Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 92

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Merry Christmas! We want to pause to recognize the incredible support we’ve received throughout the year. Each contribution - whether it was a gift, a note of encouragement, spreading the word, or giving your time - has played an important role in advancing our work, and we are truly grateful for that support. This time of year is about gratitude and connection, and we are thankful to be part of a community that cares so deeply about the issues facing our province. We hope the days ahead bring you rest, good cheer, and meaningful moments with family and friends. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at the Saskatchewan Institute.
  
  
• We don’t usually use our weekly emails to make a direct monetary ask, but as we approach 2026, we’re also approaching our year-end fundraising deadline. We set a goal to reach $10,000 goal by December 31st - and every donation you make this week will be matched by a generous long-time supporter. This period is especially important for non-profits, and meeting this target will help us sustain and grow the work we do. If you believe in our mission and want to see it continue into the new year, we’d be grateful if you’d consider making a contribution. You can donate by clicking here. Thank you!
  
  
• In a year-end interview, Premier Scott Moe said that the Province needs stable leadership as it faces near-term challenges, confirming his intention to lead the Saskatchewan Party into the next provincial election, which could occur as late as 2028. Moe recently received more than 80% support in a party leadership review, down from 97% in 2023, following electoral losses in Regina and Saskatoon. Moe argued his government has laid groundwork for long-term priorities, particularly in health care, citing the rollout of urgent care centres and plans for more innovative service delivery. He also emphasized retaining younger residents by ensuring Saskatchewan remains economically viable and attractive. The Premier acknowledged missteps, including delaying a visit to Denare Beach after a major wildfire destroyed hundreds of homes, calling it a lapse in judgment. 
  
  
• Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck says her party is already in “election mode,” despite the next provincial vote not being until 2028. Beck emphasized that the NDP has less than three years to show voters that better alternatives exist after 18 years of SaskParty governance. Over the past year, the party has maintained a fast pace, holding multiple news conferences daily and introducing private members’ bills on issues like rent control, health-care transparency, wildfires, and judicial review of the notwithstanding clause. While most of these bills have not been supported by the government, Beck said they are intended to communicate solutions directly to the public. She highlighted the importance of getting NDP MLAs into communities to meet constituents, which contributed to electoral gains outside urban areas in 2024. Beck said that her community visits allowed the party to better advocate for local needs. Cost of living and creating a functional health-care system remain the key issues shaping the party’s priorities.
  
  
• Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre extended holiday greetings to Saskatchewan residents on behalf of King Charles III and herself. In a letter, she highlighted her installation as the Province’s 24th Lieutenant Governor, her role in presenting provincial honours and service medals, and her participation in royal events, including visits with the King in London and Ottawa. She emphasized the importance of volunteers, community service, and supporting those in need, especially during the holiday season. McIntyre is hosting the New Year’s Day Levee at Government House from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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