was sold in and around this time of the election of Mr. Langford. It was my grandfather’s, my grandfather who lived, passed away in 2012 at the age of 96 years old. But in the mid‑90s he was an NDP supporter, in a large part — and we had great discussions around this — in a large part due to the Canadian Wheat Board and his grandfather having to sell his wheat and canola for about 50 cents, and then other folks could sell it for $2 in the spring.

That was his experience and that was the experience of people back in the day, Mr. Speaker. And I think that experience is very, very real. All politics aside, that experience was very, very real. And you see some of that in Mr. Langford’s recognition of the importance of agriculture to the constituents of Shellbrook-Torch River at that period of time. And as I say, my grandfather was one of them that likely . . . I don’t know and I didn’t ask him, but we had enough discussions that I can say with a fair degree of certainty that he was probably a supporter and put an X by Mr. Langford’s name, Mr. Speaker.

I would take the opportunity as the current MLA of part of that area to thank Mr. Langford’s family for supporting him in his service to the people of Shellbrook-Torch River in this Assembly.

Mr. Speaker, I will move the motion:

John (Jack) Fenton Langford, who passed away on February the 25th, 2024 at the age of 80, served as a member of this Legislative Assembly from 1991 until 1999. He represented the constituencies of Shellbrook-Torch River and Saskatchewan Rivers for the New Democratic Party.

Mr. Langford, who was born in Kalyna, Saskatchewan on February the 18th of 1944, was raised in the Shellbrook-Torch River area and he received his education at Composite High School in Prince Albert. Prior to his tenure in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Langford farmed in the Spruce Home area, but throughout his life he also worked variously in road construction, as a pulp haul truck driver, as a heavy equipment operator, and as a realtor. Over the years, Mr. Langford served his community as the president of both the Spruce Home Sports Association and the Alingly Rural Crime Watch. He was also a charter member of the Highway 355 Lions Club and was actively involved in the Spruce Home Beavers.

Mr. Langford is survived and sadly missed by his children, Sheri, Kim, and Trevor, their mother, Marilyn, and their families.

In recording its own deep sense of loss and bereavement, this Assembly expresses its most sincere sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.

I so move.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I’m honoured to join with the Premier in supporting this condolence motion for Mr. Jack Langford. Jack served as an MLA in this Assembly from 1991 until 1998 and represented the constituencies of Shellbrook-Torch River and Sask Rivers for the NDP.

Mr. Langford farmed in the Spruce Home area and has been actively involved in his community. He was a hard worker and avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, ice fishing, gardening, and camping. I’m also told that he had a love for sports, especially a love for our Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Blue Jays, and the Edmonton Oilers who I’m sure he would be very proud of this year.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the official opposition, we want to thank Mr. Langford for his service to the province of Saskatchewan and pass along condolences to his children, Sheri, Kim, and Trevor, and their mother, Marilyn, and their families and thank him for his time serving here, Mr. Speaker.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — I recognize the member from Saskatchewan Rivers.

Ms. Wilson: — Thank you, mister deputy deputy chair. I also would like to recognize Jack and extend my condolences. John (Jack) Langford was the youngest of five boys raised by his parents, Jenny and George Langford. Perhaps this is where Jack received his training in competitiveness, determination, good work ethic, and integrity, guided by his parents and his very lively household of five boys.

Jack lived into the first week of his 80th year. He found it difficult to move into the city and leave Langford Road in the Spruce Home area in beautiful Saskatchewan Rivers where his other family members resided — brothers Tom, little George, and their families. They all lived close by. It was no wonder that Jack was interested in genealogy and held the family reunion right at his farm. Brother Tom lived on the original Langford homestead.

Jack and Marilyn raised their three children, Sheri, Kim, and Trevor, who later blessed them with four grandchildren to love and attend their sports activities, which Jack so enjoyed. He tried to go to everything.

It was noted Jack was a good provider, working in many different fields — driving truck, forestry farming, real estate, to name a few. Jack was noted for his kindness, his good nature, and love for community and country. He started into politics as a sign man for the MLA Ted Bowerman. It was noted everything had to be precise with the two-by-fours.

Jack was first elected in ’91 when the constituency was called Shellbrook-Torch River, and was a very good listener, I’m told. He was a good MLA.

My condolences to the family, to Marilyn, children, and to all his extended members. Rest in peace, Mr. Langford. Your job is done. Thank you for providing the province with guidance and servitude.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. I recognize the Premier.

Derek Blake Meyers

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. A couple of short comments with respect to the next individual that we honour here today with this condolence motion.

It’s much more recent, as Derek Meyers, or Duke Meyers, Mr. Speaker, of which we saw passing in this last sitting of the Legislative Assembly, and of which we had a day in this Assembly where we had the opportunity, I think more formally, to honour Derek Meyers and his family that supported him throughout life and supported him in his work representing the people from Regina Walsh Acres on the floor of this Assembly. And so my comments will be brief in light of those comments from a number of months ago.

