Budget Debate (25 March 2025)

From Hansard (25 March 2025) (Page 20)

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Budget Debate

Blaine McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is indeed an honour to be able to stand in this House, and it’s an honour every day to walk up the stairs that lead to this place. And I hope I never ever lose that. It will be something that I continue to look forward to each day as I enter.

I want to start by just giving a thanks to colleagues, both new and returning. I see energy and enthusiasm to build and protect our great province, and it’s contagious. Thank you very much. And a word of thanks to our caucus staff as well for the support and encouragement. Ang, you’ve got a great team. It’s a pleasure to walk down the halls and notice the vitality and the enthusiasm and the genuine camaraderie that exists there. It’s wonderful.

And I want to thank my constituency staff as well, Brandy and Kelly, keeping me on time, on track, and not forgetting too many things. That’s a bit of a challenge for me. And thank you especially, Brandy, for some of your research that you did for me in putting this speech together.

And last of all I want to thank my family. My beautiful wife of 43 and a half years, with me every step of the way and so supportive. Thank you. And lastly, my family, it’s the reason that my feet hit the floor every day, making sure that I seek to leave this province in a better position than I found it. So I commit to doing that, making sure that this place will be sustainable for many generations.

Now, Mr. Speaker, most know me as a dairy farmer, a dairy farmer in Saskatchewan for over 43 years. And my world has been rather consumed by the industry of agriculture, specifically dairy agriculture. When you drive to town for a supper out, you think about picking up parts. When a piece of land comes for sale, you evaluate its worth. When new technology, new vaccinations, new equipment come on the market, your thoughts and your actions are all about your business.

How will it fit? Would it work? How can I improve it? How can I grow it? How can I make a business the next generation wants to take over and be successful? How can I do all this for the lowest cost and maintaining profitability, all while providing excellent care for the animals, for the infrastructure, for the environment, and honouring the valuable employees that call our farm home?

It occurs to me, Mr. Speaker, that our government is really quite similar. How can our government improve Saskatchewan, grow Saskatchewan, diversify our economy so that we can continue to provide the necessary revenue to deliver for you, the people of Saskatchewan? Delivering affordability, health care, education, safer communities, and strong financial management. This budget does all this and so much more. It continues the guarantee of Saskatchewan being the best place in Canada to live, work, and to raise a family.

Now the people of Saskatchewan entrusted our government with the historic win on October 28th, 2024 — a fifth straight mandate to serve the people of Saskatchewan. 52.3 per cent of those who voted supported and entrusted our party to guide this province.

Now members from across the aisle like to somehow refer to our win as our first loss. Granted we have been asked to be better by the people of Saskatchewan, and we will deliver. However 52 to 40, however you slice it, is a win. And so we commit to delivering for you, the people of Saskatchewan. We will never stop advocating for Saskatchewan’s economic interests to ensure that we remain the greatest place to live in Canada.

As always, our government is committed to maintaining a solid fiscal balance sheet. The government is accountable for the transparent, effective, and efficient use of public resources and we will do that. We will deliver.

Now members opposite have other ideas on how to grow our economy. Well they voted against pipelines that take Saskatchewan oil to tidewater. They voted against removing tariff on Saskatchewan goods to Europe. They voted against the Keystone XL pipeline, which was to be made with Saskatchewan steel. And they voted against the Northern Gateway pipelines. They called the fight against carbon tax a pointless crusade, repeatedly telling us to stop advertising in Dubai and to shutter and close trade offices.

Our government will support Saskatchewan oil being moved across our country by building pipelines. Our government will support Evraz steel and making the steel for those pipelines. Our government will continue to fight the carbon tax, both the consumer carbon tax and the shadow carbon tax, which has potential to be even scarier than what we’ve just gotten rid of.

And our government will continue to work with countries like Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Vietnam, and China, and so many more so that Saskatchewan products can continue to be sold across the world and we continue the push to diversify our export market.

Now our first trade office was opened in 2010 with a partnership between BC [British Columbia], Alberta, and Saskatchewan, and we have continued to add to that number and never look back.

Now it is obvious when you look at the record, His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition have done everything they could to denigrate and completely call into question the mere existence of these trade offices. Until very recently, that is. Mr. Speaker, I’d like the members opposite to listen to these quotes. April 7th, 2001, the member from Regina South Albert, formerly Regina University . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . You’ll like this quote:

. . . the government is spending nine and a half million dollars more to establish four international trade offices, cushy foreign patronage postings with little to show for the shrouded work.

