Saskatchewan Minute: Election Underway, Minimum Wage, and Film Industry Resurgence

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

This Week In Saskatchewan:

• The 2024 Saskatchewan provincial election is officially underway. Voting Week is October 22nd to 28th. To expedite the process, you can register online, until October 19th. You can also register by mail or over the phone. If you wish to vote by mail, rather than at a polling station, you can request to do so until October 19th. Elections Saskatchewan has published a guide for how to vote in the election. It’s available online, in multiple languages. To locate which of Saskatchewan’s 61 ridings you live in, you can use Elections Saskatchewan’s handy online tool.
  
  
• Saskatchewan's film industry is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to a new production grant that has attracted filmmakers back to the province after years of decline. Local productions are increasing, with many filmmakers now scrambling to find crew members to meet the growing demand for work. The grant covers 30% of expenditures up to $5 million, enabling projects like Lowell Dean's feature film Die Alone, which recently premiered. Industry leaders believe that successful films can act as a draw for future productions, further bolstering the local economy by generating significant economic activity through related services.
  
  
• The Mayor of Loon Lake, Brian Herschfeld, is seeking assistance from provincial and federal leaders to address rising crime in the village, which has seen a troubling increase in vandalism and theft. He emphasized the impact of the crime wave, citing incidents like his elderly neighbour having their property vandalized multiple times in just a month, resulting in significant losses for the town. Currently, Loon Lake is served by only 11 RCMP officers, and Herschfeld believes more police presence is necessary to combat the escalating issues. The Saskatchewan government plans to deploy newly established Marshals to assist local law enforcement, while the NDP plans to cut funding to the Marshals, but proposes investing $20 million in crime prevention efforts instead.

Last Week In Saskatchewan:

• The parties vying to form government have made several election announcements. Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe has kicked off his re-election campaign, promising broad-based tax relief, including a plan to reduce personal income tax rates over four years. Moe's proposal contrasts with NDP Leader Carla Beck, who criticized his handling of health care, education, and the economy, proposing measures such as suspending the gas tax and eliminating provincial sales tax on children’s clothes. Beck also emphasized a need for better management of the province's finances, while Moe defended his government’s record on economic growth and job creation. Polls suggest a tight race.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan housing market has seen record-low inventory levels, the lowest seen since 2007. The Saskatchewan Realtors Association said that sales are strong and that the lack of available homes is preventing even higher sales. Detached homes account for the majority of sales, with growth seen across most regions. Factors like population growth, favourable economic conditions, and easing lending rates are contributing to sustained demand.
  
  
• Saskatchewan's minimum wage has increased to $15 per hour. Since 2007, when Saskatchewan's minimum wage was $7.95, it has risen by 89%. This increase fulfills a commitment made by the Saskatchewan government in May 2022 to raise the minimum wage to $15 by October 2024.