The Speaker: — Today in my gallery I’d like to introduce Danica Rodenbush. I am very pleased to announce that Danica has joined my office team as administrative assistant in the summer student position.

Danica is studying at the University of Regina, working towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, going into her second year. Her residence when she’s not in school is Weyburn and sometimes Oxbow, where she returns to the family farm to enjoy nature.

Danica tells me she loves question period. She’s very excited to be working in this beautiful building. Please join me in welcoming Danica to her Legislative Assembly.

I recognize the member from Athabasca.

Mr. Lemaigre: — [The hon. member spoke for a time in Denesuline.]

So everybody, I’d like to welcome Rebecca to her Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Parks, Culture and Sport.

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Hon. Ms. L. Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, to you and through you, I’m delighted to be on my feet today to introduce some special guests to their Legislative Assembly. Joining us from Prince Albert we have the talented Rebecca Strong — Rebecca, give us a wave — along with her father, Glen Strong; Ashton Strong and Cassie Zorn.

The name of Rebecca Strong maybe isn’t familiar to everyone, but she soon will be. Rebecca recently took the nation by storm with her incredible performance on Canada’s Got Talent earlier this year, winning the gold buzzer. Now, Mr. Speaker, the gold buzzer ensures direct entry to the live shows. Being awarded the gold buzzer is a testament to the artist’s competence.

Rebecca is an extraordinary, talented, and excellent ambassador for our province. She’s a strong role model for youth, and we are so proud of her voice representing Saskatchewan. We look forward to the great things to come for her future career. Rebecca, you have support from Saskatchewan. We’re all behind you. We’re all cheering you on.

Mr. Speaker, I invite all members to join me in congratulating Rebecca on her outstanding achievements, and welcoming Rebecca, Glen, Ashton, and Cassie to their Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Cumberland.

Mr. Vermette: — Mr. Speaker, I’d like to join the members so far that have spoke and to welcome Rebecca Strong, and of course Glen. Glen, I know very good. We’ve sat on many boards. We’ve worked as Métis brothers for years. He’s an advocate for the North. He’s been a very powerful voice, and it’s been an honour to welcome you to your Assembly to, you know, just take the time. Sometimes it’s important when we have . . . like your daughter. And I think seeing that you won the golden buzzer and you got a little bit of the, you know, with it, Uncle Doyle could use a coffee if you ever have some spare time.

But I just want to welcome you to your Assembly. Know how proud we are. You make us proud. As Indigenous people we have to look after one another and we have to advocate. So your voice will be very, very, very, very strong for our northern people, our Indigenous people. So I want to welcome you to your Assembly. It’s an honour.

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

Ms. A. Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to join my colleagues as well in welcoming Rebecca, Glen, Ashton, and Cassie to their Legislative Assembly.

And I know when my CA [constituency assistant] reached out to you, I know you’re pressed for time today, and you’re pressed to be able to go home for the watch party tonight. So I just want to say I’ll be highlighting your achievements in an upcoming member’s statement. And I ask all members to join me in welcoming Rebecca and her family to their Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I’d just like to welcome all our guests, but I’d like to remind you that you’re not to take part in the proceedings. That includes clapping or heckling or talking or taking photos. So thank you.

I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I just want to join with the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport and members on both sides of the aisle in welcoming Rebecca Strong to her Legislative Assembly, as the official opposition critic for Parks, Culture and Sport.

What an absolutely amazing achievement. I want to wish you huge congratulations. And I hear there’s watch party happening today. Looking forward to that. And so I just want to join in and ask all members to join me in welcoming Rebecca and her family to their Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety.

Hon. Mr. Merriman: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Request 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. Merriman: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today marks a significant occasion as we gather to celebrate Correctional Services Appreciation Day. It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you today Lisa Dohm, Kim Naylen, and Jodi Slywka, who are here today to represent an exceptional group of individuals who exemplify dedication, innovation, and strong commitment to the rehabilitation and custodial services within our community.

This group represents the collective efforts of an outstanding team comprised of Caroline Graves, Pam Burkholder, Gord Lupanko, Heather Zablocki, Robert Beauchesne, Janie Andrews, Charlene Harasyn, Pam Rowse, Jessica Harris, Erik Parenteau, Kristopher Solsten, Danna Stringle, Chelsa Wolfe, Darlene Ayudan-Saflor, Kim Schreiner, Phil Scott, James Taylor, Sabrina Ali, Lisa Beaudry, Robert Irwin, and Coral Zieglgansberger.

Today we honour their remarkable achievements, particularly in their role in implementing the electronic monitoring system GPS [global positioning system]. This groundbreaking technology has revolutionized our approach to offender rehabilitation by enabling probation officers to track individuals and their movement. Their work embodies a shared commitment to promoting reintegration, rehabilitation, and accountability while providing a safer Saskatchewan.

Please join me in welcoming these valued members of our correctional services team to their Assembly. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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 and welcome this esteemed group of individuals to their gallery on Correctional Services Appreciation Day.

First of all, thank you for all that you do every single day on behalf of the province in terms of the work that you do and the work that those around you do. Thank you for your leadership, in particular in implementing the electronic monitoring system in Saskatchewan, in growing the ability for reintegration into the community in a way that’s also safe for the public. I don’t think we can say enough thanks to you and all individuals who work within corrections for all the work that you do. Often it’s thankless work but incredibly, incredibly important to the community. So just on behalf of every member in this legislature, I want to say thank you.

I also notice there’s a number of the top brass within Corrections up there as well. I just want to also extend my appreciation and thanks to all of you. It’s always a pleasure to see you, and thank you to everyone within the ministry for the work that you do. I ask all members to join me welcoming them to their Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Energy and Resources.

Hon. Mr. Reiter: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you to the Assembly, I’m delighted to introduce — both in the west gallery and, I understand, some spillover in the east gallery, Mr. Speaker — 59 grade 8 students from Rosetown Central High School, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I’m being heckled by colleagues telling me that I should buy ice cream. And they will be pleased to know that I planned ahead, and the freezer in my office is filled with ice cream sandwiches to distribute later. And they’re really good, Mr. Speaker. I had one at lunchtime.

