There appears to be little on the agenda for agriculture in the upcoming Saskatchewan legislative session.
The speech from the throne, delivered this afternoon, notes the contribution of the sector — $4.5 billion to the gross domestic product and 50,000 direct and indirect jobs — but doesn’t set out any new initiatives or programs.
The speech said the government will serve as a strong advocate for agriculture and to that end will host a transportation summit to discuss long-term improvements in the wake of last year’s grain transportation backlog. Premier Brad Wall has already spoken publicly about this conference.
Read Also
Canadian crop production revised mostly higher from August
Canadian grain and oilseed production in 2025/26 was likely larger than earlier expectations, as warm temperatures and increased precipitation across the Prairies in August helped crop development, according to updated estimates from Statistics Canada released Sept. 17.
SaskTel is promising more and better rural internet and cellphone service.
Specifically, it intends to expand high speed internet into 54 more communities by the end of the year and is doubling available internet speed in 220 rural communities. Cellphone service will be improved in 111 rural centres with more 4G capacity, the speech said.
The speech did not set out a timeline for new regulations governing agricultural drainage but says they are a priority for the Water Security Agency.
“My government has undertaken an online drainage consultation that received nearly 500 submissions and will carry out further consultations with stakeholders in the coming months,” it said.
The government also pledged to evaluate a proposal from the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities that would use federal, provincial and municipal money to leverage private sector investment in rural roads.
Agricultural companies might benefit from a new growth tax incentive tied to new job creation by manufacturers and processors who expand sales outside the province.
The government added it will strengthen the short-line rail network.
Throne speeches are typically vague, and spending promises usually follow in the budget, which is set for March 18.
