Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 61

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• A shocking new Leger poll shows that support for Alberta Independence has reached 47% amongst Albertans, with 48% opposed and 5% undecided. The poll also asked voters in the rest of the country how they felt about Alberta potentially leaving Canada. 62% of Canadians nationally were opposed to Alberta separating, with just 26% in favour. However, when asked whether they understood why Alberta might want to become an independent country, 55% responded yes and 37% responded no. With a potential referendum on separation coming next spring, polling showing support at almost 50% confirms that the issue of separation will almost certainly dominate both federal and Alberta politics in the coming year.
  
  
• Speaking of which, the Saskatchewan NDP is calling on Premier Scott Moe to publicly condemn separatist efforts in the province. Opposition jobs critic Aleana Young said Moe’s silence on the issue amounts to tacit support and sends the wrong signal to investors. Young acknowledged that people are free to organize, but said the Premier’s failure to take a clear stance is damaging. In response, Moe’s office accused the NDP of fuelling separatist rhetoric by focusing on it excessively during the spring sitting. The government maintains it is committed to a united Canada.
  
  
• At the Western Premiers’ Conference in Yellowknife, Premier Scott Moe emphasized the importance of building new economic corridors to strengthen market access for Western Canadian resources. Moe described the gathering as “the start of a generationally beneficial discussion” and stressed the need for improved infrastructure, such as pipelines, highways, and ports, to position Western Canada as the country’s economic engine. He joined other Premiers in calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to support these efforts, particularly by connecting ports from the West Coast to Hudson Bay. Moe also supported the joint push for federal funding for economic development in remote and northern communities. The Premiers’ statement included shared priorities like energy security, housing, and public safety, which Moe hopes will be advanced when all premiers meet with Carney in Saskatoon on June 2nd.
  
  
• Federal Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson visited Regina to meet with Saskatchewan’s Deputy Premier Jim Reiter. The two discussed regional development and Canada’s evolving role in global trade, particularly in light of tensions with the United States and China. Hodgson emphasized a fresh start under Prime Minister Mark Carney and said all parties share a common goal to build a stronger Canada. Reiter welcomed the meeting as a sign of good faith and reiterated Saskatchewan’s leadership in resource development. Premier Scott Moe had previously sent Carney a list of 10 policy demands, but Hodgson declined to discuss those publicly, stressing that negotiations should happen privately. Looking ahead to the June 2nd First Ministers meeting, Hodgson said the federal government would work in good faith with the provinces. He also reaffirmed the national goal of becoming both a conventional and clean energy superpower.
  
  
• British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba have renewed their joint funding agreement with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, committing more than $194 million over the next five years. The agreement ensures continued support for one of Western Canada’s only veterinary schools, located at the University of Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan’s Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the renewed funding will help meet local labour market needs by allowing provinces to prioritize admissions based on regional demand. BC's Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Anne Kang, praised the long-standing partnership, noting its importance for animal health and food security. The funding supports education and research for sectors including livestock, fisheries, and public health. The agreement now extends to 2030, with an emphasis on training veterinarians who can serve their home communities.
  
  
• Gas prices in Saskatchewan are trending downward, contrary to the national trend of rising prices. As of now, Saskatchewan’s average gas price sits at $1.332 per litre, slightly below the national average of $1.400. The decline is largely due to the federal carbon tax pause, increased oil production by OPEC, and economic uncertainty tied to US trade policies under President Trump. These factors have muted the typical seasonal price hikes associated with the switch to summer fuel. However, prices in Saskatchewan may rise once US refinery issues affecting the West Coast are resolved. Diesel prices are also fluctuating, with consumption peaking due to seeding season, but expected to ease over the summer.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Red tape slows down government services and creates unnecessary obstacles for Saskatchewan residents and businesses. 

The provincial government is working to eliminate outdated or inefficient regulations and is seeking public input to identify specific problem areas - they are asking for citizen feedback.

Fill out their form and tell them what red tape gets in the way of your life or business. If you have an idea for how they can fix it, you can add that too!

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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