And I welcome his loving wife, Laurie, here today. But I was reminded yesterday as I returned to the capital city, after the weekend that I had had with my family, Mr. Speaker, of a phone call that I had got after Derek’s passing but prior to his funeral, Mr. Speaker. It was from Tina Beaudry-Mellor and she was putting together a . . . No, pardon me. It was before his passing because Derek did see it in the last day or two that he was with us. Pardon me, Mr. Speaker. And she asked . . . And she was putting together a video montage to just kind of keep Derek’s spirits up.

That particular day I was going snowmobiling with my brother and a couple of nephews, my brother’s children. And so we were out. Just before we had left, we had our snowmobiles running. We were outside and doing what I think Derek did each and every day, which was loving life, appreciating life with the people that are most important to you.

And so I shot a quick video and I sent it off. And it wasn’t until I saw that video a little later that I was reminded of how thankful I am to have the opportunity to emulate how thankful Derek was in each and every move and each and every conversation and each and every thing he did.

He always had time to talk to the people around him. He understood fully what the priorities were in his life and they were people, the people that were the closest with him, his wife, his children, his family, his colleagues. Mr. Speaker, Derek was one individual that certainly didn’t have what was important to him in any way mixed up. He had his priorities very, very much straight. He had an appreciation and zeal for life that I think each of us can strive to bring with us into whatever we do each and every day.

He had an appreciation for people that he ran across each and every day that, I think again, would do each of us well, Mr. Speaker. He will be missed forever, not only by his family but by the long, long list of friends that Derek blessed with his time on earth.

[15:00]

Mr. Speaker, I would move the following motion:

Derek Blake Meyers, who passed away on March the 28th, 2023 at the age of 45 after battling cancer, was a member of this Legislative Assembly from 2020 until 2023. He represented the constituency of Regina Walsh Acres for the Saskatchewan Party.

Born on September the 4th, 1977, Mr. Meyers grew up on the family farm near Midale. He began his career working in the southeastern Saskatchewan oil field at Midale Petroleum, starting off as a summer student on the maintenance crew and eventually moving into the geological exploration and consulting field. In 2005 he decided to pursue his studies in television broadcasting at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and subsequently spent nearly 10 years covering sports at Global News, Regina.

Additionally he was a dedicated member of the Regina sports media, contributing frequently to CKRM Sports Cage and hosting SJHL broadcasts for SaskTel’s MaxTV. Mr. Meyers is remembered for his numerous contributions to the province, particularly to his advocacy for mental health and suicide prevention. As a small-business owner in a video production service, he volunteered with the Canadian Mental Health Association and produced videos for the organization.

Mr. Meyers is survived and he’s sadly missed by his partner, Laurie, his children Dayn and Sebastian and Eisley, as well as all of his extended family. He was predeceased by his daughter Teigha.

In recording its own deep sense of loss and bereavement, this Assembly expresses its most sincere sympathy with members of the bereaved family.

I so move.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s an honour to join with the Premier in supporting this condolence motion for Mr. Derek Meyers. It does hit, hits close to home when it’s someone that we’ve all served with in this Assembly, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And I know that some, particularly members opposite, were quite close to Mr. Meyers and I can only imagine how that feels, Mr. Speaker.

Derek was a member of the Legislative Assembly from 2020 to 2023, only for a short, short amount of time. He was particularly known for his advocacy in mental health and suicide prevention. And it always said so much to me about his character that he could take very personal experiences and speak about them and use that sort of for political advocacy. Because that’s quite a vulnerable situation to put yourself in as an individual and as a family. So I do want to thank him for that advocacy.

He was sort of late to come into the political world, as the Premier mentioned, as he was raised on a farm near Midale and came from a family who was involved in oil exploration and production, and later became a geologist before he became a sports reporter and anchor with Global News.

And I know, Mr. Speaker, that I will always fondly remember his booming broadcaster voice carrying through the Assembly here. He had such a presence in this space, and it’s not one that is easily forgotten. You know, even when he was speaking in the Assembly but also when he was enjoying a laugh with colleagues his presence was always noted, and it was always such a warm presence in this space.

On behalf of the official opposition I want to join in this condolence motion, thank Mr. Meyers for his service, and offer my condolences to Laurie and the rest of the family on our behalf. Thank you.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Riversdale.

Mr. Friesen: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s a pleasure to join with the Premier and with the member opposite, just say a few words about my former seatmate, Derek Meyers. This was a colleague and friend with incredible strength and optimism, and just unbelievable how his attitude was always so great even really in his toughest times. And you know, I don’t know if it was his goal every day, but he just made us smile. You couldn’t help but smile when you were around Derek.

And wow, did he love what he did here, serving and serving the constituents, and I would say not just of Walsh Acres. Anywhere he was, whatever room he was in, he really got in this to make a difference.

