Saskatchewan Minute: Deficit Forecast, Estate Whisky, and Expanded Childcare Spaces

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

This Week In Saskatchewan:

• Saskatchewan is set to add over 5,000 new childcare spaces across the province within the next year, thanks to a $71.3 million investment from the federal and provincial governments. Initially, 1,537 spaces will be allocated to 27 communities and 36 organizations, with the rest to be assigned later in the year.
  
  
• School divisions will enforce the new law requiring parental consent for students under 16 to change their names or pronouns at school. The law became official in October 2023 through the use of the notwithstanding clause. Schools in Regina and Saskatoon have pledged to comply with the law while respecting students and parents.
  
  
• A Saskatchewan distillery - Black Fox Distillery in Saskatoon - is joining the Estate Whisky Alliance (EWA) as its only Canadian founding member. The EWA, in collaboration with the University of Kentucky, aims to certify whiskies that are made from grains grown and processed entirely on the same estate. Starting next year, the Alliance will offer a licensing program for "estate whisky certified" products.

Last Week In Saskatchewan:

• The government has revised its deficit forecast to $354 million for this year, an increase from the previously projected $273 million. This adjustment is due to higher expenses, including costs related to a new collective agreement with provincial employees. However, the Province has seen a boost in revenues from fees and investments. Finance Minister Donna Harpauer maintains that Saskatchewan's financial situation remains strong, with plans to manage spending while investing in services. The province's real GDP grew by 1.6% last year, one of the highest rates in Canada.
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe has indicated that the province is open to supporting Saskatoon's new downtown arena project - as well as similar projects in other municipalities - provided the federal government also commits funding. Moe expressed a willingness to collaborate with municipal governments on these initiatives but noted that provincial funding is more likely if federal support is secured. He also called on the federal government to establish a flexible infrastructure program that meets the needs of growing cities in Saskatchewan.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan New Democrats, led by Carla Beck, launched their election campaign with a pledge to suspend the gas tax and freeze other taxes, including income and sales taxes. She also suggested an Unexplained Wealth Taskforce as part of a crime platform. The election is scheduled for on or before October 28th. We’ll be keeping you up-to-date on all the election news!