CONTENTS
FIRST
SESSION — THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE
of
the
Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan
DEBATES
AND PROCEEDINGS
(HANSARD)
N.S. Vol. 66 No. 2B Tuesday, November
26, 2024, 19:00
[The
Assembly resumed at 19:00.]
EVENING SITTING
Speaker
Goudy: — Well, it being 7 o’clock, we will
resume debate.
SPECIAL ORDER
ADDRESS IN REPLY
Speaker
Goudy: — And I recognize the member from
Saskatoon Stonebridge.
Darcy
Warrington: —
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that the entire government is on the other
side. I apologize; I didn’t bring my guitar but maybe next time. I will address
the House on behalf of the residents of Saskatoon Stonebridge in reply to the
Throne Speech.
Mr. Speaker, we acknowledge that we are
on Treaty 4 territory, traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Nakoda, and
the homeland of the Métis, Dakota, and Lakota. I’m from a small town called
Marengo, Saskatchewan and have lived most of my life now in Saskatoon on Treaty
6 territory. It has been of great importance to me over the last two decades or
so to have been shown the benefits that these lands have made possible for the
successes of everyone I love.
My great-grandparents, Russell Coutts
and Harry Warrington, settled here in the earliest years of the 20th century,
and their prosperity was made possible by First Nations people and the
treaties. Growing up in rural Saskatchewan, even as recently as the early
2000s, I understand that the education and lessons surrounding the First
Nations and Métis hardships created by developments such as colonialism,
residential schools, and the Sixties Scoop were mostly absent.
But I am encouraged to know that they
are becoming, and perhaps have even become, a proper focus in the classrooms
across the province. The children I have taught for several years listen
attentively during land acknowledgements and stand at attention during the
Treaty 6 anthem. They have set the example for us all.
First Nations and Métis ancestors of the
area must also benefit in this relationship between the people and the land. We
are all treaty people, but it is my belief that as the late, great, honourable
Murray Sinclair once said, “Education got us into this mess and education will
get us out of it.”
The next generation and generations to
come must know the treaty’s importance and continue to become consciously — and
in some ways more crucially, subconsciously — aware of them. Recognition of the
treaties and their value should, for every person who lives here, be almost
automatic and without thinking in order to achieve truth and reconciliation.
The advantages, privileges, and
generational wealth that often can be accumulated by people who look like me
must be considered as we aim to create a level playing field for the prosperity
of Indigenous people and settlers alike. My students from wâhkôhtowin School, a
Cree culture school that I worked at recently, would expect me of all people to
commit to improving their prosperity.
And, Mr. Speaker, I want to briefly
address the absence of action and acknowledgement in the Speech from the Throne
regarding important issues such as these. A significant segment of the
population that identifies as First Nation and Métis people have been
overlooked, and the increasing number of newcomers, permanent residents, and
new Canadians are also not being appropriately recognized by this government.
I want to thank the constituents of
Stonebridge, Avalon, and the Willows. I have endless people to thank. For the
people of our constituency that have shown their support for me and have
ushered me off to Elsa’s castle, as my son calls it, they seek a better
Saskatchewan for everyone.
The Saskatchewan New Democrats
opposition will not be focusing on our own interests or the interests of
out-of-province donors. However, we will value and act on the voices of the
entire province, residents who want a Saskatchewan government that seeks to
know and believe in everything that they hold true to their identity, that
celebrates teachers instead of vilifying them, that concretely demonstrates
dedication to improving the learning environment for students, that honours
voices of health care workers seeking to improve quality of care for their
patients and working conditions for their professionals, that recognizes the
cost-of-living burdens that people have been struggling with for years.
Mr. Speaker, Saskatoon Stonebridge
selected me and 26 other people within our party as agents for change that they
seek, and I will aspire to reciprocate my appreciation at every opportunity. We
spoke with over 51 per cent of our riding, knocking more doors than any
campaign in the province, multiple times in many instances. They invited us in
for coffee, tea, to warm up, and they shared with us deeply personal concerns
and hardships, trusting that we will give them a voice when theirs is not
amplified to the level of importance that they deserve. I will represent
Saskatoon Stonebridge in the legislature whether you voted for me or for
someone else. Regardless of differences or consensus of opinion, I will always
aspire to be visible, approachable, and a contributing member of this
community.
With so many to thank beyond those who
voted for change and those who shared their dreams for our province on the
doorstep, I must thank two people who gave up the most to get me to this floor.
For 16 months prior to October 28th, balancing the duties of my role as teacher
with campaigning and reaching out to every resident interested in sharing their
story, my wife, Christina, and five-year-old son Miles — hi, Miles — too often
gave up their husband and dad, respectively. Trips to the playground, dinners
around the table, and tucking my son in for bed became less and less. And every
member of this Legislative Assembly in front of me is fully aware of the
sacrifices our families make to ensure a better tomorrow for everyone.
Christina and Miles, every day that I am
away from Saskatoon working hard in this building and across the province on
behalf of all families in Saskatchewan will be filled with grit, determination,
motivation, and drive to ensure those sacrifices were and continue to be
justified. I love you so much, and I can never thank you for the time you
encourage me to take with others and their interests. That was the hard part.
And on behalf of all of my colleagues on
both sides of the floor, I thank all of our closest family members who made
these exact same meaningful sacrifices for the betterment of all people across
this great province.
It is also important that I show my
gratitude to the Legislative Assembly Service staff and the caucus office staff
for the support they’ve shown us rookie MLAs [Member of the Legislative
Assembly] over the last several weeks.
Marge the teacher, Vern the farmer,
Gisele the teacher, Eleanor the pharmacist, and Grant the accountant, I’m so
proud to be your son. You’ve supported me at every turn, and if I can manage to
replicate an ounce of your good character and the good character of my entire
extended family, Saskatoon Stonebridge will be proud to have me as their member
of the Legislative Assembly. Thank you.
Angie, Chris, Stacey, John, Tim,
Lorraine, Pat, Shelly, Steven, Rebecca — you know who you are — and so many
more, your selfless management of our campaign and tireless efforts to elect as
many empathetic and passionate New Democrats in this opposition will certainly
make a positive impact on Saskatchewan where we live, work, and play together
tomorrow and beyond. I would certainly not be here without them.
Andy, Nicole, Nya, Oliver, Ty, Daniel,
and so many others who gave up their spare time, you walked through darkness,
knocked doors in the elements, and found so many people ready for change. They
helped with fundraising events, planning, donating, amplifying the
well-received messages of our party, and I will never be able to properly
compensate you. But I do share my gratitude with you from the bottom of my
heart.
Shalene and Arden from wâhkôhtowin
School; Miranda, Lori, and Tim from Sylvia Fedoruk School; and literally
endless amazing educators, administrators, and staff that I’ve had the pleasure
of working with. I will bring forward and draw on your energy and dedication to
education at all times, guiding the work that we all know needs to be done in
schools across this province. My initial intention to put my name forward as a
candidate was because of this work in schools that I knew needed to become
greater priority for this government. But I certainly know it will be attention
to detail in many different ministries to create a truly prosperous
Saskatchewan.
Our leader from Regina Lakeview has
tasked me with critiquing the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport. As a band,
arts education, physical education, and social studies teacher who has been
active in schools and community events over half of my life, I am grateful to
be responsible to the people of the province in an area that I am so passionate
and experienced in.
Winston Churchill is often cited for a
sentiment regarding the value of arts and culture, especially during World War
II. When questioned by the media about federal spending on these areas instead
of the war effort, he reportedly responded with a notable remark: “Then what
would we be fighting for? Then what would we be fighting for?”
Scholars are unsure whether he ever
spoke these specific words, though he is credited with them, but the credit is
irrelevant. His opinion and sentiment on aspects of preserving and valuing
culture was evident throughout his career, and it certainly will be for me as
well moving forward.
I’ll close with two anecdotes regarding
the kind of representative and person I intend and commit to being for
Saskatoon Stonebridge. During the campaign countless amazing interactions with
people and families occurred, but there are two that will definitely guide me.
I can’t walk or drive down any street in the riding without remembering a
half-dozen incredible people who shared their stories with me.
I knocked on the door of a young male
opponent supporter, and we had a very cordial conversation and a great
dialogue. Their house was hosting my opponent’s lawn sign. I still
intentionally left my personal cell phone number in case they ever wished to reach
out and share their perspective again. This conversation was memorable, but not
as much as the call that resulted.
His spouse phoned me, and initially it
could have been expected that she would have further criticisms to add. That
assumption couldn’t have been further from our actual conversation. She
applauded me for knocking on their door, as they were obviously non-supporters
in the residence, and for providing the extra contact information. Though she
recognized we did not see eye to eye on policy, it was meaningful for her and
her spouse that I stopped in to chat, listening to their concerns despite our
differences.
This is how I intend to continue to
represent our riding, and this is how we should all represent our ridings:
listening to all, acknowledging everyone’s perspectives, and being available
and approachable to all.
The other resident was a former
supporter of the governing party. He saw me and some volunteers knocking doors
on Galloway Road, pulled over his vehicle, shook my hand, and struck up a
conversation on how he admired me as a person, our campaign, and the work that
was being done. With the fatigue of months and months of continuous voter
contact, it was a great interaction. He asked that I would stop by his home to
meet his family after our shift, so I did.
When I arrived, his wife, six-year-old
daughter, and nine-year-old son met me at the door. For whatever reason, they
were all grateful and even excited that I had stopped by. We had another great
conversation about why they were supporting our party. And I was about to leave
and the gentleman asked his kids to go get me something. They each brought me
some artwork and kind messages that they made for me in advance.
The weight of all the work had hit me. I
shed a few tears as I almost am now. I said to them all, I am going to need to
grow a thicker skin if I’m going to be a politician. And he said, no, don’t
change a thing; your tears show you care and that you’re passionate for making
positive change for us all. I will take these moments forward, among so many
others, to serve the best of my ability.
I am pleased to support the amendment
put forward by my colleague, the member from Regina Walsh Acres.
Speaker
Goudy: — I recognize the member from Prince
Albert Northcote.
Hon. Alana
Ross: —
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak in this House today.
First, I’d like to welcome all of our new members and returning members to
their Legislative Assembly, and I look forward to working with you in an effort
to make the lives of Saskatchewan people better. I would also like to
congratulate you, Mr. Speaker and Mr. Deputy Speaker, on your new roles.
[19:15]
First and foremost, I want to thank the
people of Prince Albert Northcote. Thank you for putting your trust in me to
represent you for another term here in this legislature. I am deeply humbled
and honoured. And I may be the one standing here on this floor today, but all
the credit goes to my team of volunteers and family, who really won this
election. I cannot thank them enough for the door knocking, the calls, putting
up signs, donating time, resources, and all the moral support that they have
given me over this time.
And I know Jean-Michel, I’m sure when he
came to help me he had no idea what he was getting into, because I don’t think
he would have come if he did. I would also like to really . . . My
constituency assistants are very amazing women, and they have done a wonderful
job at helping and supporting our constituents and anyone who has come to our
office seeking help over the last four years. And we will continue to do so for
the people of Prince Albert.
And I would also like to thank the
Premier. I am humbled to be appointed as the new Minister of Parks, Culture and
Sport; Status of Women; francophone affairs; Minister Responsible for SLGA
[Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority], and Tourism Saskatchewan. It’s
exciting for me. It’s such a diverse portfolio, and it reaches out and it
touches so many aspects of our lives.
And my past too, like I think of the
things I enjoyed as a young person, the things that families and friends enjoy.
And this portfolio is so wonderful because it provides that opportunity to be
able to support what we do in Saskatchewan for the people of Saskatchewan. We
have such a wonderful province. It’s filled with cultural richness. It’s filled
with diversity, wonderful people, talented artists, beautiful scenery,
marvellous athletes. There’s just so much to offer in this great province.
Our government is ready to get to work
on achieving the targets set in the Saskatchewan growth plan. Thanks to a
strong economy, we will be able to deliver on the commitments we made during
the election campaign and we will continue to address the challenges of growth
where they are felt the most — areas such as classrooms, hospitals, and other
health care facilities. We will work to ensure the professionals in these
fields have the tools they need to support the people of Saskatchewan.
We also realize there are people in
Saskatchewan who are struggling, and we will focus on making life more
affordable for them. And while we do this, we will continue to keep our economy
strong and strengthen safety in our communities. There are more people living,
working, and raising families in Saskatchewan than ever before. Our government
will work to ensure that it remains the best place in Canada to do this.
Health is very important to me. We
recognize that there are pressures in health care, and we’re working on making
improvements such as the new urgent care centre in Regina. It’s showing very
positive results, and additional care centres will be constructed in
communities around the province. Saskatoon is currently under development with
more on the way in Moose Jaw, North Battleford, and I’m very proud to say in my
community of Prince Albert.
Infrastructure is important to support
patients and their needs, which is why we will continue to work on new
hospitals like the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital project to meet the needs of
not only Prince Albert but the surrounding areas. By increasing our health care
capacities we also reduce our surgical wait times, and last year we managed to
increase the number of surgeries performed to 95,000.
We will continue to build on the health
human resource action plan, which is showing very positive results. Last year
there were 1,160 more practising nurses and doctors than the years before. We
rely on our professional nurses in Saskatchewan, and as a former nurse I value
the first-hand knowledge that they obtain working in the field.
I am looking forward to the results as
our government plans to further engage with nursing teams and unions across the
province to establish a first-of-its-kind patient-focused nursing task force.
Improving women’s health also remains a priority for our government, but it is
also very much a priority for me, being a woman, but also as the new Minister
Responsible for the Status of Women.
We are very excited to be one of the
first provinces in Canada to offer women the choice of self-screening for HPV
[human papillomavirus] as an alternative to Pap tests. Screening will be
especially useful in some of our northern communities, offering the convenience
of testing at home and not having to travel.
The upcoming breast health centre in
Regina will give women more options for testing and treatment in a
state-of-the-art environment while removing the pressures on some of our other
facilities. Paired with our commitment for a $3.5 million funding to
increase breast cancer care and a $1 million grant for ovarian cancer
research, Saskatchewan remains committed in the fight against cancer.
