Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 109

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• The Saskatchewan Party has confirmed that Premier Scott Moe has been confirmed as their candidate in Rosthern-Shellbrookwill and will run to be Premier again in the 2028 provincial election. Moe said he is honoured to continue leading the party and emphasized plans to build a strong slate of candidates ahead of the next election cycle. The announcement comes after earlier speculation about his political future, though Moe has repeatedly said he intends to remain in leadership. Polling cited in the report shows his approval rating has remained above 50%, placing him among the more popular premiers in Canada alongside Manitoba’s Wab Kinew and New Brunswick’s Susan Holt. The Saskatchewan Party, which has governed the province since 2007, is now preparing for nomination meetings throughout 2026 as it begins organizing for the next campaign. Moe said his government will continue to focus on stable leadership as it seeks another mandate from voters in 2028.
  
  
• Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says he expects “difficult and challenging” negotiations ahead as Canada prepares for a review of the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) later this year. Speaking at an industry summit in Regina, Moe pointed to US tariff policies and recent rhetoric from President Donald Trump as signs that the trade talks could be tense and unpredictable. He warned that this environment could create risks for North American energy, food, and economic security, especially given Saskatchewan’s reliance on exports like oil, potash, fertilizer, and uranium. While acknowledging the importance of the Canada-US trading relationship, Moe stressed that Canada should avoid becoming overly dependent on a single market and continue diversifying trade relationships. He also responded to comments from Prime Minister Mark Carney about vulnerabilities in Canada’s US trade ties, saying he views those relationships more as strengths than weaknesses. Moe said provincial governments will support federal negotiators but cautioned Canadians not to expect easy outcomes from the upcoming review.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan NDP is urging the provincial government to expedite Bill 606, the “Right to Know” bill, which requires the Saskatchewan Health Authority to publish real-time emergency room closure updates. NDP MLA Jared Clarke argues the legislation is vital for patient safety, citing instances where unannounced closures in rural communities like Turtleford created dangerous uncertainty. Although the government supported the bill’s second reading, Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill stated that operational steps and further review are required before it becomes law. He noted that the health authority is already working to implement these notification policies. Cockrill emphasized that the government’s primary strategy for improving patient care remains the Health Human Resources Action Plan, which focuses on hiring and training more healthcare professionals to address the underlying causes of ER closures.
  
  
• Saskatchewan is reviewing its Time Act in response to Alberta’s plan to adopt year-round daylight time. Premier Danielle Smith intends to eliminate seasonal clock changes, a move Premier Scott Moe welcomes for its potential to streamline inter-provincial business operations. Since 1966, Saskatchewan has remained on Central Standard Time year-round to resolve historical confusion caused by non-compliant communities. However, exceptions exist for border towns like Lloydminster, which currently switches to Mountain Standard Time in winter, and communities near the Manitoba boundary that align with their neighbour’s clocks. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Government Relations stated it will evaluate the impact of Alberta’s transition and amend provincial legislation if necessary to maintain regional alignment.
  
  
• Saskatchewan is moving to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed medical practice by giving the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan expanded powers. The proposed amendments to the Medical Profession Act would increase fines for corporations from $5,000 to as much as $100,000 for repeat offences, while individuals could face penalties starting at $25,000 and rising for further violations. Regulators say the current system is limited and does not provide effective tools to investigate or stop organizations or individuals practising medicine without a licence. The changes would also allow the college to search and seize relevant documents and seek court orders to compel witness testimony. Officials say these stronger enforcement powers are intended to better protect patients and address gaps in oversight. The bill is expected to pass this spring, with support from both government and potential backing from the opposition if it meets safety standards.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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