Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 80

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Premier Scott Moe has expressed support for Alberta’s proposed pipeline to the northern BC coast, arguing that Canada’s ports are national assets and no province or group should have veto power over the project. Alberta plans to submit its application to the federal Major Projects Office in spring 2026, committing $14 million to a technical advisory group including pipeline companies, though the specific route has not yet been finalized. The proposal has sparked opposition from BC leaders and Indigenous groups, who are concerned about environmental impacts and the moratorium on oil tankers. Federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Moe argue the project could diversify Canada’s economy and create opportunities for private investment. Moe emphasized the importance of consulting Indigenous communities but maintained that the project should proceed. Beyond the pipeline, Moe highlighted other resource initiatives in Saskatchewan, including mining projects and a proposed “port-to-port” pipeline corridor linking Prince Rupert with Churchill.
  
  
• Saskatchewan has amended its Legal Profession Act to allow non-lawyers to apply for limited licences to provide certain legal services, such as uncontested divorces, small claims, wills and estates, and some corporate work. The move builds on a four-year pilot and aims to make legal services more affordable, expand access to justice, and free lawyers to focus on complex cases. Limited licensees will be regulated by the Law Society, must meet educational and training requirements, and follow the same ethical rules as lawyers. Service providers like Michelle Linklater highlight lower fees and the potential to reduce court pressures through mediation. The first limited licences are expected to be issued in January 2026, with Justice Minister Tim McLeod calling the initiative a step toward equity and better access to legal help.
  
  
• The Government of Saskatchewan is launching a short-term hunt for antlerless elk from November 20 to 27 to help reduce agricultural damage caused by elk. Licences cost $30 and will be available starting November 3, with hunters required to choose a specific Wildlife Management Zone between 1 and 55. There is no limit on the number of licences sold, and successful Big Game Draw participants can purchase an additional licence. Environment Minister Travis Keisig emphasized that landowner cooperation is crucial, as access to private property allows hunters to manage elk populations effectively. The program aims to ease the pressure on farmers while providing hunting opportunities. After the hunt, the Ministry of Environment will evaluate its effectiveness and use the results to inform future wildlife management strategies.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan government has issued a formal apology to former students of the Île-à-la-Crosse School, acknowledging abuse and cultural harm experienced at the boarding school. Alongside the apology, the province plans to provide $40.2 million in restitution to support healing, education, language, culture, and community initiatives, with a claims process overseen by a third-party administrator. The settlement is expected to be approved by the Court of King’s Bench early next year, complementing federal compensation of up to $27 million for former students and $10 million for related community projects. Former students expressed relief that the agreement brings recognition, closure, and support for reclaiming Indigenous identity and advancing reconciliation.
  
  
• Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, and Yorkton have adopted Saskatchewan’s new Safe Public Spaces Act, aimed at reducing weapons and drugs in public areas. The legislation makes it a criminal offence to possess, transport, or store items that could be used as street weapons, with penalties including fines up to $5,000, jail time up to a year, or both. Police are empowered to seize such items at their discretion, though they cannot search people without reasonable cause. The act covers public streets, sidewalks, parks, public buildings, common areas in condos or apartments, and even vehicles on public streets. Prohibited items include large knives, swords, hatchets, hammers, body armour, explosives, bear spray, hypodermic needles, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, with exemptions for legitimate medical, work, or recreational uses. Municipalities must opt in by passing a local bylaw for the act to take effect, giving them flexibility to adjust certain specifications like blade length. Cities can also later withdraw from the act by repealing their opt-in bylaws. The legislation is intended to give local leaders discretion to address safety concerns unique to their communities.

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