The Saskatchewan government opened its fall legislative agenda with a focus on keeping Saskatchewan’s economy strong, communities safe, and the province’s future secure, said Premier Scott Moe. However, the Opposition Saskatchewan NDP maintained that the Throne Speech was silent on EV Tariffs and had no ideas to fix cost of living and healthcare matters.
The new session of the Legislature opened on Wednesday, Oct. 22 with Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre delivering the Speech from the Throne. Moe emphasized Saskatchewan’s position as having the strongest economy in Canada and said the government will work to maintain growth while ensuring affordability, safety, quality education, and accessible health care.
The Throne Speech addressed international trade challenges, including tariffs from the U.S. and China. The province will continue working with Ottawa to remove those tariffs while expanding exports to over 160 countries.
Proposed legislation
Several new bills were announced, including:
- Compassionate Intervention Act to mandate people with addictions to be sent to treatment
- Response to Illicit Drugs Act to crack down on those who profit from the sale of illicit drugs
- Amendments to The Saskatchewan Firearms Act to protect gun owners from federal prohibitions
- The Building Schools Faster Act, requiring municipalities to prepare land for new schools.
- Changes to The Animal Protection Act, introducing a new inspector role and a code of conduct
- The “From Many Peoples, Strength” Act, recognizing cultural contributions through designated days and months
- The Tailgating Act, allowing pre-game events at Mosaic Stadium
Premier Moe says the legislative plan is designed to ensure Saskatchewan remains “strong, safe, and secure.”
Opposition reply
The Opposition Saskatchewan NDP weighed in on the government’s fall agenda, saying it held no new ideas to fix healthcare, the cost of living and was silent on electric vehicle tariffs.
Opposition Leader Carla Beck says the speech failed to address the federal tariffs on Chinese EVs — a move she says threatens Saskatchewan’s canola industry. Beck criticized Premier Scott Moe for reversing his stance on the tariffs last month and accused him of abandoning producers.
“Our producers haven’t exported a single shipment of canola to China, and the Premier is missing in action,” Beck said. “We need to scrap the EV tariffs to save our canola industry. There’s no room to waffle on this issue.”
Beck warned that the Premier’s inaction could lead to closed canola crush plants, lost jobs, and financial hardship for families.
Saskatchewan residents financially stressed: Angus Reid
The NDP also took aim at the government’s lack of new measures to address affordability. Despite reports from Angus Reid showing Saskatchewan residents are among the most financially stressed in Canada, the Throne Speech offered no fresh solutions — only recycled promises. The provincial sales tax still applies to groceries and children’s clothing, and rent has climbed for eight consecutive months.
“If everything is so great, why are Saskatchewan people the most stressed about their finances?” Beck asked. “Hardworking families are being forced to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table.”
Healthcare was another flashpoint. With rural ERs closing and major hospitals overwhelmed, Beck said the government is failing to act. She pointed to a recent open letter signed by 450 healthcare workers at Royal University Hospital, detailing dire conditions including patients receiving care in hallways without privacy.
“We need big, bold change to get our health system out of last place,” Beck said. “After 18 years, the Sask. Party broke healthcare and they can’t be trusted to fix it.”
Beck concluded by calling for a new direction — one that offers real solutions and hope for Saskatchewan families.
