Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 105

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• The federal and Saskatchewan governments have announced $15.6 million in additional funding to support workers and industries affected by tariffs, particularly in steel, lumber, and other impacted sectors. The funding, part of the Canada–Saskatchewan Workforce Tariff Response, will be added to existing employment programs and is expected to assist up to 1,800 workers in gaining new skills or transitioning into different roles. Saskatchewan will distribute the money to businesses facing reduced demand, helping employers retain staff and provide retraining opportunities. Growth in northern resource industries, such as uranium mining, is providing additional job opportunities, particularly for local and Indigenous workers. Both federal and provincial officials emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing economic challenges and supporting affected workers. Assistance will be delivered through provincial SaskJobs offices, while national initiatives will create further opportunities for employment and skill development. Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate of 5.6% remains the lowest in the country.
  
  
• Saskatchewan Legislature Speaker Todd Goudy has ruled that calling a fellow politician an "eager beaver" is unparliamentary language, continuing his efforts to restore decorum in the chamber. The comment came from NDP Opposition Leader Carla Beck during question period, directed at Minister Jeremy Harrison, but Premier Scott Moe responded lightly, noting that beavers are hard-working and the remark could apply to his caucus. Goudy has repeatedly warned both parties about increased heckling and interruptions since the legislature resumed, even apologizing to school groups and guests for the disorder. At points, he cautioned NDP MLAs to restrain their comments or face removal from the chamber. NDP whip Aleana Young expressed frustration over what party members see as government refusals to answer questions but said she respects the Speaker’s rulings. 
  
  
• The provincial government and the official opposition are debating funding levels for northern highways and airports. The NDP alleges that the 2026-27 budget reduces northern infrastructure funding from $122.3 million to $86.3 million, a $36-million decrease. MLA Jordan McPhail argued these resources are vital lifelines, particularly following the severe 2025 wildfire evacuations. Highways Minister Kim Gartner defended the allocation, attributing the funding discrepancy to the completion of a major bridge project between Air Ronge and La Ronge. Gartner stated that the province’s average annual expenditure in the north has been approximately $80 million over the last several years, characterizing the current budget as a continued commitment. While the NDP contends that reduced investment is unacceptable given recent fire seasons, the government maintains its priority is ensuring a safe, reliable transportation system across all areas of the province.
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe has stated that there are no cancellations or delays to school infrastructure projects following the recent provincial budget, but conflicting information from Education Minister Everett Hindley and school divisions suggests otherwise. Projects at Campbell Collegiate in Regina and a new school in Carlyle have been officially delayed, with additional projects also put on hold, prompting concerns about transparency from the NDP Opposition. School officials say the delays are manageable for now but could create challenges in the future, particularly if enrolment or immigration increases. Delays are attributed to a shortage of skilled tradespeople and efforts to advance projects more sustainably. The Saskatchewan School Boards Association emphasized the importance of completing projects promptly to address growing capacity issues across the province. NDP critics argue that the government is failing to provide honest and clear communication about project timelines. While the community impact is limited in the short term, the delays highlight tensions between budget planning, infrastructure needs, and public accountability.
  
  
• A growing divide has emerged within the New Democratic Party as Carla Beck publicly criticized newly elected federal leader Avi Lewis over his opposition to new fossil fuel development. In an open letter, Beck called Lewis’s stance “ideological and unrealistic,” arguing it threatens Saskatchewan jobs and billions in economic activity tied to the resource sector. She also said his position contradicts commitments to affordability and the party’s traditional focus on supporting workers. Beck emphasized that resource industries are key to funding essential public services in the province. While she left the door open to a meeting, she said it would only happen if Lewis reconsiders his position and acknowledges Saskatchewan’s economic realities.

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