September 17, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Saskatchewan Housing Industry Releases Joint Election Platform

Multiple housing industry associations held a joint press conference yesterday to announce an election platform ahead of this fall’s vote.

Chris Guerette, CEO of the Saskatchewan REALTORS Association, Nicole Burgess, CEO of the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association, Stu Niebergall, CEO of the Regina and Region Home Builders’ Association, and Cameron Choquette, CEO of the Saskatchewan Landlord Association all spoke about their plan, titled Secure Homes, Strong Future: A Housing Policy Blueprint for Saskatchewan.

The document calls for the next provincial government to implement a range of policy changes to bring down the cost of housing. The proposed changes include reducing the provincial sales tax (PST) on new construction from six to four percent, reinstating the home renovation tax credit, and adding a tax credit for seniors who want to renovate their homes to improve functionality. The report also calls for the province to make the secondary suite incentive permanent. It also calls for a regulatory change, calling on the province to delay the implementation of tier three of the National Building Code, which is set to go into effect in January.

Guerette stated, “A plan for growth cannot exclude bringing more housing to market.” The group says 60,000 to 80,000 new units are required by 2030 to keep pace with population growth.

Burgess said the provincial government has downloaded costs to municipalities, like the high school land levy. “This new cost, which will add roughly $2,000 per new single family home starting Jan. 1, will ultimately be passed on to new home owners, further eroding affordability.”

The group said they have fresh polling data that shows 66% of people in Saskatchewan are concerned about housing.

The group’s full plan can be viewed here.

Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association

Learn more about the great work the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association and its members are doing at saskheavy.ca.

Saskatchewan Government touts Growth Plan achievements

The Government of Saskatchewan released its progress report on the state of the decade of growth plan announced in 2019. Cabinet ministers Jeremy Harrison, Jim Reiter, and David Marit made the announcement at a Pilot Butte business on Tuesday.

When it comes to trade, the value of exports from Saskatchewan to markets around the world has skyrocketed. In 2023, the value of exports reached $49.3 billion, surpassing the goal of $46 billion by 2030. Saskatchewan has also exceeded its goal to increase the number of international markets to which the province exports over $1 billion. Saskatchewan now has nine markets with over $1 billion in exports, up from five in 2019.

With more than 1.23 million people now calling Saskatchewan home in 2024, the province appears to be on its way of achieving its goal of 1.4 million residents by 2030.

Minister of Energy and Resources Jim Reiter said in a release, “Through responsible regulation and effective policies, the Ministry of Energy and Resources continues to work with our mining, oil, gas and forestry partners to improve and grow our natural resource economy. We continue to track positively for meeting our government’s 2030 Growth Plan Goals.” 

The full growth plan can be found here.

Sponsored by Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

Join the Saskatchewan Chamber for two pre-election dialogues with the New Democratic Party and the Saskatchewan Party ahead of the provincial election.

These events offer a chance to hear directly from party leaders about their visions for Saskatchewan’s future. Engage in key discussions on growth, innovation, and policies shaping the province.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain a well-rounded perspective before election season, learn more and register here.

NDP promises kick-start loans for new entrepreneurs

Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck is continuing to release policy ahead of the upcoming provincial election. This week, she made an announcement geared toward small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Beck says new businesses with up to ten staff will be able to apply for a loan of up to $40,000 for buying or improving the land or buildings to be used, for new or used equipment, buying new or existing leasehold improvements, such as renovations to a leased property by a tenant, and intangible assets and working capital costs.

The loans will be repayable within five years with an interest rate that will be the government’s cost of capital plus 1 percent, and 25 percent of the loan may be forgiven, based on the applicant’s repayment record.

Sponsored by CNIB

Contested Mayoral race in Weyburn between incumbent and councillor

The City of Weyburn will have a competitive Mayoral race this fall with incumbent Mayor Marcel Roy announcing he will seek a third consecutive term. Earlier this year incumbent councillor Jeff Richards announced he would be campaigning for the top job.

Roy told the media there is a clear choice this fall, saying, “We must remain vigilant. While we’ve set a strong course for Weyburn, it’s easy for misguided policies, no matter how well-intentioned, to lead us down a path we’ve seen before.” said Roy. “I have always stood, and will continue to stand, for common-sense, practical solutions that ensure the safety of our community, the strength of our financial health, and support for local businesses and families.”

He stated that municipal governments exist to serve the public, not the other way around. He said, “This election will be a choice between proven leadership with a track record of success or untested ideas and agendas that could jeopardize the progress we’ve made together.”

In the 2020 election, Roy won with 56% of the vote.

Sponsored by Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan

More news and info

• Gould calls Poilievre a 'fraudster' over his carbon price warning (Canadian Press)

• Bloc Quebecois won’t support non-confidence motion based solely on carbon tax, MP says (CBC News)

• TikTok ‘fighting for its life’ in legal battle (CTV News)

• SEARCH: How often does your MP speak in the House of Commons? (CBC News)

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