Setting the scene
The Saskatchewan Legislature returned on Wednesday, October 22, for the second session of the 30th Legislature. The provincial election in late 2024 won Premier Scott Moe and his Saskatchewan Party a fifth consecutive majority, although with a reduced seat count and decreasing popularity, particularly in several urban ridings.
During the summer break, trade wars and tariffs played a big role in shaping the Premier’s agenda. Saskatchewan produces over half of Canada’s canola, which has been disproportionately affected by Chinese tariffs. Specifically, in August 2025, China imposed a 76% tariff on Canadian canola seed, along with 100% tariffs on canola oil, meal, peas and other goods. Premier Moe has criticized Prime Minister Carney and the federal government’s trade strategy, arguing that Western Canada is being underrepresented, and their priorities are being sacrificed in trade negotiations for policies that benefit Central Canada. This led to Premier Moe leading a 6-day trade mission to China earlier this fall, accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Kody Blois.
Another reason for Premier Moe’s trip is the ongoing discussion regarding the federal electric vehicle tariffs on China. He has been calling for the removal of Canada’s 100% tariff on China’s EVs, because it triggered the aforementioned Chinese tariffs on Canada’s canola and other goods. Premier Moe is not alone in this belief, as Premier Wab Kinew of Manitoba has been even more forceful in demanding the immediate removal of the EV tariff, arguing that it disproportionately harms the Prairies and the West. This is an ongoing discussion between the Premiers and the federal government, as Ontario Premier Doug Ford is strongly opposed to removing the EV tariff, saying it is essential to protect Ontario’s auto sector.
This EV tariff was originally imposed in October 2024 in tandem with the United States in order to counter Chinese subsidies and protect North American automakers. The federal government is currently reviewing the EV tariff but has no timeline as to when a decision will be made.
Government priorities
Moe’s Saskatchewan Party government will focus this session on affordability, health care, education and safer communities, building off previously made commitments. In particular, Moe specified he wants to ensure Saskatchewan remains the most affordable province in Canada, to ensure people have timely access to surgery and a primary care provider, to improve Kindergarten to Grade 3 reading outcomes, enter into new funding agreements with provincial post-secondary institutions, and to address the mental health and addiction crisis through compassionate care legislation.
In the Throne Speech that opened the Legislature delivered by Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre, the agenda and priorities for the government were set out to support a strong, safe, and secure Saskatchewan. The speech outlined priorities such as maintaining a strong relationship with the federal government to address tariffs from the United States and China and continuing to expand export markets to support diversification.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the importance of energy security through SaskPower to ensure that all Saskatchewan residents can access affordable energy. Further, the speech maintained that public safety is a strong priority for the government, particularly in regard to crime, bail reform and drug use. The government will be releasing an expanded provincial Approach to Homelessness,which will include outreach services and increased support of housing.
The Premier will continue to pursue his Strong Saskatchewan, Strong Canada Plan which outlines 10 key actions for the federal government to take to improve its relationship with Saskatchewan. The policy changes include:
- Negotiations with China to remove tariffs on agricultural products
- Strengthen the criminal code through bail reform
- Removal of the federal carbon tax on home heating
- Transferring the responsibility for output-based pricing systems for heavy emitters to the province
- Repeal the Clean Electricity Regulations and extend the life of coal power plants
- Repeal the Oil and Gas Emissions Cap
- Build trade and economic corridors across the country and facilitate the international flow of goods
- Streamline federal approval processes to encourage investment
- Extend pipeline capacity
- Reform the Impact Assessment Act
Legislation to come
Premier Moe’s majority government was able to push through all their government bills before the Legislature closed for summer break. Following the signing of numerous MOUs between Saskatchewan and other provinces, the government has indicated it will formally introduce legislation to remove interprovincial trade barriers this fall.
The Throne Speech outlined a number of pieces of legislation that will be introduced in the upcoming session:
- The Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act, which will reduce interprovincial trade barriers and promote freer trade within Canada;
- The Response to Illicit Drugs (RID) Act, which will take action to protect families and communities from illegal drugs and crack down on those who profit from them;
- The Compassionate Intervention Act, which will require individuals whose addictions are posing a threat to themselves and others to get the care they need;
- The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act, which will protect victims of online stalking by amending the definition of interpersonal violence to include coercive or controlling behaviour, and cyberstalking;
- Amendments to The Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act, which will ensure child support orders can still be enforced when a parent moves out of province;
- Amendments to The Change of Name Act, which will prevent those convicted of serious crimes from changing their name;
- Amendments to The Saskatchewan Firearms Act, which will protect Saskatchewan gun owners from financial liability resulting from federal firearm prohibitions;
- The Building Schools Faster Act, which will require municipalities to acquire and service sufficient land for the construction of new schools;
- Amendments to The Animal Protection Act, which will strengthen the protection of animals by creating a new animal welfare inspector position and establishing a code of conduct for animal protection officers;
- The “From Many Peoples, Strength” Act, which will allow for the permanent recognition of special days, weeks and months to recognize the important contributions to Saskatchewan made by various cultural groups; and
- The Tailgating Act, which will allow for tailgating events at Mosaic Stadium prior to Roughrider games.
Opposition watch
Saskatchewan NDP
At the recent Saskatchewan NDP Convention, party leader Carla Beck received an 87% approval. She is three years into her leadership role and during the last election was able to double the NDP’s seats in the legislature.
The NDP recently appointed Ron Styles as their transition team lead to guide their hopeful 2028 election campaign. Whether the appointment is overly ambitious or simply due diligence, it sends strong signals that the party is building a narrative around a new NDP government and is taking a serious, prepared and thought-out approach.
This fall they will focus on healthcare matters, the rising cost of living, and the party plans to introduce legislation to bring in rent control. The NDP are also critical of Saskatchewan’s fiscal situation and the province’s debt.
Key dates
- October 22 – Saskatchewan Legislature returns
- November 7-8 – Saskatchewan Party Convention
- March 18, 2026 – Budget Day
For more insights on the Saskatchewan budget, connect with Principal Dale Richardson.
