Saskatchewan Minute: Gas Tax, Potential Merger, and Small Business Struggles

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

This Week In Saskatchewan:

• Saskatchewan's Conflict of Interest Commissioner (COIC) is investigating NDP MLA Aleana Young over social media posts related to her Regina-based cheese shop. The inquiry examines whether six posts from 2021 to 2022, which included business-related content, breach conflict of interest rules prohibiting MLAs from advancing personal interests through their position. Young, who has disclosed her business in public filings since her 2020 election, denies any promotional intent and highlights the outdated nature of the act, which predates social media. Opposition officials have called for modernized policies to address online activity for elected members.
  
  
• Small businesses in Saskatchewan are bracing for challenges during the Canada Post strike. With holiday demand surging, owners expressed concerns about shipping delays, as alternatives to Canada Post are often prohibitively expensive. The strike stems from unresolved negotiations, with postal workers seeking wage increases, along with enhanced job security and health benefits. Businesses have reported disruptions in fulfilling customer orders. The Saskatchewan government has introduced contingency plans, including online banking and alternate document submission methods, to mitigate disruptions caused by the strike. Canada Post has warned that mail and parcel services will remain on hold until the strike is resolved.
  
  
• Three Saskatchewan credit unions - Conexus, Cornerstone, and Synergy - are exploring a potential merger that would create a single entity managing $15 billion in assets with about 1,400 employees. The proposed merger aims to enhance competitiveness against major banks and digital financial platforms like Wealthsimple and Neo Financial while addressing rising regulatory costs. Industry trends, such as recent mergers in Alberta and Manitoba, have influenced this decision to achieve greater sustainability and scale. Analysts suggest the merger would improve operational efficiency and provide resources for technological investments. A business case is expected by March, followed by board and member votes, with a possible launch by mid-2025.

Last Week In Saskatchewan:

• The Saskatchewan RCMP have begun the phased rollout of body-worn cameras. The initiative is part of a nationwide program aiming to deploy over 10,000 cameras to enhance transparency, accountability, and public trust. Officers will activate the cameras during interactions with the public, with safeguards in place to ensure privacy in sensitive settings. Initial deployments include detachments like Fort Qu’Appelle and Black Lake, with further rollouts planned across the province over the next year. Funded by a federal allocation of $238.5 million, the program responds to calls for addressing systemic racism and improving police-community relations.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan NDP said they plan to prioritize a suspension of the provincial gas tax during the fall legislative session. This proposed pause on the $0.15 per litre tax aims to alleviate costs for families and was a key promise in Beck's recent election campaign. The NDP gained 13 additional seats in the October election, strengthening their presence in the legislature and solidifying support in Regina and Saskatoon. Beck emphasized the urgency of immediate action to lower living costs, contrasting with the Saskatchewan Party’s focus on other tax reforms and social policies.
  
  
• It was announced that The Mustard Seed will take over operations at Saskatoon’s Lighthouse Supported Living facility on December 1st. Their goal is to address homelessness and poverty by providing housing, food, and employment support while managing the building for 60 residents. The group will also operate a new 40-bed emergency shelter on Pacific Avenue and employ up to 80 staff under a government contract. Concerns have been raised about Indigenous inclusion, with calls for the organization to integrate Indigenous spirituality and address systemic issues. The Mustard Seed plans to collaborate with local agencies and Indigenous groups to foster reconciliation and provide culturally informed services.