10/29/2026
Report from the Legislature
October 28, 2026
The third session of the thirtieth legislature was formally opened by Lieutenant Governor the Honourable Bernadette McIntyre with this year’s Speech from the Throne. The speech outlined our government’s priorities for building a strong and steady Saskatchewan, with a focus on economic growth, affordability, health care, community safety, agriculture, education and families.
Despite global uncertainty, Saskatchewan continues to attract significant investment. More than 60 major projects are valued at over $100 billion. Bell Canada’s data centre expansion near Regina represents an investment exceeding $50 billion, creating opportunities for economic growth, job creation and the protection of Canadians’ online data.
Our resource industries and growing export markets remain important drivers of Saskatchewan’s economy. Key sectors include uranium, potash, oil, copper, zinc, lithium and rare earth elements. Provincial exports are nearing $50 billion, while GDP reached a record high of more than $85 billion in 2025. We will continue working to diversify international markets, expand trade and create jobs at home.
Alongside these economic opportunities, trade uncertainty and U.S. tariffs continue to affect key industries. Saskatchewan will receive $15.6 million over three years through the federal-provincial Workforce Tariff Response. This funding will support sectors such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture and mining. Nearly $125 million is also being invested in workforce development and career training, helping Saskatchewan people gain skills and build lasting careers.
As families navigate rising costs, affordability remains a priority. Saskatchewan offers some of the country’s lowest housing and utility costs, along with significant personal income tax relief. A family of four pays no provincial income tax on its first $65,000 of income. Further personal income tax reductions are planned for the 2027 Budget, marking the third year of our four-year affordability plan.
Investing in education is another important part of building Saskatchewan’s future. A historic $3.6 billion investment was announced in the previous budget. Across the province, 24 new schools and four major renovations are underway. New literacy screeners will help identify learning needs earlier, while the Specialized Support Model expands support for students with additional needs. A five-year childcare agreement will also support families and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Saskatchewan’s childcare sector.
Keeping young people in Saskatchewan after graduation is equally important. Our government is enhancing the Graduate Retention Program, increasing the maximum benefit to $24,000. This program is intended to encourage graduates to live, work and raise their families here at home.
Access to timely health care remains a key commitment. Since 2022, more than 7,500 doctors, nurses and other health care professionals have joined Saskatchewan’s health care system. More than 1,000 medical, specialist, nursing and allied health training seats have also been added. Through the Patients First Health Care Plan, 54 Nurse Practitioner Primary Care contracts will improve access for more than 43,000 patients. Our government remains on track to deliver 450,000 surgeries over four years, with more than 100,000 surgeries and procedures performed in 2025–26.
This work is supported by major health infrastructure projects across the province. These include the Weyburn Hospital, Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre, Prince Albert Victoria Hospital and additional acute care beds in Saskatoon. Our government will continue working to ensure residents receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
We are also expanding support for people facing addiction. Treatment capacity will reach 1,250 spaces, including 250 additional spaces beyond previous commitments. These facilities will provide treatment, counselling and connections to community services to support recovery.
Beyond health care, keeping communities safe remains essential. Our government is investing in frontline policing and rural and municipal police services. New legislation will strengthen critical infrastructure protections, combat human trafficking, address deceptive uses of artificial intelligence and increase impaired-driving penalties. These measures aim to improve safety in homes and neighbourhoods across Saskatchewan.
Agriculture continues to play a vital role in our provincial economy. Our government is enhancing AgriStability, reviewing the Saskatchewan Farm Security Act and investing in agricultural research. These efforts support producers, protect farmland and help prepare the sector for future challenges.
Strong communities also depend on affordable opportunities for families to participate in local activities. Our government doubled the Community Rink Affordability Grant from $2,500 to $5,000 per ice surface to help cover operating costs and equipment. The Active Families Benefit also doubled to $300 per child and $400 per child with a disability. The household income eligibility threshold increased from $60,000 to $120,000, helping more families access sports and recreational activities.
Looking ahead, our government will focus on what we can control to keep Saskatchewan strong and steady amid global uncertainty. We look forward to the important work ahead this session. If you have any questions, please contact my office at 306-567-2843.
