The Saskatchewan government opened the second session of the 30th Legislature this week with a Throne Speech titled “Strong, Safe, Secure,” setting out a confident agenda focused on economic strength, community safety, and energy security.
The speech underscored Saskatchewan’s position as Canada’s strongest economy, highlighting record investment, population growth, and expanded export markets. Premier Scott Moe’s government framed the session as one of consolidation, focused on affordability, security, and ensuring reliable energy for the future while responding to global trade instability and domestic affordability pressures.
Key points from the Throne Speech included:
A Strong Economy and Trade Expansion:
The government emphasized that Saskatchewan leads the country in job growth, capital investment, and low unemployment. New measures include a Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act to reduce interprovincial trade barriers and a continued focus on expanding export markets through nine international trade offices and trade missions to Asia, Europe, and the U.S. The Premier reaffirmed a collaborative reset with Ottawa through the “Strong Saskatchewan, Strong Canada Plan,” calling for tariff removal on agri-food exports, repeal of the federal Clean Electricity Regulations, and new economic corridors and pipeline capacity.
Energy Security:
The government announced the Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan, focused on extending the life of coal-fired plants and advancing small modular nuclear development to ensure affordable, reliable power. The province continues to position itself as a leader in critical minerals and natural resource development.
Affordability and Tax Relief:
The government reaffirmed Saskatchewan’s status as Canada’s most affordable province, rolling out the second phase of its four-year personal income tax cut, saving a family of four nearly $3,000 annually, increasing to $4,000 by 2028. More than 54,000 residents have been removed from the provincial tax rolls. Ongoing measures under The Saskatchewan Affordability Act will continue to support seniors, low-income residents, homeowners, and families through targeted tax credits.
Safer Communities:
A significant focus was placed on public safety, including hiring 100 additional municipal police officers, expanding the Saskatchewan Marshals Service by 70 officers, and funding 180 new RCMP positions. New legislation, the Response to Illicit Drugs (RID) Act and the Compassionate Intervention Act will crack down on traffickers while providing mandatory treatment for individuals whose addictions pose risks to themselves or others. The government also committed to a renewed Provincial Approach to Homelessness with expanded outreach and supportive housing.
Education and Child Care:
The government will introduce a Building Schools Faster Act to accelerate school construction, and fund 500 new teachers to address classroom complexity and enrollment pressures. A renewed focus on early literacy will include a $2 million investment in Kindergarten–Grade 3 reading outcomes. Saskatchewan has now reached over 90% of its commitment for 28,000 new $10-a-day childcare spaces and will negotiate a new federal agreement before the current one expires in 2026.
Healthcare Investments:
Progress continues under the Health Human Resources Action Plan, with Saskatchewan adding 346 doctors and over 2,000 nurses since 2022. A new nurse practitioner contract model will expand access to primary care, with a goal of ensuring every resident has a family doctor or nurse practitioner by 2028. The government remains committed to performing 450,000 surgeries over the next four years and expanding urgent care services in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, and North Battleford.
Agriculture and Rural Support:
New farmland security regulations prohibit pension plans from owning farmland, reinforcing local ownership. AgriStability caps have doubled to $6 million, and new animal welfare inspectors will be established under The Animal Protection Act.
Culture, Community and Identity:
Among lighter measures, the government announced The Tailgating Act to legalize pre-game tailgating events at Mosaic Stadium by the 2026 season. The “From Many Peoples, Strength” Act will formalize the recognition of cultural heritage observances and awareness days in provincial law.
“Premier Moe’s government used this Throne Speech to demonstrate steady hands in uncertain times,” said Tyler Willox, Principal for Western Canada at Upstream Strategy Group, noting that “the emphasis on security, affordability, and a stronger relationship with Ottawa signals a pragmatic tone as the province navigates economic and political change.”
Following the Throne Speech, the Legislature is expected to sit for a brief fall session before adjourning for the holidays.
With the government outlining its legislative and fiscal priorities for the coming year — and reaffirming commitments to economic strength, affordability, and public safety — now is an ideal time to plan your advocacy efforts. Upstream Strategy Group would be pleased to discuss how we can help advance your objectives in Saskatchewan.