Mr. Speaker, they are accompanied by teachers Amy Flynn, Liz MacDonald, Ryer Garrison, and Magan McInnes; and also parent chaperones Heather Speir, Cindy Cadieux, Elenore Sparks, and Michelle Smith.

Mr. Speaker, they made the three-hour drive down from Rosetown to do the tour through the Assembly. I had a chance to chat with them a bit in the rotunda. I look forward to meeting them after question period, which I hope they enjoy, and having a longer chat. And I’d ask all members to please give these students from Rosetown a warm welcome to their Legislative Assembly.

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

Mr. Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Request 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.

Mr. Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, and thanks to my colleagues for allowing me this indulgence, I want to introduce Ituna School law 30 students joining us here today. Give a wave.

We had the opportunity to tour the building, Mr. Speaker, and after that the Provincial Secretary gave a great presentation on his long and esteemed legal career. And after that, Mr. Speaker — I’ll try and keep it short — after that Ms. Savanna Smuk, an alumni of Ituna School that works in the Minister of Rural and Remote Health’s office, came and talked about what it’s like to work in the building — some of the challenges, some of the opportunities — and was a great presentation. And the Minister of Education popped by and answered some questions from the students, and it was very interesting. After that, Mr. Speaker, we had a pop quiz that many of the students really enjoyed. I mean, you know, every student loves a pop quiz.

And I have to give a big shout-out to Emily Mackie. She answered many questions and did a great job. Give a wave, Emily. You bet. And I also have to give a shout-out to Regan Keisig. That there is my cousin, Mr. Speaker. Give a wave, Regan. There you go.

I want to thank their teacher, Jared Smidt, for lining everything up today and all of his hard work in this endeavour. And I want to give a quick shout-out to Christine Matus, another teacher. She’s a senior science teacher, Mr. Speaker, an unbelievably talented volleyball coach, and this is her very first time in the building, Mr. Speaker.

I also have to mention one other person, Mr. Speaker. You know how they say, if you want something done ask a busy person? Well Louise Filarczuk here today is that busy person. She does so much work around the community. She does lots. She runs the football canteen. She’s a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee award winner, Mr. Speaker. And today I find out she’s also a bus driver, so she drove everybody in today.

So yesterday, Mr. Speaker, I was at the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce event, the food, fuel, and fertilizer one, and it was a great event. But it was very exciting to listen to the Premier speak and the other speakers, and to meet these students. To see the devoted and hard-working educators supporting those students each and every day, and to have a government committed to creating opportunities for these students and each and every student all across the province, Mr. Speaker, well their future is looking very bright. So please join me in welcoming Ituna School to this, their Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

[13:45]

Mr. Ottenbreit: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s a great honour to once again introduce a group of students, 22 grade 10 students from the Yorkton Regional High School. They’re accompanied by their teacher, Mr. Perry Ostapowich — they’re up in the east gallery by the way — and teacher Lana Stanek-Sebastian, and also a good friend of mine, bus driver Adam Fetsch.

Mr. Speaker, I always agree to do some shout-outs to some students that’ll contact me, so this time around we have Tristin Williams, Jake Holmes, Braydy McNeil, and Veronika Pysarchuk, and also somebody very close to me I’ve known since he’s a little baby, Mr. Zane Klingspon, who’s actually accompanied me on a couple of flights as well. He’s a close friend of the family.

And, Mr. Speaker, a few quick fun facts: Perry first visited from the Yorkton Regional High School in 2010. With him I’ve chatted with 678 kids from Yorkton Regional High School. I’ve had personal visits to the school as well. Between when he lived and worked in Melville, from ’99 to 2011, and from Yorkton in 2000 and to current, Perry has brought 1,143 kids to this building. He hangs all the pictures behind his desk of all the different visits.

And this is my last school group as I’m kicking my boots off as the MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] and somebody else will introduce them next time. So, Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to welcome these valuable young people to their Legislative Assembly.

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of SaskBuilds.

Hon. Mr. Hargrave: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, sitting in the west gallery it’s my honour to introduce Chris Ryder, the executive director of IT Solutions Association of Saskatchewan, or ITSA. Along with Chris is Michael Kindrachuk, Chair of the board of ITSA.

This morning I had the pleasure of meeting with them and learning more about the outstanding work that they and their team are accomplishing within the information technology industry. At ITSA Chris and his colleagues are spearheading remarkable initiatives aimed at optimizing business and information technologies outcomes while working with government, striving forward to achieve our growth plan for growing the IT [information technology] sector.

And while I’m on my feet . . . Sorry, Mr. Speaker. While I’m on my feet I’d also like to introduce to you today Julia Pennella, and she’s sitting in the west gallery as well. She’s the manager of public affairs at the Mortgage Professionals Canada, who I also met earlier today. In her role at Mortgage Professionals Canada, Julia has been instrumental at advocating for important issues that impact our communities and homeowners across the country. While it’s noted in our meeting that Saskatchewan is one of the most affordable places to live in Canada, we know there’s always more work to do. And Mortgage Professionals Canada came with some great ideas and conversation.

So I’d ask all members to please join me in welcoming Chris, Michael, and Julia to their Legislative Assembly. Thank you.

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

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you it’s a pleasure to join with the minister to welcome Chris Ryder and Michael Kindrachuk to their Assembly here today. I thank them for all their leadership in the IT sector, in that very important industry, and the way they work as well with government. It’s wonderful to have Chris here. He, you know, hails from Melville. He’s been all around the world. He’s got a wonderful background in mining. Big fan of music. Just an all around good leader in this province.

