Saskatchewan Minute: Issue 99

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

📅 This Week In Saskatchewan: 📅

• We're teaming up with Common Sense Cities to launch a Pints & Politics series across the province. The first two events have already been announced: Saskatoon on Thursday, March 5th and Regina on Friday, March 6th. Come out and meet Heidi, our new Project Director, and the Common Sense Cities team. You can register for Saskatoon here and Regina here.
  
  
• NexGen Energy is entering the final regulatory stage for the Rook I uranium project in northern Saskatchewan, located approximately 150 km north of La Loche near the Alberta border. If approved by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the mine could make Canada the world’s largest uranium exporter, producing 14 million kilograms annually to support global nuclear energy demand driven by data centers and AI. The project is projected to generate $32 billion in regional economic benefits and $38 billion in federal revenue over its 24-year lifespan. NexGen has secured support from local First Nations and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, committing to a 75% Indigenous hiring target focused on long-term careers rather than entry-level roles. While the proposal passed a federal environmental assessment, current hearings are addressing lingering concerns regarding water quality and traditional hunting habitats. A final regulatory decision is expected within 120 days.
  
  
• Saskatchewan Polytechnic has announced a potential one-year reprieve for its Electronic Systems Engineering Technology (ESET) program, allowing students to complete year two in Saskatoon before the program moves to Regina. The decision follows earlier news that the program would relocate, which caused concern among students with family and personal obligations. Dean Brenda Suru said the temporary arrangement will use an alternative training space and that full details will be shared by the end of February. The school previously suspended the fall 2026-27 intake for the program and cited recruitment challenges and revenue shortfalls due to federal immigration policy changes. Students have expressed mixed feelings, welcoming the delay but seeking clear, ongoing communication to confirm plans. Saskatchewan Polytechnic continues to make adjustments across other programs, including moving the Instrumentation Engineering Technology program from Moose Jaw to Saskatoon.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan NDP is developing a transportation strategy to address gaps left by the closure of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) in 2017. Opposition Leader Carla Beck has tasked critic Darcy Warrington with creating options specifically for rural and northern communities, including exploring affordable and targeted solutions. The closure of STC left many residents, particularly seniors and those needing medical care, without reliable transportation, while communities have sometimes had to fund local alternatives. Beck emphasized that the Province continues to spend on transportation services previously covered by STC and wants to ensure rural residents have safe, reliable access. The NDP has not committed to reinstating STC but is open to a range of models, including ride-share programs or other services. Public consultations will be launched to gather input from stakeholders and affected communities. Beck noted the plan will take time to develop, with a report expected once Warrington completes consultations and explores viable options.
  
  
• Bell Canada is planning to build a major new AI data centre campus south of Regina, designed to be a hub for research and provincial AI development. As part of the national "Bell AI Fabric" initiative, this site will provide critical infrastructure for both local innovation and federal protected industries. The first phase kicks off in 2026 with an 8,500-square-metre building. The campus will include its own SaskPower substation and explore sustainable heat reclamation for greenhouses through a partnership with the University of Regina. Although total figures remain unspecified, plans for over 300 parking stalls suggest a large workforce for construction and permanent operations and the campus is expected to bring a significant wave of high-skilled jobs to the region.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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