And another, Mr. Speaker. November 8th, 2023 from the same member:

The minister is already spending millions of dollars on the trade offices in Dubai, and now he wants to spend a million dollars more on the most expensive junket in the history of Saskatchewan. Talk about tired and out of touch . . .

Now, Mr. Speaker, since I came into this Legislative Assembly, I learned very quickly that the most used phrase in this Legislative Assembly was the phrase “tired and out of touch.” And I started to take a recording of how many times that phrase was used. And I’m here to report that approximately 400 times that phrase was used since I was elected in August 10th of ’23. We’re going to bring that back in just a moment.

Let’s talk about Dubai, Mr. Speaker. What is just one of the outcomes of COP28 [Conference of the Parties 28] held in Dubai? More than 20 countries signed a declaration to triple nuclear energy capacity globally by 2050. Fuel for the world is what Saskatchewan has. The world’s highest grade uranium reserves are located in the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan.

So, Mr. Speaker, I would submit to you that the only people who have been tired and out of touch are the members opposite, who only recently grasped the fact that we must continue to diversify our economy by finding more outlets for all of our exports. The food, fuel, and fertilizer export that the world needs can only increase in volume and quantity if we get out and tell our story.

Now, Mr. Speaker, I’m here today to say that I’m happy that the blinders have been removed from the eyes of the members opposite. Terrific sayings in the English language that those who try to learn and understand our language have the most difficulty grasping, and oftentimes we use those sayings to get to the obvious truth. But sometimes the history of the saying is misunderstood.

Now many here would know that blinders are simply pieces of leather put on the bridles of horses, especially on teams of horses. And the purpose is to restrict peripheral vision and force the team of horses to focus only on what is directly in front of them. So a person having blinders on is limited in their outlook. They can’t look at an issue from all sides. They are looking from one limited direction. Looking only at the cost ignores the reality that you must, Mr. Speaker, sow to reap.

I can’t help but mention what a neighbouring constituent mentioned about six months ago. His words to me were, if the NDP would come alongside the Sask Party, so much more could get done in our province.

I’m happy to report that this, maybe, maybe this is finally happening, as the Leader of the Opposition just today said on several occasions that she agreed with the Premier. But I’ll say another saying, Mr. Speaker: the proof will be in the pudding. And also, can a leopard really change its spots? I don’t think so. Every now and then the true colour comes out.

So back to sowing and reaping. Now farmers understand the concept that Jesus used to teach his disciples. Despite what seems at times to be impossible odds, the seed must be planted. Trade offices around the world put that concept into practice. When I mention sowing, Mr. Speaker, I’m conscious of the fact that very soon an enormous economic driver will soon be under way in our province, seeding up 40 per cent of Canada’s cultivated acres right here in our province of Saskatchewan — 40 million acres will be sown in a very short time frame. And I trust that the women and men that are putting the seed into the ground and working the long hours will experience safety in all they do and the blessing of rain.

And fertilizers are only one of the required inputs into this vast undertaking. And fertilizer, especially potash, is one of our richest natural resources. I want to take a look at the potash industry in Saskatchewan. Potash in our province was discovered near Radville in 1942 by a company conducting petroleum exploration. Potash, often known as pink gold, a critical mineral that drives our Saskatchewan economy. Saskatchewan is the world’s number one and the most sustainable producer of potash, annually producing almost one-third of global production. Sustainably produced half of the usual emissions that are found around the world.

Now I’m not sure if all members are aware, but potash for agricultural use — fertilizer — isn’t needed as much in Saskatchewan as it is around the world. We have enough naturally occurring in our soils so that most fertilizer recommendations in Saskatchewan contain only small levels of potash. Increasingly more, but small amounts.

So what does that mean? It means we must export it. We must, and we do to over 40 countries, with the largest being the United States, Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Malaysia. There are 11 potash mines in our province exporting more than 22 million tonnes of potash annually.

In 2023, $3.5 billion was invested in capital and $2.4 billion in taxes paid to provincial, federal, and municipal governments. And on top of that, 6,300 employees and another 7,500 contractors work for the potash industry, all paying income taxes on the good wages they are paid.

