What to Expect
Saskatchewan
The $500 affordability cheques that will start hitting Saskatchewan mailboxes this week will be a topic of political discussion. After hosting the Grey Cup, the province will now turn to preparing for next week’s Canadian Western Agribition, where – in addition to showcasing the agricultural industry on an international scale – the Government of Saskatchewan will likely make some agriculture and rural-focused announcements.
Regarding legislation, there will be continued discussion around the Saskatchewan First Act. Last week, the Metis Nation pushed back on the Act, emphasizing that its primary relationship is with the federal government. Expect affordability and healthcare to also be topics top of mind in the Legislature.
Manitoba
Manitoba ’s eyes turn to the new Legislative session, which was kicked off with a Speech from the Throne last Tuesday. It was also announced that a byelection will be held on December 13 in Kirkfield Park. The seat wasleft open following the resignation of Minister Scott Fielding in June. The riding has been held by the PCs for 32 of its 41 years in existence.
The Week That Was
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) midterm convention was held last week. The Government of Saskatchewan timed a number of rural-focused announcements to the event, including a $100 million Rural Fibre Initiativeinvestment to expand SaskTel infiNETTM service to over 80 more towns and villages throughout the province.
Per the 2022 Throne Speech’s identified measures to increasing public safety and reduce crime, the Government of Saskatchewan has introduced amendments to the Police Act, 1990 in an effort to increase flexibility and modernize the Act. Some changes are as follows:
- Allow the Minister direct authority to intervene where there are administrative or operational deficiencies within a municipal police agency.
- Give the province more flexibility to designate police services under section 24.1 of the Act.
Manitoba
The Legislative session opened with a Throne Speech, delivered by Lt.-Gov Anita Neville. The Speech outlines the legislative priorities of the government, including:
- helping make communities safer;
- helping families make ends meet;
- strengthening health care and reducing surgical and diagnostic backlogs;
- helping make Manitoba more competitive;
- helping protect the environment, climate and parks;
- helping build stronger communities; and
- advancing reconciliation.
The provincial government also introduced legislation to increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour by October 2023.
