What to Expect
In Saskatchewan, the Premier’s plan to send help to Germany to aid Ukrainian refugees changed the channel from some of the less-popular aspects of the budget (especially extending the PST to things like Riders tickets and gym memberships).
Meanwhile, in Manitoba, the Red River is expected to crest between April 8 and 15, and the government response to possible flooding will be in the spotlight.
The Week That Was
Saskatchewan
In support of the fight against money laundering, the Government of Saskatchewan is investing $1.66 million into the Civil Forfeiture Program. Increased investment will add four investigators, three legal counsel and a criminal analyst to the program, which seeks the forfeiture of property tainted by unlawful activity in the province.
The governments of Ontario, New Brunswick, Alberta, and Saskatchewan have released A Strategic Plan for the Deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Building on a feasibility study released by provincial power utilities in 2021, the joint report identifies five key priority areas for SMR development and deployment:
Positioning Canada as an exporter of global SMR technology by propelling three separate streams of SMR development, covering both on-grid and off-grid applications.
Promoting a strong nuclear regulatory framework that focuses on the health and safety of the public and the environment while ensuring reasonable costs and timelines.
Securing federal government commitments on financial and policy support for new SMR technologies that would lead to vast economic benefits across the country and help meet our emissions reduction targets.
Creating opportunities for participation from Indigenous communities and public engagement.
Working with the federal government and nuclear operators on a robust nuclear waste management plan for SMRs.
Manitoba
The Manitoba government has launched its first health-related social impact bond, Quit Smoking with Your Manitoba Pharmacist, to support thousands of people in becoming non-smokers over a three-year period.
The Manitoba government’s highly successful watershed districts program is expanding to include eight new municipal partners. 111 of the 137 municipalities in Manitoba are now part of the program.