Something that I heard frequently on the
campaign trail, especially from seniors, were concerns regarding the cost of
diabetic supplies. Our government remains committed to making life more
affordable to those struggling with diabetes and the financial burden that
comes along with that. This is why we will make good on our promise to deliver
further supports by expanding glucose monitoring coverage to seniors, and young
adults up to age 25. Healthier communities are an important step towards a
brighter future.
Among the challenges of growth, we have
also heard concerns when it comes to education in our classroom, and we look
forward to offering increased supports to our students, our teachers, and our
parents, while building more infrastructure to match our growing population. We
are excited to expand the specialized support classroom model to an additional
200 schools throughout the province. This includes two in my very own community
of Prince Albert, with the Catholic and Sask Rivers school divisions. This program
will help staff manage and de-escalate behavioural incidents in the classroom,
providing Saskatchewan teachers with more time to instruct rather than managing
disruptive behaviour.
I also had the opportunity to visit a
classroom, Mr. Speaker, and with our former minister of Education, and see the
very positive results and hear the teachers speak how positively that this plan
is working. So I’m really looking forward to seeing its expansion. Our
government is also increasing funding to school divisions, while hiring more
teachers and education support staff to alleviate pressures in the classrooms.
One of the most important parts of
meeting the growth Saskatchewan has experienced is building new infrastructure
to match. Currently there are 14 new or consolidated school projects under
development, with nine more in the planning stage, projects like the new
Conseil des écoles fransaskoises that will replace École Valois and bring
capacity up to 350 pre-K to grade 12 students. The francophone community in
Prince Albert is extremely excited about this new build.
There are also new major renovation
projects to ensure every child has a place to learn and to thrive in our
province. While Saskatchewan remains the most affordable place to live in
Canada, we do realize there are cost-of-living pressures facing all Canadians,
including for young families, for them to be able to afford recreational and
cultural activities for their children. The active family benefit and the
income threshold, that benefit will both be doubled. This will help relieve the
financial weight on families with children in cultural, recreational, and
sporting activities. Our new playground equipment grant will provide $3.75 million
annually to schools, school council, and parent groups to ensure every child
has a place to stay.
And the community rink affordability
grant has also been doubled to $5,000 for this upcoming winter. Last year
funding was awarded to over 585 rinks in Saskatchewan, helping to maintain
these vital community hubs.
This fall provided us all with an
opportunity to connect with our residents in our communities and to really
understand what matters to them. And I’ve only touched on a few of these areas.
Our government will work hard to ensure that everyone, no matter where they
reside in our province, will have a voice in this legislature. I look forward
to delivering the best results for the Saskatchewan people.
Thank you for this opportunity, Mr.
Speaker. I will be supporting the motion put forward by the member from
Kindersley-Biggar and seconded by the member from Saskatchewan Rivers. Thank
you.
Speaker
Goudy: — I
recognize the member from Saskatoon Westview.
April
ChiefCalf: —
Thank you. Mr. Speaker, hon. members of the legislature, visitors in the
gallery, and residents of Saskatchewan, I would like to begin this evening by
acknowledging that we are gathered here on Treaty 4 territory and the homeland
of the Métis. I would like to pay my respects to the First Nations and Métis
peoples of these lands, and it is my hope that we will work together in the
Saskatchewan legislature in the true spirit of reconciliation and mutual
respect.
It is an honour to stand here today in
the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly as the newly elected MLA for Saskatoon
Westview. I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the many people
who have helped and supported me over the course of my journey to the
legislature.
First I would like to convey my thanks
to the people of the constituency of Saskatoon Westview. Over the course of the
last several months I have had numerous conversations with residents of the
neighbourhoods of Massey Place, Westview, Dundonald, and Hampton Village. I
wish to thank the residents of the constituency for taking the time to speak
with me on their doorsteps and share their concerns.
I would also like to thank the residents
of Saskatoon Westview for engaging in the democratic process. As well, I want
to congratulate those members of the constituency who voted in their first
election, including new Canadians and young adults. I am honoured that the
residents of Saskatoon Westview have placed their trust in me to represent them
and bring their concerns to the legislature.
Secondly, I would like to acknowledge
the numerous people that assisted with the campaign, including volunteers,
friends, family, and the campaign team. I am genuinely amazed at how many
people dedicated their time, money, and support to the Saskatoon Westview New
Democratic Party campaign.
Over 130 volunteers canvassed,
fundraised, put up signs, made phone calls, brought food, served as
scrutineers, and prepared and distributed brochures. In addition to the
volunteers we also had a wonderful crew of paid canvassers on our team as well
as the support from unions and union members. I want to thank each and every
person who assisted with the campaign, including the members of the Saskatoon
Westview executive and the many staff and organizers from the Saskatchewan NDP
[New Democratic Party]. Through this campaign I rekindled many old friendships
in Saskatoon while also making a number of new friends.
Lastly, Mr. Speaker, I want to
acknowledge my late mother, Lynne, who passed away unexpectedly in March of
2023. While Mom was not with me physically during the campaign, she was with me
every day in spirit. And I just want to note that she used to love to watch
question period every day. And I really wonder what she would be thinking right
now if she was watching me here today.
Mr. Speaker, I grew up in Regina in a
working-class home. My parents and grandparents instilled in me many personal
and social values, such as perseverance and compassion. My paternal
grandparents rented land to farm near the towns of Webb, and later Keeler. And
my maternal grandfather worked as the custodian at Government House. Both of my
parents studied psychiatric nursing and found employment in human services and
health care. My father was also very involved in the labour movement, and my
mom was very focused on caring for her family.
[19:30]
Due to limited job opportunities in
Saskatchewan, I left Regina in 1987 and moved to Toronto where I found
employment that enabled me to pay for university. I completed a Bachelor of
Arts degree in anthropology and women’s studies from the University of Toronto
in 1991. I then returned to Regina to study at the Saskatchewan Indian
Federated College, where I met Calvert ChiefCalf. We married in 1993 and
started a family. We both completed degrees in Indigenous studies, moved to
Saskatoon for employment, and pursued further studies in education.
Times were tough, and as a young family
we struggled financially. It was a common practice for me to water down the
milk to get it through to the end of the week. Mr. Speaker, the challenges we
faced trying to buy groceries and pay rent and bills on a limited income led me
to understand how systemic barriers can impact people’s survival and success,
regardless of how hard they work.
My husband and I moved to La Ronge in
2001, where we started new jobs in the North and established ourselves in the
community. My husband worked as a teacher in several communities within the Lac
La Ronge Indian Band while I was employed as a faculty member with the northern
teacher education program and Northern Professional Access College, or
NORTEP-NORPAC. The North became our home, and the people of the community were
our new family.
Unfortunately NORTEP-NORPAC was forced
to cease their programs in 2017 when the Government of Saskatchewan decided to
terminate their funding. While the closure of NORTEP-NORPAC had a devastating
impact on the North as well as on me personally, we did find our way forward.
My husband and I decided to return to Saskatoon, where we have been working in
Indigenous teacher education programs on campus at the University of
Saskatchewan. The North has responded to the loss of NORTEP-NORPAC by creating
new teacher education programs that are partnerships between Indigenous
communities and universities. While I miss the North terribly, I have found new
friends and a sense of community in Saskatoon.
The closure of NORTEP-NORPAC has been an
influence in my decision to run for public office, but my decision was also a
response to the passing of Bill 137 in the Saskatchewan legislature. Mr.
Speaker, I believe that too often governments forget that they are elected to
represent the people. Making decisions without proper consultation that have
such profound negative impacts upon vulnerable populations of people is so very
problematic. I am here because I am determined to be an elected representative
that listens to people in the constituency and works to help them.
And so, Mr. Speaker, I welcome this
opportunity to convey some of the concerns of the people of Saskatoon Westview
in the Saskatchewan legislature. Saskatoon Westview is a constituency that is
demographically very diverse. There are many First Nations and Métis people
living in the area as well as numerous new Canadians. There are also many
seniors residing in the constituency as well as a large number of young
families. People residing in Saskatoon Westview also work in various
occupations, including health care, education, retail, and many trades.
Although the people in the constituency
are from diverse backgrounds, I often heard the same messages repeated on the
doorstep. People in Saskatoon Westview are worried about the cost of living.
They are worried about the lack of supports for children in education, and they
are worried about our crumbling health care system.
Mr. Speaker, when canvassing in
Saskatoon Westview I met families living in affordable housing units that are
infested with insects and who fear they are one power bill away from being
evicted. I spoke with people who are working two jobs but still struggle to
make ends meet due to the cost of rent and the price of groceries. Seniors
shared with me that they are worried about being able to continue living in
their own homes. Young people told me they believe they will never be able to
purchase a home of their own. As the new shadow minister for housing, I am
deeply concerned by the number of people who do not currently have a place to
live and the growing number of people who worry that they could also be without
a home.
Mr. Speaker, I also met and spoke with
parents who are frustrated about the lack of supports their children are
receiving in schools. Several parents who have children with autism shared with
me that they are unable to access resources to help their children. Parents of
children who are gender and sexually diverse express their concern for the
safety and well-being of their children, given the current stance of our
government on transgender children and youth. I spoke with several teachers who
are disheartened by the ongoing challenges they face in classrooms, such as
overcrowding and underfunding.
Mr. Speaker, I also met with health care
workers who are overworked and dismayed that the government does not take their
expertise seriously. As the professionals on the front lines, they are the
experts who can guide us through the improvements in health care. I also spoke
with many individuals who do not have a family doctor — myself included — and
people who have had to wait for an unacceptable length of time for surgeries,
or who have had to pay out-of-pocket for procedures.
Mr. Speaker, given the concerns conveyed
to me by many of the residents in Saskatoon Westview, I cannot support the
Speech from the Throne. Too many people in our province are struggling to pay
their bills, find a home, and access health care and quality education for
their children. We cannot claim to have a strong economy in our province when
we have so many people struggling to afford their basic needs or when residents
of our province are sleeping in parks and under bridges.
Mr. Speaker, most of the measures
proposed in the Throne Speech are long-term solutions and do not address the
immediate needs of people in the areas of health care, education, and
affordability. The Throne Speech does not address the urgent situation of
people who are currently unhoused as the weather grows colder. The government
must take immediate action on this situation. Lives are at stake.
Mr. Speaker, I believe that Saskatchewan
people are caring and compassionate, and I do believe that we know how to take
care of each other. I believe our province has enough resources to meet the
needs of everyone in Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, I am committed to voicing the
concerns of the people of Saskatoon Westview here in the legislature and
ensuring that everyone in our province can prosper and thrive.
I will not be supporting the motion by
the government. I will support the amendment by the opposition. Thank you.
Speaker
Goudy: — I recognize the member from Last
Mountain-Touchwood.
Hon. Travis
Keisig: —
Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Always a pleasure to be on my feet and enter into
debate on the Speech from the Throne. But before I get into that, Mr. Speaker,
there’s a few words I want to put on the record. First of all, Mr. Speaker, I
have to congratulate you on your success in your new role as the Speaker, my
former seatmate. So I will go down as infamy as the former seatmate with our
new Speaker. Congratulations on that. You’re going to do a fantastic job. I
know you’re going to perform all of your duties with the utmost respect for
this very storied institution. And I have faith that you will command respect
from each and every member serving in this Chamber.
All of us in this Chamber just went
through the electoral process, Mr. Speaker, and I just want to put a few
thoughts on the record. First and most importantly, I want to thank the people
of Last Mountain-Touchwood for trusting myself with their vote. And I will
strive each and every day to be worthy of their trust. I have to thank the many
volunteers who worked so hard to help me in my re-election campaign.
And the very first one, Mr. Speaker, is
my campaign manager, Mr. Speaker, Tina Knowles. She kept our entire team
organized, motivated, and on message. Her work ethic is remarkable, and she is
a very, very critical part of my electoral success. Her husband, Daboo Alalibo,
was one of my very best door knockers. And this, Mr. Speaker, was his very
first election he was able to vote in. And I’m not 100 per cent sure, but I’m
very confident I was able to earn his support in the election.
Loretta Young was my financial agent,
Mr. Speaker, and she worked very hard and is still working away on finishing up
the books. And it’s a very critical role for everyone’s election campaign, Mr.
Speaker. I also want to thank some other people on the team. Arnold Tusa,
former Speaker of the House, is literally my best door knocker, Mr. Speaker. He
worked diligently. And actually we were walking in and he phoned me right when
I was about to walk in. I said, sorry, Arnold, I can’t talk right now; a little
busy. But he is a very remarkable individual.
Dale Campbell was another great door
knocker, Mr. Speaker. Ed and Pat Ivey, Dennis Spilchak, they were the sign
team. Did a fantastic job all through the constituency. I was out putting up
signs early in the campaign election, Mr. Speaker, and I literally broke the
post pounder. Had to stop in at a good constituent’s place. He welded it up.
Had to stay for lunch, and it was very nice to visit with Richard and Ann
Barnsley.
Leigh and Marlene Bishop did a fantastic
job, Mr. Speaker, helping put out lawn signs and just always there when you
needed somebody to help with anything.
And of course, Mr. Speaker, we have to
always thank the family. My daughters Shannara and Sharlize were stuffing
envelopes, making phone calls, knocking doors whenever they had a chance in
between their busy work schedule. They were able to come to the Throne Speech,
Mr. Speaker. I was very happy to host them here. My one daughter’s a nurse; my
other daughter’s a vet tech. And you know, they’re both working in Saskatchewan
and I’m incredibly proud of them. And I’m incredibly proud of their work ethic
and everything that they’re able to do with their lives.
My sister Melanie is a nurse, and she is
absolutely ruthless with advice on how to improve the health care system. She’s
been over 30 years being a nurse — very knowledgeable, but a great supporter
and a tremendous team member.
My niece Laine did a lot of work, helped
out all the time. Family is a core, core part of everything that we do in this
Chamber, Mr. Speaker.
I’m going to tell you a quick story, Mr.
Speaker. One of the highlights of the election campaign was the grand opening
of our campaign office in Southey. It was very early on in the election and it
was that windy, miserable day. I think everybody remembers that. It was
horrible outside. But I had rented a big shop as a campaign office. And there
must have been 100 people there that day, and very nice and warm. And we had a
very special guest pop in — the member from Rosthern-Shellbrook. And everyone
was very excited to have the opportunity to visit with him.
