Saskatchewan Minute: Equalization Intervention, Space Junk, and Negotiating Begins Again

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

This Week In Saskatchewan:

• Métis citizens in Saskatchewan will vote on a new treaty with Ottawa, named "Kischi mashinahikan ooschi Michif" or "The Sacred Document of the Michif," as early as this fall. The Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) will present the treaty to its citizens over the summer, aiming for ratification, which requires 75% approval from voting members. Years of negotiations culminated in this proposal, with an implementation agreement signed in 2023. If approved, the treaty will establish the MN-S as an Indigenous government in a nation-to-nation relationship with Canada, allowing it to create its own laws and services. The federal government may introduce implementation legislation in early 2025 if the treaty is ratified.
  
  
• Saskatchewan farmers are finding space debris in their fields. There are currently seven known pieces of space junk in the area, with one shard reportedly over two meters tall. SpaceX has shown interest in retrieving the debris, though the company has not publicly confirmed ownership. Concerns have been raised about the debris not burning up in the atmosphere, posing potential risks if it lands in populated areas.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan Roughriders have a new alternate uniform inspired by their history and fan base. The updated look, unveiled recently, blends traditional green and white colours with modern design elements. The Roughriders' new uniforms also feature subtle details that pay tribute to the province of Saskatchewan. They will be worn for the July 19th and October 26th home games.

Last Week In Saskatchewan:

• Premier Scott Moe expressed interest in joining Newfoundland and Labrador's case against the federal equalization program, aiming to challenge its fairness. This move follows Newfoundland's claim that the current equalization formula is flawed, highlighting discrepancies in payments over the years. The equalization formula's complexities, which don't account for regional cost differences or resource market fluctuations, have sparked ongoing debates and legal challenges over the years.
  
  
• The search for Saskatchewan's first small nuclear reactor site has been narrowed down to the Estevan area, specifically the Boundary Dam and Rafferty Reservoirs. These sites were chosen due to existing infrastructure and their proximity to Estevan. SaskPower aims to finalize the host site in 2025, focusing on minimizing environmental impacts while enhancing community resilience. The project, if approved, could create significant job opportunities and contribute to SaskPower's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) reported that their members have rejected the latest collective agreement offer from the Province, with 88% of teachers voting and 55% of those voters rejecting the contract. The STF said that teachers need real changes to classroom complexity and compensation, and has invited the government back to the bargaining table, with a potential resumption of job action if talks break down. Saskatchewan Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill expressed disappointment with the vote result and hinted at upcoming discussions on next steps. He has also reversed his previous stance from March and expressed readiness to pursue binding arbitration. The proposed contract, covering a three-year term, included salary increases and measures to address classroom complexities and violence-free classrooms.