Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 115

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Premier Scott Moe struck a bullish tone on oil and gas at the Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Show in Weyburn, telling industry attendees that talks with the federal government on energy would be key to the province's future. Moe pointed to the recent memorandum of understanding between Ottawa and Alberta, which included an agreement on future carbon pricing levels, and said it was now Saskatchewan's turn to engage, though he said modifications to that deal would be needed for Saskatchewan. He said the Province has a few hundred thousand barrels of oil that could be made available in the short term to Asian markets and the United States. Moe set a goal of reaching 600,000 barrels a day by 2030, up from a longstanding level of about 450,000, with the additional output coming through expansion of existing production and innovation. He cited regulatory hurdles around carbon taxation, clean fuel standards, and methane rules as the central challenges. Moe framed the moment as a chance to make $60 billion of provincial investment the new normal.
  
  
• The Government of Saskatchewan has brought its Response to Illicit Drugs Act into force, giving the provincial government and harmed parties new tools to pursue people who produce and traffic highly addictive drugs. The law creates a statutory right for parties harmed by drug offenders to launch civil action to recoup costs associated with the crimes. It also allows the Government to void grants, agreements, and appointments involving people convicted of such offences. The legislation applies to offences involving specific Schedule I substances under the federal drug law, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine. The Government first introduced the law in late 2025 as part of a broader community and public safety plan. It paired the announcement with a multi-year plan to add policing positions and a multimillion-dollar investment in mental health and addictions services.
  
  
• A New Democrat motion to have the provincial auditor conduct a special investigation into SaskPower's coal refurbishment plan was defeated at a Public Accounts Committee meeting at the Legislature on Thursday. Saskatoon Silverspring MLA Hugh Gordon moved that auditor Tara Clemett examine the NDP's claim that the plan's cost has increased from $900 million to $26 billion, but the motion lost 4-2 along straight party lines, with Saskatchewan Party committee members opposed. The Government disputes the $26-billion figure, saying the true capital cost is just $2.6 billion. The Government also pointed out that the auditor already examines all government spending.
  
  
• A Saskatchewan government change to daycare funding takes effect July 1st, limiting the operating grant to one per physical space rather than one per child enrolled, including children sharing part-time spots. The Opposition NDP held a news conference on Wednesday warning that some operators are already limiting space, with child-care critic Joan Pratchler accusing Premier Scott Moe and Education Minister Everett Henley of taking an axe to an already devastated child-care system. Assistant deputy minister of education Sameema Haque said the change stems from a new federal agreement reached on April 1st, under which the province sought but did not secure additional funding, and maintained that every spot remains fully funded once a child attends 10 days or more in a month.
  
  
• Saskatchewan’s housing market continues to see strong demand and limited inventory, pushing home prices to record highs across the province. The Saskatchewan Realtors Association reported a new benchmark home price of $381,100 in May, while available housing supply remains well below historical averages at just 2.2 months. Saskatoon faces some of the tightest market conditions, setting a record benchmark price of $444,400 and experiencing significant inventory shortages. Fast-growing bedroom communities such as Martensville and Warman are also feeling the pressure, with homes often selling within days of being listed. Realtors say low inventory is making it more difficult to serve buyers, while many prospective homeowners are adjusting their expectations by considering condos or other entry-level housing options. In response, municipalities such as Warman are encouraging new development and higher-density housing projects to help increase supply and accommodate continued population growth.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

This week's sponsor is you! We don't have big corporate backers, so if you like what you're reading, please consider making a donation or signing up as a monthly member.

Having said that, if you are a local business and are interested in being a sponsor, send us an email and we'll talk!