Saskatchewan Minute: Retaliatory Tariffs, Rapid Testing, and Coal Power Plants

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

This Week In Saskatchewan:

• The Province is considering extending the life of its coal-fired power plants to prioritize affordability and reliability in its energy grid. Premier Scott Moe emphasized that decisions about power generation will focus on the needs of Saskatchewan families and the economy, rejecting federal Clean Electricity Regulations as unconstitutional. SaskPower has been tasked with ensuring the energy grid remains stable and cost-effective while meeting future energy demands.
  
  
• The Saskatchewan government is mandating that all school divisions create and release change room policies by June 30th. This follows Premier Scott Moe’s election promise to address biological boys using changing rooms with biological girls. The school divisions are expected to consult with parents, guardians, and students in the development of their policies.
  
  
• Residents in Saskatchewan can now access rapid testing for strep throat and ear infections at 11 pharmacies across the province, with results available in about 10 minutes. Another 37 sites have been chosen to offer ear infection assessments only. These pharmacies, located in both urban and rural areas, can also prescribe and dispense necessary medication, offering a one-stop solution for minor ailments. Depending on its success, the government may expand the services to additional pharmacies in the future.

Last Week In Saskatchewan:

• Premier Scott Moe said he opposes broad retaliatory tariffs proposed by the federal government in response to potential US tariffs on Canadian goods. While he supports a unified "Team Canada" approach, Moe favours targeted actions over broad measures, citing potential harm to both Canadian and American economies. He encouraged Saskatchewan businesses to engage with US counterparts to highlight the integrated nature of cross-border trade. Opposition Leader Carla Beck criticized Moe's stance, suggesting the Province should invest in advertising campaigns in key US states to influence public opinion. Moe remains hopeful that the US tariffs will not materialize but emphasized the need to prepare for any outcomes.
  
  
• The RCMP has called for temporary assistance from officers across Canada to address staffing shortages in Saskatchewan, with vacancy rates exceeding 13%. The shortage is largely attributed to a significant increase in complex investigations, including a rise in homicides. The RCMP's recruitment initiative that allowed cadets to choose their first posting has had an impact on staffing the province. Cadets from Ontario and Quebec are now being brought in under memorandums of understanding that allow them to transfer back to their home provinces after serving in Saskatchewan for three years.
  
  
• Saskatchewan’s building construction investment saw a 5.7% increase in November 2024 compared to October, placing the province second in Canada for month-over-month growth in this sector. Year-over-year, investment rose by 11.8% from November 2023. Growing confidence in Saskatchewan's economy is also supported by record-high exports, a 2.3% increase in real GDP, and a projected 14.4% rise in private capital investment for 2024.