Saskatchewan Minute: Additional Funding, Crime Rates, and Productive Tariff Talks

Saskatchewan Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Saskatchewan politics.

This Week In Saskatchewan:

• The federal government is investing $1.3 million to strengthen Saskatchewan’s aviation and aerospace sectors. The funding aims to address the pilot shortage and enhance aerospace manufacturing in Regina and Saskatoon. The Regina Flying Club will receive $250,000 to expand its flight training program, Saskatchewan Polytechnic is getting $450,000 to improve its Commercial Pilot program with a new flight simulator, and Miccar Aerial Ltd. will use $600,000 in repayable funding to grow its operations in Yorkton and develop a new commuter aircraft seat.
  
  
• The Province is investing $29.5 million in relocatable classrooms to address rising student enrollment. The funding will provide 76 portable classrooms, with most allocated to Regina and Saskatoon, while other communities such as Lloydminster, Warman, and Weyburn will also benefit. Education Minister Everett Hindley stated that the investment aims to ensure schools facing capacity challenges in the 2025-26 school year have the necessary infrastructure. The province’s growing population has increased the demand for classroom space, prompting the need for additional educational facilities.
  
  
• Saskatchewan industries are bracing for the economic impact of new US tariffs on steel and aluminum, which could reach 50% on some items. Construction companies that rely on US supply chains may face rising costs, potential layoffs, and project cancellations. Some industry leaders see an opportunity to shift toward domestic suppliers, though this transition would take time.

Last Week In Saskatchewan:

• The Saskatchewan government has allocated over $920 million in additional funding to address cost pressures and urgent issues across multiple sectors. The funding, issued through a special warrant while the legislature is not in session, will support healthcare, education, highways, crop insurance, public safety, and other essential services. The Ministry of Health received the largest portion at $502.9 million, with other allocations spread across 14 additional ministries and agencies. Opposition leader Carla Beck has called for an emergency legislative session, arguing that the government must be more transparent about its spending.
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe described recent meetings with US officials in Washington, D.C. as productive, as Canadian leaders work to prevent tariffs on Canadian goods. US President Donald Trump has proposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods, including a 10% tariff on energy resources, and a 25% tariff on Canadian aluminum and steel starting in March. Moe emphasized that such tariffs would negatively impact both countries' economies by disrupting businesses, jeopardizing jobs, and reducing investment opportunities. The meetings focused on preserving tariff-free access for Canadian goods and expanding trade opportunities, aiming to maintain Saskatchewan and Canada’s competitiveness globally. Additionally, Moe is scheduled to travel to Mexico to promote Canadian exports further.
  
  
• Two Saskatchewan cities have been ranked among the top five Canadian cities with the highest violent crime rates, according to a Fraser Institute study. Regina ranked third, with a rate of 472 violent crimes per 100,000 people, while Saskatoon was in fourth place at 413. These cities were outpaced by Winnipeg, which had the highest violent crime rate. Regina's mayor, Chad Bachynski, acknowledged the issue but emphasized the importance of gathering data and implementing strategies to address it. Additionally, Regina also ranked third for urban property crimes, while Saskatoon placed tenth on that list.