Our province is moving forward with strength and purpose. From steady job growth to targeted investments in health care, housing and community safety, we continue to build on that momentum and deliver real results for families in Prince Albert and across Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan’s economy is off to a strong start in 2026. Statistics Canada data show that in January our province added 15,000 new jobs year-over-year, the second highest among the provinces. Saskatchewan also continues to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at 5.3 per cent, well below the national average of 6.5 per cent. These numbers reflect the strength of our industries and the growing opportunities available here at home. Our government will continue building on this progress by working with employers and industry leaders to ensure they have access to the skilled workforce needed to fill the jobs they are creating.
A growing economy allows our government to invest in quality services that matter most to the people of Saskatchewan. The construction of the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital is well underway and is already 25 per cent complete. Upon completion, the new multi-story tower will feature a heliport on the roof, an expanded emergency department, larger operating rooms, and a maternity unit with a new NICU. It will also include new medical imaging services including an MRI, among other key services. The purposefully designed First Nation and Métis cultural space is central to the new main entrance alongside a renovated cafeteria and lobby area. These upgrades will increase inpatient capacity and ensure health care keeps up with the needs of northern Saskatchewan for years to come.
Affordability remains another key focus for our government. We’re building on success with practical tools that increase housing supply, including the Saskatchewan Secondary Suite Incentive. This program covers up to 35 per cent of the total cost to construct a new secondary suite at an owner’s primary residence to a maximum benefit of $35,000. Since its inception in 2023, the program has been incredibly successful with nearly 1,000 new secondary suites added. With the program being extended, the deadline to incur eligible construction costs is now March 31, 2027. For more information, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/taxes-and-investments/tax-credits.
Building safe and vibrant communities starts with strong local policing. That’s why our government is reinforcing its commitment to public safety in Prince Albert by continuing to fund the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods initiative. The Prince Albert Police Service will receive $833,000 to support the recruitment and retention of officers, enhancing frontline policing capacity and improving response times across the city. This investment helps the officers who work directly with residents address local issues and keep neighbourhoods secure.
As your MLA for Prince Albert Carlton, I’m proud of these steps forward, reflecting a strong start to 2026. With another spring legislative session coming up soon, your Saskatchewan Party government looks forward to continuing the important work ahead and making further progress on what matters most. If you have any questions or need assistance with a government program or service, please contact my constituency office at (306) 922-2828 or email pacarltonmla@sasktel.net. You are also welcome to stop by Bay 4 – 406 South Industrial Drive.
