Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe gestures while speaking during a press conference before the Speech from the Throne in Regina on Nov. 25. The Saskatchewan government has passed two pieces of legislation tied to affordability relief that Moe first promised in his election campaign earlier this fall. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu)
Regina – Premier Scott Moe's government made good on its fall election promises by passing two significant bills Thursday aimed at easing financial pressures on Saskatchewan residents.
One of the bills, the Saskatchewan Affordability Act, introduces measures to lower personal income taxes, potentially saving a typical family of four over $3,400 across four years. Another bill ensures residents remain exempt from paying the federal carbon levy on home heating, which could save households an estimated $480 in the coming year.
“These laws strengthen Saskatchewan’s position as one of the most affordable places to live, work, and raise a family,” said Finance Minister Jim Reiter, while acknowledging the financial challenges residents face.
The affordability bill also introduces tax credits for first-time homebuyers and home renovations, offering up to $420 in annual savings. It maintains the small business tax rate at 1% and doubles benefits for families enrolling children in sports or arts programs.
Regarding the carbon levy legislation, Crown Investments Minister Jeremy Harrison explained that it protects SaskEnergy, the provincial gas utility, from legal repercussions for withholding levy payments to the federal government. The law solidifies the province’s control as the sole distributor of natural gas through at least 2025.
Saskatchewan has not remitted carbon levy payments to Ottawa over the past year, arguing for an exemption following the federal government's decision to carve out heating oil. While a temporary agreement has been reached, the province has only paid half of what Ottawa claims is owed, pending further resolution.
Opposition Calls for More Action
NDP Leader Carla Beck voiced support for the bills, acknowledging the relief they bring, but urged the government to do more. Beck proposed suspending the provincial gas tax of 15 cents per liter and removing taxes on certain ready-to-eat grocery items, such as rotisserie chickens.
“We’ll keep pushing for the issues Saskatchewan residents care about,” Beck said.
The NDP introduced two emergency motions, both of which were defeated by government members. One called for an investigation into high food prices in northern communities, where 27 cases of scurvy, caused by severe vitamin C deficiency, were reported in six months. Premier Moe said his government is working with affected communities but argued that federal policies also need reform to lower food costs.
The second motion sought testimony from former Saskatchewan Party MLA Gary Grewal after the conflict-of-interest commissioner found he violated rules when his hotels conducted business with the government. Grewal, who did not seek re-election, has since become a private citizen. Moe said summoning a private individual to testify before the legislature would be unprecedented.
New Legislation to Target Street Weapons
The government also unveiled a bill to give police expanded powers to seize weapons such as knives, swords, machetes, body armor, explosives, and bear spray in an effort to enhance public safety.