I also want to welcome Julia with the mortgage professionals that have joined with us here today — I know she’s going to be meeting with my colleague here today as well — and to thank her for her leadership in this province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

PRESENTING PETITIONS

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

Mr. Teed: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I’m proud to present our petition calling for the improvement of labour laws. The undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan wish to bring to your attention the following: that even after the October 1st, 2023 increase Saskatchewan’s minimum wage will remain the lowest in Canada at $14 an hour; that the official opposition was calling for a $15 minimum wage from as early as 2018; and that the official opposition has twice introduced paid sick leave legislation since the onset of the pandemic, calling for a minimum of 10 paid sick days each year and 14 days during a public health crisis; that the 2023 Canadian Bar Association at their AGM [annual general meeting] also adopted a resolution discouraging the use of nondisclosure agreements to silence whistle-blowers and victims of abuse, discrimination, and harassment in the workplace.

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 improve conditions for Saskatchewan workers by passing legislation to increase the minimum wage, guarantee paid sick leave, limit nondisclosure agreements which could silence survivors of workplace harassment, and require employers to track and report incidents of violence and harassment in the workplace.

Mr. Speaker, the undersigned residents reside in Cut Knife and Regina. I do so present.

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

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

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan take the following action: to call upon the Government of Canada to immediately suspend the carbon tax across the nation of Canada and acknowledge its significant impact on the affordability and inflation in Canada.

The below undersigned residents are from Regina and Fort Qu’Appelle. So I present.

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

Mr. Burki: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present a petition to the Legislative Assembly to address the affordability crisis.

We, the undersigned residents of the province of Saskatchewan, wish to bring to your attention the following: that inflation is the highest it has been in more than three decades; that according to Angus Reid, 84 per cent of Saskatchewan people are feeling stress about money, the highest such rate of inflation insecurity in Canada; that half of the Saskatchewan residents were living paycheque-to-paycheque before transportation and the food costs skyrocketed in 2022; that the Sask Party government power, PST [provincial sales tax], and tax hikes makes life even more expensive. While other provinces acted, the Sask Party government ignored the opposition’s call for gas relief.

We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan to call on the government to address the affordability crisis in Saskatchewan.

The signatories of this petition reside in Regina and Moose Jaw. And I have to present, so thank you.

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

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to adequately fund education. The undersigned residents of the province wish to bring to our attention the following: it is important to note that this year’s failures come after nearly a decade of funding that fails to keep pace with inflation and enrolment, and for years school divisions described a system that is already cut to the bone, Mr. Speaker.

Everyone in this Assembly will know that I was a grade 6/7 teacher for the last eight years. It’s why I got involved in politics, and it’s why Saskatchewan needs to take funding education more seriously. This is our children’s future, Mr. Speaker, the bright, bright, bright future of Saskatchewan students. And this government is failing, just utterly failing. A few pilot projects in a few classrooms across this province isn’t going to save the education system, 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 provide adequate, sustainable, and predictable operating funds for our 27 public and separate school divisions to ensure that schools, teachers, and other caring professionals are able to meet the needs of every student in Saskatchewan.

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

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

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Request leave to introduce guests.

The Speaker: — The member has requested leave to introduce guests. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS

Mr. Wotherspoon: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you, seated in the west gallery at the very back up at the top is a very fine leader in our community, a very successful local business person, Jigar Patel. Jigar Patel, I want to welcome Jigar to this Assembly. He’s an incredible leader with the Gujarati Samaj of Saskatchewan, as well, leads in so many ways.

He’s got a few guests with him here today from Toronto. I want to welcome Ashok Shah, Bharti Shah, Ankur Shah, and Ratna Shah to the Saskatchewan legislature. And I want to let them know that they couldn’t have a finer ambassador to host them here in Saskatchewan and to show them around, in Jigar. I ask all members to welcome Jigar and his very fine guests to their Assembly.

STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

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

Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance Helps Communities Thrive

Ms. Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in honour of the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance. SEDA has been serving Saskatchewan since its formation in 1984 as the exclusive non-governmental organization dedicated to community and economic development in the province. SEDA believes that economic development should not only be economic, but that it should include environmental and social well-being as well. They also believe communities directly benefit from place-based development that is for the people, by the people.

This successful place-based development looks different from rural to urban, region to region, and community to community. Participation from all levels of government, community-based organizations, and local people leads to a sustainable future for communities and the preservation of quality of life for the people living there, while economic wealth brings dollars into communities, helping keep communities growing, vibrant, and healthy. Through all of this, SEDA supports their members by providing necessary skills, knowledge, resources, online research, coaching, and programming — all the necessary tools for economic success.

May 6th to 10th is Economic Development Week, and I would like to recognize the board and staff of SEDA for the work they do to help communities across Saskatchewan thrive.

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

Successful Prince Albert Singer Hopes to Inspire Others

Ms. A. Ross: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Prince Albert has a great deal to be proud of, and we are especially proud of Rebecca Strong. Rebecca received the golden buzzer for her performance in the first round of competition at Canada’s Got Talent this past March.

Rebecca began singing with her father, Glen Strong, and her sisters Amanda and Allison when she was five years old. For several years their band, The Strong Sisters, performed before Rebecca began her solo career. Originally from Sandy Bay, this proud Dene woman brought the crowd to its feet with her rendition of Demi Lovato’s “Stone Cold,” for which she received the coveted golden buzzer and a direct entry to the live performance round of competition.

Rebecca’s singing is not just for the sake of competition. She hopes her appearance on Canada’s Got Talent will inspire young Indigenous youth to follow their dreams because they are achievable. Rebecca hopes her experience will open doors, and especially for Indigenous youth. Dreams are worth chasing. Rebecca has proven that.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in congratulating Rebecca and wishing her the best as she enters the next stage of competition on Canada’s Got Talent. Thank you.

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

Premier’s Achievements

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Last Wednesday, towards the end of his estimates, the Premier talked about a few things that he believes are his accomplishment, but unfortunately he left more out.

This Premier has added more government debt than any premier in Saskatchewan’s history. He’s managed this government to five deficits in the past six years, with a sixth pending. We now have the lowest life expectancy amongst Canadian provinces, and under his leadership we have the highest rate of infectious syphilis amongst provinces — five times the national rate.

