Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 77

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Prime Minister Mark Carney has recommended five major projects for approval by the federal Major Projects Office (MPO), including Foran Mining’s McIlvenna Bay copper mine in northeastern Saskatchewan. The mine, near Creighton, is set to begin commercial production in mid-2026 and aims to create 450 long-term jobs, with 800 workers currently on site during construction. The project emphasizes Indigenous engagement, collaborating with the nearby Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation on economic development. Saskatchewan is supporting the mine with a critical mining processing investment incentive, offering royalty and production tax credits. Carney described the MPO’s role as helping these projects complete regulatory approvals and secure financing. Saskatchewan Deputy Premier Jim Reiter welcomed the inclusion of the local copper mine but said most Canadians likely expected a more ambitious selection. He criticized the lack of uranium projects and pipelines, arguing that current federal regulations hinder economic growth and calling for broader regulatory reform. NDP leader Carla Beck echoed concerns, noting the list ignores critical infrastructure like pipelines, power, and rail.
  
  
• Saskatchewan canola farmers are frustrated with federal support following China’s 75.8% tariff on Canadian canola seed. While Prime Minister Mark Carney announced $370 million in incentives aimed at the biofuels sector and increased interest-free advances for producers, farmers say these measures don’t directly help those taking the financial hit from the tariffs. Farmers argue that funding to diversify into new markets came too late and that Canada still relies heavily on China as a buyer. They feel overlooked compared with other industries, such as steel, aluminum, and automotive, which receive significant federal support during trade disputes. One farmer described the interest-free loans as “digging the hole deeper,” highlighting the financial strain on producers. Growers are urging the government to treat agriculture with the same urgency and assistance given to other sectors affected by trade disruptions.
  
  
• Coulson Aircrane is challenging Saskatchewan’s $187-million contract to buy four firefighting aircraft from Conair Group, claiming the Province overpaid by $100 million and that the tendering process was unfair and biased. Coulson argues it was denied a proper opportunity to bid, despite offering planes with larger tanks, greater range, and lower costs than Conair’s Q400s. The company alleges the government’s criteria were deliberately set to favour Conair and highlights potential bias, as a key decision-maker previously worked for Conair. Saskatchewan maintains the purchase was fair, noting Coulson’s planes did not meet size requirements for hangars and that Conair was the only manufacturer meeting the province’s specifications. Coulson contends these criteria were unnecessary and easily addressed, and that a competitive process could have saved taxpayers significant money. The Province seeks to dismiss Coulson’s application, citing potential disruption to firefighting operations and arguing the court’s role is not to question policy decisions. The case will continue in court later this fall, with Coulson seeking transparency and a fair competition.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan NDP plans to introduce a private member’s bill requiring the Province to notify the public of all emergency room closures. Jared Clarke, the party’s Rural and Remote Health critic, said residents often only learn a facility is closed when they arrive, citing 134 closures totaling 1,325 days between December 2024 and April 2025. Clarke argued the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s reliance on social media and signage is insufficient and politically motivated, noting other alert systems in the province could be adapted for ER closures. He said the legislation is a “necessary Band-Aid,” though the real issue is recruiting and retaining staff to keep rural hospitals open. The province responded that the bill would not improve access to care, emphasizing that local platforms are effective for reaching communities. Clarke countered that a formal notification system would increase transparency and accountability.
  
  
• A recent Angus Reid poll shows mixed results for Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe. The Sask Party would still win an election today, with 54% support versus 41% for the NDP, mirroring the 2024 election results. Moe himself has a 50% approval rating, higher than several other provincial leaders, while NDP leader Carla Beck sits at 35%. However, the province’s Government Performance Index score of 32 is the lowest since tracking began in 2021, and only 42% of respondents feel Saskatchewan is on the right track. The top concerns for residents are cost of living and health care, yet the majority say the government is doing poorly on these issues, as well as crime and the deficit. The only area where the Sask Party receives slightly positive marks is the economy, with 50% saying it is being handled well. 

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

The Saskatchewan NDP is calling for lower tuition fees, highlighting that students in the province pay among the highest post-secondary costs in Canada outside the Atlantic provinces. 

The NDP is collecting petition signatures door-to-door to push for lower tuition. The provincial government, however, says universities set their own rates and highlights initiatives such as funding increases, capped tuition hikes, and student support programs. 

What do you think? Should the government intervene in university tuition?

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