Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 95

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• A new Canada-China trade agreement is being hailed as major relief for Saskatchewan, which produces more than half of Canada’s canola, after years of steep tariffs limiting access to the Chinese market. Under the deal, tariffs on canola seed are expected to fall from roughly 84% to 15% by early March, while duties on canola meal, peas, and certain seafood products will be eliminated until at least the end of the year. In exchange, Canada will reduce tariffs on a limited number of Chinese electric vehicles entering the Canadian market. Premier Scott Moe said the agreement could allow billions of dollars’ worth of agricultural exports to resume flowing to one of Canada’s largest trading partners. He also described talks in Beijing as unusually constructive, noting a significant improvement in tone compared to previous years. While the deal does not address canola oil tariffs, industry leaders see it as a critical first step toward stabilizing farm incomes and rebuilding long-term trade relationships.
  
  
• Saskatchewan has signed a three-year agreement with the United Arab Emirates to collaborate on the development of nuclear energy technologies. A memorandum focuses on research and innovation around small modular reactors and microreactors, as well as improving the efficiency and reliability of nuclear power plants. The partnership will also examine nuclear waste management, technology transfer, and the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in the sector. Saskatchewan’s uranium resources and existing nuclear expertise are being positioned as key strengths in the collaboration. The agreement reflects growing global demand for electricity driven by data centres, artificial intelligence, and energy-intensive industries. Both sides have the option to renew the deal once the initial three-year term concludes.
  
  
• A major renewable energy partnership in Saskatchewan is positioning First Nations ownership at the centre of new generation. Neoen has announced the Mino Giizis (“good sun”) Solar Energy Facility near Regina, which is expected to become the province’s largest solar project when it comes online in 2028. Four Treaty 4 First Nations - Zagime Anishinabek Nation, Kinistin Saulteaux First Nation, Cote First Nation, and the Key First Nation - will collectively hold 50% equity through the Anishinabek Power Alliance, with Neoen owning the other half. The project is expected to deliver enough to supply roughly 30,000 four-person homes. Still in permitting and financing process, construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027. Beyond clean power, leaders have emphasized long-term revenue, “energy sovereignty,” and Indigenous workforce development. Neoen estimates 350 construction jobs at peak and five permanent operational roles.
  
  
• The provincial NDP are signalling new policy priorities by adding two shadow cabinet roles it says address gaps in the current government: women’s health, and technology, innovation, and AI. NDP Leader Carla Beck argues the party needs to “hit the ground running” if elected and wants to begin developing solutions now, particularly as artificial intelligence reshapes economies and public services. Regina Northeast MLA Jacqueline Roy will serve as shadow minister for women’s health, pointing to long waits for essential care such as mammograms and reports of women travelling to Alberta for services. She framed the role as a response to rising frustration and unmet needs affecting both physical and mental well-being. Saskatoon Southeast MLA Brittney Senger will take on the new technology, innovation and AI portfolio, with a mandate to explore how emerging tech can drive Saskatchewan’s economy and modernization agenda. Beck also announced additional shadow cabinet changes, including Jordan McPhail on ethics and democracy, Hugh Gordon as associate for community safety, and Darcy Warrington on highways/infrastructure and SGI.
  
  
• A new Alberta pilot project aims to ease long-standing health record sharing problems for people living in Lloydminster, a city split between Alberta and Saskatchewan. The initiative will give Saskatchewan-based doctors and pharmacists view-only access to Alberta’s Netcare system, allowing them to see some patient records for Alberta residents. The program was prompted by frequent gaps in information sharing that can lead to duplicated tests, higher costs, and delays in care for patients who cross provincial borders for treatment. The pilot will begin with one pharmacy and one physician’s office before potentially expanding to other providers. While local health advocates welcome the move as progress, some residents say it only partially solves the problem because Alberta providers still cannot access Saskatchewan health records. Provincial officials say no decisions have been made yet on expanding the project to other border communities.

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