Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 70

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Premier Scott Moe dismissed the phrase "elbows up" as just a slogan. He said that, while reducing dependence on the US economy has some merit, fully separating ourselves from our southern neighbour is unrealistic since the US remains Canada’s largest trading partner. He acknowledged that trade relations with the US are strained due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and that the relationship is likely to be altered for the foreseeable future. Moe expressed cautious optimism about ongoing negotiations and supported federal Bill C-5, which aims to fast-track major domestic projects to strengthen Canada’s autonomy. He also highlighted efforts to improve interprovincial trade through expanding the Canada Free Trade Agreement, seeing it as a positive outcome from the current trade tensions. Moe noted that recent agreements on energy corridors and trade barriers mark significant progress in boosting Canada’s internal trade. Despite challenges, he supports ongoing federal efforts to engage with both the US and China to mitigate trade conflicts.
  
  
• Speaking of interprovincial trade, Premier Scott Moe recently signed two new memorandums of understanding (MOUs) aimed at improving interprovincial trade and transportation routes. One MOU, with Alberta and Ontario, focuses on developing infrastructure to transport oil, natural gas, and critical minerals, reducing Canada’s reliance on the US. The other, with Manitoba and the Arctic Gateway Group, aims to enhance trade by improving access to the Port of Churchill. While MOUs are generally non-binding, they set the stage for future agreements and cooperation. Moe continues to advocate for the expansion of the binding New West Partnership Trade Agreement to deepen interprovincial trade relations. The agreements also support pipeline development and call for reversing certain federal regulations seen as restrictive to the energy sector. Additionally, Moe signed a separate MOU with Manitoba to promote direct-to-consumer alcohol sales, labour mobility, and trade improvements.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan Health Authority has announced 77 new and enhanced full-time healthcare positions aimed at supporting rural and remote communities. These roles, which include registered nurses, lab and X-ray technicians, and medical radiation technologists, are part of the Province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan. The $6.2 million in funding comes from administrative cost savings, including the elimination of 26 leadership roles in June. Since 2022, over 400 healthcare jobs have been added under the plan. While the government touts these additions as a way to reduce service disruptions, critics argue the focus should be on filling the 1,647 existing vacancies in the province. NDP health critic Keith Jorgensen warned that without addressing why healthcare workers are leaving, new positions may also go unfilled.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency held a media briefing following the Province’s request for federal assistance to combat ongoing wildfires. Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod outlined the Province’s needs, including up to 300 Type 3 fire personnel for mop-up operations, helicopters for water bucket drops and crew transport, sprinkler kits for structure protection, and water tenders to aid firefighting efforts. The federal government responded by committing additional firefighters and helicopters to support wildfire mitigation. The Government Operations Centre is coordinating with the Canadian Armed Forces to ensure necessary resources are deployed. Currently, Saskatchewan faces 56 active wildfires, with only four under control. The Province continues to focus on managing the fires and protecting communities.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan government and Ottawa have announced enhancements to the AgriStability program to support farmers facing drought and trade challenges. For 2025, the compensation rate will increase from 80% to 90%, meaning producers will receive more assistance for eligible income losses. Additionally, the maximum payment cap per farm has doubled from $3 million to $6 million. The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation extended the enrollment deadline to July 31st to give farmers more time to evaluate their operations. Agricultural groups, including the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, welcomed the changes but noted that some program issues remain. Permanent improvements are planned for 2026, including adjustments for livestock feed pricing and grazing land rentals. These updates come after discussions between federal, provincial, and territorial Agriculture Ministers that were aimed at better supporting producers amid ongoing hardships.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

Interested in what happened at the Council of the Federation meeting between Canada's Premiers? 

Our friends at Project Confederation wrote about it - if you don't get their emails, you can read it at the link below:

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