Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 94

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Comments by Premier Scott Moe about exploring “innovative” approaches to health-care delivery have sparked a sharp exchange with the provincial NDP. In a December interview, Moe said improving access to care is a top priority and suggested governments need to be open to new ways of delivering services, pointing to discussions underway in Alberta.  The opposition NDP criticized the remarks, arguing they signal a move toward privatization and warning against what it described as “American-style” health care. Moe pushed back, claiming his party remains committed to publicly funded care, including limited use of privately delivered services and virtual physician programs, arguing these tools help reduce wait times and expand access.
  
  
• A Saskatoon woman, Tammy O’Brien, who recently traveled to Edmonton for treatment of a rare brain tumour, is calling on Saskatchewan to cover travel-related costs for patients who must leave the province for specialized medical care. While the Province paid for her gamma knife radiosurgery, it did not cover her $854 in flights and accommodations, instead providing a list of charities to seek financial help. O’Brien described the response as humiliating and said relying on crowdfunding adds unnecessary stress for patients and families. The Saskatchewan Health Ministry said it connects patients with financial support but does not reimburse travel, lodging, or meals for out-of-province treatment. The NDP Opposition is urging the government to apologize and cover O’Brien’s expenses, arguing that growing numbers of residents are traveling for care and that clear provincial procedures are needed for covering these costs.
  
  
• Speaking of healthcare, Saskatchewan has expanded its use of “virtual physicians” to address doctor shortages in rural and remote communities, allowing patients in emergency departments to consult with off-site doctors via phone or video when in-person care isn’t available. The program, which began as a pilot in five communities in 2023, now operates in 28 rural health centres, helping prevent temporary closures and reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for urgent care. While virtual physicians can diagnose, prescribe medication, and order imaging, they cannot perform hands-on procedures such as stitching wounds, and some patients and families find remote consultations less reassuring. The Province is also expanding virtual primary care, physiotherapy, and diagnostic services through the Virtual Health Hub, particularly in northern communities, with plans to reach up to 90 communities by 2027. Health officials emphasize that virtual care is intended to supplement, not replace, on-site medical staff, supporting the recruitment and retention of healthcare workers in rural areas.
  
  
• Saskatchewan residents could see higher auto insurance and electricity bills starting in 2026, as SGI and SaskPower seek rate increases now under review. SGI has applied for two annual auto insurance hikes of 3.75% in 2026 and 2027. If approved, most drivers would see an average increase of about $38 per year. SaskPower is requesting electricity rate increases of 3.9% in each of the same years, translating to roughly $5 more per month for residential customers and $11 more for farm users. The utility cites major capital investments aimed at maintaining reliability and modernizing the grid. Both proposals are being reviewed by the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel.
  
  
• Peavey Mart is set to return to Saskatchewan with two store reopenings in Assiniboia and Yorkton in March 2026, following the closure of all Canadian locations last year after the company filed for creditor protection. The retailer, acquired by a new ownership group in April 2025, has already reopened several Alberta locations and plans another in Red Deer this spring, bringing the total number of operating stores to seven. The choice of Saskatchewan locations was based on factors such as previous store performance, access to storefronts, and the ability to quickly hire staff and launch operations. Hiring is currently underway for positions including retail supervisors and customer service associates. Peavey Mart originally operated 12 stores in Saskatchewan, with locations in major cities and smaller communities. While no decisions have been made about reopening other former Saskatchewan locations, the company’s relaunch represents a cautious comeback focused on Western Canada. The hardware chain, founded in 1967, is aiming for a measured rollout after its financial troubles last year.

🚨 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!