It Was Only a Matter of Time

This article is new today!

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-30 22:30:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Municipal, Governance, Transportation]

The Government of Saskatchewan enacted The Time Act, 2026, establishing year-round Central Standard Time across the entire province effective October 30, 2026. The legislation impacts Lloydminster and its surrounding area, preventing the border region from becoming a time island that would have otherwise observed Mountain Standard Time during the winter. Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz noted the legislation provides regulatory flexibility to align with neighbouring jurisdictions like Alberta and Manitoba. Additionally, the Act eliminates previous rules requiring local votes for school division time changes and permits border areas to follow different times through regulations if aligning with adjacent provinces or territories.

2025-26 Public Accounts Volume 2 Released

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-29 23:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Finance, Governance, Taxation]

The Government of Saskatchewan released the 2025-26 Public Accounts Volume 2, detailing expense and revenue information for ministries, the Legislative Assembly, and its officers from the General Revenue Fund. Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter noted that ministry travel expenses reached $45.1 million in 2025-26, representing a 1.1 per cent or $0.5 million increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, government-wide communications expenses decreased by $1.2 million to $12.1 million in 2025-26 compared to $13.3 million in 2024-25, continuing a 28 per cent reduction from $16.8 million in 2007-08. The report also includes pension plan and trust fund balances, a Statement of Remission of Taxes and Fees, and the Road Use Fuel Tax Accountability Report, following the release of Volume 1 on June 30, 2026.

6 provinces and territories exploring adoption of new CO detector rules, Sask. minister says

Source: Territories - Northern Affairs (Yukon, NWT, Nunavut)
Date: 2026-10-29 22:04:08.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, National, Public Safety, Housing, Governance]

Effective November 1, 2026, Saskatchewan is enacting regulatory updates known as Henry's Law, which requires carbon monoxide alarms in all residential suites across multi-unit buildings, regardless of their location within the structure. Named in memory of 11-year-old Henry Losco, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning following a boiler leak in a Regina apartment building in December 2025, the legislation applies to both existing and new residential buildings. Saskatchewan's Minister of Government Relations Eric Schmalz announced that six other provincial and territorial jurisdictions—Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories—are actively exploring the adoption of similar carbon monoxide safety rules.

Crown Sector 2025-26 Payee Disclosure Report Released

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-29 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Finance, Governance, Economy, Indigenous]

The Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) tabled the Crown sector's 2025-26 Payee Disclosure Report with The Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies, detailing sector payments between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. CIC provided $68 million in dividends to Saskatchewan's General Revenue Fund, while total Crown procurement reached $2.1 billion, including $1.5 billion awarded to Saskatchewan suppliers and $152 million to Indigenous suppliers. Crown corporations employed over 11,000 people with total remuneration of just over $1.3 billion, and contributed over $35 million in grants, donations, and sponsorships to organizations like STARS air ambulance and the sector-wide Indigenous Bursary Program. The report lists ministerial and board expenses, supplier payments over $50,000, employee remuneration exceeding $50,000, and grants greater than $5,000 in accordance with Standing Committee guidelines.

A New Approach to Leasing Agricultural Crown Land

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-28 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Agriculture, Economy, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is transitioning to a new ongoing allocation model for agricultural Crown land leases, replacing the previous single annual offering system. Starting November 9, 2026, eligible agricultural Crown land leases, including expired leases, will be offered on an ongoing basis online through McDougall Auctioneers Ltd. as they become available. The policy aims to create a more responsive, transparent, and accessible lease allocation process that aligns with producer needs while maintaining public transparency and equal treatment for agricultural producers. Interested bidders must meet specific eligibility requirements published on saskatchewan.ca, with lease opportunities posted online at saskatchewan.ca/crownlands and mcdougallauction.com.

2026 Speech From the Throne will Keep Saskatchewan Strong and Steady

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-28 02:09:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Economy, Healthcare, Justice, Infrastructure, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan delivered its 2026 Speech from the Throne, outlining a legislative agenda centered on maintaining economic stability amid global market uncertainties and highlighting over $100 billion in major projects currently underway. Premier Scott Moe's administration announced plans to introduce several new pieces of legislation, including the Safer Homes for Seniors Act, the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Additional Safeguards Act prohibiting MAID for minors and sole mental illness conditions, and the Protection of Economic Infrastructure Act to prevent disruptions to critical supply chains. Additional proposed laws include the Opioids Damages Act to recover health care costs from manufacturers, the Prevention of Deceptive AI Act, and amendments to The Traffic Safety Act and The Enforcement of Maintenance Orders Act. Furthermore, the government committed to raising the provincial income tax-free threshold for a family of four above the current $65,000 level in the upcoming spring budget.

Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency Operating Effectively: Independent Review

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-26 23:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Taxation, Governance, Infrastructure]

The Government of Saskatchewan released an independent review conducted by Upfront Consulting regarding the Saskatchewan Assessment Management Agency (SAMA), which manages a property assessment base valued at over $278 billion supporting approximately $2.63 billion in annual municipal and education property taxes. The review concluded that SAMA is operating effectively with strong professional competence and management capacity, while identifying four specific areas for improvement: board member appointments, advisory committees, stakeholder engagement, and conflict of interest guidelines. Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz and SAMA CEO Shaun Cooney noted that the findings will be used to enhance transparency, stakeholder participation, and the province's property revaluation cycle.

Province Recognizes Annual Access to Justice Week

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-26 21:30:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Justice, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan proclaimed October 25–31, 2026, as Access to Justice Week, highlighting ongoing investments and structural reforms across the province's legal system. Key policy and administrative measures include $3 million allocated to the Court Modernization Project for J-STAR implementation and courtroom technology, $170,000 to transition the Child Support Service into a provincially funded model, and the establishment of two new municipal bylaw courts serving Rosthern and Fort Qu'Allle. Additionally, the province appointed four new Court of King's Bench associate judges and three new Provincial Court judges to address rising caseloads and procedural backlogs.

Reminder: Firearms Amnesty Extended Beyond October 30 Expiry Date

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-23 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, National, Justice, Public Safety, Governance]

The Government of Canada has extended its federal firearms amnesty period beyond the previously scheduled expiry date of October 30, 2026, tying the new deadline to 90 days after the Supreme Court of Canada renders its decision on appeals challenging the May 2020 firearms prohibitions. The amendment covers amnesty orders associated with federal bans implemented in May 2020, December 2024, and March 2025, protecting affected individuals and businesses from criminal liability while maintaining compliance. In response, the Saskatchewan Firearms Office continues to provide provincial support through its Firearms Verification and Appraisal Service, offering firearm verification, certificates of exemption, and appraisals for affected owners and businesses navigating the federal regulations.

Improved Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability Program Delivers Increased Support to Clients

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-21 23:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Social Services, Affordability, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan has implemented improvements to the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program, which provides benefits to more than 18,000 residents. Approximately 44 per cent of SAID clients (more than 7,700 people) experienced an increase in their monthly benefits, averaging $51 more per month, with certain families and rural residents seeing increases of up to $294 per month. The structural modifications and expansion of the Living Income Benefit delivered nearly $400,000 in additional benefits in September alone and are projected to inject approximately $4.7 million in extra support over the next year.

Former journalist Pamela Wallin resigns from Senate

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-19 15:17:47.0
Tags: [National, Saskatchewan, Governance]

Senator Pamela Wallin has resigned from the Senate of Canada, submitting a resignation letter received by the clerk of the Senate effective Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026. Appointed to the Upper Chamber in 2009 on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Wallin represented Saskatchewan. The specific reason for her departure has not been publicly disclosed, and she was otherwise due to reach the mandatory retirement age of 75 in 2028.

The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act Public Consultation Now Open

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-13 22:30:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Agriculture, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan has launched a comprehensive public review of The Saskatchewan Farm Security Act, overseen by Agriculture Minister David Marit. The government opened an online public survey available on saskatchewan.ca until November 30, 2026, to gather confidential stakeholder feedback. The consultation specifically examines farm land ownership regulations, home quarter protections, and farm foreclosure protections to ensure the legislative framework continues to meet the needs of provincial residents.

'For Albertans to decide': Smith says Americans like Musk can stay in their lane

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-10-10 18:50:06.0
Tags: [Alberta, Saskatchewan, Governance]

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith responded to public comments made by American billionaire Elon Musk on the social media platform X supporting the separation of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec from Canada. Smith stated that outsiders should stay out of the province's internal constitutional matters and emphasized that Albertans will decide their political future during a scheduled provincial vote on October 19, 2026. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe also rejected Musk's statements regarding Saskatchewan separating.