So I know in this Chamber, we’re not
allowed any props, Mr. Speaker. And I know you’re going to be ruthless in
enforcing that rule. But once you leave this Chamber, things are a lot more
lenient.
So in my campaign office . . .
I had a neighbour of mine cut down a humongous tree, and I got him to cut me a
nice two-foot-high stump. So I had this big stump in my campaign office. And
there was so many young people at this campaign rally, Mr. Speaker. They really
didn’t have a clue what I was doing. But anyway, I educated them on what a
political stump speech is. So I did my first stump speech during the campaign
on this big old tree stump.
And it was a great speech, Mr. Speaker.
I talked about the past, the present, and the future. You know, and I talked
about the past, how previous governments weren’t focused on economic growth,
and they weren’t focused on creating opportunities for young people in the
province. And then I talked about the present, and how this government was able
to bring in investment from all around the world. The BHP potash mine, our
growth in our canola crush sector at Yorkton and Regina, many other investments
we were able to attract.
And then I talked about the future, Mr.
Speaker. I talked about, you know, NexGen Energy and their new uranium mine
forthcoming. I talked about Foran Mining. I talked about the fantastic work
being done by the Saskatchewan Research Council in Saskatoon in their critical
mineral processing plant, Mr. Speaker.
So I finished off my stump speech, and I
asked the member from Rosthern-Shellbrook if he wanted to use it. He said no.
And anyway he gave a great speech, talked to all of my supporters and everyone
there. Everyone was excited to have the chance to visit with him, and it was a
great way to spend an afternoon.
And it’s surprising how many young
people came out to that event, Mr. Speaker, like that 20‑something age
group, and you know, very young families. Really exciting to see young people
taking an interest in politics and how important policy is for their jobs,
their careers, their ability to afford their houses, and everything like that.
It was a really great day.
[19:45]
After that . . .
An
Hon. Member: — Hard to beat that.
Hon. Travis
Keisig: —
Yeah, it is hard to beat that. So on election day, Mr. Speaker, you know, I
mean, everyone focuses on getting out the vote and how important that is, and
everything else. And actually, I mean, I probably shouldn’t say this, but
sometimes I’m a very poor electorial campaigner. I spent the day of election
day driving across the constituency. There’s over 40 polls in my constituency,
like to go from east to west is over a three-hour drive. It’s huge.
And I spent the time that day driving
across, thanking each and every person working in the polls. There was over 40
polls. I didn’t get to them all, but I got to many. And I just thanked the
people working them, because it is absolutely critical that we have people
working in these polls, doing the job. They’re not doing it for the money, Mr.
Speaker. They’re doing it to keep our democracy alive and well. And it was very
nice to visit with everyone. They were very surprised to see me.
I am very, very old-fashioned in so many
things, and we cannot overstate the importance of paper ballots in our
electorial process. I mean, all we had to do was see the previous BC [British
Columbia] election, and see the challenges they were facing, Mr. Speaker, with
their electronic tabulators, with poor vote count, and a slow election process,
and everything else. And then you know magically they somehow find an extra box
of ballots eight days after the election. Our election integrity has to be
unimpeachable, and in Saskatchewan it is, and I’m very proud of that, Mr.
Speaker.
So we were very pleased to see the
results come in on election night, Mr. Speaker. I’m very disappointed some of
my colleagues weren’t able to join us, but we were still . . . It was
exciting to win my riding and to serve alongside so many of my colleagues.
On November 7th I had the privilege of
being sworn in to cabinet as the Minister of Environment. A very incredible
honour, Mr. Speaker, and Minister of Environment is a very diverse and exciting
portfolio covering everything from agricultural plastics to zebra mussels — A
to Z. And I’m very excited to work with the team: my chief of staff, Kenneth
Cotterill; my senior administrative assistant, Mariia Mykolaichuk; ministerial
assistant communications, Kielle Schmidt; and ministerial assistant casework, Kris
Lowry.
I was humbled to be asked to serve as
the new Minister of Environment by the Premier, and I look forward to embracing
this new role and serving in this capacity. It is truly a privilege to take on
this role. And one of the things, Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about is, our
government oversees the big game draw system through the online hunting,
trapping, and angling licence system. That includes the application process,
execution of draws, and issuance of licences.
You know, we’ve been listening to
constituents all across the province, Mr. Speaker, and we recently piloted the
big game management extended hunt program. This policy was brought forward in
consultation with the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, SARM;
the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, the SWF; the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance
Corporation, SCIC; and hearing from many, many constituents all across the
province dealing with excessive wildlife damage on property, on crop, on grain
bags, everything else.
So in September the ministry was
directed to implement an extended hunt for elk in five rural municipalities
across the province. And there’s a review of the big game draw program. It’s
done every five years to evaluate existing programs, Mr. Speaker, and the
effectiveness of previous modifications to ensure they meet the values of all
Saskatchewan hunters.
We are very proud to have listened to
the concerns of rural Saskatchewan, and we will look carefully into the
successes and challenges of this pilot program. But we expect, with some
adjustments, extended hunts could be a useful tool to address damage caused by
animals congregating on farm land, while also ensuring sustainable wildlife
populations for rights-based harvest and harvest-by-sport hunters. Our
government’s main goal is to ensure that enough of this finite resource exists
for not only conservation reasons but also sustenance purposes, Mr. Speaker.
The Ministry of Environment also plays a
key role in managing all of the health of Saskatchewan’s environment, but we
know there’s a critical balance that needs to be struck between environmental
stewardship and fostering economic growth. Our economy depends heavily on
natural resource industries, and we want to work collaboratively with all of
our stakeholders and rights holders by designing clear regulatory tools,
engaging industry partners, and working with Indigenous communities in a
respectful and responsible way to achieve our environmental outcomes. We have
made-in-Saskatchewan solutions that ensure we keep fostering investment and
protect the competitiveness of Saskatchewan’s business while always ensuring
clean environment, clean water, and clean air, Mr. Speaker.
We have an absolutely great story to
tell here in Saskatchewan. When we work together, Saskatchewan can continue to
grow while still protecting and conserving our natural resources.
I’m just going to talk about the Throne
Speech for a little bit here, Mr. Speaker. So I do like telling stories. So
during the 2020 election campaign, Mr. Speaker, I had an event in a town in my
constituency, in Southey. And that morning we announced that if we had the
privilege of forming government, we would cover glucose monitoring devices for
young people 18 years and younger.
And then that afternoon we had a
campaign event, and the member from Rosthern-Shellbrook was able to attend too.
And a parent came up to both of us and thanked us for this support. Like this
was going to be a game changer for her family. Diabetes is a serious thing, but
if handled properly it’s a treatable medical condition. And she stressed over
and over again how important these glucose blood monitoring devices are to her
and her family.
We were successful in the 2020 election,
Mr. Speaker. I’ve had numerous, numerous constituents reach out to me in the
previous four years and ask if that program can be expanded. And I bring those
concerns forward to the Minister of Health along with many, many other of our
colleagues, and he does his due diligence.
And in 2024 we ran on a campaign of
expanded glucose monitoring devices. And you know, we look forward to bringing
that policy forward. There was a gap. Eighteen-year-olds were leaving for
university, and they still didn’t have any coverage. So we’re expanding that to
25 years old. That’s going to help that group of people. And a lot of senior
citizens were working, but as they retired their medical benefits got reduced.
And so we’re going to help those people out.
That diabetes support is critical, Mr.
Speaker, and very happy to have this policy brought forward and very excited to
talk about that in the Speech from the Throne.
Health care is always top of mind, Mr.
Speaker, to every constituent you talk to on the door. Very proud to talk about
the $300 million health human resources action plan that has resulted in
recruitment of 253 physicians from outside Saskatchewan, hiring of over 1,400
nursing graduates, and bringing over 400 internationally educated nurses from
the Philippines. This government will always look for ways to innovate and
improve our strong health care record by reducing administrative positions and
costs in regional health authorities by seven and a half million dollars, with
savings allocated toward front-line health care and long-term care facilities,
Mr. Speaker.
We will also help those caring for a
family member in the final stages of life by extending palliative care leave
from 8 weeks to 26 weeks. Here’s also a bit of a history lesson for all the new
members. We’ve built or are expanding new hospitals like the Moose Jaw
hospital, the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford, and of course
children’s hospital that we’re all very proud of. We’ve added 15 new long-term
care facilities across the province, Mr. Speaker, and we’ve also hired 650 new
doctors and 3,000 new nurses. We all know there’s more work to do, Mr. Speaker,
but we’re listening to constituents all across this province. These targeted
goals for our government to meet the challenges we’re hearing in our health
care sector.
You know, something else that we heard
on the doorsteps too that’s addressed in the Throne Speech, Mr. Speaker, is
affordability issues — one of the main concerns. That is why the party, we put
in all these measures to help citizens across the province. We have support
measures that will cut costs for Saskatchewan people. We announced income tax
reductions, low-income tax credit, increase to the graduate retention program,
and a freeze on the small-business tax rate. We will raise the personal tax
exemption, spousal exemption, child exemption, and seniors’ supplement by $500
each year for the next four years.
We will make life more affordable for
persons with disabilities and their caregivers by increasing the disability tax
credit, the caregiver tax credit, and the income exemption limit under the
Saskatchewan assured income for disability program. We will increase the
Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship by $750 per year to make post-secondary more
affordable to all Saskatchewan students. The increase to this scholarship will
benefit an estimated 8,000 Saskatchewan students per year.
This government will eliminate charges
for inter-hospital ambulance calls for seniors and reduce the maximum cost of
other seniors’ ambulance calls by over 50 per cent from a maximum of 275 per
call to 135 per call. There are approximately 50,000 seniors’ ambulance calls
in Saskatchewan each year.
Our most precious resource are the
people of the province, Mr. Speaker, and by increasing this grant we ensure
that all young people have a bright future here, everywhere in Saskatchewan. We
are supporting everyone across the province — seniors, youth, and those with
disabilities.
Mr. Speaker, coming from a small town —
now proudly representing many small communities across the constituency — I
know the importance of our community rink. I see how much of the impact it has
in the vitality of the small towns. They are the place to come together and it
creates a real community atmosphere, Mr. Speaker. It is at these places across
our province where many memories have been created together whether . . .
in times of celebration.
I’m proud that our government will
increase financial support for recreational facilities in Saskatchewan
communities by doubling the community rink affordability grant and introducing
the new school playground equipment grant. This grant will support approximately
635 ice surfaces in 373 communities across Saskatchewan at a cost of about 1.7 million
per year.
The school playground equipment fund
will help fund 50 per cent of the cost of new school playground equipment to a
maximum grant per playground project of $50,000. The grant is expected to fund
75 projects per year or 300 projects over the next four years. This investment
will improve and enhance the quality of life all across Saskatchewan.
Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes
that everyone deserves to feel safe in their business and in their
neighbourhood. Our government will continue to fund more police officers and
invest in support for victims of crime. This is why we’re making amendments to
strengthen laws, giving the officers the tools they need to ensure safety all
across our province.
Amendments to address The Safer
Communities and Neighbourhoods Act will provide officers with additional
authority to address public nuisance and shut down nuisance properties, such as
the power to address an abandoned building that has been repeatedly broken into
or has trespassers squatting in it, and additional authority to address
intoxication on public property, vandalism, and individuals behaving in a
disruptive manner on public property and public spaces.
Our approach to rural crime is providing
stronger laws in support for our police officers. These measures will allow
business owners to designate police officers as authorized representatives,
giving officers the power to remove people from businesses without needing
permission on a case-by-case basis.
Saskatchewan’s strong and growing
economy added 17,000 new jobs over the past year, according to the latest
labour force report released by Statistics Canada. Mr. Speaker, we’re proud to
say that there’s over 1.2 million people now calling Saskatchewan home. In
making life more affordable, our government will increase the personal
exemption, increase the disposable exemption, increase the child exemption, and
increase the seniors’ supplement by $500 each year for the next four years.
This amounts to a family of four in Saskatchewan saving $3,400 and a senior
couple $3,100 in the next four years. The same family of four will not pay
provincial income tax until their combined income reaches over $72,000.
[20:00]
I see my time’s almost up, Mr. Speaker,
but I’m going to take a hint from you. I’m going to take a hint from you, and I’m
going to take this opportunity as the light is on and I have the microphone.
I’m going to thank my mother. She is a huge fan of mine. She watches all the
time, every proceeding. It’s very interesting when we go to different functions
because she feels like she knows each and every member in the Assembly, because
she watches them on TV all the time. But nobody really knows who my mother is
so . . . Anyway she is a great fan of this government and somebody
that is very, very special to me.
And, Mr. Speaker, I would be absolutely
remiss if I did not talk about the greatest supporter that I have in my
personal career, in my personal life is . . . I mean, I think
everyone knows here who I’m going to talk about but it’s my wife, Sheila
Keisig. She works fanatically on my election campaign. We talk daily on
different political subjects. She is definitely being groomed to potentially
replace me in this position, Mr. Speaker. I would be terrified to run against
her in a contested nomination and I’m hoping that it never comes to that.
But she is very busy in her own career.
She’s the administrator at the RM [rural municipality] of Tullymet, and she’s
the president of the Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association. And once you
rise to the rank of president, you receive a seat on the SARM board. So she is
incredibly busy with RMAA [Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association of
Saskatchewan] meetings, SARM meetings, and also being my number one assistant,
fan, I guess. I don’t know what you . . . But she is . . .
[inaudible interjection] . . . Yeah, I know. I got that backwards.
But she is a very remarkable woman, very passionate, very organized, very
goal-driven, a wonderful mother to our two daughters, and a fantastic wife, Mr.
Speaker. And I honestly would not be in this Chamber without her assistance.
And I owe her so, so much.
I also want to thank the Premier. His
work ethic throughout the campaign and through my four years has been
absolutely remarkable. I have had the privilege of working with a lot of very
good people, Mr. Speaker, but his work ethic, his stamina is really inspiring
and it makes you want to work harder and do better for all the people of
Saskatchewan.
So with that, Mr. Speaker, I will be
supporting the Throne Speech moved by the member from Kindersley-Biggar,
seconded by the member from Saskatchewan Rivers. But I will not be supporting
any amendments brought forward by the members opposite. Thank you very much,
Mr. Speaker.
Speaker
Goudy: — I
recognize the member from Regina Rochdale.
