Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 71

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Premier Scott Moe urged Canada to reduce or remove counter-tariffs in response to the United States increasing tariffs on Canadian goods from 25 to 35%, emphasizing that most Saskatchewan exports (95%) are protected under the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Moe argued that retaliatory tariffs would harm both Canadian and American businesses and families, ultimately damaging Canada’s economic competitiveness. He praised efforts by Canadian trade officials to maintain exemptions and advocated for fostering a low- or no-tariff trade environment. In contrast, Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck called for a tougher stance, urging Saskatchewan to leverage its potash and uranium resources by taking stronger actions like removing American liquor from shelves and halting contracts with US companies. Beck criticized Moe for downplaying the tariffs’ impact on jobs, especially in industries not covered by CUSMA, such as steel. She argued that protecting these sectors is vital and that Saskatchewan should align with broader Canadian efforts to respond firmly. The provincial government highlighted strong economic growth and low unemployment despite the tariff tensions.
  
  
• The Midwest Legislative Conference held in Saskatoon brought together leaders from four Canadian provinces and 11 US states to discuss key issues, especially North American energy security. Lori Carr, the MLA for Estevan-Big Muddy, highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that nearly six million US homes rely on Canadian power. Tariffs and trade were major topics, with Saskatchewan emphasizing its role as a dependable supplier of uranium, oil, and potash to the US, which is vital for American farmers. The conference aimed to strengthen cross-border relationships. Since 2019, Saskatchewan is the only Canadian province with full Midwest Legislative Conference membership, reflecting its leadership in regional policy. Trade Minister Warren Kaeding praised the event for promoting resilient supply chains and expanding trade with US partners. Overall, participants agreed that Canada and the US share more common ground than differences.
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe announced that nuclear power will be a key part of the Province’s future energy strategy, citing limited alternatives to meet growing electricity demands. Speaking at the Midwest Legislative Conference, Moe emphasized the need to transition from coal to reliable and affordable nuclear energy, with a final decision on building a small modular reactor expected by 2029. The Province has identified potential reactor sites near Estevan and Elbow and recently extended the life of its coal plants to maintain energy supply. Industry leaders highlighted Saskatchewan’s vast uranium reserves and growing global interest in nuclear power, projecting the construction of 1,000 new reactors worldwide by 2050. Saskatchewan is already a major uranium exporter, supplying the US and other countries with high-grade uranium, which industry officials promote as a safe and responsible choice. Moe also noted the challenges posed by the ongoing Canada-US trade tensions, stressing the importance of energy security amid global competition.
  
  
• Saskatchewan’s Safe Public Spaces Act came into effect on August 1st, giving police new powers to seize dangerous items such as large knives, hatchets, bear spray, and hypodermic needles in public spaces. Municipalities and First Nations must opt into the legislation for it to apply locally. Justice Minister Tim McLeod described the Act as a tool to improve public safety by addressing weapons that may not violate the Criminal Code but pose risks in public areas. However, some people are expressing concern that including hypodermic needles could discourage vulnerable people who use substances from seeking help, potentially worsening isolation and overdose risks. Violations of the Act can result in fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment up to one year, but police can also seize items without pressing charges. The Act aims to balance public safety while allowing lawful uses of certain items, like medical needles or tools for wildlife protection.
  
  
• New data shows that, in the 2024 Saskatchewan provincial election, corporate donations heavily favoured the Saskatchewan Party. The Saskatchewan Party received 70% of all corporate contributions, totalling $1.6 million and making up about one-third of its fundraising. In contrast, the Saskatchewan NDP received only about $112,000 from corporations, or 5% of corporate donations. Most trade union donations went to the NDP, which collected over $660,000 from unions compared to just $4,000 for the Saskatchewan Party. The Saskatchewan Party’s largest corporate donors included construction and equipment firms, while the NDP’s biggest corporate contributions came from law firms and The Mosaic Company. Saskatchewan’s campaign finance laws are among the most permissive in Canada, with no limits on donation amounts from corporations, unions, or individuals nationwide. 

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

What do you think about nuclear energy?

Some see it as a clean and dependable solution for the future - others have concerns about cost, safety, or waste.

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