Sask., Alberta premiers reject Elon Musk's call for provinces to separate from Canada

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-08 16:12:28.0
Tags: [National, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, Governance]

In October 2026, tech entrepreneur Elon Musk posted on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting that Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec would benefit from separating from Canada, responding to statements by Quebec premier-designate Paul St-Play-Plamondon. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith both firmly rejected the idea, with Moe responding simply 'No' and Smith stating her opposition ahead of an upcoming October 19 provincial referendum on Alberta's future within Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the remarks as foreign interference, asserting that Canada's future will be decided exclusively by Canadians.

Renewing Joint Municipal Infrastructure Funding Supports a Strong Saskatchewan

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-06 21:00:00.0
Tags: [National, Saskatchewan, Municipal, Infrastructure, Finance, Governance]

Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz, alongside municipal leaders from Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Swift Current, North Battleford, Yorkton, Weyburn, Lloydminster, SARM, SUMA, and New North, are traveling to Ottawa on October 6 and 7, 2026, to lobby federal leaders for greater flexibility in cost-shared infrastructure funding. The delegation is advocating for broader project scopes compared to current programs, referencing past initiatives like the Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program, which previously invested more than $2 billion across 460 municipal projects in the province. Discussions also encompass ongoing negotiations regarding the administration of the Provincial-Territorial stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund.

Saskatchewan Increases Court Capacity with New Associate Judges at the Court of King's Bench

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-02 02:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Justice, Governance]

Effective October 1, 2026, The King's Bench Amendment Act, 2026, came into force in Saskatchewan to establish associate judges within the Court of King's Bench, increasing capacity to manage civil and family matters. The legislation establishes a supportive tier of associate judges appointed by the Government of Saskatchewan based on recommendations from Chief Justice M.D. Popescul. An initial roster of five associate judges was appointed, including Louis Browne, K.C., Darcia Connelly, and Rani Grewall from Regina, Cynthia Yelland from Saskatoon, and Registrar in Bankruptcy Alexander Shalashniy. Additionally, the Act establishes a compensation commission and a complaint review council adhering to standard rules and procedures used across Saskatchewan courts.

Saskatchewan Approves Mineral Rights Transfers Supporting Three First Nations' Treaty Land Entitlement Agreements

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-01 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Indigenous, Mining, Resources, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan approved the transfer of Crown mineral rights to the Government of Canada to support Treaty Land Entitlement (TLE) agreements for three First Nations. The approvals include approximately 194.25 hectares (480 acres) for the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, 65.15 hectares (161 acres) for the Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation, and 64.75 hectares (160 acres) for the Pasqua First Nation. These transfers advance the reserve creation process under historic treaty obligations, contributing to a total of approximately 900,970 acres transferred to reserve status in Saskatchewan under TLE agreements as of September 2026.

Saskatchewan Modernizes Defamation Laws for the Digital Age

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-10-01 21:30:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Justice, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan enacted The Defamation Act, replacing the century-old Libel and Slander Act of 1909 to modernize the province's legal framework for digital communications and online misinformation. Spearheaded by Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod and informed by a March 2024 report from the Law Reform Commission of Saskatchewan chaired by Michael Milani, K.C., the new legislation eliminates the distinction between libel and slander, applies equally to all digital and traditional media publishers, decommissions the outdated newspaper register, and establishes a single cause of action for publications and republications. Additionally, the Act grants Saskatchewan courts the specific authority to issue take-down and de-indexing orders against third parties regarding harmful online content.

The From Many Peoples, Strength Act Comes into Force

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-09-10 03:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Culture, Governance]

The Heritage Recognition (From Many Peoples, Strength) Act has officially come into force in Saskatchewan, establishing a unified legislative framework to recognize the heritage months of the province's diverse cultural and faith groups. Unlike the previous system which required annual proclamation requests from individual communities, the new statute codifies these heritage months so they are automatically proclaimed each year. The Ministry of Parks, Culture, and Sport has engaged with representatives from two dozen communities, successfully integrating Japanese and Ukrainian Heritage Months for September, with German, Islamic, Korean, and Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Months anticipated in October.

Government and Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Extend Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority's Online Exclusivity and Announce Gaming Centre Pilot

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-09-01 01:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Indigenous, Economy, Governance]

The Government of Saskatchewan and the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) have amended the 2002 Gaming Framework Agreement (GFA) to extend the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority's (SIGA) online gaming exclusivity via PlayNow.com to September 2029. The amendments increase SIGA's slot machine allocation by 49 to a total of 2,619 machines and approve a new gaming centre pilot project on Flying Dust First Nation featuring up to 49 slot machines as part of a larger commercial development in Meadow Lake.