Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 104

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Saskatchewan’s 2026-27 budget projects an $819.4-million deficit, with no return to surplus expected until 2030-31, following a revised $1.21-billion deficit for 2025-26. Finance Minister Jim Reiter emphasized the province will balance the budget through gradual workforce reductions, program adjustments, and economic growth, without layoffs affecting public-facing services. The budget maintains the 1% small business tax, invests $17.5 billion in capital projects, and expands health care through the Patients First Health Care Plan. Key spending increases include $673.7 million for mental health and addictions, $71.9 million for social services, $393 million for health, and $3.6 billion for education, including 50 new specialized support classrooms. Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck criticized the government for failing to provide inflation relief and warned that debt and deficits are rising. Municipal leaders welcomed increased revenue sharing but said it doesn’t fully cover rising infrastructure costs.
  
  
• Northern Saskatchewan residents say this year’s budget falls short on wildfire preparedness, despite a $20 million increase for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. Candyce Paul, Emergency Co-Ordinator for English River First Nation, criticized the lack of funding for mitigation, larger crews, helicopters, and planning, warning that northern communities remain vulnerable after last year’s destructive fires. Finance Minister Jim Reiter called last year’s wildfire season “unprecedented” and said new equipment, including a water bomber and plane, will come online, but emphasized he is “hoping” for a less severe season. NDP Opposition critic Jordan McPhail said relying on hope is insufficient and that northern leaders feel ignored. While the volunteer first responders’ tax credit doubled to $6,000, northern officials stressed that real preparation and mitigation funding are crucial to protect communities, wildlife, and traditional resources amid ongoing drought conditions.
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe highlighted the Province’s efforts to expand policing capacity, including funding for additional Marshals, RCMP, and municipal officers, aiming to reduce drug-related crime and improve public safety. The budget includes nearly $26 million for First Nations policing initiatives, supporting programs like the First Nations Community Safety Officer program. First Nations leaders, led by David Sanderson of the Prince Albert Grand Council, are exploring a community-based policing model to address concerns about RCMP response times across large territories. While no final decision has been made, a symposium on March 26th will present a feasibility study and outline potential Indigenous-led police services, with community feedback and Band Council approvals to follow. Moe emphasized collaboration between any new Indigenous-led forces and existing provincial enforcement. If approved, implementation could span roughly ten years. The initiative reflects a push to balance traditional policing with locally driven, culturally sensitive approaches to community safety.
  
  
• Saskatchewan is introducing new rules to curb illegal outfitting in the game bird hunting sector, limiting non-residents to three five-day term licenses per season. Minister of Environment Darlene Rowden said the change addresses instances where non-residents purchase full-season licenses and offer unauthorized outfitting services. Local hunters and Saskatchewan outfitters have long raised concerns that illegal operators block access to farmland and undercut legitimate businesses. The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and Saskatchewan Commission of Professional Outfitters welcomed the move, calling it a first step toward protecting provincial resources and revenue for local outfitters. Time-limited licenses will also give conservation officers a clearer tool to enforce regulations. Officials said the changes should not negatively affect the hunting industry overall and further details, including penalties for violations, will be announced in the coming months.
  
  
• A new Angus Reid survey shows Premier Scott Moe’s approval rating has slipped slightly to 51%, down from 53% in the previous quarter, though he remains the third most popular premier in Canada. Moe trails Manitoba’s Wab Kinew at 61% and New Brunswick’s Susan Holt at 54%. The survey found that 19% strongly approve of Moe’s performance, 33% moderately approve, 21% moderately disapprove, and 24% strongly disapprove. Moe’s popularity has generally held steady between 45 and 52% since September 2024, peaking at 65% in 2019 and 2020 and dipping to 43% in October 2021. The survey highlighted Moe’s international economic wins, including a $2.6-billion uranium trade deal with India and lower canola tariffs following a China visit with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Despite these successes, domestic challenges such as a projected provincial deficit and revenue shortfalls from global trade headwinds may affect public perception.

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