Joan Pratchler: — Thank you, Mr.
Speaker, hon. members, and fellow citizens of Saskatchewan. I acknowledge that
I was born on Treaty 6 territory and I now live here in Treaty 4.
It is with a great sense of humility and
thankfulness that I stand in this Chamber today as a newly elected
representative of the constituency of Regina Rochdale. It is not lost on me
that there is a tremendous amount of responsibility and accountability placed
upon my shoulders by the faith of my constituents. I’m here to represent them
and to advocate for them. It is an honour and a calling which I do not take
lightly. And you, Regina Rochdale, have my word that I have your back. This
moment belongs to you.
One never arrives at these moments alone
and we are part of a much larger independent world of others. And that world
whispers in one soul to express a gratitude for so much and so many.
First I would like to thank my immigrant
grandparents, and to my parents who taught me the meaning of tenacity and hard,
hard work on the farm. They also nurtured in us an insatiable curiosity to
learn and to serve. To my family — my husband, my children — my mentors and
dear, dear friends who continue to teach me, and sometimes they even use words.
Ich danke Ihnen. Köszönöm szépen. Merci à tous. [Translation: Thanks to all.]
Thank you.
To the steadfast team of volunteers who
worked tirelessly on my campaign — day in, day out for nearly a year and a half
— I owe them a great debt of gratitude. Hats off to the near over 300
volunteers, mostly teachers and nurses and executive women who had their faith
in me, and they had the commitment in thought and in action to bring about a
better future for yours and everyone’s loved ones.
Today an indelible mark has been made on
Regina Rochdale’s and indeed Saskatchewan’s history. If you were to wander
through Regina Rochdale, you would see that it is not only home to breathtaking
parks, many businesses big and small, vibrant elementary schools, care homes,
two bustling high schools. It is also home to a community with a wonderful
soul.
Rochdale is teeming with people who work
hard and care deeply not only about their neighbours, but about our province.
They see the big picture and they know that we must address root causes of
issues, and they expect our government to do so. Caretakers, servers, teachers,
nurses, engineers, executives, doctors, aestheticians, bakers, grandmas,
grandpas, moms and dads, and children are all counting on our government to do
what is right to ensure that their lives and the lives of their families and
neighbours enjoy living in a vibrant Saskatchewan now and in the future.
To many in Rochdale, there is a worry
that things are not vibrant that they had expected it to be by now. Seniors,
they’re worried that health care and aging-in-place services will not be there
for them when they need it. Many residents tell me the waits for health care
services is dragging on far too long. Families are worried that that prized
education they received, that prized education that Saskatchewan used to be
known for, is becoming more and more elusive for their own children. Some
families tell me that things are costing too much and it’s hard to keep up.
That’s not the vibrant Saskatchewan they have, and they want better.
They want a voice of credibility to
articulate their concerns, to shine a light on issues that matter to them and
to those across our province. They want a representative that will not only
fiercely hold this government opposite accountable, but at the same time offer
creative solutions to problems they thought would have been addressed by now.
On behalf of my constituents, I plan to do just that. I am convinced that with
the support of my constituents, by collaborating inside and outside of this
House, we will make a difference and regain that vibrant Saskatchewan that
Rochdale constituents envision and deserve.
Regarding health care, my constituents
told me over and over again on the doorsteps that I should use my nursing voice
— the voice of a profession trained to advocate — and creatively provide
reasoned, evidence-based, upstream solutions to reduce and prevent issues
before our emergency rooms are taxed to the limits and, worse yet, they can’t
access the health care that they and their loved ones need. My constituents
asked me to reflect their experiences and pain, in many cases, in a way that
demands that the system be made better not just for them, but for their loved
ones, and indeed others in our province beyond the cities that also desperately
need and deserve better health care. This is who Rochdale people are. We
agreed. Nurses don’t just talk about solutions; we make them happen if anyone
in the government cares to listen.
Education is also a top priority for the
people in Rochdale. Rochdale is home to many families with children and
grandchildren in schools and home to many, many teachers. And the number one
issue in education is student learning. Everyone is working hard to address the
time and the curriculum outcome loss that exacerbated classroom complexity as a
result of the jagged-edge attendance during the COVID years.
This continues to be compounded by the relentless reduction of funding
over the past 10 years. They asked me to use my teacher and administrator voice
to stand up for the desperately needed supports for
student learning. They told me to never let up on advocating for the needs of
children and do whatever it takes to reclaim that prized education that each
and every one of them deserved, and to get Saskatchewan back into first place
in education again and stay there.
To the good people of Regina Rochdale,
who are a compassionate, future- and solution-focused community, know this: I
am here for you, I care about you, and I will work diligently on your behalf. I
want to listen to your concerns and successes, your ideas, and your visions for
a better Saskatchewan.
To the hon. members in this, the
thirtieth legislature, I look forward to working with all my colleagues,
including those across the aisle, for solutions, particularly for improved
health and health care, for stellar education, and for bettering the lives of
all the people in this province. We are stronger when we work together to use
our gifts and talents to serve all the people of this great province.
Public service is one of the highest
honours there is. And lofty though that honour is, one should find it in the
work of the political world and in politicians. People often ask, why bother
being in public service? And why bother being a politician? Why bother?
I’ll tell you exactly why bother. In
this increasingly cynical world, we need good people in public service and we
need good people in politics. Oh, how we need good people here. We need role
models in leadership who hold strong and steady in sure and unsure times. The
world desperately needs good people to inspire our youth, to give hope to our Elders,
and for everyone in between.
We need people with a solid moral
compass who welcome differences, who take the high road even when, at a weaker
moment, it might so tempt them to slice back with acrimony and spite.
We need good people in public office,
with creative minds and spirits, to do the hard things that are so important,
good people to model the sophisticated skills required to deftly navigate the
endless grey of the world, good people who earnestly seek wins for all.
Without good people in public office,
those things don’t happen. Democracy and the care of the common good is
lessened, and our world becomes saddened as cynicism seeps in.
[20:15]
In this Assembly, absolutely we can
disagree about policy. In fact rigorous debate should strengthen policy by
ensuring it becomes the best it can be. Let us not forget that there is a way
to do so without degrading, disrespecting, and disposing of others’ spirits.
That takes real self-control.
It is no secret that being in public
office is not for the faint of heart, nor is it to serve the fleeting status of
power. There is a difference between cheap power and deep power. Deep power
takes a compassion built on kindness, for others, and for self. It takes grit
and it takes courage. Yes, courage, my friends. Kindness and strength are the
stuff of courage.
Being a good public servant matters
because people in this province matter, and you matter. Mr. Speaker, good
people need to step up and indeed in this Chamber, they have. Let us always do
our best to be those people.
I will be supporting the amendment as
moved, Mr. Speaker, and I will not be supporting the motion. Thank you.
Speaker
Goudy: — I recognize the member from Carrot
River Valley.
Terri Bromm: — Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. I too want to acknowledge that I stand here on Treaty 4 territory and
the traditional homeland of the Métis people. I would also like to join my
colleagues in congratulating both you, Mr. Speaker, and the member from
Lumsden-Morse, the Deputy Speaker, in your new roles. I am confident that you
will both serve this Assembly admirably.
It is with gratitude and humility that I
stand before you today addressing this Assembly as the representative for
Carrot River Valley in this, the thirtieth sitting of the Saskatchewan
legislature. I am deeply honoured by the trust placed in me to serve our
incredible constituency, and today I want to share with you who I am, the
journey that led me here, and the vision we’ll pursue together to build an even
brighter future for our province.
First I want to recognize the people who
initially shaped me, my parents and siblings. Growing up, my parents, John and
Dianne, instilled in our family the values of hard work, integrity, and the
importance of education. They taught me that with determination and resilience,
anything is possible. In a way, they provided a template on how to treat others
— family, friends, staff, and customers. They supported and encouraged
independence, solution-focused ideas, and thinking out of the box.
My sisters Tracy and Tanis, and my
brother Greg were my first teachers in collaboration and compassion, showing me
how to support others and work as a team, skills that have guided me throughout
my life. They have each become successful in their chosen paths. We have been
very supportive and vocal in each other’s lives, and anyone who has been around
for our family meals, card games, and lively discussions on diverse subjects
can verify this. These lessons formed the foundation for my career, my community
involvement, and now my role in public service.
Mr. Speaker, my journey would not have
been possible without the unwavering love and support of my husband, Ian, and
grown children Logan and Sydney. Ian’s career has been in agriculture and
value-added agriculture industry. He has been and is my rock. We started dating
when I was in high school, and with few breaks, we will soon share our 39th New
Year’s together. He is smart, caring, hard-working, and grounded. Words like
“you can take the farmer off the farm, but not the farm out of the farmer” are
very apt. Moving back from Alberta to Saskatchewan to live and raise our
children Logan and Sydney was one of the best decisions we ever made. We have
been blessed to live near our families and friends.
Watching our children grow up in Tisdale
and both complete their Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree from the
University of Saskatchewan fills me with immense pride. Both Logan and Sydney
were part of the student trainer program, Logan with the Huskie men’s hockey
team, and Sydney with the Huskie women’s hockey team. Our son Logan and his
partner, Kailey, will both convocate with a Master of Physical Therapy from the
University of British Columbia this coming weekend. Our daughter Sydney will
continue her diagnostic medical imaging studies back in Ontario shortly for her
final clinical placement. She is currently here in Saskatchewan on placement
and we are thrilled to have her with us. Both Logan and Sydney have become
amazing adults who are smart, resilient, and caring, and they continue to make
me proud every day.
During our 33 years of marriage, Ian and
I have lived long-distance for our work commitments. It has been awhile, but
now as we circle back to that, I am blessed and thankful for him and his
support. Together Ian, Logan, and Sydney have been my champions, cheering me on
during the long days and late nights, assisting on the campaign, encouraging me
to take on these commitments and challenges, and always reminding me of the
importance of serving and improving the lives of others.
Mr. Speaker, there are so many thanks to
share here tonight. This journey started 19 months ago, and through the
nomination and campaign I have been fortunate to have support in many different
forms. My sister Tanis, my campaign manager, you were and continue to be an
immeasurable support. To Bryan, my financial agent, your assistance is
invaluable. My heartfelt thanks goes out to Franz, Chris, Dawn, Bettyann,
Katherine, Cathy, Gail, Richard, Ron, Debbie, and Shelley. I could not have
done this without your hard work, time and energy, countless volunteer hours,
insights, and enthusiasm while completing the tasks at hand.
Other people who are too numerous to
acknowledge here tonight deserve my thanks as well. Thank you to those who door
knocked especially during those hot summer days, put up and took down signs,
and scrutineered. I would like to mention Patrick, Dylan, and Deanne, and all
the staff at the party office for their work. And I am grateful for your help.
My gratitude goes out tonight to my
predecessor, Fred Bradshaw, who has been a huge support. Thank you not only for
your 17 years of dedicated service, but also for your kindness and generosity
that has left an indelible mark on our constituency.
Acknowledgement, Mr. Speaker, also goes
to Shelley Meyer. Shelley has been serving the people of our constituency as a
constituency assistant for 24 years. I will be the fourth MLA that will have
had the pleasure to work with her, and I am very grateful.
I want to acknowledge my parents, John
and Diane, and Gene and Beth, my in-laws for your unwavering love and support
throughout this process. To all of you who contributed along with my family and
friends, thank you for supporting me, standing beside me, and inspiring me.
My career, Mr. Speaker, began in
pharmacy. Early on I owned and operated a Shoppers Drug Mart, first in Tisdale
and then in Lacombe, Alberta. Practising as a pharmacist for 25 years taught me
the importance of hard work, problem solving, lifelong learning, and advocacy.
Later in my career my work as a business
development officer for Community Futures Newsask allowed me to assist
entrepreneurs and clients with their businesses. It was through these roles
that I developed a connection to the people of Carrot River Valley,
understanding first-hand some of the opportunities and challenges that we face.
Looking back, I have always represented
others. Along with high school and university student councils, I served on
Tisdale town council and the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals,
then the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists. Through these opportunities I
have gained considerable experience in collaboration. I have shown leadership
and commitment to my profession and my community.
These experiences provided me the
ability to address the needs of various stakeholders in a variety of settings.
As well they have allowed me to connect with people and make a tangible
difference in their lives. These experiences showed me the profound impact we
can have when we work together and they also shaped my journey to step forward
and be here today, representing the constituency of Carrot River Valley. They
will serve me well going forward in this, my new role.
I am here to serve as a strong voice for
our constituents, to listen with an open mind, and to always strive for the
betterment of the constituency. To the residents of Carrot River Valley, thank
you for placing your trust in me. Mr.
Speaker, Carrot River Valley is a region of abundance and opportunity. Our
agriculture and value-added agriculture sectors are powered by hard-working
producers who feed not just Saskatchewan, but the world. Our forestry, mining,
and tourism sectors provide jobs and fuel our provincial growth. And our
beautiful lakes and land itself draw visitors from many places. From the farms
to the forests, small businesses to industry, our strength lies in our
resilience and our shared commitment to one another.
I am
passionate about making a positive impact and finding solutions to our
challenges while promoting our strengths and opportunities. Let us work
together to create strong communities and a place where our families can
thrive. And I am eager to serve our incredible constituency of Carrot River
Valley.
In education,
the funding for the newly-opened Carrot River Valley School is an investment in
our children and their future. It
represents our commitment to providing the tools and opportunities they need to
succeed. And for Fred, go Wildcats.
For infrastructure: the announced phase
1 resurface of the Tisdale airport runway. That will enable connectivity,
support health care access, and access for business and economic growth in our
region.
For recreation and community, the
provincial portion funding for the Hudson Bay Community Pool that opened in
August 2023 and the announced increase in the grants for our community rinks
are more than just the facilities themselves. They’re about fostering community
spirit and supporting the health and well-being of our residents.
The paving of 40 kilometres of Highway
55, Highway 3, and 23 located near Nipawin and Carrot River ensure safer and
more efficient travel, connection for our communities, and enables the flow of
goods and services.
But as we celebrate these achievements
we must also look forward. We are motivated to ensure strong supports and
programs for all the people of the province. Our work is not done. I want to
turn more specifically to the Throne Speech. There are a few parts I would like
to address.