And, Derek, your memory will always live on. And your government family misses you, and we know that we will never forget you. And we will continue to push forward with so many of your good ideas in making this province a better place. Thank you.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Acres.

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. As the Premier and the member from Saskatoon Fairview and Saskatoon Riversdale have outlined, Derek Meyers had a big impact on this province. And in my maiden speech in October, I spoke about the loss of Mr. Meyers and recognized that my privilege of being elected as the MLA for Regina Walsh Acres was the result of his tragic passing.

Now I never had the opportunity to meet Mr. Meyers, but over the last year I have had the opportunity to and the honour to meet many of his friends, even members on the opposite side of the floor. And all of those people have spoken very fondly of him.

I also had the privilege of reading many of the speeches that he had given in the Assembly during his time as MLA. And from what I read and what I’ve heard from friends and what we’ve heard already today on the floor is that he was a pretty amazing human being. And by all accounts, you know, he was an MLA in it for all the right reasons, and that was to serve others.

Mr. Speaker, I’d like to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Meyers’ family, specifically his wife, Laurie, who’s here today. I also want to extend my condolences to all the members on the opposite side of the House for the loss of their friend and colleague. And I would like to offer my condolences to the many people in Regina Walsh Acres who I know are still mourning the loss of their friend, Derek Meyers. Thank you.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — I recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.

Hon. Ms. L. Ross: — Thank you very much, Deputy Chair of Committees. Lao-tzu wrote in 6th century BC [before Christ], “The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long.” And that was Derek. He was passionate and he burned very bright. He will be missed by so many of us. People in Walsh Acres miss him greatly. I have so many people, because our constituencies border each other, come and say how much they missed Derek. They missed his enthusiasm. They just missed how he came to work excited about what he got to do every day.

I must say we all will miss Derek. At his celebration of life, his mom came up and gave me the biggest hug. It was fierce. And she said, you know, it’s not right. It’s not right when we lose our children before us.

I know. Been there. I had told her, whispered in her ear, it hurts really hard today but it does get better. But we will never forget. Thank you.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Christopher (Chris) S. Axworthy

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Chair. I move:

That this Assembly records with sorrow and regret the passing of a former member of this Assembly and expresses its grateful appreciations of the contribution he made to his community, his constituency, and to the province.

Christopher S. Axworthy, who passed away on August 11th, 2023 at the age of 76, was a member of this Legislative Assembly from 1999 until 2003, representing the constituency of Saskatoon Fairview for the New Democratic Party. Mr. Axworthy served on Executive Council as minister of Justice and Attorney General, minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and minister of Aboriginal Affairs.

Born in Plymouth, England on March 10th, 1947, Mr. Axworthy earned a Bachelor of Law at London Metropolitan University before moving to Canada in 1970 to pursue a Master of Laws at McGill University. He then embarked on a teaching career, first at the University of New Brunswick and then at Dalhousie University.

In 1984 he was relocated to Saskatoon to teach law at the University of Saskatchewan and established the university’s Centre for the Study of Co-operatives, serving as its executive director. There he became involved in the New Democratic Party and the city’s co‑operative organizations, serving on the board of directors of Saskatoon Co-op.

In 1988 Mr. Axworthy began a career in politics, representing the New Democratic Party in the House of Commons from 1988 until 1999, when he resigned his federal seat to run provincially. In 2003 he returned to academic life at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law. Mr. Axworthy subsequently served as the dean of the College of Law at the University of Manitoba as well as founding dean of a new college of law at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops.

After retiring from academic life in 2013, he moved to Ottawa with his wife, Michelle. Mr. Axworthy is survived and sadly missed by his wife, Michelle, stepdaughter Myfanwy, and extended family.

In recording its own deep sense of loss and bereavement, this Assembly expresses its most sincere sympathy to members of the bereaved family.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s an honour to join in with the Deputy Premier in supporting this condolence motion for Mr. Christopher Axworthy.

Mr. Axworthy was a member of the Legislative Assembly between 1999 and 2003 and represented the constituency that I now represent, which is Saskatoon Fairview. He had a distinguished career in law in addition to politics, Mr. Speaker, as well as serving as a Member of Parliament prior to being an MLA. And I know he continued on with his academic life eventually at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law as well, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Axworthy won his provincial seat in a by-election in Saskatoon Fairview, which is also something that we have in common, although he faced a general election only three months later whereas I had three years to prepare for the general election after that. He joined Premier Roy Romanow’s cabinet in 1999, and after Romanow stepped down as leader of the party, Axworthy ran for party leadership and finished second next to Premier Lorne Calvert.

Marcus Davies, a close friend and former chief of staff for Axworthy, said that growing up working class in England in the 1950s shaped Axworthy’s commitment to social justice and his belief that, as a society, we should leave no one behind.