And I’d also note, Mr. Speaker, that for every direct job in the potash industries, there are another two jobs in supporting industries for every direct job. Saskatchewan potash companies pay over 10 different taxes to provincial and federal and municipal governments. Some of these taxes are based on the amount of potash mined and the price that potash is sold for, so the higher the potash price, the higher the taxes paid.

And according to StatsCan data, Saskatchewan mining companies pay more in royalties. And this is really important. I want everyone to hear this. Saskatchewan mining companies pay more in royalties and taxes to the federal and provincial governments than all the other jurisdictions in Canada combined. That’s a testament to the abundance of the natural resources we have in our province. And again, what the world needs and what our trade offices are helping to promote and sell is the resources of Saskatchewan and the manufacturing that goes along with that.

This past February, I along with many of my colleagues, we were given a tour of the Mosaic Belle Plaine potash mine, the first and the largest successful solution mine in the world, processing a very unique white product. Normally think of potash as pink, but in their case white because of the solution mining. In 1964 Kalium Chemicals first began production at that site. That’s 60-plus years of production. Now Saskatchewan has the largest and richest deposits in the world, and we have the ability to supply the needs for farmers for hundreds of years to come.

Just last week, the member from Regina South Albert was boasting of past leaders and premiers that she listed. Quite a list. And I’m quite sure it was an oversight, but she forgot to mention that two out of two Sask Party premiers will be seen as remarkable leaders themselves that ushered in an age of “watch what we can do,” instead of the doom and gloom that existed for far too long.

For example, in 2017 Brad Wall was at the opening ceremony for a new potash mine in Saskatchewan, K+S. This $4.1 billion investment took approximately five years to build and was the first greenfield potash mine in 40 years. This project was the largest job creator in the province during those construction years. Now K+S had choices in other countries, yet they chose Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. May I submit that stability and predictability under a Sask Party government brought them back.

Mr. Speaker, that really speaks for itself. If you attempt to nationalize and quite literally steal from the investment others have made, then you can expect investment to dry up, in this case for 40 years.

In fact, a quote from Norbert Steiner, K+S Group CEO, I quote:

The Legacy project is of the utmost importance for us. This is why we are investing massive amounts of effort, energy, and capital into this project. We believe that the Legacy project is an investment in the future of our company, an investment in the people of Saskatchewan, and most importantly an investment in a sustainable future.

The minister of Energy and Resources at the time, Tim McMillan:

For the first time in 40 years, a brand new potash mine will be built in our province. The jobs and economic development from this project will continue to grow our economy and keep the Saskatchewan advantage.

And so it has. Now let’s go back to those questions. How can our government improve Saskatchewan, grow Saskatchewan, and continue to deliver for you? It’s because of our strong and growing economy that allows this to happen.

Now the member from Regina Mount Royal said recently that this budget isn’t worth the paper it was written on. With that one single statement, the work of a dedicated group of Finance officials was completely disparaged. I have no problem taking that hit myself as a member and us on this side, but our Finance officials worked very diligently to bring the vital information to bear, often in a short period of time, delivering what we had asked for in terms of various scenarios. And I want to express my gratitude for the excellent effort given in such a compressed period of time.

Now, Mr. Speaker, to speak to the contents of that budget based on that foundation of knowing where revenue needs to come from to support it, we want to ensure the revenue is growing and strong. And that allows for the themes of this budget, Delivering for You, and affordability being the first one. And affordability comes from having a balanced budget based on the revenue that we’ve been given to make sure that conditions exist for people to live and have success in this province.

I want to talk a little bit in regards to the affordability and what the municipal revenue sharing has done. It’s a fairly recent program actually when you consider the length of time of the province. It’s only in 2007 and ’08 that that was envisioned. And in that time period, $4.6 billion has been put in the coffers of municipalities, towns, and villages and cities across our province.

Now during the election campaign I often heard that cities, urban communities, are being asked to do so much more with so much less. I don’t see where the “less” part comes in that equation. There’s more been given. Yes, more needs to be done, but the affordability side of it is being provided with the municipal revenue sharing, up to 20 per cent of some budgets across the province.

Affordability. Bringing the largest personal income tax reduction in the province since 2008, which means that an additional 54,000 Saskatchewan residents will no longer be paying provincial income tax — an additional 54,000 added to those that are already on that list.

