REGINA — Saskatchewan’s legislative agenda for the coming year will focus on meeting the challenges of new world trading relationships, said the speech from the throne.
The speech read by lt.-gov. Bernadette McIntyre Oct. 22 acknowledged the significant tariffs imposed by China, on canola, peas and pork, and the United States.
But it also said the province can take advantage of new opportunities as a result of trade realignment.
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“Saskatchewan has the strongest economy in Canada,” it said, adding the province leads in year-over-year job growth and capital investment growth.
The Saskatchewan Value-Added Agriculture Incentive, among others, remains in place to keep building that economy, the speech said.
Expanding export markets has been a clear focus for the province since the trade uncertainties came into play, although the speech said efforts to do so didn’t start with the election of U.S. president Donald Trump in 2024.
“Expanding export markets has been a cornerstone of our government’s economic plan for 18 years, and it’s working,” it said.
The province currently exports to more than 160 countries, with an annual value of between $45 and $50 billion.
Saskatchewan has trade offices in nine countries, and various ministers and officials have taken trade missions to Mexico, India, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Singapore, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Sates, Poland, Japan, South Korea, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand in the last year.
The province pledged to continue working with the federal government to deal with the Chinese and American tariffs.
The relationship between Regina and Ottawa is warmer than it has been for a decade. Premier Scott Moe and prime minister Mark Carney have met several times about trade issues.
“The new prime minister has shown a willingness to engage with our province and an understanding of what is needed to continue building a strong and growing Saskatchewan within a strong and united Canada,” said the speech.
Moe presented Carney with a list of 10 actions the federal government must take to build a stronger economy in the province and the country. Negotiating an end to the Chinese tariffs tops the list.
The premier said Saskatchewan already leads in removing interprovincial trade barriers and will introduce the Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act this session to encourage freer domestic trade.
The government will release the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan to extend the life of coal-fired power plants and develop nuclear energy, and legislation to get tougher on illicit drugs. Other bills will address interpersonal violence and parental support.
The Saskatchewan Firearms Act will protect gun owners from financial liability resulting from federal firearm bans.
Agriculture
The speech recognized the challenging year for those affected by dry conditions and market volatility and highlighted the changes made to AgriStability. Compensation is now 90 per cent and the maximum cap is $6 million.
The government also recently announced new farmland security regulations and stronger compliance measures.
This session, the government will amend the Animal Protection Act.
“From farm animals to the pets that many consider a member of the family, no one wants to see an animal neglected or abused,” the speech said.
“Changes to the already strong legislative framework will include the creation of animal welfare inspector positions to provide education on animal care and establishing a code of conduct for animal protection officers.”
Health
Health care and finding enough personnel is a major concern among Saskatchewan people. The government plans to introduce new contracts for nurse practitioners so they can work to their full scope of practice and help address access concerns in rural and remote areas in particular.
The speech noted there were 350 applicants for 20 seats in the new Physician Assistant Program at the University of Saskatchewan and said 77 new full-time positions were added or enhanced in 30 rural and remote communities.
A commitment to perform 450,000 surgeries in the next four years will be reached, it said, and waiting lists have been reduced. The list of those waiting longer than two years is “nearly eliminated” while the number waiting more than one year is down by almost a quarter.
Urgent care centres are planned for Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and North Battleford.
Education
Since 2008, the government has built or renovated 115 schools. Enrolments continue to climb, especially in cities.
The government will introduce the Building Schools Faster Act this session.
“This act will require municipalities to acquire and service sufficient land for the construction of new schools where municipal reserve space is not able to cover the land needs of new schools. A defined cost contribution for the joint purchase of land by the province and municipalities will be developed.”
Parties and people
The Tailgating Act will be introduced so tailgating parties can occur at Mosaic Stadium in Regina prior to Saskatchewan Roughriders games. A new permit from Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming will be in place before the 2026 season.
The province’s motto is “From many peoples, strength,” and the government plans to introduce legislation with that name to allow for permanent recognition of special days, weeks and months requested by various and unique groups.
