Legislative Report
December 5, 2024

Keeping Saskatchewan's Economy Strong

Our government kicked off the thirtieth session of the Saskatchewan Legislature with the Speech from the Throne, entitled “A New Beginning.” Along with committing to record investments into health care, education and affordability, our government looks forward to continuing to invest in Saskatchewan’s strong economy and vibrant communities.

We will ensure that Saskatchewan is one of the best places in Canada to grow a small business by keeping the small business tax rate at one per cent.

To support the next generation of young entrepreneurs, we will create a young entrepreneur bursary. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce will be provided with funding to work with local Chambers of Commerce to award a $5,000 bursary to a promising young entrepreneur in their community.

To support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in Saskatchewan, our government will develop a new investment tax incentive based on a proposal from the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce.

To ensure more young people continue to work, live and raise a family in Saskatchewan after they graduate, our government will increase the Graduate Retention Program benefit by 20 per cent. The maximum benefit for a student with a four-year degree will increase from $20,000 to $24,000. The benefit for graduates of one-, two- and three-year programs will also increase by 20 per cent.

Our government will introduce a $5,000 Class 1 Driver Training rebate to help offset the cost of truck driver training.

Helping Saskatchewan Communities

We are committed to growing vibrant communities through revenue sharing and additional support to keep our communities vibrant. Municipal Revenue Sharing increased to a record $340.2 million this year, allowing local governments to invest in local priorities.

To provide communities with additional assistance, our government will double the Community Rink Affordability Grant from $2,500 to $5,000 per ice surface. We will also make it more affordable for school community councils and parents to construct or refurbish school playground equipment through a new School Playground Equipment Fund.

Our government is prioritizing making communities safer by continuing our effort to add 500 more police officers and 500 more addictions recovery spaces. We will also strengthen legislation to keep our communities and neighbourhoods safer.

Amendments to The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act will provide officers with additional authority to shut down nuisance properties.

Further legislative and regulatory changes will address disruptive behaviour on public property.

Much of today’s crime in our communities is being driven by drug addiction. That is why we are creating 500 recovery spaces to help individuals access treatment and leave a life of addiction.

As our government makes these investments and continues the work towards a strong economy and vibrant communities, I look forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to reach out to my office using the contact information at the bottom of this web page.