Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 90

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Premier Scott Moe announced a year-end cabinet shuffle, adding five new Ministers and removing three, increasing the cabinet size from 16 to 18. The new ministers include Chris Beaudry (Energy and Resources), Darlene Rowden (Environment), Kim Gartner (Highways), Sean Wilson (SaskBuilds), and Mike Weger, who takes over the newly named Ministry of Community Safety overseeing policing, corrections, and emergency management. Departing Ministers Travis Keisig, Colleen Young, and Daryl Harrison will remain as Legislative Committee chairs. Moe said the changes aim to balance workloads, build capacity, and bring new perspectives to cabinet, rather than reflect competence. Some Ministers retained their portfolios, while others, like Ken Cheveldayoff, Eric Schmalz, and Warren Kaeding, took on additional responsibilities. Opposition Leader Carla Beck criticized the shuffle, saying it does not address public concerns over health care, addictions, or education. The shuffle also restores David Marit to his previous role as Minister of Agriculture, replacing Harrison.
  
  
• Saskatchewan’s political debate over housing intensified last week as the NDP renewed its push for rent control while Premier Scott Moe doubled down on attracting investment as the province’s primary housing strategy. The NDP highlighted new data showing average asking rents in Saskatchewan rose 3.9% over the past year - one of the country’s highest increases - though the province still has the lowest average rent at $1,490. NDP Leader Carla Beck blamed out-of-province corporate landlords and urged passage of Bill 608, which would cap annual rent increases to the consumer price index, with a five-year exemption for new builds. Moe rejected the idea, arguing rent control would drive investment elsewhere and slow the construction needed to expand supply. While the NDP supports measures to speed up development and boost the housing workforce, Moe claimed that long-term affordability rests on increasing inventory and encouraging homeownership as “the ultimate aspiration” for Saskatchewan residents.
  
  
• Renewed threats from the US about imposing tariffs on Canadian fertilizer imports have raised alarms in Saskatchewan, where potash is a major economic driver. Saskatchewan supplies roughly one-third of the world’s potash, and nearly half of Canadian exports go to the United States. University of Saskatchewan economist Stuart Smyth warned that US tariffs could sharply reduce demand, leading to mine layoffs and production cutbacks. Industry groups note that fertilizer is essential for crop yields, and disrupting North American supply chains could harm both farmers and global food security. Saskatchewan’s competitors - Russia and Belarus - could benefit if US buyers are pushed away from Canadian supply. Premier Scott Moe said US officials he recently met oppose tariffs, noting America lacks sufficient potash reserves and would face higher costs. Fertilizer Canada echoed that the US cannot meet domestic demand without Canadian imports. Opposition leader Carla Beck argued the episode shows Canada’s vulnerability when relying heavily on US trade access.
  
  
• Saskatchewan’s provincial auditor is warning that gaps in inspection oversight are putting residents of special care homes at risk. In her 2025 report, auditor Tara Clemett found that 30 of the province’s 161 facilities had not been inspected in the past four years, despite a 2021 commitment to conduct inspections every three years. The Ministry of Health also did not routinely perform follow-up inspections at homes with serious complaints or non-compliance issues, and in some cases granted months-long extensions to address violations. The report revealed inspection delays even after critical incidents, including resident injuries and deaths, as well as concerns about repeated restraint use and high rates of potentially inappropriate antipsychotic prescribing. Saskatchewan’s rate of antipsychotic use without a psychosis diagnosis remains well above the national average. Clemett recommends adopting a risk-based inspection model and publishing inspection results. The Ministry says it will complete outstanding inspections by January and plans to act on key recommendations.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan Prosperity Project (SPP) is holding public meetings across the province to promote the idea of Saskatchewan becoming an independent country. The group, aligned with Alberta’s Prosperity Project, says its events aim to educate residents on the economic benefits of sovereignty, including managing resources locally and reducing taxes and deficits. Meetings have drawn enthusiastic crowds, with attendees expressing frustration with federal policies and interest in greater provincial control. SPP leaders plan to engage with First Nations communities and explore legal pathways toward independence. SPP intends to continue grassroots outreach to build support and inform the public about its vision for Saskatchewan’s future.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

This week's sponsor is you! We don't have big corporate backers, so if you like what you're reading, please consider making a donation or signing up as a monthly member.

Having said that, if you are a local business and are interested in being a sponsor, send us an email and we'll talk!