News Briefs - Sept 30 2024

Saskatchewan delays adoption of Tier 3 energy efficiency standards to January 2026

Ensuring a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people is a team effort which includes our residents, communities, businesses and building industries. The Government of Saskatchewan values input from stakeholders when planning for growth, including an effective regulatory structure and safe, healthy, habitable and energy efficient buildings. As a result, the Ministry of Government Relations is delaying the implementation of Tier 3 energy efficiency in buildings across Saskatchewan by one year, to January 2026.

Saskatchewan Health Authority honours commitment to truth and reconciliation

Today, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action in honour of the 6,500 residential school survivors who have shared their stories. The SHA’s reaffirmation of its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation was signed by SHA Board Chair Arlene Wiks, SHA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Will, and members of the SHA Traditional Knowledge Keeper Advisory Council during an event that included participation from First Nations, Métis, and health system leaders from across Saskatchewan.

Province enhances maternal mental health supports

The Government of Saskatchewan is working with the University of Regina (U of R) to help new and expecting parents who are experiencing mental health difficulties, such as depression or anxiety. The province is providing $280,000 to the university's Online Therapy Unit to create the Well-Being for Expecting and New Mothers Course. A Non-Birthing Parents Resource will also be developed for partners of those who have had babies.
"It is important that new mothers feel supported in their mental health and wellbeing," Mental Health and Addictions Minister Tim McLeod said. "At a busy time with infants, having virtual options can make care easier to access. I am proud that we can work with the U of R to bring internet-delivered therapy to moms across our province."
The new mothers' course is expected to launch by the end of March, while the partner resource is expected to be available in 2026.

Saskatchewan Firearms Office encourages firearms safety this hunting season

The Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO) wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable hunting season and reminds everyone that a secure firearm is a safe firearm.
"A successful hunt starts with safety," SFO Deputy Commissioner and Chief Firearms Officer Murray Cowan said. "Respect your firearm, respect wildlife, and respect the environment. Hunting is not just about the harvest; it is about preserving the balance of nature and returning home safely."
When transporting your firearms, ensure they are not loaded, are kept out of sight, locked securely in a case, or otherwise rendered inoperable (using a trigger lock or cable, or the bolt is removed), and that they are stored separately from live ammunition. Do not leave firearms unattended in your vehicle, and if you must, conceal them and do so briefly while the vehicle is kept within eyesight.
When hunting, ensure you have a valid Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) and Hunting and Fishing Licence (HAL) and be mindful of the training that came with those licences. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, always control its muzzle, know your target and what's beyond it, be aware of your surroundings, and always get permission to access private land.

Saskatchewan exports to Latin America reach record $5.4 billion in 2023

Record exports to Latin America reported for second consecutive year.
Saskatchewan's exports to Latin America reached a new provincial record of $5.4 billion last year driven primarily by potash and agri-food products. Potash accounted for 54.5 per cent of exports in 2023 at nearly $3 billion, while agri-food products totaled over $2.4 billion.
Exports to Peru also increased by 19.3 per cent in April to June 2024 compared to the same period last year for a total export value of $105.5 million.

Post-secondary schools to receive menstrual products for students in need

A partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan and Shoppers Drug Mart is expanding a program that distributes free menstrual products in the province.
"We are delighted to continue our partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart and expand this important program," Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Laura Ross said. "This fall, in addition to 670 elementary and high schools, nine post-secondary institutions and six private vocational schools will receive product so students in need have access to free period products. All partners are committed to increasing safety and affordability in our communities."
Since the initiative was launched in October 2023, more than five million period products have been delivered to 670 schools and 23 shelters across the province. Two million more products are scheduled for distribution starting in October.

Sask NDP will open Saskatoon City Hospital emergency room 24/7

“It’s time for a change. It’s time to get Saskatchewan out of last place on health care.”
SASKATOON – Today, Provincial Opposition Health Critic Vicki Mowat and Rural and Remote Health Critic Jared Clarke – joined by Saskatoon healthcare workers – committed to opening the Saskatoon City Hospital emergency room 24/7 as part of the Saskatchewan NDP’s plan to get Saskatchewan out of last place on healthcare.
“We have sick patients stuck in hallways, breaking fire code, while Saskatoon's City Hospital has underutilised space where they could be properly cared for. We built it. We should use it,” said Mowat.
City Hospital, opened by the Saskatchewan NDP government in 1993, is not being fully used by the Sask. Party, despite chaos and overcrowding at St Paul’s and Royal University hospitals. Opening the City Hospital emergency room 24/7 would take pressure off of Saskatoon’s other hospitals and lead to better care faster.

More than $3.9 billion invested since 2020 toward improving highways

Today, the Government of Saskatchewan reflects on the past four years of significant investments into our province's infrastructure. These investments improve safety, support our export-based economy and work toward the goal of improving 10,000 km of highways by 2030.
"Our government recognizes the importance of strategic funding to build, maintain and operate a safe and reliable highway network, along with continued improvements on the road ahead to keep our great province strong," Highways Minister Lori Carr said. "This critical infrastructure helps people get to the places and services they need, while it moves the products of our key industries that create jobs and support our strong and growing export-based economy."
More than $3.9 billion has been invested overall since 2020-21 toward such initiatives as building passing lanes, upgrading thin membrane surface (TMS) highways, maintenance activities and other significant infrastructure. This overall investment includes a $300 million Stimulus Program; a booster shot to Saskatchewan's economy during the global pandemic.

Government of Saskatchewan rejects federal oil and gas emissions cap and Methane 75 regulations

Province would face royalty and tax revenue losses up to $7 billion, lost government revenues of $43 billion, and up to 34,000 job losses by 2050, according to independent report.
In its new independent report, the Saskatchewan Economic Impact Assessment Tribunal has found that the federal oil and gas emissions cap and federal Methane 75 regulations would cause substantial economic damage to Saskatchewan.
By 2050, with production caps and methane mandates in place, Saskatchewan's oil production would fall by between 38 and 52 per cent, the province would face cumulative royalty and tax revenue losses of between $4.8 and $7.1 billion, and total lost government revenues would be up to $43.3 billion, according to the independent report.

Saskatchewan exports to France, UK and Netherlands nearly $1.2 billion in 2023

Exports to the three countries increased by 34.4 per cent compared to 2022.
Saskatchewan's trade relationship with the United Kingdom (UK), France, and the Netherlands continued to strengthen in 2023. Data from Statistics Canada shows that the combined total value of exports for these three major nations totaled nearly $1.2 billion.
The main driver of these exports was uranium, which accounted for 87.3 per cent of exports to the Netherlands, 70.8 per cent of exports to the UK, and 47.3 per cent of exports to France. Another 25.6 per cent of exports to France came from uranium ore and concentrates.
From January to July 2024, Saskatchewan's total exports to the Netherlands were $567.6 million, a 119.6 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023. This increase is primarily due to a 143.5 per cent increase in the value of Saskatchewan uranium exports to the Netherlands.

Province partners with Rick Hansen Foundation for accessibility training

The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with the Rick Hansen Foundation to deliver education and training on accessibility to public sector bodies and government employees, investing up to $160,000 as announced in the 2024-25 provincial budget.
"Our government is dedicated to fostering strong, inclusive communities and securing a brighter future by removing barriers that limit the full participation of individuals with disabilities," Social Services Minister Gene Makowsky said. "Through our partnership with the Rick Hansen Foundation, we will raise awareness in the public sector and work to identify and address accessibility challenges."