Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 85

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Premier Scott Moe received over 80% support in a Saskatchewan Party leadership review at the party’s convention, despite taking responsibility for losses in Regina and Saskatoon during last year’s election. He emphasized the need for the party to refocus, avoid complacency, and offered himself as a stable choice for the next election. Moe confirmed he plans to run for a third term in 2028, dismissing speculation and opposition barbs about leadership ambitions within his party. Moe emphasized his commitment to working closely with MLAs, candidates, and volunteers across the province. Ahead of the convention, NDP MLAs tried to suggest some government ministers were eyeing the premiership, but their questions were largely dismissed by both the Speaker and Moe. Moe, who became party leader and Premier in 2018 after Brad Wall’s departure, has won two general elections since then. He previously stated he would leave politics when it is in the best interest of his party and Saskatchewan residents, but for now, he says he still has more to contribute.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan Party is proposing to restrict voting rights in the party to Canadian citizens, removing permanent residents (PRs) from regular membership eligibility. PRs would still be able to hold associate membership, but they would lose voting rights in internal party matters. The amendment also proposes limiting voting capabilities for youth members under 18 on issues such as party constitution changes and leadership reviews. The party says the goal is to align internal voting rights with provincial election eligibility, based on age and citizenship. By contrast, the Saskatchewan NDP allows PRs to vote in nominations and leadership conventions. 
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe continues to oppose the federal gun buyback program, the voluntary Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), which was allocated $742 million in the recent federal budget. The program would require owners of banned firearms, such as AR-15s, to sell, surrender, or render their weapons inoperable, with compensation provided. Saskatchewan has its own Firearms Act, passed in 2023, which requires seizure agents to be licensed and outlines how to determine fair market value for firearms. The province plans to amend this legislation to ensure gun owners are financially protected and fairly compensated if federal buybacks proceed. Justice Minister Tim McLeod emphasized that the responsibility for proper compensation rests with the federal government. Saskatchewan officials stress that fair compensation is critical to compliance and public safety, while the Province maintains its commitment to protecting the rights and property of law-abiding firearm owners. The federal program is expected to launch nationally after a pilot in Cape Breton helps finalize procedures.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan government announced $250 million in additional funding over four years for post-secondary institutions to help address financial pressures, particularly from the loss of international students due to a federal cap. Annual operating grants will rise by 3%, adding to a previously established permanent 1% increase, and the tuition increase cap has been lowered from 4% to 3%. University leaders noted that the international student cap has hurt Saskatchewan’s reputation abroad and strained institutional budgets. Opposition NDP critics argued the funding comes too late, pointing to recent layoffs at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said the funding provides institutions with flexibility to manage staffing and operations while the government continues lobbying Ottawa to adjust policies affecting international students. The investment aims to stabilize post-secondary education, though it will not fully offset revenue losses from international enrolments.
  
  
• Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Health announced that 11 additional pharmacies will be able to test for strep throat and ear infections under an expanded pilot project that began in January. Nine of the new locations are now fully operational for strep testing, while two more will begin in January 2026, bringing the total to 22 pharmacies offering the service. Pharmacists at these accredited sites can assess symptoms, conduct rapid tests, and prescribe treatment when appropriate, with all sites also able to test for ear infections. Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill highlighted that the expansion provides quicker, closer-to-home care, reducing pressure on emergency rooms. The newest participating pharmacies are located in Regina, Saskatoon, Warman, Weyburn, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Emerald Park, and Swift Current. Since the program’s launch, over 3,000 people have been tested for strep throat and more than 1,000 for ear infections. The initiative builds on pharmacists’ expanded authority, which began in 2012 with minor ailments and now covers more than 31 conditions.

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