This Premier has overseen a 66 per cent increase in the number of people who have died while on a surgical wait-list; had the highest rate of new HIV [human immunodeficiency virus] diagnoses in Canada; the highest rate of intimate partner violence; the highest rate of crime amongst provinces, twice the national average.

[14:00]

We now have the second-lowest average rate of economic growth, the lowest job creation rate amongst provinces, the lowest minimum wage. And we now have the lowest per-student funding in Canada, not to mention the second-worst record on per capita greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr. Speaker, that is quite the legacy, one that will no doubt go down in history.

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

Football Foundation’s Breakfast Raises Funds for Scholarships and Academic Assistance

Mr. Cheveldayoff: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past weekend the member for Saskatoon Northwest and I had the pleasure of attending the 22nd Annual Dogs Breakfast in Saskatoon.

Some 1,400 people attended this early morning breakfast, hosted by the Huskie Football Foundation. Created in 2001, the event’s purpose is to raise funds for scholarships and academic assistance to support the University of Saskatchewan’s football team. It has become one of the top football fundraisers in Canada.

The event was emceed by TSN [The Sports Network] analyst and former Saskatchewan Roughrider Glen Suitor and Huskie coach Scott Flory. This year’s special guest was NFL [National Football League] Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton. Committee Chair John Hyshka said, “We are keeping the breakfast momentum alive by welcoming Sean Payton, a revered figure in the NFL.” Coach Payton’s message was about hard work and perseverance, and he had a special message for small-town athletes with big dreams.

Saskatchewan Roughriders’ new coach, Corey Mace, was also in attendance, along with CEO [chief executive officer] Craig Reynolds and GM [general manager] Jeremy O’Day, to officially welcome recent Roughrider draft pick Nick Wiebe to the Rider family.

The main award of the breakfast is the team Ambassador Award, which was given to Saskatoon Willowgrove resident and long-time football supporter, Hugh Vassos. The first winner of that award was our very own member from Regina Gardiner Park.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to congratulate the Huskie Football Foundation and the 1,400 attendees for helping turn young men into future community leaders. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Yorkton.

Thanks to Businesses and Volunteers, Close Cuts for Cancer Makes a Difference

Mr. Ottenbreit: — Mr. Speaker, May 25th will mark the 27th annual Brayden Ottenbreit Close Cuts for Cancer head-shaving fundraiser, which supports those on a cancer journey by funding research through our partner, the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.

What started as a small local event in Yorkton in support of a special little boy in a difficult time has grown since 1998, and especially after his passing in 2000, and has raised over $1 million for research up to last year. The Charity Charger Raffle in 2023 was a huge success and added approximately $500,000 to that total, which will fund a variety of initiatives. Brayden’s Close Cuts for Cancer also does events like steak nights, barbecues, breakfasts, birdhouse sales, small raffles, to name a few, which funds a number of local initiatives to support cancer patients and families.

One more recent partner is Tim Hortons with Yorkton operator Mauricio Gomez, and manager Vishal Sharma. They’ve chosen Close Cuts as the recipient of their Smile Cookie campaign over the last number of years, and by the end of 2023 totalled over $50,000 collectively, with the 2024 campaign being another record year at an even $17,000 after Mr. Gomez contributed on his own to the funds raised.

A huge amount of credit for the success annually must go to Leone Ottenbreit for all of her promotion, organizing volunteers, and personally filling any shifts that go a little light, usually the long 6 a.m. ones.

I ask all members to join me in thanking Tim Hortons and the many volunteers for supporting communities and also the many organizations that make a difference.

The Speaker: — I recognize the member from Lloydminster.

Correctional Services Appreciation Day Honours Workers Who Keep Our Communities Safe

Ms. C. Young: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today has been proclaimed Correctional Services Appreciation Day in Saskatchewan. We commemorate this day every year in May to recognize correctional officers, facility youth workers, probation officers, and community youth workers who are dedicated to keeping our communities safe. Mr. Speaker, we are honoured to recognize these employees who demonstrate a high level of excellence every day for their service on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan.

As part of this day, the Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety presents the Minister’s Award for Excellence, which recognizes exceptional work in corrections. This year’s recipients were awarded for the ability to adapt and innovate in order to improve community safety. Working in corrections is a challenging career, but our CS [correctional services] employees carry out their duties with pride and passion. We are very proud of the work they do in keeping people safe.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in recognizing and thanking the approximately 2,200 Saskatchewan correctional services facility youth workers and probation officers for everything they do to keep our communities safe. Thank you.

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

Global Summit Showcases Saskatchewan as a World Leader

Mr. Keisig: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yesterday and today our capital city played host to the Food, Fuel, Fertilizer Global Summit. Saskatchewan is known worldwide as the home of the most sustainable food, fuel, fertilizer, and critical minerals on the market. And with business leaders and delegates from every corner of the Earth joining us over these last two days, the world knows to buy Saskatchewan.

Our international trade missions and offices we’ve established in various jurisdictions are working to tell our sustainable Saskatchewan story. Even if the federal government isn’t interested in telling our story, we sure will.

The summit’s agenda featured several Canadian industry and political leaders, including former prime minister Stephen Harper; former US [United States] ambassador to Canada David Wilkins; former premier Brad Wall; Tim Gitzel, president and CEO of Cameco; Bruce Bodine, president and CEO of Mosaic; Murad Al-Katib, president and CEO of AGT Foods; Heather Ryan, CEO, Federated Co-op and many, many more. Our Premier joined these esteemed guests to participate in dialogue sessions and showcase our province as a world leader in sustainable resource development.

Conference participants come from nations around the globe, including Ghana, Tanzania, Guatemala, Türkiye, Switzerland, Lesotho, Jordan, and Kenya. Thank you to Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce for hosting and providing the opportunity to showcase our province and build these very important connections. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

QUESTION PERIOD

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

Provincial Fuel Tax and Highway Maintenance

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people are struggling with the cost of living, and the Premier and his tired and out-of-touch caucus, the government, have failed to deliver any relief. Last week every member of that Sask Party government voted against our motion to cut the gas tax and offer families a break. Now families are earning less, and everything, everything costs more.

