Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 60

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Premier Scott Moe has released a list of 10 policy changes he believes the federal government must make to improve relations between Saskatchewan and Ottawa under new Prime Minister Mark Carney. The list includes calls to eliminate carbon reduction policies like the industrial carbon tax, ease federal regulations on infrastructure, and begin negotiations with China to lift tariffs on canola and peas. Moe is also urging reforms to the Criminal Code to address bail issues and increase penalties for new street drugs. He emphasized the need for expanded pipeline and transportation infrastructure, and protection of provincial jurisdiction from federal overreach. Moe said swift action on these items would signal a reset in federal-provincial relations, which he described as strained during Justin Trudeau’s tenure. The letter followed a May 1st conversation between Moe and Carney.
  
  
• The only Liberal MP from Saskatchewan - newly elected Buckley Belanger - has been appointed Secretary of State for Rural Development in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet team. Belanger, who represents the northern riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, brings decades of political experience, having served as an MLA and mayor prior to entering federal politics. His appointment has been welcomed by northern and Indigenous leaders who see him as a strong advocate for rural and underserved communities. His supporters hope he will prioritize rural health care access and essential services. The role of Secretary of State, though not part of the formal cabinet, allows Belanger to advise on key issues and attend relevant meetings. This appointment ensures Saskatchewan has at least some representation, though it falls short of local expectations for a full Cabinet Minister.
  
  
• The Government of Saskatchewan passed several amendments to the Saskatchewan Employment Act, aimed at modernizing workplace standards and balancing employer-employee rights. These changes, set to take effect later this fiscal year, include a shift from 24-hour to calendar-day scheduling, a ban on employers withholding tips, and a higher threshold for group termination notifications - from 10 to 25 employees. Employers will also face new limits on requesting sick notes and can now face reinstatement orders for discriminatory actions. Extended leave provisions are also part of the update. Labour Minister Jim Reiter says the amendments support both economic growth and workers' rights.
  
  
• The Government of Saskatchewan has launched the Low Productivity and Reactivation Oil Well Program (LPRP) to boost oil production and attract new investment. The initiative offers a modified royalty structure to companies that reactivate inactive or low-producing wells, aiming to generate up to 30,000 barrels of oil per day by year four. Energy Minister Colleen Young said the program is part of the Province’s strategy to support its energy sector and reach a target of 600,000 barrels per day. Industry leaders, including Saturn Oil and Gas CEO John Jeffrey, praised the program for its economic and environmental benefits. The LPRP is expected to generate $21 million in royalty revenue while reducing inactive wells and extending the life of existing assets. Saskatchewan is currently Canada’s second-largest oil producer, with over 26,000 industry jobs supported in 2024.
  
  
• Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan's Immigration Minister, says he's aiming to secure a deal with Ottawa to extend work permits for foreign workers. Reiter plans to meet with his newly appointed federal counterpart Lena Metlege Diab to discuss restoring Saskatchewan’s immigration numbers and replicating a permit extension model already granted to Manitoba. After the federal government cut the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) intake in half to about 3,600 spots, many foreign workers risk being forced to leave before they can apply for permanent residency. Reiter says Saskatchewan businesses are asking for help, as many rely on these workers. NDP immigration critic Noor Burki echoed those concerns, warning that people are stressed and employers can’t plan for growth. The Province needs federal approval to proceed, and Reiter is optimistic a deal can be reached.
  
  
• Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant-Governor Bernadette McIntyre met King Charles III for the first time during a private audience at Buckingham Palace on May 14th. She presented him with uniquely Saskatchewan gifts, including dill pickle mustard from Gravelbourg, lentil and chickpea snacks from Saskatoon, and locally made wool scarves. McIntyre, originally from Bethune and now living in Regina, expressed her honour at representing the people of Saskatchewan and thanking the King for his service. The wool scarves were especially meaningful, given the King’s long-standing support of the Campaign for Wool across the Commonwealth - an initiative that helps educate people about the benefits of wool and grow the industry. McIntyre was sworn in as Saskatchewan’s 24th lieutenant-governor in January and carries out constitutional and ceremonial duties on behalf of the Crown. Lieutenant-governors in Canada are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the prime minister and typically serve five-year terms.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Saskatchewan’s current rules make it nearly impossible for citizens to trigger referenda, requiring signatures from 15% of eligible voters - a threshold that’s never been met in practice. 

A recent NDP proposal sought to double that to 30%, further limiting public input, but thankfully, it didn't proceed.

Instead of making participation harder, Saskatchewan should follow Alberta’s lead by lowering the requirement to 10% of the number of people who voted in the last election. 

This change would make direct democracy more achievable and ensure people have a real say in shaping their province’s future.

If you agree, please sign our petition!

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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