Mr. Speaker, I never had a chance to connect with Mr. Axworthy personally, but when I moved to the west side of Saskatoon when I was in grade school, I remember very clearly — it was in the fall of 1996 — I remember very clearly that Mr. Axworthy’s signs were the first political signs that I ever took note of and saw the support across the west side of Saskatoon. And I didn’t have a very political family at that point, so it’s something that really struck me in terms of seeing that visible showing of support.

I do want to, on behalf of the official opposition, thank Mr. Axworthy for his service to the province and pass along my condolences to his family.

[15:15]

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Centre.

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I also want to join the Deputy Premier and the Opposition Leader in speaking to the condolence motion for Mr. Chris Axworthy.

I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Axworthy when I was a young single parent that was new in Saskatoon. And I was having some challenges with issues about access, and it was suggested to me to reach out to my MP’s [Member of Parliament] office. And I called Mr. Axworthy’s office, really not believing that I would ever receive a call, let alone have anyone address the issue that I was bringing. I left a message and carried on with my life thinking, nah, they’re not going to pay attention.

Well not even two days later, I get a call from Mr. Axworthy saying he’s my MP and that he was going to help me. And I was blown away because I thought, here is a very important man calling me personally saying, I’m going to help you; our office is going to help you. And he said, we’ll call you as soon as . . . pretty soon. And again after that call ended, I really wasn’t sure what, if anything, could be done.

Lo and behold, within a matter of days the issue that I was dealing with was dealt with. And I got a follow-up call from Mr. Axworthy asking me . . . well first of all, informing me and telling me that we were able to resolve that issue for you, and that he . . . Like I guess what I got from that was (a) here is a man, an elected MP, an elected individual that actually cared about the issues that I was having as a single, First Nation, young parent. And he addressed those not months later, but within days. And that told me how there were people out there that cared.

And as I learned more about Mr. Axworthy and when he became an MLA, hearing from my family, from community people that he was a strong advocate for Indigenous people. And I felt always at that time that special connection and remembering how he took the call, he called me, and then he followed up. And when I’ve heard of his passing, I thought, we lost a really good man. And I just want to say to his family, thank you for sharing Chris with us, and I offer my heartfelt condolences to you and to his friends. Gichi-miigwech, Chris, for your work for the people of Saskatchewan and for Canada. Miigwech.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Miro Kwasnica

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Deputy Chair of Committees, I move:

That this Assembly records with sorrow and regret the passing of a former member of this Assembly and expresses its grateful appreciation of the contribution he made to his community, his constituency, and to the province.

Miro Kwasnica, who passed away on December 24th, 2023 at the age of 88, was a member of this Legislative Assembly from 1967 until 1978. He represented the constituencies of Cut Knife and Cut Knife-Lloydminster for the New Democratic Party.

Mr. Kwasnica was born on June 13th, 1935 in Wakaw, Saskatchewan. Shortly after completing high school, he embarked on a career in education earning an interim teaching certificate through the Saskatoon Teachers’ College, followed by a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan in 1963. He went on to teach at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School for over 20 years.

Following his time in the legislature, Mr. Kwasnica moved to Victoria, BC where he worked in finance and life insurance until his retirement at the age of 75.

Throughout his career Mr. Kwasnica was heavily involved in teacher organization work, serving for a time as president of the Lloydminster Teachers’ Association and as a member of the teachers’ salary negotiating committee, eventually assuming the role of committee chairman. He also served as a public speaking coordinator for Lloydminster superintendencies for a year.

A strong supporter of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, Mr. Kwasnica assisted with the party’s activities within the Cut Knife constituency over the years, including as a public relations officer and canvasser coordinator.

Mr. Kwasnica was survived and sadly missed by his wife, Ruth; his children, Amanda, Robin, Sarah, Johnathon, Emma, Jessica, and Andrew; and their families.

In recording its own deep sense of loss and bereavement, this Assembly expresses its most sincere sympathy with members of the bereaved family.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I’m honoured to join with the Deputy Premier in supporting the condolence motion for Miro Kwasnica who served the Legislative Assembly from 1967 to 1978 for the constituencies of Cut Knife and Cut Knife-Lloydminster for the New Democratic Party.

He served actively as a teacher and in teacher organization work throughout his career and in addition to being an esteemed teacher, he was quite involved in the community as well. He taught at the Lloydminster Comprehensive High School from 1961 to 1983. He taught English, social studies and driver’s education. Mr. Kwasnica was an avid musician and sang, played the fiddle and the electric guitar, and performed in bands at weddings and dance parties over the course of his life, which all started at the age of nine, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

I’m honoured on behalf of the official opposition to join with the Deputy Premier in providing my condolences and thanking Mr. Kwasnica for his service to the province of Saskatchewan, and offering condolences to his family on behalf of the official opposition.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Pierre Raymond (Ray) Martineau

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Deputy Chair, I move:

Pierre Raymond Martineau, who passed away on November 18th, 2023 at the age of 88, was a member of this Legislative Assembly from 1986 until 1987. He represented the constituency of Saskatoon Eastview for the Progressive Conservative Party.

