April 8, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Legislature resumes this afternoon

MLAs return to the legislature today for the final six weeks of session - the final sitting before the next general election in the fall.

In the coming days and weeks, MLAs can be expected to finish budget deliberations and estimates, hold a final vote on the budget, and pass any final legislation in the government’s agenda.

Executive Council budget estimates, colloquially known as “Premier’s Estimates” (basically an extended Question Period), is always a highlight of the spring session, and features an extended back-and-forth between the Opposition Leader and the Premier. Premier’s Estimates is currently scheduled to happen May 1.

Question Period will resume this afternoon and NDP leader Carla Beck will continue to question Premier Scott Moe on similar themes we’ve seen so far, with questions on affordability, healthcare, and education expected to highlight QP.

Both the governing Saskatchewan Party and opposition NDP will continue to position themselves in the minds of voters ahead of the next election.

Teachers working to rule indefinitely

In what the STF is calling a serious escalation in job action, Saskatchewan teachers will be working to rule indefinitely starting today.

In a news conference Friday afternoon, STF President Samantha Becotte said, "These actions only provide more evidence that this government doesn't care about resolving negotiations with teachers. They don't want to be held accountable to any of their commitments because they don't care about students or about public education."

Working to rule will mean teachers begin their shift 15 minutes prior to the first bell and 15 minutes following the end of the day. There will be no extra-curricular activities, no voluntary services, and no lunch-hour supervision.

The STF says negotiations have fallen apart after the government’s refusal to add a line confirming the MOU signed with the SSBA last month.

Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill said he was disappointed. He said that the STF is "moving the goal posts and prioritizing job action that will directly impact students and families instead of returning to the bargaining table."

(CBC News)

Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association

REAL District fails CRA Audit, will have to repay $8M to feds

The struggles are real.

The Regina Exhibition Association Limited, or REAL, has failed a CRA audit on pandemic relief programming and will be required to pay $8 million to the federal government. An audit by the CRA found that REAL was not eligible to receive funding from the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program.

In a memo from Regina City Hall, officials said, “These entities are solely owned by the City through Unanimous Membership Agreement. Similar organizations across the country were also required to repay the funds.”

Economic Development Regina is also required to pay back $918,000 following the audit.

(CTV News Regina)

Sponsored by Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan

Constituency Profile: Prince Albert Northcote

Leading up to the 2024 election, The SKoop Political Briefing is highlighting constituencies that have nominated a candidate from at least both major parties. Today, we look at Prince Albert Northcote. One of the few constituencies with little to no changes after the boundary commission, PA Northcote has consistently been one of the closest races to watch in the province.

The incumbent: Alana Ross defeated Rancourt in the last election by less than 200 votes. Ross worked in the healthcare field for 30 years, including as a nurse.

The challenger: Nicole Rancourt. The NDP held this seat with Rancourt as the MLA from 2016 to 2020, making this a rematch from the last election. Rancourt is a social worker.

The takeaway: This is a tossup. Prince Albert is a battleground for the next election. Both parties want these seats and both leaders have visited the area regularly. Northcote was decided by less than 200 votes in 2020, and it could go either way this time.

Sponsored by Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

More news and info

• Estevan MRI donor pleased with progress, but wants more help with government (CKOM News)

• A battle for hope: the brewing campaign clash between the Conservatives and the NDP (Canadian Press)

• Budget 2024: Here’s what Canadians want from Ottawa (Global News)

• Politicians in the Wild: NDP MLA Nathaniel Teed doorknocks in Saskatoon Meewasin

2024 Election Candidate Tracker