Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 107

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• We are hosting “Pints & Politics” events in Saskatoon and Regina! The Saskatchewan Institute and Common Sense Cities teams will be in attendance, and there will be a panel discussion at each event. The Saskatoon event will take place on April 21st at Blue Rhino Pub & Grill from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, while the Regina event is scheduled for April 22nd at Birmingham’s Vodka and Ale House during the same hours. Attendance is free but you’ll need to RSVP due to limited capacity. You can register for the Saskatoon event by clicking here and the Regina event by clicking here.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan government plans to introduce legislation that would give the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan expanded authority to investigate the unlawful practice of medicine. The proposed changes, included in the provincial budget, aim to strengthen the regulator’s ability to probe individuals or facilities suspected of providing medical care without proper licensing. Officials and policy experts say the move is intended to close gaps in oversight that have allowed unregulated health services to operate with limited scrutiny. The issue gained attention following CBC investigations into a Moose Jaw-based health centre that has made controversial claims about treating serious diseases without medical evidence. Health officials have raised concerns about potential harm to patients and the need for clearer enforcement tools. The government says the legislation will help modernize the Medical Profession Act and improve public protection.
  
  
• Saskatchewan is increasing wildfire preparedness for 2026 following a record-breaking 2025 season that burned over 2.8 million hectares. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) notes that while northern snowpack is more favorable than last year, southern regions face continued drought. The 2026-27 budget for the SPSA has risen to $140 million to support earlier seasonal staffing, an additional helicopter contract, and a second Q400 air tanker arriving in August. To improve coordination, the agency established formal contracts with First Nations and local fire departments. Other preventative efforts include forest thinning and fire guard planning in high-risk areas. Although the current budget anticipates an average season, officials stated supplemental funding is available if needed. A provincial operational review is expected this spring, while the ombudsman continues two investigations into 2025 preparedness.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan NDP has released a 21-page “Grid and Growth Plan” proposing major changes to the Province’s electricity system, including a faster transition away from coal, expanded natural gas use, and significant investment in transmission lines, wind, solar, batteries, and eventually nuclear power. The party argues the plan would lower long-term electricity costs, improve reliability, and boost economic growth, while also avoiding billions in coal plant refurbishment costs currently being considered by the government. The opposition says its approach would follow earlier phase-out timelines for coal and focus on running existing plants until the end of their life instead of extending their operation. The provincial government strongly rejected the proposal, calling it unrealistic, overly reliant on renewables, and lacking proper costing or a credible transition strategy. Crown Investments Minister Jeremy Harrison also warned it could lead to job losses, higher prices, and instability in the power grid.
  
  
• Home prices in Saskatchewan continue to rise as a persistent shortage of housing inventory puts pressure on buyers across the province. The Saskatchewan Realtors Association reports the residential benchmark price has climbed to $374,100, more than 6% higher than a year ago, with similar increases seen in cities like Regina and Saskatoon. Demand is consistently outpacing supply, leaving buyers with fewer options and increased competition for available homes. In some cases, properties are receiving multiple offers and selling above asking price. Realtors note that inventory levels are unusually low, with only about 1.6 months of supply in major urban centres. While there are signs of slightly more listings coming onto the market, experts say prices are likely to remain elevated unless supply increases significantly.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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