Born on September 12th, 1935, Mr. Martineau grew up in Saskatoon where he attended Saskatoon Technical Collegiate before obtaining a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan College of Commerce.

While in school he worked variously as labourer, pipefitter, machine operator, and foreman. After completing his education, Mr. Martineau embarked on a career in the road-building industry. Starting out as a sales representative for Pounder Emulsions in 1966, he worked his way up in the company, ultimately buying it out in 1982 and later selling it to Husky Oil under an arrangement that would see him continue to run it. At the time of his election in 1986, he was Pounder Emulsions’ vice-president, general manager, and director. Upon his departure from the Assembly, he returned to the private sector.

Mr. Martineau contributed to his community in many ways throughout his life, volunteering for the Saskatoon Jazz Society, fundraising for the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, serving on the board of the Mendel Art Gallery, and acting as Chair of the Mendel Art Gallery Foundation. He also served as director of the Saskatoon Lions Club, president of Saskatoon’s Brevoort Park Recreational Association, chairman of the Saskatchewan Technical Institute’s heavy equipment advisory board in Moose Jaw, and director of the Saskatchewan Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association.

Mr. Martineau is survived and sadly missed by his children, Suzanne and Luanne, and their families.

In recording its own deep sense of loss and bereavement, this Assembly expresses its most sincere sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I’m honoured to join in with the Deputy Premier in supporting this condolence motion for Ray Martineau, MLA from 1986 to 1987 for the constituency of Saskatoon Eastview.

Ray Martineau had a career in the road-building industry and was actively involved in and contributed to the community in Saskatoon, with the Jazz Society and the Mendel Art Gallery and Lions Club being quite notable, although he has a long list of community engagements and accomplishments, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Martineau was a long-standing member of Saskatoon’s west side community, growing up on Avenue F, Avenue R, and Avenue C, and attending St. Mary’s as well as Saskatoon Technical Collegiate and St. Paul’s high school.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, on behalf of the official opposition, I want to thank Mr. Ray Martineau for his service to the province of Saskatchewan and pass along our condolences to his family.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Southeast.

Hon. Mr. Morgan: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I met Ray Martineau when I was volunteering in the 1986 election. He ran successfully in Saskatoon Eastview which was, prior to that, Kim Young’s seat. Kim did not run in 1986 and was later appointed to the provincial court bench.

Ray had sold his business, Pounder Emulsions, when he was in his early 50s. He was well intentioned. He believed in Saskatchewan. He ran for all of the right reasons. However he was frustrated with the pace of government and soon left. After he left politics, he put his considerable energies and abilities to work for a number of great causes, including the Mendel Art Gallery, the Mendel Gallery Foundation, and the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival. He also belonged to the Jubilee Investment Club, which is Canada’s longest running investment social club. He drafted me to run for that. I regularly lost money there.

Raymond had a keen sense of humour and was incredibly outspoken. I’m going to share one brief story. During the 1986 election I was working as a fundraiser. Ray sent me to ask for a donation from a successful Saskatoon business person who shall remain nameless. I returned with a cheque for something like $100. Ray took his own cheque, put it into an envelope, took out the chequebook, and he wrote a cheque back to the businessman for several thousand dollars. And he wrote a note to the man: “I won’t be cashing your cheque. I didn’t realize that you were in such dire financial straits. I’m enclosing my cheque to you, which I hope helps you get through.” With some trepidation I went back and hand delivered it to the businessman. The gentleman looked at it. He twitched a bit. I could see a vein in his forehead pulsing. Then the man exploded with laughter and wrote a very generous cheque.

[15:30]

Mr. Deputy Speaker, that’s all you need to know about Ray Martineau. To Suzanne and Luanne, Sandy and I want to join with the MLAs and with the government and send our personal condolences and best wishes. Thank you.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s an honour to be on my feet today joining with the Deputy Premier, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and members opposite in bringing condolence remarks on behalf of my colleague, the member from Saskatoon Eastview, and myself.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, Mr. Martineau served the people as a member from the east side, but he will always be a true son of Saskatoon’s west side, growing up on Avenue F, Avenue R, Avenue C, attending St. Mary’s School, Saskatoon Technical Collegiate, and St. Paul’s high school.

It is an honour to join in condolence motion for Mr. Martineau, as I had the pleasure of meeting his family on the doorstep during the Saskatoon Meewasin by-election in 2022, as Mr. Martineau and his spouse were constituents of mine, having lived in the River Heights neighbourhood in the last years of their lives supported by their family.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, hearing about Mr. Martineau’s legacy reveals just how much of an impact he made on his community. As critic for Parks, Culture and Sport I was so pleased to hear about the work Mr. Martineau did with the Saskatoon Jazz Society, the fundraising he did for the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival, and the work that he contributed to the Mendel Art Gallery’s board, and the Chair of the board of the Mendel Art Gallery Foundation — crucial governance work that ensured everyone in Saskatoon to this day has access to life-changing art experiences.

