Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 82

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Saskatchewan is working to diversify its canola export markets amid steep tariffs from China and ongoing trade uncertainty with the United States. Once the destination for over 80% of the province’s canola exports, both markets have become less reliable, with China imposing tariffs as high as 100% on Canadian canola oil and meal. Trade and Export Minister Warren Kaeding said the province is focusing on expanding exports to Southeast Asia, which he identified as one of Saskatchewan’s top three trade priorities. He recently led a trade mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand to explore opportunities in the region’s dairy sector for canola meal. Industry leaders say the strong harvest this year is tempered by anxiety over pricing and market access, urging the federal government to resolve trade disputes quickly. 
  
  
• Third-party groups in Saskatchewan are still banned from providing sexual health education in schools, even as organizations teaching about bullying have been allowed back, leaving educators and advocates frustrated. The ban, in place since 2023, followed an incident where a Lumsden high school student accessed graphic material after a Planned Parenthood presentation. The government, using the notwithstanding clause, passed Bill 137 - the Parents Bill of Rights - which restricts sexual health education to classroom teachers or government-employed health professionals and allows parents to opt their children out of such lessons. Amber Stewart, executive director of Anchor and Thread, said the policy prevents her group from teaching essential topics like boundaries and consent. Critics, including NDP MLA Nathaniel Teed, argue that teachers may lack expertise and that third-party educators can provide age-appropriate, sensitive instruction that benefits students. The Province has not indicated when or if third-party groups will be allowed to return.
  
  
• A Saskatchewan judge has dismissed a 2023 lawsuit against the provincial government over its environmental policies and use of gas-fired power plants. The case, filed by Climate Justice Saskatoon and seven residents, claimed the Province violated their Charter rights by worsening climate change and sought court-mandated legislative reforms. Justice Holli Kuski Bassett ruled the claim was outside the court’s authority, noting that creating or changing laws falls under the legislature, not the judiciary. The decision did not assess the merits of the case, and the judge emphasized that it should not be interpreted as shielding the Province from constitutional scrutiny on climate matters. Applicants expressed disappointment and indicated they may appeal, while environmental groups pointed to ongoing legal challenges over Saskatchewan’s use of coal power plants. The Province welcomed the ruling, stating its commitment to an “all-of-the-above” energy approach aimed at reliability and affordability. 
  
  
• Health-care workers in Saskatoon are renewing calls for fair pay and urgent action on payroll issues as the rollout of the Administrative Information Management System (AIMS) causes widespread problems. Service Employees International Union-West’s members held an information picket outside Saskatoon City Hospital, citing understaffing, longer wait times, and payroll errors that leave employees struggling financially. The union says AIMS, introduced fully in Cypress Health Region on September 1st, has disrupted scheduling and pay, failing to comply with collective agreements and affecting over 1,300 members. The Saskatchewan Health Authority acknowledged challenges with AIMS but said the system is being phased in gradually with training and support, aiming to improve scheduling, payroll, and administrative efficiency across the province. 
  
  
• The Saskatchewan NDP is calling for a public inquiry into the Province’s 2025 wildfire response, arguing that existing reviews do not go far enough. Northern affairs critic Jordan McPhail said an inquiry led by an independent judge would allow witnesses to testify and ensure transparency free of political influence. He questioned why half the Province’s water bombers were grounded early in the season and why federal help was initially declined. The government maintains that the military was not deployed sooner due to safety risks. While an ombudsperson review is already underway, focusing on evacuee support, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has also tendered an independent third-party review of its overall wildfire response. The NDP says only a public inquiry can fully address government accountability and restore trust among affected northern communities.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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