Saskatchewan Minute: Intervenor Application, Tourism Success, and Peavey Mart Closing

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

This Week In Saskatchewan:

• All Peavey Mart and MainStreet Hardware stores will be closed across Canada, including 12 locations in Saskatchewan. The parent company has entered creditor protection, citing financial struggles such as rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and declining consumer confidence. Liquidation sales have already begun, marking the end of nearly six decades of serving rural and small-town communities. The closures leave employees and communities uncertain about the future, particularly in regions where Peavey Mart has long been a trusted retailer.
  
  
• Tourism in Saskatchewan is thriving as the province recovers from pandemic challenges. In 2024, the tourism sector saw $787 million in spending, marking a 7% increase from the previous year. International visitors also contributed to the growth, with an 18% rise in spending. Saskatchewan's hospitality industry is benefiting from its reputation for hosting major events, sporting competitions, and conferences, while the province's culinary scene is gaining recognition.
  
  
• Reservations for Saskatchewan’s national parks are open for the 2025 season. Campers can book sites at Grasslands National Park between May 1st and October 12th and at Prince Albert National Park from May 15th to October 12th. Starting April 15th, all watercraft in Prince Albert National Park must have an Aquatic Invasive Species certification permit, which can be obtained at entry gates, marinas, or self-certification stations. Reservations can be made online.

Last Week In Saskatchewan:

• Saskatchewan has applied for intervenor status in a Newfoundland court case challenging the federal equalization formula. Premier Scott Moe criticized the formula, calling it flawed and suggesting that a non-partisan committee should review its effectiveness in achieving equitable public services and tax levels across provinces. The Province's Justice Minister, Tim McLeod, noted that Saskatchewan has not received equalization payments in 18 years. NDP leader Carla Beck also expressed support for revising the equalization formula to create a fairer system. Saskatchewan's application to intervene in the case will be heard in October 2025.
  
  
• Federal Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson called Saskatchewan’s decision to explore extending the life of some coal plants “odd.” He pointed out that other provinces, including Alberta and Ontario, have already transitioned away from coal, questioning Premier Scott Moe’s stance on climate policy. Saskatchewan officials argue that coal remains a necessary energy source to meet demand, with Minister Jeremy Harrison stating that the province will prioritize reliability and affordability over federal regulations. SaskPower is assessing whether to extend the operation of units at Boundary Dam, Poplar River Power Station, and Coronach. A provincial energy plan is expected later this year, outlining a mix of coal, nuclear, and other power sources.
  
  
• A new Saskatchewan report on intimate partner violence was released, calling for improved education, including making healthy relationship teachings part of the school curriculum. The Domestic Violence Death Review, which analyzed 31 homicides from 2015 to 2020, highlighted barriers victims face when seeking help, particularly in rural areas where the rate of violence is more than double that in urban centers. The report also showed that women were disproportionately affected, with 83% of victims being female. Recommendations include longer sentences for repeat offenders, specialized courts in remote areas, and better infrastructure, such as improved cellular and internet services.