Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 97

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• Canadian Energy Metals has announced a major domestic alumina discovery at its Thor Project near Tisdale, Saskatchewan, which could be a “potential game changer” for the Province and the country’s aluminum supply. The preliminary assessment indicates 6.8 billion tonnes of alumina contained in 49.5 billion tonnes of ore - roughly a third of the world’s known supply - located within a 600-square-kilometre site. The company plans to spend 2026 on a pre-feasibility study and the design of a demonstration plant, leveraging nearby rail infrastructure for transport. Provincial leaders, including Premier Scott Moe and local officials, highlighted the potential economic benefits for Saskatchewan and the Tisdale community. 
  
  
• Saskatchewan is formally beginning research into large-scale nuclear reactors while continuing work on small modular reactors (SMRs), the provincial government announced. SaskPower plans to collaborate on site selection for both types of reactors, with the first SMR project near Estevan expected to start later this year. Large nuclear reactors, which would use uranium sourced in the province, could take 15 years or more to become operational, making early planning essential. The initiative aims to boost the provincial economy, create jobs, and open domestic and international export opportunities. SaskPower is partnering with GE-Hitachi on SMR development and will explore how similar technology could be scaled up. Past studies have identified the Lake Diefenbaker area as a preferred site due to its water resources. Premier Scott Moe emphasized that nuclear power will be a key part of Saskatchewan’s energy future, supporting a reliable and affordable power grid. Officials describe SMRs as a stepping stone toward broader nuclear energy adoption.
  
  
• Saskatchewan will not participate in Ottawa’s Assault-Style Firearms Compensation Program (ASFCP), meaning the federal buyback will not operate in the province. Public Safety Canada says residents who file a declaration cannot receive compensation unless the Province allows the program to run locally. Since 2020, Ottawa has banned about 2,500 firearm models; owners have until March 31st to declare intent to turn them in. A federal pool of $248.6 million is intended to compensate for roughly 136,000 firearms on a first-come, first-served basis. The amnesty for possessing banned guns ends October 30th, 2026. Saskatchewan says it will not enforce or participate and has introduced legislation requiring fair market value compensation if firearms are seized under new federal laws. The provincial firearms commissioner says Saskatchewan will launch an appraisal portal and offer voluntary storage of firearms while owners pursue compensation through courts or future federal changes.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan NDP is criticizing the provincial government for hiring former Saskatchewan Party Executive Director Patrick Bundrock to a high-paying role in the Executive Council. Bundrock, who left his party position in August, will become Assistant Cabinet Secretary and Clerk of the Executive Council on March 1st, earning nearly $198,000 annually. The NDP says the appointment reflects a pattern of giving lucrative positions to party insiders rather than focusing on affordability and key issues like PST on groceries, rising power rates, and car insurance. Bundrock’s hiring follows similar appointments of former Regina Mayor Sandra Masters and ex-MLA Gene Makowsky to senior government roles. 
  
  
• Saskatchewan plans to launch a pilot Indigenous provincial court this summer in an effort to reduce the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in custody, who are currently incarcerated at a rate nearly 20 times higher than non-Indigenous residents. The court will be developed through an Elder-guided, co-design process in partnership with Indigenous communities, victim supports, and other community resources. Similar courts in other provinces, such as Alberta’s Calgary Indigenous Court, have focused on creating healing plans that support offenders’ reintegration and connect them with their heritage. Advocates say culturally tailored services and alternatives to incarceration are essential to improving outcomes and breaking cycles of overincarceration. 

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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