Regarding health care, our government
will work to ensure everyone in Saskatchewan has access to a primary health
provider by the end of 2028. We will continue to increase the number of
doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals within the province.
[20:30]
I wanted to highlight the creation of
the new diagnostic medical sonography ultrasound program at Suncrest College in
Yorkton. A training program is now, for the first time, available in
Saskatchewan for Saskatchewan students who want to train to provide these
ultrasound services. My daughter, like others, did not have the opportunity to
stay and train in Saskatchewan, but now other Saskatchewan students can. This
is a component of our government’s health human resources action plan to
recruit, train, incentivize, and retain health care professionals. And it will
contribute to the development of our health care workforce.
Regarding education, the government will
expand its specialized support classroom pilot to 200 more schools throughout
the province. There will be a focus on improving reading levels, specifically
in kindergarten to grade 3.
Mr. Speaker, the Premier has said Bill 1
of the new legislative session will be the Saskatchewan affordability Act,
legislation to enact the government’s campaign commitments to make life
affordable. The government will also strengthen The Safer Communities and
Neighbourhoods Act and other legislation to keep our communities safe.
Together we will continue to improve
health care and education, along with making life more affordable and
communities safer. We are motivated to continue to create and improve the areas
in our province to ensure families thrive, businesses grow, and communities and
municipalities flourish.
We will champion sustainable development
of our resources and support the next generations of farmers, workers, and
entrepreneurs and families. Aptly, our provincial motto translates from Latin
to “from many peoples, strength.”
Mr. Speaker, as we work together in this
Assembly toward a shared vision of prosperity and opportunity, I hope to do so
with a high level of decorum and respect for this Assembly itself and for the
members of the opposition. As I step into this new role, Mr. Speaker, I am
filled with excitement and optimism for the future.
In closing, I will be supporting the
original motion brought forward by the member from Kindersley-Biggar and
seconded by the member from Saskatchewan Rivers. I will not be supporting the
opposition’s amendment. Thank you for the opportunity to speak here tonight.
Speaker
Goudy: — I
recognize the member from Saskatoon
Churchill-Wildwood.
Keith
Jorgenson: —
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I want to congratulate you on your election,
and I want to congratulate members on both sides of the Assembly on their
elections.
You know, I think the journey to stand
before you, Mr. Speaker, is not a journey that we take on our own. It’s a
journey that we get helped, that we receive aid from many people. I think we
all take two journeys to arrive here. The short journey is the campaign to get
elected, and the longer journey is to become the person worthy of being voted
for. For both of these journeys I must give a multitude of thanks and a
steadfast remembrance of why we are here and why our work is so important.
First, I want to speak about the short
journey, although it didn’t seem short. Getting elected is a tremendous amount
of work. Hundreds of thousands of steps taken by hundreds of people, hundreds
of thousands of words earnestly spoken to thousands of people — that’s what
allows me to stand before you and raise my voice to address the people’s
business.
As a first-time MLA, when I walk into
this building, it’s hard not to take in the grandeur of this building as well
as the incredible role, trust that the people of Saskatchewan place in us to
make consequential decisions about almost every aspect of their life. It truly
is the great honour of my life.
I want to thank the people of
Churchill-Wildwood NDP executive, the countless volunteers, my family, and of
course the great residents of Churchill-Wildwood for bestowing this tremendous
honour on me. In particular I want to thank Pat Keyser, Phil MacIntyre, Shelly
Panchuk, Patrick Hopkins, Jennifer Coxworth, Michael Turner, Aiden Cobbe, Mary
Scissons, Angie Fergusson, Cathy Surtees, Leta Atkinson, and Lori Hlady.
Now I want to talk about the longer
journey here. I brought a number of items to my legislative office to remind me
about where I came from, how important our work is. The first one is my
great-great-grandmother’s grade 8 school reader. Somehow miraculously after 100
years, this grade 8 school reader found its way to me in a box of donated books
in a building that I worked at. And I absolutely love that book.
It’s a 110‑year-old school reader
from Swift Current, Saskatchewan. And because Emma Jorgenson naughtily wrote
her name in it several times, I know it belonged to her. Her mother was killed
and her father went back to Norway and left her with the neighbours near Stewart
Valley. This is where my family tree in Saskatchewan begins. It started, Mr.
Speaker, with loss and resilience, with co-operation and charity.
I love that book because it reminds me
that, like most of us here in Saskatchewan, we all came from someplace else.
We, or our ancestors, had incredible journeys filled with hardship and struggle
and joy. Mr. Speaker, in the face of loss and hardship, our ancestors knew that
we were stronger together.
I have in my office a photo of a little
house at 1110 7th Street in Churchill-Wildwood. This was the house that my
maternal grandfather built for himself. This tiny house was the centre of
countless epic parties. And as Ukrainian Canadians, Christmas Eve was the most
important meal of the day, or most important day of the year. An improbable
number of people would squeeze into that tiny house. And, Mr. Speaker, if you
came late, you’d have to ask the person seated with their back to the door to
move because the table was set from the front door to the back door with kids
in the basement and the summer kitchen.
And every one of us essentially had our
last names misspelled because my grandfather, when he arrived here, could not
read or write English. He could not even spell his own name. After supper the
party would start in the garage. My grandfather fixed cars in the garage during
the day. And my father often joked, as a result of these epic parties, that it
was always advisable to have your car fixed before noon.
My baba spoke very little English, but
she would smile lovingly at us kids. She would often say that there is always
room for one more at the table. This photo reminds me of that, Mr. Speaker,
that in a province that feeds the world, no one should go hungry.
I have a menu from a very fancy
Christmas dinner that occurred in 1913 at the Empress Hotel here in Swift
Current, Saskatchewan that members of my family attended. They had lobster and
crab and half a dozen other kinds of meat. As my grandmother would say, they
had done well.
In a little more than a decade, they
lost everything at the start of the Great Depression. They went from eating
lobster to lard sandwiches in a few short years. Mr. Speaker, it reminds me
that we need to judge each other less and accept each other more. We need to
outstretch our hands to others in welcome and aid.
I have my paternal grandmother’s wedding
ring in a shadow box in my office. When I was just six months old, my mother
left this world and my grandmother was there to provide me with everything that
allows me to stand here today. I’m so grateful for the gifts that she gave me
but aware as well, in the face of tragedy others are not as lucky as I was. Her
ring reminds me that in the face of loss, it’s always cheaper to lift somebody
up than to leave them down.
I have a memorial card for a Connor Lee.
In the past 10 years, almost 3,000 Saskatchewan young people have died of
overdoses. Thirty-eight of those were my students. One of them was Connor Lee.
He was bright and intelligent and a tremendously affable young man. But sadly,
Mr. Speaker, in the face of tragedy, he was not fortunate to have somebody give
him all that he needed so he could be all that he could be.
I keep that card to remind me of two
things, Mr. Speaker: one, the tragedy of the residential school system is not
over. Young people continue to die simply because we allow them to. And two,
tragedy is not free. We can see this play out over and over and over again in
our streets, Mr. Speaker. We aren’t saving money by allowing this to continue.
Mr. Speaker, for our entire history, our
province has had one undeniable measure of progress — the increase in life
expectancy. For the first time in our history, life expectancy is declining,
and that’s shameful.
Mr. Speaker, I have a certificate for my
Guinness book world record. I hold the Guinness book world record for the
world’s longest doughnut. I made a doughnut that was around 20 feet long. It’s
not my greatest accomplishment. And Guinness does an absolutely incredible job.
They send you a Purolator-like envelope that says “officially amazing” on the
outside of it.
And I think, members, we can all agree
that Saskatchewan is an amazing place. Our former colleagues here did amazing
things. They set records of their own, Mr. Speaker — first public health care
system in North America, first labour board, first bill of rights, first arts
board. I brought that certificate to remind me that the people that work in
this room are capable of doing amazing things again. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, we’re
setting dubious records — last in health care, last in education, record
homelessness, record overdoses.
Like many of us, Mr. Speaker, I have
photos of my children. They’re a blessing from God and a reminder of the
importance of the work that we have to do here. My oldest child is Frances.
She’s a barrel racer and her partner is a bull rider. Her dream is to take over
the nearly 100‑year-old farm that we live in just northeast of Saskatoon.
Like many people in this province, my
life is divided between urban and rural. This is the way it’s always been, Mr.
Speaker. And what makes Saskatchewan unique is nearly all of us can trace our
history back to a farm, a piece of land from which nearly all of our economy
flows. Mr. Speaker, policies that attempt to divide us based upon our postal
code are simply wrong.
My middle child is Lily. She left
Saskatchewan for Alberta this year. For the past 10 years this has been a story
that’s been told many, many times, Mr. Speaker. To be precise, 68,782 times.
I’m going to say that number again: 68,782 times, young people and other people
left Saskatchewan for other places. We’ve lost almost 69,000 people in net
interprovincial emigration. If we include outward emigration in ’23‑24,
that’s more than the population of Prince Albert and Moose Jaw combined. It’s
as if two of our four largest cities moved to BC and Alberta. Instead of our
kids and grandkids having to come home for Thanksgiving, we should be giving
thanks that they can live close to home.
Mr. Speaker, my kids attended a rural
school. As many rural parents, we’ve always felt a sense of foreboding that our
school would lose more grades, more programs, or maybe even close altogether as
some schools have been forced to do because of population decline. This year we
made the difficult decision to move our son to a school in Saskatoon because
our rural school was unable to offer all the programs and classes that he
required. Mr. Speaker, parents just want a government that focuses on supporting
their communities, ensuring their kids’ schools are properly funded and their
kids are safe, focused on what matters.
Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about this
building and this journey here again. This building is an absolutely incredible
place to walk into, as one of my colleagues’ sons mentioned, that his daddy
worked in Elsa’s castle. Perhaps when we’re here it’s easy to forget where we
came from and what’s truly important. As striking as how this place looks, I
find the sound of this place equally noteworthy, whether it’s the sound of one
set of footsteps walking across the rotunda or the sound of hundreds of people speaking.
You know, when everyone’s speaking in
this building, it can be really hard to hear one voice. You really have to
strain to hear among the din of sounds. And I believe that’s our challenge
here, Mr. Speaker. Among the din of sounds we must remember the voices of the
people that elected us. Mr. Speaker, for me the short journey, the long
journey, and all the voices that I heard on the way, whether it be my baba’s or
all the voters, are all telling me the same thing. They deserve better than
this tired and out-of-touch government.
[20:45]
I met a mother whose child was horribly
assaulted at their school. I met seniors having to choose between food and
medicine because they couldn’t afford both. I met a mother that found her son
dead in their backyard of an overdose; absolutely breaks my heart. I met a
woman that watched her husband near death in a car when they called 911 at a
doctor’s office and there was no ambulance available in the entire city of
Saskatoon.
Mr. Speaker, through all the noise,
these are the voices. These are the stories that must be told here in this
Chamber, that must be heard, the voices of the people that we represent. It is
an honour that has been given to all of us. And to the people of
Churchill-Wildwood I say, it is not an honour I will take lightly. Your voice
will be heard in this Chamber.
Mr. Speaker, I will not be supporting the
amendment as moved by the . . . Sorry. I will be supporting the
amendment as moved and I will not be supporting the Throne Speech. Thank you
very much.
Speaker
Goudy: — I recognize the member from P.A.
[Prince Albert] Carlton.
Kevin Kasun: — Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. Let me begin by first acknowledging my constituency that I represent,
Prince Albert Carlton, and its location on Treaty 6, and today I speak on
Treaty 4 territory, both the homeland of the Métis people.
Mr. Speaker, although you have heard it
a few times today, I would also like to join with my colleagues and
congratulate you and the Deputy Speaker in their new role that will definitely
keep you busy. With so many new members I am sure that there will be the odd
reminder of all the rules that are very important to this House. I truly hope
that we all heed your guidance and bring a higher level of decorum and conduct
in this House. I am grateful that as many new members start this session, that
we do so under a person of known integrity and a fair and honourable gentleman
to fill the role.
Mr. Speaker, “A New Beginning.” What an
appropriate title for the start of this, the thirtieth Legislative Assembly. As
I stand here for my first time addressing this Assembly, I have my own new
beginnings, as do many members here. In July of this year when the opportunity
emerged for me to put my name forward and run as a nominee for the Saskatchewan
Party, I knew that this was my opportunity to serve the people of Prince Albert
Carlton and Saskatchewan.
But this is not a decision to be made
alone, and for that I have to thank my wife, Shevawn, and all of her hard work,
all her support and encouragement — working her full-time job, then coming to
the campaign office after work, hitting the doors, and then coming in on her
days off to help out as well. Our children, Elijah and Shiloh, after school and
on the weekends, hitting those doors with my wife and I. I can’t thank my
family enough.
My campaign team, which was led by my
predecessor Joe and his wife, Fran Hargrave. Cole and Carter, who between the
two of them led my door knocking team. Duane on sign patrol and Tami, the lady
that just keeps everything running smoothly. Cherise, Dr. Nnamdi, Genesis, and
all the other volunteers that helped every step of the way. To serve your
community you have to learn to step back and let others serve you first. It was
wonderful to speak to so many people in Prince Albert Carlton, hearing their
concerns, listening to their suggestions and their passion for the future of
this province.
I spoke to many people who were thinking
about change, but I digress for a bit. As a former locomotive engineer
operating trains that were 3400 metres — that’s 11,200 feet, just so you know —
you can’t stop those things quickly. Large trains don’t like change. It takes
miles to change the momentum of such a machine. You suddenly put on the brakes
and try to change direction, it’ll be a disaster. Careful, thoughtful planning
must be put into place.
I believe that that is what the
Saskatchewan people ask this government for. Not a quick, dramatic move. Slight
adjustments to keep on track and moving forward. Through conversation, people
were more concerned about what kind of unknown changes there could possibly be
rather than stay on the course for a bright future.
I must thank the people of Prince Albert
Carlton for allowing me to be the representative for them in this House, a job
that I do not take lightly. I’m excited for what we will accomplish in the next
four years.
When the Premier and I graduated from
high school together almost 30 years ago, the opportunities in this province
were just not there. Our options were very limited. People would find that
after struggling, working a couple of jobs to make ends meet, they would end up
paying a higher personal tax. It was a cycle of working harder and never
getting ahead, until finally a person would have to leave the province until
they could save up enough money to come back so they could afford Saskatchewan.
