Saskatchewan Minute: Frustrated Farmers, Arbitration Timelines, and an Energy Censorship Bill

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

This Week In Saskatchewan:

• There is still uncertainty about whether a new teacher contract will be in place before the next school year. While binding arbitration has been agreed upon, ending the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation sanctions, there is no timeline in place yet for when a deal will be inked. The arbitration process, focusing on teacher salaries and classroom complexity, could take several months as both sides must agree on an arbitrator and arbitration panel members.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS), set to be operational in 2026, has unveiled its official branding and appointed Richard Lowen as the Deputy Chief Marshal. The SMS aims to support RCMP and municipal law enforcement by conducting proactive investigations and responding to high-crime areas, including offences on farmland like theft and trespassing. The service's district headquarters in Prince Albert is being renovated, with plans for additional satellite offices across the province. Recruitment for staff will commence soon, with training slated to begin in February 2025.
  
  
• Saskatchewan's Privacy Commissioner is recommending that his office be given the authority to compel the release of information to improve transparency. The Commissioner reported that provincial ministries and agencies ignored 84 of his requests for public information from April 2023 to March 2024. According to the Commissioner, only 45% of information requests were fully met.

Last Week In Saskatchewan:

• Bill C-59 received Royal Assent. This federal legislation mandates companies to substantiate their environmental claims, with Ottawa ultimately acting as arbiter of what constitutes truth. The Pathways Alliance, a consortium of major oilsands companies, has pulled its online content due to uncertainty around the Bill, highlighting concerns over vague disclosure standards that could limit free communication. Prior to the Bill’s passing, Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre voiced concerns, stating that the law introduces new liability based on vague, subjective requirements, placing an excessive burden of proof on companies. Eyre criticized the Bill as rushed and warned that it would deter companies from making environmental claims or pursuing positive climate actions due to the risks involved.
  
  
• Canada's Farm Show in Regina showcased new farming equipment, but Saskatchewan farmers also expressed frustration with the federal government. They criticized environmental regulations and the carbon tax, feeling these policies make farming more difficult. Some emphasized the importance of the environment to farmers while feeling overwhelmed by numerous regulations. Despite a rebate for farmers, concerns about the carbon tax and upcoming capital gains tax changes persist.
  
  
• SaskEnergy has introduced new safety signs designed by Indigenous artist Jade Roberts for installation in First Nations communities. These signs, revealed in Whitecap Dakota First Nation, focus on gas safety awareness with messages like "dig safely" and what to do "if you smell natural gas." The initiative aims to install the signs in 52 communities with natural gas access by fall 2024. Whitecap Dakota First Nation Chief Darcy Bear praised the project for prioritizing safety awareness and enhancing relationships with Indigenous communities. The signs also align with SaskEnergy's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.