From economic growth and increasing school construction to major health care investments and strengthened community policing, Saskatchewan’s momentum is clear. These are not just initiatives of our government; they’re building blocks for the quality of life we all want for today and for generations.
The latest data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation shows Saskatchewan is topping the charts. Housing starts in our province increased by 50.8 per cent in the first ten months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, ranking first among the provinces. This growth is an important economic indicator: more families are choosing to put down roots here at home.
To ensure our growing communities have the schools they need, our government introduced the Building Schools Faster Act, which will streamline how land is acquired for new schools. This legislation will bring greater predictability to school planning and development in communities that are quickly expanding. We will continue to support the growing number of families calling Saskatchewan home and help give students their best start.
One of our biggest investments continues to be in health care, especially in Prince Albert, where the new Victoria Hospital tower is under construction and making excellent progress. It will feature a heliport, a larger emergency department, dedicated pediatric and maternity care spaces, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and a First Nations and Métis cultural space. Once complete, the hospital will increase its inpatient capacity from 173 to 242 beds. These investments will also benefit northern Saskatchewan, supporting health care access for years to come.
Safety is vital for our communities where we live and raise our families. That’s why our government is continuing to invest in municipal policing. In Prince Albert, for example, we’re providing $3.69 million through the 2025-26 Municipal Police Grant program to support 26 specialized police positions in the community. We’re also supporting the Prince Albert Police Service’s Emergency Response and Crisis Negotiation Team with over $54,000 in funding to purchase high-quality communications equipment. This gear will help maintain clear, secure communication during high-risk incidents, protecting both officers and the public.
Our government continues to strengthen programs that prevent homelessness and expand support for individuals experiencing housing instability through the Provincial Approach to Homelessness (PATH). Over the next three years, we are committing up to $20 million in additional funding to build on the progress already made. Since PATH’s launch in 2023, more than $98 million has been invested in homelessness services across the province. By working closely with service providers, municipalities, the federal government, and Indigenous and community organizations, we are helping individuals and families transition to stable housing and enjoy an improved quality of life.
As the fall session of the Legislative Assembly continues, I remain dedicated to representing your interests and addressing what matters most to our community. If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas to share, please feel free to reach out. You can contact my constituency office by phone at (306) 922-2828, by email at pacarltonmla@sasktel.net, or in person at Bay 4 – 406 South Industrial Drive. I look forward to connecting with you and continuing to work together toward a stronger, brighter future for everyone.