But now what a great province to live
in. By increasing the first-time homebuyers tax credit, allowing more people to
achieve home ownership. And if you have a home, the creation of the home
renovation tax credit allows people to keep their home and fix those things
that every house needs to be fixed. The largest personal income tax reduction
since 2008 will allow the people of Saskatchewan to spend their own money on
products and services that they need in the way they want to.
It’s also exciting to know that this
government will work with all levels of health care providers to come up with a
team approach to health care. When I received my diagnosis of cancer this year,
I’ve learned that doctors and nurses and health care staff must work as a team
to come together on an individual’s health care plan. Not just a
one-size-fits-all approach, but work as a team for the same end result. I
believe that this is the approach that the government adheres to.
With the expansion of the Victoria
Hospital in Prince Albert and opening additional urgent care centres in
Saskatoon, North Battleford, Moose Jaw, Regina, and my city of Prince Albert,
we are taking the pressure off emergency rooms across this province. And of
course with these expansions, we are continuing to increase the numbers of
doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals as well as the support
staff we need to keep these facilities running.
Mr. Speaker, I’m excited about our plans
for education with a focus on improving reading levels specifically in
kindergarten to grade 3, but even before the start of kindergarten providing
funding for 12,000 additional new child care spaces. And once our children
graduate, and if they choose to further their education, we will be there again
to help them with the graduate retention program; then as I mentioned earlier,
help them to buy their first home and keep going. What a different way to start
than the way it was for us so many years ago.
Mr. Speaker, this government truly cares
about Saskatchewan and its greatest asset, its people. The children are our
future, and this government will be there to help them succeed at this journey
in life.
Mr. Speaker, one career I chose many
years ago was the trucking industry, one that I truly enjoyed and a trade that
we desperately need people in. I am proud of our government’s introduction of a
new $5,000 class 1 truck driver training rebate. It’s exciting to know that
this government will help people who choose different career paths if they
don’t choose university.
I truly believe this government has
listened to the people of this province. I believe that the people of
Saskatchewan have trusted this government to keep our economy strong and
growing, but has also trusted us to bring in the changes that need to be brought
in to bring our province to the next level.
Mr. Speaker, as I enter this Assembly
every day, my desire is to stay focused on making our province, our communities
a better place to live, work, and play. Those are the reasons why I put my name
forward, why I knocked on the doors and made myself known to the people of
Prince Albert Carlton to be their representative in this House.
As I enter this majestic building every
day and as I enter into this Assembly, I must tell myself that those are the
same reasons that members on both sides of the House are here, as we on both
sides debate our views on what we each believe is the best for this province.
But as we do that, Mr. Speaker, it is my goal to maintain the high level of
decorum and respect for this Assembly and all of the members of this House
regardless of the side.
Thank you for letting me speak here
today. God bless this House, God bless Prince Albert, and God bless
Saskatchewan.
Mr. Speaker, in closing let me repeat
what others have said and that I’ll be supporting the motion put forward by the
member from Kindersley-Biggar and seconded by the member from Saskatchewan
Rivers. I will not be supporting the opposition’s amendment. Thank you.
Speaker
Goudy: — I
recognize the member from Saskatoon Southeast.
Brittney
Senger: —
Thank you. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by congratulating you on your appointment
as Speaker of the Assembly. I would also like to congratulate all the newly
elected and returning members. It is a privilege to stand alongside such
dedicated individuals as we work to serve our communities.
It is an immense honour to rise to
address the Assembly for the first time. Representing the people of Saskatoon
Southeast is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. I’m deeply
thankful to the constituents who placed their confidence in me, believed in me,
and trusted me to advocate for their needs with integrity and dedication.
Mr. Speaker, before I respond to the
Throne Speech, I wish to acknowledge a few people in my life who supported me
through what was an unexpectedly burdensome year and a hard-fought campaign.
The victory we achieved was not mine alone. It was a victory for the entire
community of Saskatoon Southeast. It was made possible by the collective
efforts of countless donors, volunteers, members, and supporters. Though I
cannot name everyone who contributed to this success, I am incredibly grateful
to the dedicated team that rallied behind me. Their energy, passion, and belief
in our mission were the driving forces behind the campaign’s success.
I want to especially thank some
remarkable individuals who were instrumental in this journey: my campaign
manager, Kalen Leib, who not only organized and led my campaign but managed it
with unwavering dedication; William Darragh, who always executed sound judgment
and thoughtful decision making; and Elias Assefa, whose organizational skills
were truly second to none. I’m also profoundly grateful to Craig Thebauld and
Stephen Yardy, who brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise on policies and
campaigns. And of course I owe a debt of gratitude to Jeff Klyne and Ryan
Lipski.
From the moment I expressed my interest
in running in Saskatoon Southeast, they believed in me wholeheartedly. They
made countless sacrifices and offered steadfast support, inspiring me every
step of the way. This journey would not have been possible without the
incredible contributions of these individuals.
My grandmother, on the other hand, has
rarely challenged my political opinions; however she has inspired me throughout
my life to be selfless and serve the community. From a young age, she
encouraged me to volunteer, attend community events, and always be kind to
others.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize
my siblings Michael, Laura, and Ben, who provided me with words of
encouragement when I needed them the most. Despite their busy lives and the
distance between us, they each found time to be present throughout the campaign,
and all of them stood by my side on election night.
And of course I must express my deepest
gratitude to my parents whose unwavering support and guidance have shaped me
into the person I am today. My mother in particular demonstrates fierce
independence, bravery, and kindness. Her compassion, love, and authenticity
taught me invaluable lessons about facing my fears, taking risks, and remaining
true to myself in the process.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a
moment to acknowledge a few extraordinary individuals in my life who believed
in me even though politics may not have been their passion. Among them, Justin
stands out for his boundless compassion, generosity, and kindness, qualities
that I found truly humbling and deeply inspiring. Similarly, my best friend
Meghan’s unwavering commitment to serving the community is a constant source of
inspiration, pushing me to strive every day to be a better person. Her
unmatched compassion, patience, and kindness set her apart as a truly
remarkable individual.
[21:00]
Lastly, I’d like to thank my
predecessor, Don Morgan, for his 21 years of service to our community. That’s
more than two-thirds of my life. He carried himself with respect and
consistently acted in the best interests of the constituency. I know I have
some pretty big shoes to fill and, judging by the office, some pretty big
filing cabinets too.
He set me up for success by leaving
behind a few true treasures in the constituency office. I can’t wait to make
full use of the cutting-edge TV-DVD [digital versatile disc]-VCR [videocassette
recorder] combo from the early 2000s — it’s almost a historical artifact at
this point — and the paper shredder that, by the looks of it, will qualify for
a pension before I do.
Mr. Speaker, I have been given the
honour of being shadow minister for the Status of Women, disabilities, and
community-based organizations, a portfolio that is well suited to my
background. I come from the not-for-profit sector and have dedicated my entire
career to working to improve the lives of those around me. Mr. Speaker, I was
raised knowing that everyone can make a difference in the world. Volunteering
and community involvement were not just encouraged in my upbringing; they were
essential values. This led me to engage with numerous organizations, many of
which focus on supporting women and advancing gender equality.
Women’s issues have always been deeply
important to me. I have experienced first-hand the pervasive challenges many
women face: harassment, unwanted comments, and situations where I have felt
uncomfortable or unsafe simply because of my gender. These experiences shaped
my perspective and fuelled my passion for change. They also guided my academic
journey, leading me to study political studies and women and gender studies.
Learning about intersectionality and the systemic barriers faced by women and
gender-diverse people had a profound impact on me.
In my early 20s, I recall a relative
suggesting that I pursue nursing or teaching because those were practical
careers for women. Less than a decade ago the idea of a woman pursuing a career
in politics felt far less attainable. In 2016, however, I saw remarkable women
running for office and elected to this very legislature. For the first time, I
realized politics could be a viable path for me. Today I am proud to stand here
alongside some of those trailblazing women, working together to create meaningful
change.
Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a reminder of
the ongoing work needed to address gender-based violence. Over the next 15
days, the United Nations will campaign against this pervasive issue, a campaign
that feels especially urgent here in Saskatchewan.
Our province has some of the highest
rates of violence against women in Canada, and the resources to support those
fleeing violence remain greatly inadequate. In 2022 the Saskatchewan Human
Rights Commission reported that 5,839 women were victims of intimate partner
violence and 5,744 women reported family violence. Per capita, Saskatchewan’s
rate of gender-based violence are more than double the national average. Mr.
Speaker, these statistics are staggering and unacceptable. The women, children,
and families of Saskatchewan deserve better. They deserve safety, they deserve
dignity, and a chance to thrive. I am committed to doing my part to help
achieve this.
As I respond to the Throne Speech, I
reflect on those who too often remain unheard or left behind. I think of the
women trapped in abusive relationships because there is no support and nowhere
for them to go. I think of parents of children with complex needs like autism,
fighting for the resources they need. I think of transgender youth struggling
to navigate their identities only to face the devastating impact of being outed
before they are ready. I think of new Canadians who come here seeking a better
life only to face barriers that hold them back. And I think of seniors who
worked tirelessly to build a stronger Saskatchewan but now struggle to afford
the dignity and quality of life they deserve.
Mr. Speaker, over the past several
months I had the privilege of speaking with people from all walks of life in
Saskatoon Southeast. One conversation in particular stayed with me. I met a
couple in their 70s who had spent most of their life in rural Saskatchewan. The
man proudly shared that he had always voted conservative, and he had even been
approached by the Progressive Conservatives, long before I was born, to run.
From the moment he opened the door, it was clear we disagreed on nearly every
policy. His wife however was quieter. She encouraged him to hush up so she
could hear what I had to say.
I noticed a few moving boxes in the room
but didn’t think anything of it until the topic of affordability came up. They
explained that they had recently relocated to Saskatoon to be closer to family
and to access health care. With no public transportation like STC [Saskatchewan
Transportation Company] available, moving to the city had become their only
viable choice.
Initially they were happy with their
decision and their new home in Saskatoon Southeast. But then their rent
skyrocketed, an increase of over $200 a month or $2,400 a year. On a fixed
income this increase, combined with the rising cost of everything else, had
them feeling trapped and uncertain about their future. Their story reflects a
growing affordability crisis affecting so many people in our province.
Mr. Speaker, I chose to run for office
because I was deeply disappointed in the direction our province is heading. The
rise in homelessness is heartbreaking. And our domestic violence rates, more
than double the national average, are nothing short of devastating. These
issues along with countless others are symptoms of a system that is failing to
support its people.
As I spoke with residents across
Saskatoon Southeast, it became clear that these challenges are not confined to
any one group or demographic. People from all backgrounds are struggling with
issues that could be alleviated through thoughtful and compassionate government
action, yet they feel left behind.
Mr. Speaker, this Throne Speech falls
short of addressing these pressing concerns. It fails the people of
Saskatchewan and does not offer the inclusive vision or comprehensive solutions
that the province needs right now. Therefore I will be supporting the amendment
and I will not be supporting the government’s motion to accept the Speech from
the Throne.
Speaker
Goudy: — I
recognize the member from Batoche.
Darlene Rowden: — Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. It is a great honour to address this Assembly tonight. I would like to
begin by offering my heartfelt congratulations to you on your new role and also
to the member from Lumsden-Morse in his capacity as Deputy Speaker. I have the
utmost confidence that both of you will serve this Assembly well, guiding us
with integrity and fairness.
I would like to acknowledge we are
gathered on Treaty 4 territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux,
Dakota, Lakota, Nakoda, and Métis people.
As a farmer and rancher, I benefit
greatly from the land’s abundance and bounty. I am deeply grateful for the
gifts it provides. This land has provided for many generations of families,
mine included, and I am committed to stewardship that respects both its history
and future.
Mr. Speaker, as a newly elected member
of the Legislative Assembly for the Saskatchewan Party representing the
beautiful and historic constituency of Batoche, I stand here with a sense of
immense pride and profound gratitude. I am honoured to be a voice for the
people of Batoche, and I am eager to embrace the challenges that come with this
new role. I understand the responsibility placed on me and am committed to
serving with dedication and sincerity.
Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to
introduce myself, my family, and my community to this Assembly. I am a proud
farmer’s daughter and even prouder to call myself a rancher, working alongside
my husband, Richard Wilson, of over 32 years. Together we have built and grown
our generational ranch, raising our three adult children, Blake, Amy, and
Rikki-Jean. All three have chosen to build their lives in the agriculture
sector here in Saskatchewan, a testament to the strong roots and values they
developed on our ranch.
Blake has become the backbone of our
cattle operation. The knowledge, skill, and cow sense instilled in him by his
father and grandfather, along with his desire to learn and try new practices,
serves our ranch and the industry well.
Amy, an agronomist to producers
throughout the province, was educated at the University of Saskatchewan. She
continues to broaden her knowledge and expertise in crop sciences while
practising her craft at home and raising cattle with us.
Rikki-Jean, with her deep passion and
love for animals, became a livestock extension specialist also educated at the
University of Saskatchewan. Her knowledge and position is a valued resource to
livestock producers in our province and at home. She also raises her herd of
cattle on our family ranch.
Not to brag, Mr. Speaker, but all three
of my children are showcasing their hard work and passion at Canadian Western
Agribition this week right here in Regina.
Mr. Speaker, my children were raised
immersed in the Saskatchewan 4‑H beef program where they learned the
valuable life lessons of public speaking, animal husbandry, record keeping,
financial management, and community service. They learned resilience and grace
throughout the challenges they faced and successes they celebrated. These
lessons have shaped them as well as our family, and remind me daily of the
strength and beauty of rural Saskatchewan communities.
Collaborating with our Elders’ council,
Elders such as Liz Settee and Bette Huntley, I developed a deep appreciation
for Indigenous ways of knowing. These women are not only respected Elders but
are also dear friends, Mr. Speaker, who have enriched my understanding of the
world.
Saskatchewan Rivers School Division
serves a student body of over 50 per cent First Nations and Métis, Mr. Speaker.
I am particularly proud of the work we did to support initiatives like
Following Their Voices, our high school learning model, land-based education,
and language revitalization programs. These initiatives are crucial in
providing tools for success to all students, regardless of background, so they
can reach their full potential. We all benefit from an educated society, Mr.