I know that Mr. Martineau will be remembered for his lasting impact on the arts community of his cherished hometown. Mr. Martineau will also be remembered for his impact on the Saskatoon business community, his impact on numerous boards and community organizations, and for his time serving the province he loved as an MLA.

One line in Mr. Martineau’s obituary stood out to me, and I would love to read it here today:

For those who wish to remember Ray: drink a coffee, black and cold, eat some smoked sprats on burned toast with cream cheese and thick-sliced onion, and put some jazz on the turntable. Then look out the window and marvel at the magnificence of the sky, the birds, the trees, and — of course — the squirrels.

To the family he leaves behind, thank you so much for sharing your father with us, and thank you for supporting him during his time serving the province as an MLA. Our hearts are with you as you work through the loss of this beloved family member.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — I recognize the Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

Hon. Ms. Eyre: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Just wanted to join with the member opposite and the members on this side in remembering Raymond or Ray Martineau. He was a larger-than-life personality, a former Conservative member in the 1980s as stated, a successful business leader, and a committed volunteer.

He was notably very involved on the board of the Mendel Art Gallery. Not a fan of the Remai art gallery, which he made very clear. Certainly his friends and family will know that all too well and anyone else who would listen, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

He was a proud west-sider, as stated, a proud Saskatonian. Very outspoken, very political, and to that end Ray was also an early supporter of me for which I’ll always be grateful. He was very opiniated, very candid. He spoke and told you things whether you really wanted to hear them or not, certainly spoke his mind, but he was also very loyal.

His wife, Mary Lou, sadly predeceased him, but I would like to join with the member for Saskatoon Southeast and the member for Meewasin and the Deputy Premier and to extend our condolences and my personal condolences to Suzanne and Luanne, whom I know and went to school with, and to say may you rest in peace, Ray Martineau.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Randall (Randy) Neil Nelson

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Deputy Chair, I move:

Randall (Randy) Neil Nelson, who passed away on July 30th, 2023, at the age of 97, was a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1975 until 1982. He represented the constituency of Yorkton for the New Democratic Party.

Mr. Nelson was born in Rosetown on June 6th, 1926, and raised in the Ruthilda area. Despite youthful intentions of becoming a farmer, in 1947 he set off for Saskatoon Normal School to pursue teaching and spent the next several years teaching in rural and two small-town schools.

In 1957 he headed to the University of Saskatchewan to finish a Bachelor of Education degree, upon completion of which he relocated his family to Yorkton. There he spent most of the next 25 years teaching high school French and raising his children alongside his wife, Isabelle. After leaving the legislature, Mr. Nelson briefly returned to teaching before moving to Saskatoon in 1983.

Outside of the legislature, Mr. Nelson was actively engaged in his community. In his youth he served on the executive of both the provincial and federal NDP associations in Yorkton. He volunteered at the Yorkton Oratory Society, held a leadership role at the University of Saskatchewan’s Alumni Association, and served as the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation’s salary negotiation consultant for teachers in the Yorkton area. Later in life he also served as the Chair of the Saskatoon Food Bank’s fundraising committee.

Mr. Nelson is survived and sadly missed by his children Helen, Fred, Byron, and Carolyn and their families.

In recording its own deep sense of loss and bereavement, this Assembly expresses its most sincere sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. It’s an honour to join in with the Deputy Premier in supporting the condolence motion here for Randy Nelson.

Mr. Nelson was an MLA from 1975 to 1982. He taught in three rural schools and two small towns before moving to Saskatoon to complete his Bachelor of Education degree. After moving back to Yorkton, he taught French to students of various origins, an experience that he says he truly enjoyed.

In addition to teaching, he was involved in the Yorkton Oratory Society, the U of S Alumni Association, and served as a salary negotiation consultant for the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation for teachers in the Yorkton area.

In his words:

As a result of my political activism and with Isabelle’s excellent assistance, Yorkton people gave me one of my life’s greatest honours when I was twice elected as NDP MLA for the Yorkton provincial constituency, servicing from 1975 to 1982. It’s difficult to fully express my great gratitude to all the people who believed in me and who worked and voted for me in those elections.

And further:

It was also a great privilege and honour to be elected with many NDP MLAs who serviced with me. Because of the honesty, integrity, and ingenuity of Mr. Blakeney and his government, we were all proud to have the privilege to service under such inspired and inspiring leadership.

Mr. Nelson seems to have had a lot of wit. He has been known to write letters to the editor, and he even wrote his own obituary. In lieu of flowers, he asked that his friends and loved ones make a donation to the Saskatchewan NDP. Madam Deputy Speaker, we are honoured on behalf of the official opposition to thank Mr. Nelson for his service to the province of Saskatchewan and to pass along our condolences to his surviving family.

