Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 101

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• We're teaming up with Common Sense Cities to launch a Pints & Politics series across the province. The first two events have already been announced: Saskatoon on Thursday, March 5th and Regina on Friday, March 6th. Come out and meet Heidi, our new Project Director, and the Common Sense Cities team. You can register for Saskatoon here and Regina here.
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe has announced that the Province will table a deficit budget on March 18th. Attributing the fiscal gap to global trade uncertainty, Moe indicated that the government intends to maintain funding for healthcare, policing, and infrastructure without raising taxes. Although the exact deficit remains undisclosed, recent special warrant spending suggests it may exceed $1 billion. Moe emphasized that the deficit will be smaller than British Columbia’s on a per capita basis. To manage spending, the Province is exploring technological innovations, such as virtual care, within the healthcare sector.
  
  
• Saskatchewan is taking steps to improve literacy in Kindergarten to Grade 3 classrooms, addressing declines attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, increased screen time, AI use, and changing classroom dynamics. The Ministry of Education and the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) are partnering to offer a three-day “Evidence Based Foundations for Literacy Instruction” program for K-3 teachers, starting in March, focusing on structured literacy and best practices. The training has already drawn strong interest, filling 240 spots within 24 hours, and will take place in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, with plans to expand to northern schools. Officials emphasize that early literacy is critical for comprehension and broader academic success, aiming to help students transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” by Grade 3. Parents and educators stress the need for ongoing funding and support for literacy initiatives to counteract pandemic-era setbacks and modern digital distractions.
  
  
• The provincial government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Brazilian state of Goias to expand trade and investment. Saskatchewan’s Trade and Export Development Minister, Warren Kaeding, stated the agreement will facilitate cooperation in shared priority sectors, including agriculture, mining, technology, and education. Chief of the Foreign Affairs Office of Goias, Giordano de Souza, characterized the MOU as a foundational step for a mutually beneficial partnership. Brazil is currently Saskatchewan's fourth-largest export market. Exports to the country totalled $1.1 billion in 2024 and reached $1.3 billion in the first nine months of 2025, with potash serving as the primary commodity. This diplomatic mission, supported by Saskatchewan’s trade office in Mexico, seeks to formalize a framework for future economic growth and resource-based exports between the two jurisdictions.
  
  
• A provincewide video campaign has been launched to raise awareness about human trafficking. Running through March, the initiative provides educational resources and connects victims with support via stoptrafficking.ca. Justice Minister Tim McLeod stated the campaign encourages residents to take a stand against exploitation, while Minister Alana Ross emphasized its role in building safer communities. The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the Status of Women Office, supported by 211 Saskatchewan. Kendra Mazer of Hope Restored Canada and Robyn Edwards Bentz of United Way highlighted the importance of awareness in prevention and survivor support. Federal Minister Rechie Valdez confirmed the campaign is funded by a $20.3-million federal investment to end gender-based violence. 

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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