Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 113

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Scott Moe says Saskatchewan is willing to negotiate with the federal government on a possible industrial carbon pricing framework, though he emphasized the Province is not ready to simply accept the existing system. The discussions come after Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith reached a deal that would gradually raise Alberta’s industrial carbon price to an effective rate of $130 per tonne by 2040. Saskatchewan paused its industrial carbon tax last year and has since promoted itself as “carbon tax free,” but Moe said his government is now examining whether the Alberta-Ottawa agreement can be adjusted into a model that works better for Saskatchewan industries. He argued previous federal carbon pricing levels were unrealistic for businesses and risked harming investment and economic growth in sectors like energy and heavy industry. Moe also confirmed there have already been preliminary discussions with Ottawa, although he said any agreement is still a long way off and the current pause will remain in place for now. Moe added that Saskatchewan is also preparing to discuss federal clean electricity regulations and coal phaseout plans with Ottawa as part of what he described as a broader reset in federal-provincial relations.
  
  
• Saskatchewan’s independent review into hospital safety and security is expected to cost about $1 million and involve roughly 30 people examining conditions across health facilities in the province. The review is being led by former Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill and will assess safety practices, staffing, infrastructure, training, and security procedures at 26 hospitals and health facilities. The Province launched the review following a series of violent incidents and growing concerns from health-care workers about safety in hospitals. Officials say the process will include consultations with unions, Indigenous organizations, newcomers, and other stakeholders to identify broader systemic issues and recommend improvements. While the review was announced shortly after a fatal altercation involving hospital security staff earlier this year, investigators say they will focus on overall trends and policies rather than individual incidents. Unions representing security staff argue chronic understaffing and uncompetitive wages continue to leave workers vulnerable, while the Province has also begun seeking outside security contractors for some facilities. A final report with recommendations is expected later this year.
  
  
• Federal support for Canada’s craft brewing sector has been extended for another two years, giving Saskatchewan breweries continued relief from alcohol excise duty increases. The extension maintains a cap that limits annual excise duty hikes on Canadian-made beer, wine, and spirits to 2%, while also keeping reduced tax rates in place for smaller producers on their first 15,000 hectolitres of beer. Local brewery owners say the measure has helped ease cost pressures in an industry that is still struggling with rising expenses and uncertain demand, even if the support remains temporary. Brewers and industry groups have spent years lobbying Ottawa for these changes, arguing they help small businesses reinvest in staff and equipment while staying competitive. Federal officials visiting Regina to announce the extension said the policy is meant to balance support for small businesses with broader fiscal responsibilities. While the relief is welcomed, many in the craft beer sector say they still want more permanent, stable tax policy to help the industry move beyond “survival mode.”
  
  
• The Saskatchewan government’s planned $277-million sale of its shares in Information Services Corporation (ISC) has sparked criticism from the opposition NDP and some economists, who argue it trades long-term public revenue for a one-time cash injection. ISC is a former Crown corporation responsible for land titles and other public registries. The government's remaining shares will be sold to a subsidiary of Plenary Americas, an investment arm linked to the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. Opposition critics say the move risks prioritizing investor profits over public interest and could eventually lead to higher fees for residents and businesses, even though the Province says regulations and agreements will remain in place. The government says the proceeds will be directed toward health-care infrastructure and notes it has retained certain safeguards, including continued Saskatchewan control over key registry functions. Some economists say the deal effectively replaces a steady revenue stream with a lump sum, though they also note that the sale price should account for that. Others suggest the long-term impact is uncertain and will depend on how the new owners manage pricing and operations going forward.
  
  
• Recovery efforts from spring flooding across Saskatchewan are expected to take significant time as officials continue assessing widespread damage to homes, farms, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. Flooding affected multiple regions across the province, prompting 45 local states of emergency and more than 45 disaster assistance requests so far this spring. The Province says water levels have begun returning to normal in most areas, but around 15 flooding incidents were still considered active as of Thursday afternoon. Officials with the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said recovery efforts are now focused on damage assessments, rebuilding infrastructure, restoring services, and supporting impacted residents and municipalities. In the Rural Municipality of Connaught, officials say crews are discovering new damage daily, with at least 70 sites requiring repairs ranging from washed-out roads and bridges to sinkholes and damaged culverts. Local officials warned the damage is also creating challenges for farmers trying to begin seeding operations, as many dirt roads remain difficult to access. The Province’s Water Security Agency said communities are being encouraged to proceed quickly with emergency repairs needed to maintain safety and economic activity while longer-term rebuilding plans are developed.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Join us for Pints & Politics in Saskatoon or Regina (or both!):

Saskatoon

Where: Winston's English Pub (243 21st St E, Saskatoon)

When: Thursday, June 11th, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Cost: Free (food and drinks not included)

RSVP: Required

Regina

Where: Birmingham's Vodka and Ale House (2635 Star Lite St, Regina)

When: Friday, June 12th, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

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