The Acting Speaker (Ms. A. Ross): — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Mr. Ottenbreit: — Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. It’s my honour to join in the condolence motions this afternoon and honour the memory of Randall (Randy) Nelson.

You know, Randy was, as many have spoken here today and many would know back home, a very dedicated educator, and although it’s been heard, very, very active in his political party, in the NDP. The one thing I always appreciated about Mr. Nelson, you’d never know his politics in the classroom. He was just very, very active, but just an amazing teacher and a great community leader that so many really did respect.

Again, an amazing community leader and well-known, his legacy does live on in Yorkton. Many still remember him today, although he’s been gone from the city for about 40 years. You know, 97 years, just an amazing life, amazing legacy. Most of his family I didn’t know very well. Isabelle I did know a little bit. I remember him as a . . . I was a younger person, obviously, in his political career, but I do remember him more after his MLA duties and as an educator. Again I didn’t know a lot of the siblings too well, but Carolyn and Nancy, I knew very well. Nancy unfortunately — I went to school with her — unfortunately we lost her to health issues about three years ago now.

So you know, just an amazing family. Nancy ended up being a fairly good friend of mine. She worked at a business that I frequent quite often, and I had a lot of good conversations with her about her dad’s past history and then my years serving in this place and kind of comparing notes, I suppose.

So, Madam Deputy Speaker, it’s with great sorrow that I join in these debates and offer my condolences to the family.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — So is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion? Oh, sorry. I recognize the member from Saskatoon Centre.

Ms. Nippi-Albright: — Miigwech, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I also want to join my colleagues in offering my condolences and also just recording my comments. Mr. Nelson was a constituent of mine in the last years of his life. When I ran for nomination, I received a handwritten letter from Mr. Nelson asking me to . . . well first of all congratulating me on running for nomination, but also asking me to sit down and have a coffee with him and that he will organize a coffee meeting and bring other residents to come and chat with me.

And at first I was like, oh, somebody took the time to write a handwritten letter. And yeah, here he sent me this. We met, and the first thing I thought about when I met Randy was he was quite spry, you know, and had a lot of enthusiasm and a lot of energy, and saw him at many events where he would come out and volunteer. And I have had a few handwritten letters from him. And the first one — I guess the first couple — I have somewhere tucked away in my home, and what struck me was . . . And I asked him, how come you don’t use a computer to write like everybody else? And he says, it’s more personable when you write a letter, a handwritten letter.

And I always thought how . . . And he would share with me the work he did as an MLA. And also his energy was quite contagious, and I thought, wow, this is a man that has served, and in his 90s still having the energy and the enthusiasm to lend a hand. And of course with the NDP, it was wonderful to see him.

And I just want to offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, his children, his grandchildren, and those that cherished him and loved him. Chi-miigwech.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Glen Howard Penner

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move:

Glen Howard Penner, who passed away on June 5th, 2023 at the age of 82, was a member of this Legislative Assembly from 1975 until 1978. He represented the constituency of Saskatoon Eastview for the Liberal Party.

Born in Dodsland on July 20th, 1940, Mr. Penner spent most of his life in Saskatoon. He attended the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. From there, Mr. Penner embarked on a nearly 40‑year career in the education sector, working in many roles from teacher to director of education. He also served for a time as the president of the Saskatoon Teachers’ Association.

[15:45]

Mr. Penner was deeply involved in politics throughout his life. He was first elected to Saskatoon City Council in 1972, and from 1975 to 1976 he served simultaneously as a city councillor, Member of the Legislative Assembly, and director of Saskatoon East School Division. After leaving the legislature, he served three additional terms on Saskatoon City Council between 1979 and 2012. He also served on many boards and committees and supported community organizations such as the United Way and the Salvation Army. In his honour of this community service, a green space in Saskatoon’s Rosewood neighbourhood was called Glen H. Penner Park.

Mr. Penner is survived and sadly missed by his wife, Wilma, and his children, Jan and Brent, and their families.

In recording its own deep sense of loss and bereavement, this Assembly expresses its most sincere sympathy to the members of the bereaved family.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I’m honoured to join in with the Deputy Premier in supporting this condolence motion for Mr. Glen Penner, who served as an MLA in this Assembly from 1975 to 1978.

Mr. Penner spent nearly four decades in the education sector, moving from teacher to director of education. He attended City Park Collegiate, which is where his interest in debate was apparently first sparked through participation in the debate club.

Mr. Penner had a love for all things politics and served in municipal politics as well. He finally decided not to run for city council again at the age of 72 and after more than 25 years on city council. He was less than 50 days shy of the record of the most days served on Saskatoon City Council, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank him for his life of commitment of service.

We know that he was also a lifelong fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, the Blue Jays, and the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mr. Speaker.