Continuous and flash glucose monitors. It’s a health initiative and also an affordability issue. You see, monitors are going to be fully covered for eligible children and adults up to 24 years old and seniors age 65 and over. And I had several constituents ask for this, and we delivered. Here’s a quote from Joan King, director of government affairs for Diabetes Canada. And here’s the quote:

Diabetes Canada welcomes the Saskatchewan government’s expansion of the CGM program. These devices are life changing for many people, regardless of age. This expansion will enable more Saskatchewanians to benefit from a CGM device to enhance their blood glucose management and reduce their risk of short- and long-term complications, including severe hypoglycemia.

And so we have the effective management of diabetes, which will save treatment dollars and save dollars to people that require that, making it more affordable for them.

Making the PST [provincial sales tax] rebate on new home construction permanent provides a rebate of up to 42 per cent of the provincial sales tax paid on the purchase of a newly constructed home with a total purchase price of less than 550,000.

Saskatchewan housing benefit helps eligible Saskatchewan renters whose households spend 35 to 45 per cent more of their income on rent and utilities. Again, making housing more affordable.

The graduate retention program, which I love to speak about, increased this year to a maximum benefit of up to 24,000 of tuition fees paid by eligible post-secondary graduates who continue to live and work in Saskatchewan and graduate on or after October 1st, 2024. This program has benefited more than 85,000 graduates over its lifetime, and it’s not going away, saving them collectively over $801 million. And when you start out as a young family graduating from school, the expenses are great. A helping hand is required and we’re providing it.

Here for you in education, Mr. Speaker, an increase of 130 million to fund a new teacher collective agreement and address the pressures of growing student enrolment and the challenges facing today’s classrooms, including the expansion of specialized classroom support to 50 more this year based on the success of the eight pilot projects last year.

Preventative maintenance and renewal. What is it? It’s increased by 30 per cent or $15 million to a total of 65 million to maintain the existing facilities. Many school boards were asking for it and it’s been delivered.

A capital budget, Mr. Speaker, that I’ll just highlight a few items: 28.5 million for relocatable classrooms, along with all the other capital renewable projects that many others have talked about on this side of the House, because you cannot reduce the complexity in the classroom if you don’t have enough classroom space. And so we commit to doing that.

Here for you in health care, just a couple items: enhancing kidney health programs and dialysis services by adding 30 full-time positions to meet patient demand closer to home in Meadow Lake, North Battleford, Fort Qu’Appelle, Tisdale, Moose Jaw, Regina, and Saskatoon.

And expanding access to mental health and addictions service and care by delivering on the commitment to add 500 addictions treatment spaces across the province, doubling the addictions treatment capacity in the public health system. And we won’t stop there, Mr. Speaker.

And supports for 65 enhanced permanent full-time nursing positions in 30 rural and northern locations across the province, building on the 250 positions that were hired over the past few years to improve nursing stability and reduce the reliance on contract nurses. And yes, Mr. Speaker, we are seeing significant reduction in the use of contract nurses. We’re going to continue investments to support the province’s efforts to recruit and retain doctors so that everyone in Saskatchewan has access to a frontline care provider.

And, Mr. Speaker, here for you in regards to community safety, in the upcoming 2025 budget in this fiscal year we will invest the following in community safety: increased funding for RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounted Police] operations, hiring approximately 100 new municipal police officers, hiring 14 new safer communities and neighbourhoods officers personnel, and the hiring of 50 new positions for the Saskatchewan marshals service. That’s an impressive list. And on top of that, the expansion and completion of the Saskatoon Correctional Centre.

Now I want to talk about roads and safe roads within our province. More than 1000 kilometres of improvements on provincial highways, work that has already begun on replacing — and this one is significant — the Highway 1 and No. 2 overpass at Moose Jaw, which I drive through every day, happy to slow down to the 40 kilometres per hour because it’s a construction zone right as we speak. This is a $33.7 million project that will be completed by end of 2026, based on weather conditions obviously. And it’s going to dramatically improve safety and trucking efficiency on a major route which links our export-based economy with Canada and the world.

Now, Mr. Speaker, as I conclude I want to thank the Minister of Finance, the member from Rosetown-Delisle, for the careful deliberation and attention to the detail shown in the preparation of this, his first budget. I’m happy, happy to support his motion to approve this budget, seconded by the member from White City-Qu’Appelle, and I will not be supporting the amendment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.