Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 87

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• BC Premier David Eby is criticizing Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe for taking part in what he calls “secret” discussions with Ottawa and Alberta about a potential new oil pipeline to BC’s North Coast. Eby says he had no knowledge of the talks, which reportedly involve a memorandum of understanding that could allow tanker traffic currently restricted under a federal ban. He argues that even considering exemptions to the tanker moratorium threatens a delicate agreement with coastal First Nations that underpins many major projects in the province. Eby insists the pipeline proposal is unrealistic, lacks a proponent, and has none of the regulatory approvals it would need. He also warns that weakening the ban could put billions in coastal economic activity at risk, especially as communities handle ongoing marine safety challenges. BC's Opposition Leader John Rustad, however, accuses Eby of fear-mongering and says BC should work with other provinces on national energy development. Eby maintains that the Province is instead focused on boosting capacity on the existing Trans Mountain pipeline.
  
  
• Saskatchewan’s NDP is calling on the provincial government to waive PST for residents rebuilding homes destroyed in this year’s wildfires, citing bills as high as $30,000 in taxes for some Denare Beach residents. NDP northern affairs critic Jordan McPhail criticized the government for “profiting” off those affected, saying the tax is unfair for underinsured or uninsured families. During question period, Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod highlighted the government’s wildfire relief efforts, including $30 million for cleanup, temporary housing, and support from the Canadian Red Cross. Afterward, the government confirmed it will not waive PST, calling NDP claims “disingenuous” given the support already provided. The issue highlights ongoing tensions over disaster recovery costs for northern Saskatchewan residents.
  
  
• Premier Scott Moe returned from a trade mission to Washington, DC, where he met with US officials, including Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The discussions focused on restarting trade negotiations between Canada and the United States, which were paused after a recent Ontario government advertisement prompted Trump to halt talks. Moe said he coordinated with federal officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Minister Dominic Leblanc, to ensure alignment on sensitive issues such as the F-35 fighter jet acquisition. While no concrete progress or timeline for resuming talks emerged from the trip, Moe emphasized that advocating for Saskatchewan’s interests supports broader Canadian trade objectives. The provincial NDP criticized the trip, calling for tangible results rather than just meetings with US officials.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan government announced it will increase funding for its Provincial Approach to Homelessness (PATH) program by up to $20 million over the next three years. PATH, launched in 2023 with $40.3 million, supports municipalities in providing shelters, outreach, and other resources for people experiencing homelessness. Regina will receive $1.1 million from the increase, which will be used to enhance warming spaces and address immediate needs. The funding expansion also includes $4 million for up to 40 new emergency shelter spaces and $4 million for 60 new supportive housing units with additional trusteeship services. Opposition critics argue the funding is insufficient and suggest using vacant social housing units instead of temporary hotel accommodations.
  
  
• As the federal Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) deadline approaches, a University of Saskatchewan student and the provincial NDP are urging the government to extend the Ukrainian tuition relief program. The program, which allows Ukrainian students to pay domestic tuition, is set to end on March 31st, 2026 - the same day CUAET recipients must update their visa status. Student Ivan Teteria said the end of the program would make continuing his studies financially unfeasible, with international tuition at the U of S reaching up to $60,000 per year. The provincial government says the program is under review but funding remains, while the NDP is calling for Ukrainian students to retain domestic tuition privileges similar to refugees. Advocates emphasize that clarity is needed soon to allow students to plan for the 2026-27 academic year.

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