Speaker.
To the people of Batoche constituency: I
am humbled and grateful that you have entrusted me with this role. Batoche is a
land of rolling hills, fertile farm land, and tight-knit communities. It is
home to four First Nations, vibrant Métis communities, three Hutterian
colonies, and the national historic site of Batoche.
[21:15]
Our towns are small but mighty, each
with their unique traditions and celebrations, like Aberdeen Days in June, the
Birch Hills Threshing Day in August, or the Pilger Pumpkin Festival in
September. We boast several beautiful golf courses and the Wheatland Express
Excursion Train, which provides visitors with a memorable Saskatchewan rail
experience between the communities of Wakaw and Cudworth. I invite all members
of this Assembly to visit Batoche constituency and experience our rich heritage
and community spirit, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, my journey to this Chamber
was not a solo endeavour. I owe a debt of gratitude to my campaign team and the
Batoche constituency board of directors and my friends, Tricia and Fran
Lucyshyn and Gail Lucyshyn. Their hard work, wisdom, and dedication were
instrumental in my election. Real Hamoline, James Hauber, Steve Skoworodko,
Paul Marten, Kevin Kirk, Don Kolla, and especially my husband and son, Richard
and Blake Wilson: thank you for your tireless efforts and unwavering support. I
also want to acknowledge Brenda Brothwell, who kept our campaign on track with
her remarkable organizational and financial skills.
There is a whole other team I need to
acknowledge and thank, Mr. Speaker. This team works out of head office here in
Regina. It is the Saskatchewan Party senior team, Mr. Speaker. I recognize
Patrick Bundrock, Dylan Pollon, Deanne Marshall, and many others in that
office. The hours this team puts into planning, preparing, training, and
executing a successful campaign is admired and appreciated. I will also say
thank you for all the reassurances and for answering even the silly questions.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank them all.
Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, I want to
express my deepest appreciation to my family. I lost my mom, Lois Rowden,
during the campaign, Mr. Speaker. Mom was my champion in everything my whole
life. I hear her voice — confident, reasonable, loving, and fun. I will carry
her with me always, Mr. Speaker. To my husband and loved ones back on the farm,
thank you for your sacrifices and support. My absence will be an adjustment,
but I know you are prepared. I do hope you don’t make the St. Louis pizzeria
your second home at mealtime every day though. No.
Mr. Speaker, in the Throne Speech, the
government recognizes that most people voted for a strong economy and bright
future for Saskatchewan. At the same time, many others voted for change. I am
proud that our government will deliver both for the people of Saskatchewan,
both change and a bright future. The Throne Speech focuses on health and
education where the government will do better. The government recognizes these
were priority areas heard on the doorsteps, Mr. Speaker.
In health care, the government will
shorten wait times for surgeries by increasing surgeries to 450,000 over the
next four years; open additional urgent care facilities in North Battleford,
Moose Jaw, and on the border of my constituency of Batoche, in Saskatoon and
Prince Albert so those in need will have timely access to mental health and
addictions services.
The government will continue to increase
the number of doctors, nurses, and other health professionals by building on
its ambitious health human resources action plan to strengthen health care
services across our province. This work will lead to ensure everyone has access
to a doctor or nurse practitioner by the end of 2028. These are just a few
positive deliveries in health care the Throne Speech indicates, Mr. Speaker.
In education the government will expand
its specialized support pilot to 200 more schools throughout the province,
creating a positive learning environment for students, staff, families, while
providing students with supports they need, Mr. Speaker. The government will
focus on early years reading levels, giving students every opportunity for
success. More teachers and educational support staff will be added to deliver
on these commitments.
The government will increase funding to
school divisions and add more teachers and support staff to help meet the
pressures of growing student numbers and the challenges of classroom
complexity. The government will also be adding more schools and additional
child care spaces to meet the needs of a growing province in the area of
education, Mr. Speaker.
The Throne Speech also offers much in
the way of affordability, a strong economy, vibrant communities, along with
safer communities. This includes the largest personal income tax reduction
since 2008; removing the carbon tax on home heating for another year;
increasing the first-time homebuyers tax credit; increasing the personal care
home benefit by $1,000 a month; keeping the small-business tax at 1 per cent;
and important in my constituency, a $5,000 class 1 truck driver training
rebate. The government is committed to making our communities safer, Mr.
Speaker, with more police officers, more mental health support, and more access
to recovery spaces.
All of these commitments, along with
many more in the Throne Speech, help to ensure Saskatchewan continues economic
growth while meeting the needs and services people expect.
Mr. Speaker, I enter this Assembly with
a clear purpose: to work for a brighter future for Batoche and for
Saskatchewan. My motivation is simple. I want to make this province a better
place to live, work, and celebrate. Our best days are always ahead, Mr.
Speaker.
I hope to engage in meaningful and
respectful debates, maintaining a high standard of decorum. While our opinions
may differ, I know that every member here shares the common goal of improving
our province.
I will be supporting the original motion
forwarded by the member from Kindersley-Biggar and seconded by the member from
Sask Rivers. However I will not be supporting the opposition’s amendment. Thank
you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak tonight, and God bless
Saskatchewan.
Speaker
Goudy: — I
recognize the member from Saskatoon Silverspring.
Hugh Gordon: — Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would
like to give my personal condolences to the member from Batoche on the loss of
her mother during the campaign. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have
been for you and your family, and so I wish you nothing but the best.
Mr. Speaker,
hon. members, and to the people of Saskatchewan, I come before you as the newly
elected representative for Saskatoon Silverspring with immense gratitude and
humility, having been given the unique privilege to serve the people of
Saskatchewan. As such it is necessary for me to give thanks to the many people
in my life that helped me reach this significant personal and professional
milestone.
I’d first like
to thank my wife, Kim, whose love and support and enthusiastic encouragement
allowed me to make the commitment to run for office and to serve the people of
Saskatoon Silverspring. Without her I would not be the person I am today, let
alone would I be here standing before you. Kim, I love you with all my heart.
To my children
Connor and Sophie: I am thankful for the love you have given
and the joy you have brought your mother and I. I am proud to be your dad and
hope that you see the nobility of public service and giving back to your fellow
citizens.
There are also a number of people I need
to thank, some of whom unfortunately are no longer with us to share this moment
with me. To my late nan, Freda Schuck, a spunky war bride from England who came
to Canada to raise her five children in Regina, I give thanks. She always
taught me the importance of helping those most in need and having a government
that looks out for working people and the disadvantaged. To my late grandad,
Andy Schuck, a good old farm boy from Saskatchewan who always reminded me that
it was the NDP that did those things and helped to build a province we could
all be proud of.
To my mother, Lesley, who got to watch
her son get sworn in as an MLA last week: you put the political fire in my
belly during our many family dinner debates to take meaningful action to help
working people, advocate for those who could not, and give me the desire to one
day pursue this noble endeavour. And to my late father, Jim Gordon, who always
told me, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” and who reminded me that I could
do whatever I set my mind to. He always showed great confidence in me. And whenever
I doubted myself he would say, “If not you, then who? So why not you?” To them
I owe a debt of gratitude I can never repay.
To the members of the Silverspring NDP
riding executive, I give thanks to their support and dogged determination to
bring change to Saskatchewan. Without them and the dozens of volunteers who
knocked on so many doors, spoke with so many constituents, worked so tirelessly
and for so many days on end, I say thank you for your efforts. And I will do my
utmost to ensure your efforts go toward building a better province.
Finally to the good people of Saskatoon
Silverspring: I thank you for the trust and the confidence that you have placed
in me to be your representative. You know, Mr. Speaker, one of the great
fortunes of my life was being given the privilege of serving in the RCMP [Royal
Canadian Mounted Police]. Having been born in Regina and raised in St. Albert,
Alberta, I did not know what was in store for me when I joined the force in
1997. Yet somehow the folks in staffing knew that the best place to send a
green-eared rookie from the big city was to a little town called Spiritwood.
To the people of Saskatoon Silverspring,
I pledge to serve you in the only way that I know how: to work tirelessly day
and night, 24‑7, 365 a year, to answer your calls for assistance, to help
those most in need, and to give a voice to those who do not have one. I pledge
to you today to do everything in my power as your representative to make
Saskatchewan the best place to raise your children; to send them to school,
college, or university; the best place to work in, to start a business, and to
invest in. I will work to make this province the best place to get the health
care you and your loved ones need without it costing your life savings.
I will work to make Saskatchewan a more
affordable place to live, where you won’t have to decide between paying the
rent, the mortgage, or for food. I will help build a Saskatchewan where
everyone has a place to call home, and where people who need mental health and
addiction supports get them when they need them. I will fight for those who
face hate and discrimination, because they are different and struggle every day
just to be an accepted part of society. And it will be through all of those
efforts, working with my colleagues on both sides of this Assembly, that I
intend to leave Saskatchewan a much better place than I found it, Mr. Speaker.
[21:30]
So it is with that I am pleased to
support the amendment put forward by my colleague, the member from Regina Walsh
Acres, and I will not be supporting the motion from the government. Thank you.
Speaker
Goudy: — I
recognize the member from Melville-Saltcoats.
Hon. Warren
Kaeding: —
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to rise and indicate my support for
the Throne Speech provided yesterday. You know, the Throne Speech not only
opened the first session of the thirtieth session of the Saskatchewan
legislature, but it’s also providing a new beginning. And it’s a beginning that
not only will keep our economy strong and the future bright, but it’s also
going to bring change for the many constituents who were looking for it. And
it’s those constituents, the constituents of Melville-Saltcoats that I would
like to thank for their continued confidence and support in myself and the
Saskatchewan Party, confidence that we will be able to continue the work that
we’ve been doing to provide a quality of life that supports their family, their
friends, and their businesses. And it’s my family, my wife, Carla, in
particular, who I appreciate every day for her support and encouragement,
especially on the 10 per cent of the days that aren’t that positive, and
encouraging me to always remember the 90 per cent of the days that are good
days, positive days, where we can make a difference in the lives of our
constituents.
I always have to talk about the other
reason that I continue in this career, and that’s to always be there to support
and provide a better life for our kids and our grandkids so that they can
continue to believe that this is the greatest place on earth to live, to work,
and to raise a family.
I offer thanks to my fellow candidates
who sacrificed their time to take part in the democratic process that we’ve all
been provided. I’d also like to thank my fellow Sask Party colleagues who are
not back here in this House. Your sacrifices, your service to your communities
and constituents, and contributions to your province are truly appreciated.
Whether you have served here for a number of terms or just one term, you have
left a mark on how I approach my work in and outside this legislature.
To those who are entering here for the
first time, enjoy the moment. You’re going to be surprised at how quickly your
time here flies by. You’re going to be involved in committee work. You’re going
to be meeting with stakeholders and attending events really every day that
you’re here. This is your new family, including that goofy uncle who tells bad
jokes at Christmastime.
You know, you’re going to have the
opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. I’ve had the pleasure of
engaging with billionaires to those attempting to convince others to leave gang
life. From world-class researchers to just extraordinary, everyday people who
are making a difference in their neighbours’ lives. From those looking for an
apology for the time in residential schools, to First Nations investing in
billion-dollar infrastructure projects. My advice to everyone here for the
first time is to make the most of your time, as it will end here quicker than
what you probably will realize.
Mr. Speaker, this Throne Speech is a
little bit of everything for everybody, whether it’s the students that I talked
to in Melville Comprehensive School, who are looking for increased funding for
their schools and classrooms to improve their learning experience and helping
their teachers out, to the seniors who may be suffering from diabetes who are
looking forward to the expansion of coverage for glucose monitoring for
seniors. This Throne Speech identifies the help that we’re going to be able to
provide for those looking for health care by improving their access to a health
professional.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, my two hospitals
that are both operated by Emmanuel Health in both Esterhazy and Melville have
received more doctors and have been provided additional nurse practitioners to
help cover clinical visits. And I could even provide a public service
announcement that if you need a family doctor, we have openings in Esterhazy.
Our human health resources action plan
initiated in 2022 has converted permanent part-time positions in both hospitals
to full-time which has resulted in a significant reduction in bypass
experiences in both acute care facilities. Major development in Regina has been
the opening of the urgent care centre. This is a facility that has redirected
patients from the emergency departments of the two Regina ERs [emergency room]
to a more wraparound system of care.
The urgent care centres treat patients
that require non-life-threatening or limb-threatening injuries that need
same-day treatment to more confidential and discreet, maybe mental health and
addiction services. Patients can access those services from a range of care
providers including physicians, nurse practitioners, mental health
professionals, diagnostic technicians, to pharmacists. As the urgent care
centre has been a success, we’ll be opening additional centres in Saskatoon,
Prince Albert, North Battleford, Moose Jaw, and another in Regina.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am so proud to
live and have raised a family in this province. The opportunities that we have
in front of us are exciting to be a part of. There is nothing that gets me more
excited, than a Rider victory, than really telling a room full of high school
students, discussing the incredible opportunities that they will have in front
of them once they graduate from school, maybe even after they pick up some
post-secondary training and then start applying for jobs.
As of last night, the SaskJobs website
has 10,730 jobs posted on it, offering anything from an accreditation
coordinator for the Meadow Lake Tribal Council to a manager of transit
operations and training for the city of Regina. Opportunities for engineers,
health care professionals, professional agrologists, IT [information
technology] programming specialists. Jobs are available anywhere from Aneroid
to Zealandia. And I like to tell students that their dream job probably doesn’t
even exist yet, but by the time they graduate it will be posted.
Small business is big business in
Saskatchewan. As of 2023, Saskatchewan had nearly 149,000 small businesses who
employed 31 per cent of our workforce. And we’re continuing to support these
entrepreneurs by keeping the small-business tax rate at 1 per cent.
As well, we are creating a young
entrepreneur bursary. This is to support the young people like Lena Kohlenberg,
who I introduced here in the legislature last spring. Lena was a high school
student from Melville who has a small business called LK Crochet. If Lena
wanted to expand her business, this bursary may provide her that opportunity.
She would receive a $5,000 bursary which would be applied toward eligible
business expenses, not including salaries. She would also be paired to a mentor
from the local business community to really help her as a new entrepreneur
navigate through the early years of business operations. Mr. Deputy Speaker,
every successful business person today started somewhere with a small idea that
they are able to bring to life.