How can the Premier justify using his majority to block our motion to give families a much-needed break?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, the vote last week was simply the government ensuring that the government is going to continue to invest, often record amounts, into our highways budget in the province to ensure that the commodities that we’re producing — more and higher value commodities than ever before in the history of the province — have the opportunity to get out and get to market to the 163 countries that we sell products to each and every year, Mr. Speaker, as we are part of the food security and energy security supply chain in the world.

And secondly, Mr. Speaker, to ensure that those very highways are safe for our families that are travelling down them as well.

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

Ms. Beck: — Let’s be clear, Mr. Speaker. Families are earning less and everything costs more: groceries cost more; fuel costs more; even tuition costs more. Tuition at the U of R [University of Regina] is set to increase 4 per cent and I know that students at the U of R sure could use a break on the fuel tax.

Why won’t the Premier cut the fuel tax and give those students a break?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, we’ve most certainly worked with our post-secondary institutes, in particular the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina, on a four-year funding commitment to provide those institutions with the certainty that they need to provide that very same certainty to the students that are attending there.

Currently, as we near the end of that four-year agreement, I know the Minister of Advanced Education is working with those institutes to renew that agreement into the future. Again requested by the post-secondary institutes — that multi-year funding agreement — so that they can provide and govern with a certainty from a financial perspective, govern with a certainty, govern with a certainty that they need, Mr. Speaker.

Students in this province also have the opportunity, once they are complete and working and living and raising their family in a Saskatchewan community, to participate in the graduate retention program. And I would ask the members opposite to ask any young career professional in this province if they are aware of the graduate retention program.

It’s $20,000 in tuition rebate that comes back to them and their family, Mr. Speaker. It is unlike any other program in Canada. It’s encouraging people not only to attend post-secondary courses in our post-secondary institutes, but it’s encouraging to stay in Saskatchewan and be part of the vibrant, growing economy that we have here, Mr. Speaker.

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

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, that certainty is seeing students at the U of R pay 4 per cent more this year, and no relief from that government. Now, Mr. Speaker, they’re not investing in families, they’re not investing in students, and they’re certainly not investing in our province’s North.

Now the Premier, and we’ve heard this already today, likes to talk about that fuel tax going into highways maintenance. What the Premier didn’t mention is that there’s a $16 million cut over last year. Now Highway 123, the only road, the only road in and out of Cumberland House, is in such bad condition, Mr. Speaker, that locals feel safer going in the ditch.

Why did the Premier cut the northern highways budget? And why is Highway 123 in such a mess?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Mr. Speaker, in the months and years coming out of a global pandemic there was significant stimulus dollars that were provided not only to municipalities so that they could continue with the infrastructure projects that they had, but stimulus dollars that were provided to the Ministry of Highways to ensure that we were continuing with construction projects across this province, including in the North. And that’s the reference, Mr. Speaker, $16 million that were provided in stimulus funding to roads in our northern areas of the province.

I’ve been down the highway to Cumberland House, Mr. Speaker. It most certainly does need some work and is one that most certainly the Ministry of Highways is looking at.

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

Surgical Capacity and Contract with Private Clinic

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, people are taking the ditch instead of going on that highway. I think it needs more than just a look.

But, Mr. Speaker, not only, not only is this tired and out-of-touch government failing to keep our roads safe, they’re failing to be transparent when it comes to their deals with their friends and insiders. Let’s look at health care, Mr. Speaker. When the Sask Party released the contract with a private Sask Party donor for knee and hip surgeries, they redacted the cost per procedure.

To the Premier: how much are we paying this private Calgary-based donor for each surgery in this sole-sourced contract?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — I don’t have that number and I hope the member opposite or the critic asked that question in committee, Mr. Speaker, where the minister or the ministry officials could have provided that number. What I will say, what I will say is just this morning . . . What I will say, this morning, is that our Minister of Health has participated in an announcement highlighting the record number of surgeries that were done in the province last year, Mr. Speaker.

How we achieved that record number of surgeries and how Saskatchewan people are experiencing the benefit of that record number of surgeries is because this government does not take an ideological view on how we are providing those surgeries. There are more surgeries happening in our public venues. There are more publicly funded surgeries happening in private-delivered clinics across the province, Mr. Speaker.

And with respect to the earlier question on Highway 123, what we hear today is really the rhetoric that we’ve heard out of the members opposite backing up to the time when they were in government, when they say on one hand you need to cut the highways budget and on the other hand you need to fix this highway into Cumberland House, Mr. Speaker. It just simply doesn’t add up when members of the opposition come to the floor of this Assembly, whether it’s the economy, whether it’s the investment in our classrooms, our health care system, our highways, or our communities, Mr. Speaker. It just simply doesn’t make sense.

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

Ms. Beck: — Mr. Speaker, what we are looking for is value for Saskatchewan people, and effectiveness, something . . . and transparency, all of which are in short supply with that government.

We have the longest wait times in the whole country for knee and hip surgeries. And what did we see from this tired and out-of-touch government as a solution? A sole-source contract with an out-of-province donor who hired the right Sask Party lobbyist. Meanwhile patients in this province are left to wait and wait for their surgeries. We see the same thing, Mr. Speaker, with the mammogram contract.

How can the Sask Party justify keeping this information that we have asked for from Saskatchewan people?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Premier.

Hon. Mr. Moe: — Herein lies the difference between the two parties — and this is a choice that Saskatchewan people will have the opportunity to make later this year, Mr. Speaker — the difference between a party that was doing less and less surgeries each and every year, and a party that just announced today more surgeries done in a 12‑month period than ever before in the history of the province, 95,700 surgeries.

[14:15]

Mr. Speaker, when it comes to health care, you have a party that closed hospitals, fired nurses, and fired physicians. You have a party today that now has 19,000 nurses working in the province of Saskatchewan just this year through the most ambitious health human resource plan in the nation; over 1,000, just under 1,100 actually, Canadian grads that have entered a Saskatchewan Health Authority facility, offering services in our Saskatchewan communities; and 225 internationally trained medical graduates also working with our Saskatchewan Health Authority, offering services to Saskatchewan people, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, you will see time and time again differences between the investment, over 10 per cent investment that this government is making in health care, and under the NDP a government that closed hospitals, fired nurses, fired physicians, and just quite simply had the worst, the worst surgical wait times in the nation of Canada.

