Saskatchewan Minute: Court Delays, Deficit Projection, and Tax Decreases Rejected

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

This Week In Saskatchewan:

• A persistent shortage of judges at Saskatchewan's Court of King’s Bench is contributing to significant delays in resolving cases, raising concerns about potential dismissals under the 30-month cap set by the Supreme Court’s Jordan decision. The court currently operates with 34 judges instead of the federally mandated 38, compounding scheduling challenges. The federal government has pledged to fill vacancies, but the Court has been below the mandated number of judges since 2015.
  
  
• Saskatchewan's projected deficit for 2024-25 is now $743.5 million, nearly triple the $273.2 million forecast in the original budget. The increase is partially attributed to higher crop insurance payouts following challenging weather conditions that reduced yields. The Province’s total debt is expected to rise, while non-renewable resource revenues, particularly from potash, are forecast to decline. Despite the challenges, Finance Minister Jim Reiter emphasized Saskatchewan's economic growth and low debt-to-GDP ratio.
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe says US president-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican goods could be disastrous for jobs, energy, and food security in North America. While disagreeing with the tariff, Moe emphasized the need for enhanced border security, suggesting the Canada Border Services Agency and Coast Guard should operate under military oversight. He argued that such measures could address both security concerns and Canada's NATO spending obligations. Moe also rejected any comparison of Canada’s border with the US to Mexico’s border with the US, stating the flow of drugs and illegal immigration from Canada is far lower.

Last Week In Saskatchewan:

• The Saskatchewan government’s throne speech outlined commitments to improve healthcare, education, affordability, and public safety, promising to "do better" for residents. Key initiatives include hiring more healthcare professionals, reducing surgical wait times, expanding classroom supports, and enhancing reading proficiency for young students. Affordability measures include tax reductions and a carbon tax exemption extension, while public safety plans feature additional police hires and addiction treatment spaces. The government also called for better decorum in the Legislature.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan Party rejected the Saskatchewan NDP's motion to temporarily suspend the 15-cent-per-litre gas tax, with Premier Scott Moe emphasizing other affordability measures like permanent income tax cuts. NDP Leader Carla Beck argued the gas-tax holiday would provide immediate relief for families struggling with cost-of-living pressures, especially during the holiday season. Moe highlighted his government's plans to introduce income tax reductions and continue withholding the federal carbon levy on home heating bills. Beck criticized the decision as out of touch, saying Saskatchewan residents need urgent financial relief.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan NDP proposed removing the PST on certain grocery items, but the motion was rejected by the government. Premier Scott Moe reiterated that basic groceries are already exempt from PST, though certain items like rotisserie chickens, pre-packaged salads, and carbonated beverages are taxable. NDP Leader Carla Beck argued the government’s affordability measures are too slow and called for urgent action to ease financial pressures on families. Moe defended his government’s plans, emphasizing their focus on permanent affordability solutions aligned with their election platform.