Saskatchewan Minute: Farmland Ownership, Tipping Changes, and a New Lieutenant Governor

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

This Week In Saskatchewan:

• Saskatchewan is amending its Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) Act to allow officers to address nuisance properties without requiring public complaints. These properties, often abandoned and marked by issues like unsafe conditions, squatters, or vandalism, can now be targeted proactively, though court approval is still necessary for further actions such as rehabilitation orders. Corrections, Policing, and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod stated that the changes aim to prevent risks to community safety before problems escalate. The province has allocated $2.7 million in the upcoming budget to hire more SCAN officers, enhancing efforts across cities like Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert.
  
  
• Saskatchewan’s Provincial Auditor is highlighting gaps in tracking and enforcing rules regarding foreign ownership of farmland. A report revealed that the Farmland Security Board often failed to request proof of residency for out-of-province corporate buyers, potentially allowing unauthorized purchases that could drive up land prices. Since 2020, the Board has ordered the sale of improperly acquired farmland five times, but the Auditor suggests there may be additional unaddressed cases. Recommendations include improving residency verification, timely purchase reviews, and implementing penalties for non-compliance. Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison has acknowledged the findings and committed to process improvements.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan government is introducing amendments to The Saskatchewan Employment Act to enhance worker protections and reduce employer administrative burdens. Key changes include prohibiting employers from withholding employee tips, limiting requests for sick notes, and extending leave provisions to cover areas like interpersonal violence and bereavement. The amendments also raise the group termination notification threshold.

Last Week In Saskatchewan:

• The Saskatchewan government has passed two bills fulfilling key affordability promises, including the Saskatchewan Affordability Act and legislation to keep federal carbon levies off home heating. The Affordability Act introduces tax relief measures like reduced income taxes, first-time homebuyer credits, and savings on home renovations. Opposition leader Carla Beck supported the bills but urged additional measures, such as suspending the provincial gas tax and addressing high northern food prices.
  
  
• Saskatchewan recorded the lowest unemployment rate among Canadian provinces in November at 5.6%, down from 6% in October, according to Statistics Canada. The national rate rose to 6.8%, the highest since January 2017 outside the pandemic. Saskatchewan added 8,400 jobs in November, with full-time employment increasing by 1.2% over the past year. Deputy Premier Jim Reiter credited the province’s strong economy and affordability measures for fostering job creation and growth.
  
  
• Bernadette McIntyre has been appointed as Saskatchewan's new Lieutenant Governor, replacing Russell Mirasty, who served in the role for five years. McIntyre, a former CEO of the Wascana Centre Authority, has served on numerous boards including SaskSport and the Canadian Curling Association. She holds degrees in Economics and Business Administration and is a member of the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame. Premier Scott Moe highlighted McIntyre's impact on sport, tourism, and governance, and thanked Mirasty for his dedicated service to the province. The installation date for McIntyre will be announced soon.