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

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, let’s be crystal clear about this. That government has the worst wait times in Canada right now. Mr. Speaker, this is basic information about public dollars that the Sask Party shouldn’t be afraid of releasing. These two orders in council redact the dollars that are being paid to a private company that has donated $14,000 to the Sask Party. When we look at the contract for breast cancer care, the total number of procedures is redacted, the administration fee is redacted, the cancellation fee is redacted, and the cost per procedure is redacted.

We know these scans and biopsies cost less in the public system. Why is the Sask Party hiding these numbers from Saskatchewan people?

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

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Our government is committed to providing care to Saskatchewan residents across the province. We have the most ambitious health human resources action plan in the nation. We are taking every measure reasonably possible to address surgical backlogs. That’s why the Minister of Health announced this morning a record number of surgeries performed in this province ever in the history of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, we will continue to work on the challenges that we recognize and acknowledge across the health care system. But we have the most ambitious health care health resources action plan in the nation, and it is showing results. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Ms. Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, the results are that we have the longest wait times in Canada. If the minister has nothing to hide, release the numbers. It is that simple.

Mr. Speaker, the Sask Party promised to be the most open and transparent government in the history of Saskatchewan, but they have completely failed to deliver on that promise. We have the longest wait times for knee and hip replacement. And when we look at the contract the Sask Party signed with their Calgary-based donor, they’re again refusing to release details about the costs. The number of procedures, redacted. Cancellation fees, redacted. Consult fees, redacted. Fees for each type of surgery, redacted.

Doesn’t this minister think that Saskatchewan people deserve to know how much taxpayers are paying to this out-of-province Sask Party donor?

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

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And as I said, the health human resources action plan is showing results. The member opposite talks about wait-lists. Almost 6,000 more surgeries were performed last year than the year before that. The wait-list is trending down with 4,600 people removed from that wait-list, Mr. Speaker.

Every one of those patients appreciates the efforts, Mr. Speaker. Every one of the patients that have received a hip or knee replacement in Calgary appreciates those efforts, Mr. Speaker. It’d be nice if the members opposite appreciated them just a little bit too.

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

Ms. Mowat: — Just a ridiculous answer from that minister to some very serious questions, Mr. Speaker. These are sole-source contracts. The information isn’t commercially sensitive. There weren’t any other competitors. Saskatchewan people deserve to know how much this tired and out-of-touch government is paying to send people away for basic access to health care. But the fact that they’ve redacted these numbers tells you everything you need to know about the Sask Party. It’s time for a change.

Why won’t the minister come clean with the dollars he’s paying to a Sask Party donor? And why won’t they fix the problems in our public system to bring down health care waits for everyone?

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

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The member opposite maybe doesn’t understand how this works, but the dollars going to surgical procedures aren’t going to any Sask Party donors as she alleges, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, since 2007, 162,000 procedures, publicly funded procedures, have been performed in private clinics. This government introduced the two-for-one . . . Mr. Speaker, this government introduced the two-for-one system on surgical procedures. And as a result of that, there have been hundreds, literally hundreds of procedures performed that otherwise would not have been performed.

Mr. Speaker, over 200 patients have accepted the referral to Calgary for hip and knee surgery, and of that 200, 90 have already received their treatment. Those patients have received the treatment that they needed as a result of the efforts of this government. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Contract for Tire Recycling

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, I can assure you that the member for Saskatoon Fairview knows exactly what she’s talking about. I would invite that minister to show an ounce of transparency and release that contract because sunlight is the best disinfectant, and a little transparency would go a long way with these dodgy donor deals in health care.

And that would certainly clear the smoke billowing from the tire fire of a deal the Sask Party has presided over when it comes to the tire recycling business in the province. The Sask Party still hasn’t released the two studies they have that apparently justify this entire mess, Mr. Speaker, one done at the Premier’s request, the other done by the TSS, the Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan.

We’ve asked for these studies. The Saskatoon chamber of commerce has asked for these studies. Will the minister release them today?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Environment.

Hon. Ms. Tell: — Mr. Speaker, the feasibility report that the member opposite is referring to was shared with the ministry with explicit instructions of confidentiality by TSS legal counsel. It was shared under the terms of confidentiality and nondisclosure. Any questions regarding this report are best answered by Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

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

Ms. Conway: — Well, Mr. Speaker, at least she has a new script today. Unfortunately it’s not as . . . no more convincing than the last one. Saskatchewan people deserve answers and they deserve transparency when it comes to this tire fire of a deal. That applies to the studies, one of which was done in-house by the Deputy Premier, I would add. It also applies to the rates the Sask Party is paying out and charging for tire recycling in the province, Mr. Speaker.

The rates that are being now paid to this Newport Beach, California company are apparently top secret, Mr. Speaker. But that’s what this whole controversy boils down to, doesn’t it? How much is being paid to this company who handles tires in the province? And are those more or less than the fees that were being paid to the Saskatoon company already doing the work?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Environment.

Hon. Ms. Tell: — Mr. Speaker, the southern processor in Moose Jaw was done through an RFP [request for proposal] and chosen by TSS. The government has no involvement in choosing who is going . . . The criteria set out are very specific and that job is solely the responsibility of TSS.

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

Ms. Conway: — Mr. Speaker, she is responsible. Mr. Speaker, like everything else, this comes down to the dollars and cents. These rates paid out for processing are public knowledge in BC [British Columbia], in Alberta, but here in Saskatchewan they’re under lock and key by that Sask Party government.

Why is this tired and out-of-touch government keeping these details from the public? Why are they so afraid of shedding daylight on the dollars involved in this tire recycling deal with a company from California?

The Speaker: — I recognize the Minister of Environment.