On behalf of the official opposition, I want to thank Mr. Penner for his service to the province of Saskatchewan and offer our condolences to the surviving family.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — I recognize the member from Saskatoon Churchill-Wildwood.

Ms. Lambert: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Chair of Committees. I’d like to join with the Deputy Premier and the member opposite to share some words about Mr. Glen Penner.

I met Mr. Penner in the early 1980s. He was a big figure when I was producing the John Gormley open line show on CFQC radio, so he was a Saskatoon city councillor at the time and a guest on our radio program. He represented the neighbourhood of Brevoort Park as a city councillor, and that’s an area that I now serve as an MLA.

As mentioned, he had a lifelong love of hockey and baseball and was a fan of the Maple Leafs, the Riders, the Blue Jays. He would have been disappointed with the Maple Leaf loss in last night’s overtime playoff game 7 against the Boston Bruins if he was still with us.

So he had a very long and distinguished career in education: teacher, vice-principal, and principal with the Saskatoon public school division, a director of education for the Saskatoon East School Division, and then went on to serve as assistant deputy director and regional director with the Ministry of Education.

I would like to recognize Mr. Penner’s significant community service as a long-serving city councillor. As mentioned, he was just a few weeks shy of the longest serving on Saskatoon City Council. He was an MLA, a member of several boards and committees, and one knows that community service is significant when a city park bears your name.

I know Glen’s son Brent Penner, and I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the Penner family for their loss. Thank you.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Violet (Vi) Laverne Stanger

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move:

That this Assembly records with sorrow and regret the passing of a former member of this Assembly and expresses its grateful appreciation of the contributions she made to her community, her constituency, and to the province.

Violet (Vi) Laverne Stanger, who passed away on February 6th, 2023 at the age of 82, represented the constituencies of Cut Knife-Lloydminster from 1991 to 1995 and Lloydminster from 1995 to 1999 for the New Democratic Party.

Born on November 16th, 1940, Ms. Stanger grew up living in small-town Saskatchewan and Manitoba. After high school she attended Normal School in Saskatoon before beginning her decades-long teaching career at Tisdale Public, specializing in primary education. In 1982 Ms. Stanger earned her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan.

By the time she was elected to the legislature in 1991, Ms. Stanger was already being actively involved in political organization for many years. Her parents were early members of the Co‑operative Commonwealth Federation, and she herself volunteered at the grassroots level for the CCF and the NDP. Ms. Stanger contributed to her community in many ways, holding roles that included Maidstone Town Council’s first female alderman, director of the Waseca Credit Union board, president of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Local No. 60, and various memberships and elected positions and organizations such as the Big Sisters club of Lloydminster and the University of Saskatchewan Senate. Following the conclusion of her time in the Assembly in 1999, Ms. Stanger moved to Regina where she served on the board of directors of SIAST and the Conexus Credit Union.

Ms. Stanger is survived and sadly missed by her husband, Ron, and her children, Dawn and Denise, and their families.

In recording its own deep sense of loss and bereavement, this Assembly expresses its most sincere sympathy to members of the bereaved family.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is the Assembly ready for the question? I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview.

Ms. Mowat: — Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I’m honoured to join with the Deputy Premier in supporting this condolence motion for Vi Stanger, who was an MLA between 1995 and 1999 for the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party. As was mentioned, Ms. Stanger represented the constituencies of Cut Knife-Lloydminster as well as Lloydminster between this period of time.

In 1971 Ms. Stanger’s family moved to Maidstone where she taught grade 1 for 26 years, setting in motion the academic careers of generations. Ms. Stanger was the first woman elected to the Maidstone Town Council and to serve on the Waseca Credit Union board in addition to a number of other volunteer services, including being the president of the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Local No. 60 and various memberships and elected positions on organizations such as Big Sisters club of Lloyd and University of Saskatchewan Senate.

Her family notes that one of her proudest memories was that their family was able to give up a bed for one night to Tommy Douglas while he was campaigning in Saskatchewan in the early 1940s.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, many members of our party will remember Vi Stanger and she is missed by many folks across the province. And on behalf of the official opposition, I want to thank her for her service to the province of Saskatchewan and offer condolences to her bereaved family.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. I recognize the Deputy Premier.

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Speaker, I request leave to move a motion of transmittal.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read? Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Agreed. I recognize the Deputy Premier.

TRANSMITTAL MOTION

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Mr. Speaker, I move:

That notwithstanding rule 8(2) of the Rules and Procedures of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, the Speaker on behalf of the Legislative Assembly transmit copies of the official records of the tributes to the bereaved families in memory of the deceased members.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Will the House take the motion as read?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — And is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In order to facilitate the work of committee, I move that this House do now adjourn.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Government House Leader moved to adjourn this House. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Deputy Chair of Committees: — Carried. This House now stays adjourned until tomorrow 1:30 p.m.

[The Assembly adjourned at 15:56.]

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

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