Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 68

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• The Saskatchewan government, along with the Mayors of North Battleford and Battleford, has sent a letter to federal Justice Minister Sean Fraser demanding bail reform and tougher penalties for drug traffickers. The Mayors say repeat violent offenders are contributing to a sense of insecurity and harming the reputation of local communities. They stressed that they are not calling for more people in prison, but for the right individuals - particularly repeat offenders - to face appropriate consequences. In response, the federal government said that it will introduce legislation this fall to strengthen bail and sentencing laws for serious and repeat crimes.
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe has indicated the Province is considering involuntary drug treatment for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. At a recent press conference, Moe emphasized the need for "compassionate care," suggesting that some individuals may not be in a state to make their own health decisions. This approach aligns with the Province's broader shift from harm reduction to a recovery-focused model, which has included defunding needle exchanges and labelling syringes and pipes as "street weapons." The Province previously announced a two-year plan to expand treatment and shelter spaces, including $49.4 million for 500 new treatment beds. Moe referenced rising overdose numbers in Saskatoon, where cases have more than doubled compared to the previous year. He pointed to Alberta’s new legislation on mandatory treatment as a model and noted that British Columbia has also opened involuntary treatment beds.
  
  
• A recent survey of Saskatchewan childcare operators shows that over 77% believe they cannot continue offering $10-a-day childcare without an extension of the federal program. The current agreement between Saskatchewan and Ottawa expires on March 31st, 2026, and the Province has yet to sign a new deal, unlike other provinces. The opposition NDP warns that delays in finalizing the agreement risk causing a childcare crisis and forcing many providers to close. The provincial government says it remains committed to signing an extension but wants to negotiate a better, sustainable deal that addresses concerns such as age limits for eligible children. Education Minister Everett Hindley has emphasized the need for a long-term agreement that supports more childcare spaces. The Province is urging the federal government to return to negotiations, while critics say families and operators need reassurance now. Saskatchewan and Alberta are currently the only provinces without a finalized extension to the federal childcare program.
  
  
• The Province will spend $20 million to help northern communities rebuild after devastating wildfires destroyed nearly 300 homes and damaged over 2,000 properties. Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod says recovery is a top priority and will start with debris removal, environmental testing and landfill support. A dedicated Recovery Task Team made up of several ministries is leading the effort and working directly with communities like Denare Beach and East Trout Lake. The funding will flow through the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program to residents and communities affected between May 29th and June 26th. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency says there are still 67 active wildfires burning, with only nine contained so far. Officials hope the support and cleanup will help communities rebuild quickly and limit further destruction as the province faces one of its worst wildfire seasons in 30 years.
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe responded to US President Donald Trump’s threat of a 35% tariff on Canadian goods by saying the impact on Saskatchewan should be minimal. Moe explained that most Saskatchewan products are exempt under the USMCA trade agreement, which the White House has confirmed will apply to the new tariff threat. He acknowledged that any tariff dispute is concerning but emphasized the Province’s ongoing efforts to promote free trade and diversify export markets. Moe also highlighted recent job growth in Saskatchewan’s economy as evidence that current strategies are working. The Opposition NDP have urged the government to reinstate pro-Saskatchewan procurement policies and remove American alcohol from shelves in protest. Trump’s tariff threat could take effect as early as August 1st.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

What actions, if any, do you think Saskatchewan should take in response to Trump’s tariff threats? 

Reply to this email and let us know!

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