Hon. Ms. Tell: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

TSS is arm’s-length from government. They do not run our operation. [This is a quote from Colin Fraser, TSS board Chair.] They have an oversight of our product stewardship plan that they approve. We run the day-to-day business.

If anyone has any questions or anything about TSS, we’re an open, honest, and transparent organization. [Colin Fraser.] Everything is posted on our website.

If you can’t seem to find an answer to your questions, please call their office. Thank you.

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

Use of Revenue Collected by SaskPower

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Now the Sask Party loves to talk about the federal carbon tax, but what they don’t like to talk about is their own carbon tax, the OBPS [output-based performance standards]. Now this year’s budget includes $280 million in OBPS carbon tax revenue from SaskPower. Combined with the money from last year, Mr. Speaker, that means there’ll be $568 million of taxpayer money set aside in their small modular reactor fund. All of this pads the Sask Party budget while doing nothing to help families.

Saskatchewan people, they hate the carbon tax, Mr. Speaker. But you know what they hate more than that? They hate hypocrisy. So simple question to the SaskPower minister: how big would the deficit be this year if not for the Sask Party carbon tax?

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

Hon. Mr. Duncan: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. First of all I would say that what we’ve done is negotiate from the federal government to receive the money collected by SaskPower through their customers and essentially repatriating those dollars from Ottawa to Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

That’s going to go towards ensuring that we have a clean electricity grant to SaskPower to help keep rates low and affordable for residents, as well as set aside money that’s going to go into a small modular reactor fund in the event that we decide to embark upon building an SMR [small modular reactor] in Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, so we really have a choice. The choice is to either have those dollars here in Saskatchewan or allow those dollars to be sent to Ottawa and continue to be spent and decided upon by the Liberal-NDP coalition, Mr. Speaker. Which side of that question is she on?

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

Ms. A. Young: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. You didn’t hear an answer there, but for members of the minister’s caucus, the answer is $554 million.

Now, Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan families are struggling and the Sask Party is choosing to take hundreds of millions of ratepayer dollars to pad their budget instead of using this money to help families struggling with the cost of living under this government. These dollars could go to keeping rates low. They could go to cost-of-living relief. They could go to rebates for households, literally anything else but a slush fund for this government.

And you know what families need right now, Mr. Speaker? They need cost-of-living relief. So why, Mr. Speaker, is the Sask Party choosing to sit on their own carbon tax dollars instead of deploying them now to help with the cost of living?

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

Hon. Mr. Duncan: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As I said before, there will be dollars, over $100 million, that will be going towards a grant to SaskPower to help keep rates affordable. And that is the plan going forward.

Additional dollars will be going into the small modular reactor fund, Mr. Speaker. These dollars have been returned to the province of Saskatchewan, and these dollars will no longer flow to Ottawa. They will stay in Saskatchewan. That is by agreement, Mr. Speaker.

The alternative is to have those dollars continue to be sent to Ottawa and allow the Liberal-NDP coalition to choose how those dollars collected by Saskatchewan residents, paid for by Saskatchewan residents, be chosen how to spend, Mr. Speaker.

Is it the position of the member opposite that those dollars should still go to Ottawa and be chosen to be spent by Justin Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh? Is that her position?

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

Ms. A. Young: — Mr. Speaker, it’s all a bit rich. The Sask Party government rails day in, day out against the federal carbon tax on one hand, while on the other they are hoarding their own Sask Party OBPS carbon tax dollars in a slush fund, dollars that could be used to deliver cost-of-living relief today.

[14:30]

And there’s only one party in this Assembly, Mr. Speaker, that loves the carbon tax, and it’s the Sask Party. At the very least, Mr. Speaker, this tired and out-of-touch government could take “federal carbon tax” off of people’s SaskPower bills and put what we’re actually paying on their bills, the Sask Party carbon tax.

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

Hon. Mr. Duncan: — Mr. Speaker, we would love to directly send those dollars back to the people that have paid the dollars, the people of Saskatchewan. Frankly we don’t want the people of Saskatchewan to have to pay it in the first place, Mr. Speaker.

The only thing that is stopping us from being able to remit those dollars directly back to the people of Saskatchewan is her leader, Jagmeet Singh, and Justin Trudeau, which her leader over there went to a campaign school to ensure that Justin Trudeau and Jagmeet Singh are re-elected in the next federal election, Mr. Speaker.

The people of this province aren’t surprised, but what they are, Mr. Speaker, they’re just plain disappointed.

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

Overdose Deaths and Treatment for Addictions

Mr. Clarke: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The coroners service released updated statistics on the number of overdose deaths so far in 2024. In just the first four months of this year, we have lost 143 people to the overdose crisis. Mr. Speaker, we know that this crisis disproportionately impacts Indigenous people both living in urban centres and on First Nations communities. Communities like Fishing Lake First Nation, Joseph Big Head First Nation, Moosomin First Nation, Zagimē First Nation — they’ve all tragically lost a member of their community to overdose in these last four months.

When will the minister recognize that his policies aren’t working and implement an evidence-based plan to save Indigenous lives today?

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

Hon. Mr. T. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Overdoses are a direct result of drug use, and the dangers associated with drugs is something that this government is communicating to the people of Saskatchewan.

There is no safe use of an illicit drug, Mr. Speaker, and that’s why we are highlighting the dangers of illicit drugs. We are highlighting them through the provincial drug alert system, We have the provincial opioid agonist therapy program. We have overdose outreach teams. We have the free take-home naloxone kit program. Mr. Speaker, we’ll be introducing community wellness vans that reach out and connect to individuals who are battling addiction.

But this government’s focus will remain on treatment and recovery to help individuals overcome their addiction, Mr. Speaker. We will not take the path of the NDP and the British Columbia NDP who have followed the path of making it easier for people to access drugs and easier for people to use those drugs. We will increase addictions treatment spaces, make it easier for them to access treatment so that they can have healthy, safe lives in recovery. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The Speaker: — I recognize the Chair of the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Standing Committee on the Economy

Ms. C. Young: — Mr. Speaker, I am instructed by the Standing Committee on the Economy to report Bill No. 158, The Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive (Patent Box) Amendment Act, 2024 without amendment.

