Nykole King
Regina Leader-Post
After a three-month break, MLAs from all corners of the province returned to the Saskatchewan Legislative Building this week.
Although Premier Scott Moe was overseas in India on a trade mission, the first few days of the 10-week session gave us a glimpse of what’s to come as the spring sitting unfolds.
The budget
The Sask. Party government is expected to unveil its 2026-27 budget on March 18.
During MLAs’ first week back, debates arose about the forthcoming budget document — and how the province will reconcile trying to balance the books with the uncertainties of international trade and tariffs.
“I don’t think you’ll see a balanced budget in the country this year,” deputy premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter told reporters after question period on Monday.
The next day, NDP Leader Carla Beck pointed out the province had yet to release a third-quarter report providing a more up-to-date understanding of the government’s spending ahead of budget day.
Reiter said Saskatchewan is in a good position compared to other provinces based on its credit rating and debt-to-GDP ratio (government debt percentage of annual economic output).
Addictions intervention
MLAs resumed discussions on a government bill that would allow for people with substance use disorders to be involuntarily put into recovery programs.
That bill, titled the Compassionate Intervention Act, received approval from Lt-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre on March 2, meaning it’s one step closer to coming into effect.
The royal recommendation from the lieutenant-governor approves the use of public revenue if it becomes law.
The next step will be introducing the bill for a second of three readings in the legislature before it can be finalized.
Lori Carr — minister of mental health and addictions, seniors and rural and remote health — said Monday the government plans to introduce the first phase of this initiative in the North Battleford area before expanding throughout the province.
Affordability
The NDP Opposition attempted to introduce two urgent motions earlier in the week, both of which failed.
On Monday, NDP deputy house leader Kim Breckner motioned for the government to address concerns over child poverty. On Tuesday, NDP health critic Meara Conway pushed to freeze the wages of top executives in the Saskatchewan Health Authority until a new contract is finalized for front-line workers.
Multiple unions representing front-line health workers are looking to secure new agreements and are slated to resume talks later this month.
On Thursday, SaskPower critic Aleana Young introduced a bill to reverse rate hikes from SaskPower and SGI. Young’s bill is in reaction to SaskPower’s 3.9-per-cent rate hike, which took effect Feb. 1, and SGI’s 3.75-per-cent increase for June 2026.
The bill proposes to revert back to rates as of Jan. 1 this year. It also requires that a five-year projection of rate increases be disclosed in the Crown Investments Corporation’s annual report.
The bill, titled the Lower Power Bills and Car Insurance Act, is slated to be brought up for a second reading on Monday when the assembly reconvenes.
Football tailgating
The government introduced a bill in October 2025 that would allow Saskatchewan Roughriders fans to party in the parking lot at Mosaic Stadium before home games.
Bill 29, the Tailgating Act, passed its second reading on March 3. It will now be reviewed by the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies, which handles matters around liquor and gaming.
It still requires a third reading before it can receive royal assent.
The Roughriders’ first home pre-season game is scheduled for May 23.
Gun owners’ rights
The province is working to strengthen the rights of Saskatchewan gun owners in response to the federal government’s firearm buyback program.
A newly proposed bill outlines that gun owners should receive fair market value for their prohibited models, which is supported by both sides of the house.
Bill 42, the Saskatchewan Firearms Amendment Act, passed second reading on March 3. It now goes to the Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice for review.