We are also developing a new small and
medium-size enterprise investment tax credit, and this tax credit will provide
50 per cent of a tax credit for individuals who invest in the equity of a
Saskatchewan small and medium-size enterprise with 50 employees or fewer. We
anticipate working with our Saskatoon and Saskatchewan chambers of commerce to
pilot both of these new programs.
To keep our young professionals in our
province, we are also increasing the highly successful graduate retention
program plan by 20 per cent.
And, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Saskatchewan
has a lot of big business in this province. In 2023 our province exported
nearly $50 billion in production to 163 countries. We broke a number of
our own export records in agri-food exports, ag equipment exports, exports to
Latin America countries. Mr. Deputy Speaker, roughly 33 per cent or 200,000
jobs in this province are in industries which are dependent on international
exports.
Another fun fact is that in 2023 we
exported over a billion dollars worth of goods to four individual countries and
five regions, including the US [United States], Brazil, India, Japan, the EU
[European Union], the Middle East region, North Africa, Asian and Andean
regions.
But this international trade just
doesn’t happen because our exporters really picked up the phone and cold-called
the buyer in Brazil. No, it didn’t occur because someone returned an email and
maybe sent a letter to India. It came as a result of the very hard work, the
perseverance of a number of very hard-working officials located in one of our
nine trade offices located in China, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore,
UAE [United Arab Emirates], the UK [United Kingdom], and Vietnam. People are
busy nurturing relationships, building trust with government officials and
prospective customers within their respective countries, and they’re following
a countless number of leads generated locally in their business community.
And it’s also because of the hard work
and commitment by a number of incredible people who work in my ministry, the
Ministry of Trade and Export Development, here in Regina, in Saskatoon, and La
Ronge. And it’s the remarkable people in TED [Trade and Export Development] who
have helped Saskatchewan attract record new capital investment, private capital
investment that’s added up to approximately $40 billion that has come into
this province since 2020.
And our officials in the Ministry of
Trade and Export Development supported 22 investment decisions worth a combined
$7.4 billion just in the last fiscal year. These are significant
investments that have occurred in our mining, our oil and gas, our value-added
ag, our fertilizer, our forestry and manufacturing sector.
These are investments that have occurred
throughout the province, including in my constituency of Melville-Saltcoats and
the surrounding Yorkton area. It includes major investment in the expansion of
the potash industry in Mosaic in Esterhazy, Nutrien in Rocanville, canola crush
expansions at Richardson Pioneer in Yorkton, Louis Dreyfus in Yorkton. These
are billion-dollar projects, billion-dollar projects that employ local
employees and contractors, like Noble Construction or Saskpro or Crete-Tek or
SECON in Esterhazy, or maybe Timco Construction or Goebel’s Cabinets in
Churchbridge.
These are full-time jobs happening in
both rural and urban Saskatchewan. These are real companies making a commitment
to stay in this province where they pay good wages and benefits, where they
create a macro climate of business that supports their industry. These are
companies that pay royalties and levies to the provincial government that in
turn support the services that our constituents expect in health care,
education, senior supports, social services.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, another contribution
to keeping our economy strong is the contribution that Indigenous peoples,
businesses, and organizations make to the economic well-being of the province.
At the same time, we acknowledge the continuous and ongoing work we need to
continue to increase prosperity for our Indigenous people and communities
throughout the province.
Saskatchewan’s Indigenous-led companies
and organizations are growing our economy by creating thousands of jobs and
opportunities throughout the province. Our government is committed to build on
this success with the establishment of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment
Finance Corporation which provides access to capital for Indigenous communities
investing in Saskatchewan’s key sectors.
Saskatchewan’s efforts to advance
Indigenous economic development continues to show positive results. According
to the latest data released by Statistics Canada, 5.8 per cent of
Saskatchewan’s total private sector, the business sector, has a majority of First
Nation, Métis, or Inuit ownership. This is the second-highest percentage among
the provinces and is more than double the national percentage of 2.4 per cent.
This dedication to supporting Indigenous economic opportunities was further
demonstrated by the establishment of the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment
Finance Corporation, SIIFC, in 2022, and SIIFC was founded to provide access to
capital for Indigenous communities and entities participating in Saskatchewan’s
natural resource and value-added agriculture sectors.
These are projects that are supporting
communities and the economy, which in turn is going to provide the necessary
government revenue to support the education, the health, social services
programs that our constituents expect.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, this is not a broken
province. This is not a dumpster-fire economy. This is not a place that you
can’t be proud of, that so many of our colleagues unfortunately across the way
have been quoted as saying over the last couple of years. And my hope is that
our new colleagues are not going to continue that narrative. There are areas
that we need to improve in health care and education. This Throne Speech
addresses those issues and makes commitments that will support health care and
education to ensure that we have the support and services that our constituents
have asked for.
Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will support the
Throne Speech as moved by the member from Kindersley-Biggar, seconded by the
member from Sask Rivers, and will not be in favour of the amendment put up by
the opposition. God bless our constituents, God bless our province, and God
bless our country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Speaker
Goudy: — I
recognize the member from Regina Wascana Plains.
Brent Blakley: — Thank you, Mr.
Speaker. I first want to congratulate you and the Deputy Speaker on your
election to your high offices in this Assembly. You are the custodians of the
democratic traditions of this place, and I know all members will want to wish
you well. May I also take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to congratulate the
cabinet on their various appointments and all members of the Assembly on their
successful elections.
[21:45]
I’d like to pause for a moment here, Mr.
Speaker, to acknowledge Christine Tell for her 17 years of service to
government and to the people of Saskatchewan. I thank Ms. Tell for her
commitment and contributions to the people of this province.
Mr. Speaker, this afternoon and this
evening I’ve sat here quiet and attentive with interest as members of the
government delivered their speeches and will continue to do so. In the spirit
of respect and decorum, I look forward to the same.
It is quite an honour, Mr. Speaker, to
be standing here today in the Saskatchewan legislature and realize that things
have come full circle. My dad worked here for the government in the 1970s and
had an office on the bottom floor of this building. I remember coming here to
this office as a kid on a Saturday and being awestruck by the sheer size of the
building.
Standing here today I am aware that none
of us got here on our own. All of us in the Assembly had teams of people
helping us out, providing support, and cheering us on. My number one team is my
family. My wife, Carla, and our children Janelle, Taline, Jay, and Kayla, were
unwavering in their support and encouragement in this process that started
several months ago.
In the midst of this journey, last June
my wife was elected as bishop to lead the eastern synod of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Canada. So while she represents the churches and pastors of
Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces, I’m here representing the people
of Saskatchewan. We both jumped into the public arena at the same time because
it’s important work that needs people to step forward and accept the challenge.
Another team that I wish to thank and
recognize are the volunteers on the recent campaign. I was fortunate enough to
share resources with our members from Regina University and Regina Douglas
Park. We had an incredible group of volunteers who worked tirelessly, knocking
on doors, making phone calls, delivering and collecting signs, and providing
food for our campaign office. Just a fantastic group of people.
Also deserving of recognition here today
is our amazing campaign team led by our campaign manager, Evelyn Riggs, and
volunteer coordinator, Judy Vanta. Aidan, Dylan, Justin, Nicole, Brett, and
Jonah worked non-stop in working toward our common goal.
My last and biggest thank you goes out
to the constituents of Regina Wascana Plains for their involvement, engagement,
and input and support in the months leading up to the recent provincial
election. I had many conversations where I made it clear that if successful, I
was to be their voice in the legislature. That’s exactly what I intend to be:
their voice in the Saskatchewan legislature.
I will be engaged and involved in the
community. To do that, I need to meet with the people at cultural and sporting
events, in the shops and places of business in the area. I intend to get out
there and talk with the people of Regina Wascana Plains, to know their
thoughts, opinions, and ideas. That’s my main job: to represent the people of
Regina Wascana Plains in this legislature.
The constituency of Regina Wascana
Plains is a very diverse community with people from many different walks of
life. It’s a mosaic of several different cultures, ethnicities, and
backgrounds. The people here are young professionals, those that work in the
trades, health care workers and educators, folks that work in retail and the
service industry. The people of Wascana Plains help keep this city and the
province running. These folks come from many different cultural and religious
backgrounds and mirror Canada’s rich and diverse makeup. New Canadians have
come to Regina Wascana Plains from the Philippines, Pakistan, India,
Bangladesh, Nigeria, just to name a few, and all contribute to the fabric of
this constituency and Saskatchewan.
My constituency is home to four
elementary schools, two distinct business areas, the Sandra Schmirler Leisure
Centre, and several seniors’ complexes. It has varying residential areas with
single detached homes, townhouses, semi-detached homes, duplexes, and
apartments.
I am here today on a promise, Mr.
Speaker, a promise to represent and advocate for the people of Regina Wascana
Plains and the people of Saskatchewan to the best of my ability and effort. I
believe another important part of my job is to keep the government opposite
accountable. The people’s government cannot govern without checks and balances.
The fact that there are 27 of us sitting on the opposition tells me that the
people of Saskatchewan indeed want some checks and balances in government.
I’m also here, Mr. Speaker, on a promise
to the 2SLGBTQ+ [two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or
questioning plus] community to represent and advocate for them to the best of
my ability and effort to ensure that they are afforded the same human rights,
freedoms, and opportunities as everyone else in this province. People of this
community are rightfully very concerned about recent political rhetoric in the
province. 2SLGBTQ+ youth are five times more likely to consider suicide, seven times
more likely to attempt suicide. Discrimination, harassment, and violence are
just some of the major risk factors that influence these sombre and sobering
statistics. This is just one social issue that I hope to address in discussions
in these chambers.
As I begin my service here in the
legislature, Mr. Speaker, being a retired teacher, I’m immediately concerned
about the state of our education system in this province. And in preparation
for this speech, as I’m sure many other members did, I conducted a little
research referring to some maiden speeches of the past. I find it curious that
in remarks made by the member for Regina Lakeview in May 2016 and the member
from Saskatoon Eastview in December 2020, alarm bells were sounded in response
to our declining education system in the province.
For the past eight years and prior to
that, this discussion and debate has taken place in these chambers regarding
our declining education system. And despite these warnings, we find our
education system in last place in per-student funding in the country. There has
been little to no response to the influx of new students in the province. There
have been few provisions to properly deal with the increased student
population. The result is overcrowded classrooms, schools that are bursting at
the seams, having to use libraries and staff rooms as classroom space. Teacher
burnout from lack of proper support to deal with the needs of all the students
is leading to young teachers leaving the profession.
The government has responded reactively
rather than proactively. In Regina Wascana Plains, instead of building new
facilities when there was a call for it 10 years ago, the government has chosen
to wait, and so the existing schools have nowhere else to put the students.
Hopefully the janitors’ rooms are big enough.
The government made some pledges during
the election time to build a new elementary school and high school in The Towns
area in Wascana Plains. They have vowed to get shovels in the ground and get
those schools built. Well, Mr. Speaker, I have a shovel in my truck. Mr.
Speaker, if the government wants to get started on those schools right away,
I’m willing to work with members opposite to make that happen as soon as
possible.
School staff in the province continues
to be an issue, with not enough teachers to handle our increasing student
population. During September I had a short-term contract teaching at
Sheldon-Williams Collegiate here in the city. I visited one teacher in her
classroom who had 38 grade 11 AP [advanced placement] English students in one
class. Half of them had to work on the floor in the hallway to get any
productive work done.
A teacher in another school I spoke to
in September had 38 high school biology students in his class. That day, one
was added to make it 39. With such numbers in our classrooms, the teachers are
working tirelessly and, despite their best efforts, continue to struggle to
adequately teach, assist, solve problems, and handle classroom management.
Furthermore, support in the form of educational assistants does not meet the
needs of the students or the schools. After years of obvious warning signs and
much debate, we still find ourselves with an education system that is failing
our students.
The other area of immediate concern, Mr.
Speaker, is the state of our health care system. This was another prevalent
area of conversation as I spoke with people in Regina Wascana Plains. In
remarks made in these chambers by the member from Saskatoon Fairview in October
2017 and the member from Regina Walsh Acres in October 2023, concern was
expressed regarding our underfunded, underperforming health care system.
Again, Mr. Speaker, seven years later we
find ourselves with a health care system that is in last place for surgical
wait times for hip and knee surgeries. It is plagued by overcrowded hospitals
and ER rooms, ERs that are having to close its doors due to a lack of
personnel, a shortage of family doctors, locally trained health care workers
leaving the province.
In a recent visit to the emergency room
here in the city, a young woman needed attention because she’d been attacked by
a dog. The woman sat in the waiting room as the wounds continued to bleed,
needing to have the wounds bandaged several times. I understand that ER rooms
follow a triage procedure that says, more immediate cases first. But she sat in
that waiting room for nine hours, for nine hours before she was attended to and
her wounds stitched up, all because the ER room didn’t have the staff or the room
to attend the patients in a timely manner. These incidents, Mr. Speaker, are
happening every single day and are evidence that our health care system is
critical and in need of overhaul.
My priority and my work in the
legislature, Mr. Speaker, will be to work tirelessly for the people of Regina
Wascana Plains and Saskatchewan, to ensure that all are afforded equal human
rights, freedoms, and opportunities, so that all can experience success and
thrive.
Mr. Speaker, I will be supporting the
amendment made by the member of Regina Walsh Acres. I will not be supporting
the motion. And with that I move, Mr. Speaker, to adjourn debate on the motion.
Thank you.
Speaker
Goudy: — So the member has moved to adjourn
debate. Is that agreed?
Some
Hon. Members: — Agreed.
Speaker
Goudy: — Carried. I recognize the Government
House Leader.
Hon. Tim
McLeod: —
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House do now adjourn.
Speaker
Goudy: — It has been moved that this Assembly
do now adjourn. Is it the pleasure of the Assembly to adopt that motion?
Some
Hon. Members: — Agreed.
Speaker
Goudy: — Carried. And I just want to say one
short little thing on behalf of the Deputy Speaker and myself. Thank you very
much. We made it through our first day, and it was great to hear all of your
responses. Thank you, and we will stand adjourned until tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.
[The Assembly adjourned at 21:57.]
Published
under the authority of the Hon. Todd Goudy, Speaker
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