The Speaker: — When shall this bill be considered in Committee of the Whole on Bills? I recognize the Minister of Trade and Export Development.

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — I request leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on this bill and that the bill be now read the third time.

The Speaker: — The minister has requested leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 158, The Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive (Patent Box) Amendment Act, 2024 and that the bill be now read the third time. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — The minister may proceed to move third reading.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 158 — The Saskatchewan Commercial Innovation Incentive (Patent Box) Amendment Act, 2024

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — I move that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title.

The Speaker: — It has been moved by the minister the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title. Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The Speaker: — I recognize the Chair of the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Standing Committee on the Economy

Ms. C. Young: — Mr. Speaker, I’m instructed by the Standing Committee on the Economy to report Bill No. 160, The Immigration Services Act without amendment.

The Speaker: — When shall this bill be considered in Committee of the Whole on Bills? I recognize the Minister of Immigration and Career Training.

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — I request leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on this bill and that the bill be now read the third time.

The Speaker: — The minister has requested leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 160, The Immigration Services Act and the bill be now read the third time. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — The minister may proceed to move third reading.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 160 — The Immigration Services Act

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — I move that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title.

The Speaker: — It has been moved by the minister that the bill be now read the third time and passed under its title. Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

PRESENTING REPORTS BY STANDING AND SPECIAL COMMITTEES

The Speaker: — I recognize the Chair of the Standing Committee on Private Bills.

Standing Committee on Private Bills

Mr. Bradshaw: — I’m instructed by the Standing Committee on Private Bills to report Bill No. 906, The Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute Amendment Act without amendment and to present its seventh report. I move:

That the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Private Bills be now concurred in.

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

That the seventh report of the Standing Committee on Private Bills be now concurred in.

Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried. I recognize the member for Yorkton.

Mr. Ottenbreit: — I request leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 906, The Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute Amendment Act and that the bill be now read a third time.

The Speaker: — The member has requested leave to waive consideration in Committee of the Whole on Bill No. 906, The Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute Amendment Act and that the bill be now read the third time. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — The member may proceed to move third reading.

THIRD READINGS

Bill No. 906 — The Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute Amendment Act

Mr. Ottenbreit: — I move that this bill now be read a third time and passed under its title.

The Speaker: — It has been moved by the member that Bill No. 906, The Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute Amendment Act be now read the third time and passed under its title. Is the Assembly ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — Third reading of this bill.

ORDERS OF THE DAY

GOVERNMENT ORDERS

Deputy Clerk: — Committee of Finance.

The Speaker: — I do now leave the Chair for Committee of Finance.

COMMITTEE OF FINANCE

Motions for Supply

The Chair: — The items before the committee are the appropriation resolutions, and I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — I move the following resolution no. 1:

Resolved that toward making good the supply granted to His Majesty on account of certain charges and expenses of the public service for the fiscal year ending March 31st, 2024, the sum of $757,496,000 be granted out of the General Revenue Fund.

The Chair: — The Minister of Finance has moved resolution no. 1:

Is the committee ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

The Chair: — Is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Chair: — Carried. I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — I move the following resolution no. 2:

Resolved that toward making good the supply granted to His Majesty on account of certain charges and expenses of the public service for the fiscal year ending March 31st, 2025, the sum of $17,335,892,000 be granted out of the General Revenue Fund.

The Chair: — The Minister of Finance has moved resolution no. 2:

Is the committee ready for the question?

Some Hon. Members: — Question.

The Chair: — Is it the pleasure of the committee to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Chair: — Carried. There being no further business before the committee, I would invite a member to move that the committee rise, report progress, and ask for leave to sit again. I recognize the Government House Leader.

Hon. Mr. J. Harrison: — Thank you, Mr. Chair. I move that the committee rise, report progress, and ask for leave to sit again.

The Chair: — It has been moved by the Government House Leader that the committee rise, report progress, and ask for leave to sit again. Is that agreed?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Chair: — Carried.

[The Speaker resumed the Chair.]

The Speaker: — I recognize the Chair of Committees.

Mr. Bradshaw: — Mr. Speaker, the Committee of Finance has agreed to certain resolutions, has instructed me to report the same and ask for leave to sit again.

The Speaker: — When shall the resolutions be read the first time? I recognize the Minister of Finance.

FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF RESOLUTIONS

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — I move that the resolutions be now read the first and second time.

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — The first and second reading of the resolutions.

The Speaker: — When shall the committee sit again? I recognize the Minister of Finance.

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — Next sitting, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker: — Next sitting. Pursuant to rule 32(1), the Minister of Finance shall move first reading of the appropriation bill. I recognize the Minister of Finance.

APPROPRIATION BILL

Bill No. 161 — The Appropriation Act, 2024 (No. 1)

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — I move that Bill No. 161, The Appropriation Act, 2024 (No. 1) be now introduced and read the first time.

The Speaker: — The Minister of Finance has moved that Bill No. 161, The Appropriation Act, 2024 (No. 1) be now introduced and read the first time. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt the motion?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

The Speaker: — Carried.

Deputy Clerk: — First reading of this bill.

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

Hon. Ms. Harpauer: — I request leave to move second and third reading of Bill No. 161, The Appropriation Act, 2024 (No. 1) immediately.

The Speaker: — The Minister of Finance has requested leave to move second and third reading of Bill No. 161, The Appropriation Act, 2024 (No. 1) immediately. Is leave granted?

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

Some Hon. Members: — No.

The Speaker: — Leave is not granted. So there being no other business today, I’ll entertain a motion to adjourn the House.

[14:45]

Before we adjourn the House, I just want to remind all the members that we are having a CPA [Commonwealth Parliamentary Association] AGM immediately following adjournment, so please stay for that.

Entertain a motion to adjourn the House.

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

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

Some Hon. Members: — Agreed.

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

[The Assembly adjourned at 14:46.]

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

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