Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 98

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• The Government of Saskatchewan is extending its Secondary Suite Initiative (SSI) into 2027, allowing homeowners to receive grants of up to 35% of construction costs, capped at $35,000, for new secondary suites on their property. Since its launch in 2023, the program has helped create nearly 1,000 new suites, with Saskatoon seeing the largest growth due to more progressive zoning rules. Eligible units include basement, garden, laneway, or garage suites with a full kitchen, bathroom, and separate entrance, while renovations to existing suites are not covered. Officials say the program increases rental supply, supports homeownership, and helps manage rising housing costs. Home builders’ associations praised the extension, noting it strengthens the housing market and provides more options for families. Regina’s growth has been slower, but zoning changes are expected to boost secondary suite construction there. Applications and details are available through the provincial government’s website.
  
  
• Saskatchewan is ranked as the most difficult province for accessing a family physician, with 63% of residents reporting either no doctor or significant challenges reaching their own. While 22% of residents lack a primary provider, others describe the search process as "excruciating" and report that gaps in care lead some to neglect their health. The provincial government maintains its goal of universal primary care access by 2028, noting an 80% increase in licensed physicians between 2007 and 2025. This includes a 62% rise in general practitioners. Current initiatives include offering competitive compensation rates and expanding medical school capacity at the University of Saskatchewan to 108 seats. 
  
  
• The Saskatchewan government is making changes to the Assured Income for Disabilities (SAID) program, aiming to simplify it and help clients access benefits more quickly. Starting April 1st, policies and benefits will be consolidated into broader categories, some outdated or duplicative benefits will be removed, flat-rate benefits will replace actual-cost benefits, and the asset limit for eligibility will increase from $1,500 to $2,000 per household member. Social Services Minister Terry Jenson said the updates respond to feedback that the program was too complex and will better support clients’ needs. The Province emphasized that individuals affected by the changes will not see a reduction in benefits. The opposition NDP criticized the revisions as “callous,” arguing they reduce support, add language that SAID is a program of “last resort,” and cut specific benefits such as maternity and child access supports and respite care. Critics also raised concerns that the changes could worsen housing instability for people with disabilities amid rising living costs. The government maintains the updates are meant to simplify access while continuing long-term income support for over 18,000 clients.
  
  
• Saskatchewan has appointed its first provincial maternal mental health co-ordinator, Sara Beckel, who brings over a decade of experience supporting new parents and personal insight from her own struggle with a perinatal mood disorder. Beckel’s goal is to simplify access to mental health supports through HealthLine 811, including 24-7 crisis counselling, and to expand early screening for pregnant women. She emphasizes reducing stigma and increasing public awareness, noting that one in five new mothers and half of their partners experience some form of perinatal mood disorder, yet fewer than 20% receive treatment. Co-chair Elita Paterson, whose advocacy over 15 years helped create maternal wellness programs in the province, praised the establishment of Beckel’s role as a milestone for women’s health. Funded through a $3-million provincial mental health action plan, the position also supports new nurse and counsellor roles.
  
  
• Saskatchewan bars and restaurants can now apply to open early to accommodate Winter Olympics viewers, with the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) considering requests from existing alcohol permit holders to start sales as early as 5:00 am This change is due to the seven-hour time difference with Italy, where key Olympic events like hockey games are scheduled in the early morning. SLGA will review each request individually, factoring in the business’s compliance history, while all standard permit rules, including mandatory food service, remain in effect. Minister Warren Kaeding highlighted that many residents want to gather and support Canadian athletes despite the early hours. Businesses interested in extended hours can contact SLGA’s liquor licensing branch to submit their requests.

🚨 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!