Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 63

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Massive wildfires in northern Saskatchewan have already burned over 900,000 hectares of forest this year, displacing as many as 15,000 residents from more than 30 communities. The largest of the fires, such as the Shoe Fire in Narrow Hills and the Pisew Fire near La Ronge, continue to pose major threats, with several still uncontained. Emergency response efforts are underway, but many evacuees report gaps in support, including difficulties with housing, food access, and transportation. Some have been forced to sleep in tents or vehicles due to a lack of available accommodations. First Nations, Métis organizations, and municipalities have stepped up to offer shelter, supplies, and cultural spaces to ease the burden. Elders and families are particularly affected, with some evacuees struggling to adjust to life in larger southern cities. Volunteers and local leaders are providing critical aid, but the scale of the crisis continues to strain resources. Premier Scott Moe is facing pressure to call in the military as Saskatchewan battles widespread wildfires, but his office says the province currently needs water bombers and firefighting support - resources the military cannot provide. The Opposition NDP urged Moe to request federal help, noting that Manitoba has already done so.
  
  
• Moe and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at removing trade barriers between their provinces to boost economic growth. The non-binding agreement focuses on enhancing labour mobility and allowing direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, aligned with the Canada Free Trade Agreement. Both premiers emphasized the importance of strengthening internal trade to unlock Canada’s economic potential, which could yield up to $200 billion in gains. The MOU also includes commitments to recognize each other's goods, workers, and investments while respecting Crown corporations and public safety. This move comes amid rising US tariffs on Canadian goods, highlighting the need to strengthen domestic trade ties. Ontario has signed similar agreements with other provinces, and Saskatchewan remains committed to expanding infrastructure projects like ports, pipelines, and rail.
  
  
• After the First Ministers’ Meeting in Saskatoon, Premier Scott Moe described the event as a "generational opportunity" to build Canada into an energy superpower. The Premiers and Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed on advancing major nation-building infrastructure projects, including pipelines and improving trade by removing tariffs on agricultural products. Moe welcomed Carney’s approach to addressing western alienation, noting a shift from previous federal leadership. He expressed optimism about federal cooperation but acknowledged that meaningful regulatory changes are still necessary.
  
  
• A recent NDP-commissioned poll found that 42% of Saskatchewan Party voters support holding a referendum on whether the province should leave Canada, while 52% oppose it. Support for a referendum was much lower among NDP supporters, with only 6% in favour and 94% opposed. Among undecided voters, 25% supported a referendum. The Premier’s office criticized the NDP for leaking the poll results, accusing them of trying to divide the province. Meanwhile, the NDP said the Sask. Party appears divided on the question of remaining in Canada and called for a government focused on provincial issues.
  
  
• Saskatchewan recorded the lowest unemployment rate among Canadian provinces in May 2025, at 4.2%, well below the national average of 7%. This marks strong job growth, with more people employed than ever before in the province. Full-time employment rose by 3% year-over-year, with notable increases in both female and male employment. The labour force also reached a record size of 653,900 workers. Saskatoon and Regina both experienced significant employment gains compared to the previous year. Deputy Premier Jim Reiter highlighted Saskatchewan's position as an economic leader, emphasizing efforts to maintain growth and attract business investment. Meanwhile, Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest unemployment rate at 9.6%. The national unemployment rate increased slightly, reaching its highest point since 2016 outside of pandemic years.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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