Budget Debate (25 March 2025)

From Hansard (25 March 2025)

 

Budget Debate

Hon. Travis Keisig: — Well thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And before I get started, I really want to thank the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s for a wonderful reception, a great meal, and good conversation. Those cattle producers are entering into the calving season, Mr. Speaker. They’re going to be working very hard, and we thank them for all the hard work they do all across the province.

In my response to the Throne Speech in the fall, Mr. Speaker, I talked about my wife and family. But I talked about it a little bit later, so I wanted to talk about them at the very beginning of my speech, Mr. Speaker.

My wife is very busy with her work at the RM [rural municipality] of Tullymet, and she’s also serving as the president of the RMAA [Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association of Saskatchewan]. And at this year’s SARM [Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities] convention she addressed 2,500 SARM delegates as the president of the RMAA. She had a great speech and did a very good job. It was very well done.

I’ve got two wonderful daughters, Mr. Speaker. My oldest one is a nurse working in Regina and Fort Qu’Appelle. She works very, very hard and really enjoys her work. There’s always some challenges with the nursing field, but she’s a good person, Mr. Speaker, and she really cares for what she does.

My other daughter, Sharlize, is a veterinary technician working at a veterinary business in Yorkton. And she started with a new veterinarian team, and she’s really enjoying the team and really enjoys all of the work she does out there.

I want to thank all of the staff in the Minister of Environment’s office, Mr. Speaker. It has been a real whirlwind since being sworn into cabinet and taking on those duties and the incredibly hectic pace that we work in there. But my chief of staff, Kenneth; my communication, Kielle; my caseworker, Kris; and my admin, Jessika, do absolutely fantastic work. And you know, I’m really proud of them. Like they really go above and beyond in some really short timelines, and unbelievable work ethic that they all have. So I’m very happy for having the opportunity to work alongside them.

My constituency assistant, Tina, we’ve worked together for over five years now, Mr. Speaker. She is just an exemplary person that I have the privilege to work with. She’s always doing something for the benefit of the constituency. And she is, you know, really dialled in to what happens in the community, Mr. Speaker, is a good way to put it. So she is an excellent part of the team.

And I mean, we always have to thank the constituents of Last Mountain-Touchwood. We might serve in cabinet in different positions, but we are elected members of the Legislative Assembly for the constituency that we serve. So I always keep it top of mind, Mr. Speaker, that we will always represent the people in our community.

Listening to the debate speeches, budget debate speeches, Mr. Speaker, has been really, it’s been really interesting. And last night the member from Saskatoon Fairview said that we’re not talking about tariffs enough. So I went home and I rewrote my whole speech, and I’m going to spend a little bit of time talking about tariffs. And I really enjoy history, Mr. Speaker, because if you can look into the past you can always see the future.

So this is not the first time the United States has imposed tariffs on Canada. In 1890 the McKinley Tariff raised import duties to nearly 50 per cent. And it’s very important to note, Mr. Speaker, that the McKinley Tariff was also an attempt by the United States to use tariffs to annex Canada. We know that this effort was unsuccessful. At the time, United States recognized how dependent Canada was on the US [United States] market. And the US truly hoped that Canada would become increasingly reliant on American markets, potentially leading to its eventual statehood. Initially tariffs started at 25 per cent and were later increased to over 50. I don’t know about you, Mr. Speaker, but this sounds eerily familiar. But it didn’t work. We know that, and we’re all very happy to be Canadians and proud Saskatchewanians.

So during the Great Depression, as the global economy declined, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff was enacted. This was another attempt by US government for protectionist measures for their producers, and we know that that did not work out well for the global economy at all.

In 1982 the softwood lumber dispute emerged when the US lumber industry expressed displeasure with the low stumpage rates in Canada, claiming there was an advantage over the United States. Canada proposed to increase the rates by 10 per cent; however the United States proceeded to impose a 15 per cent duty on Canadian lumber.

In 2018 the United States placed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada. And we saw the Trump administration’s attempt to protect American industries. These tariffs were in place until 2019 when Canada and the US decided to remove all the tariffs. We can work together, Mr. Speaker, and that is the message I want to get out tonight. There’s always challenges and different negotiations, but we can work together.

And the important . . . the one thing about tariffs, Mr. Speaker, that is not getting the media coverage that it should be is the Chinese tariffs are far more damaging to Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan industries than the 25 per cent from the Americans.

The important thing to understand, for each and every person on either side of the border wherever they are, the truth about tariffs is that they reduce jobs, do nothing for economic growth, and the consumer is the individual in the end that is hurt the most by all of these disputes. We need a plan where both countries see balance and fairness, leading to more jobs and an economic win for both nations.

And the opposition, Mr. Speaker, is always running around with a lot of hyperbole and exclamations. We need stability, we need professionalism, and we need diplomacy, Mr. Speaker. And we’re always thankful that Saskatchewan has elected a government with a proven track record since 2007 of having a solid plan, a plan that allows for thoughtful decision making rather than knee-jerk reactions.

It’s crucial for governments to carefully consider our next steps, knowing that the decisions will have a lasting impact on their citizens. We need elected representatives to look past four-year election cycles and truly embrace the big picture, and that’s what this government has always provided for Saskatchewan people. Whether it’s our nine international trade offices, horribly criticized by the members opposite, or our long-standing support of energy infrastructure that the members opposite have also stood against, this government has always had a long-term vision for projects that benefit all Saskatchewan people.

With the recent struggles with our closest trading ally, the pipeline debate is front and centre on a national stage, and the need for more access to tidewater for the most sustainably produced energy products could not be more evident. This is the party that has always supported the pipelines and our world-class energy sector. I want to thank the member from Moosomin for doing a very good job last night, Mr. Speaker.

Now there’s many naysayers across Saskatchewan and across Canada that say pipelines take too long. They’re too expensive to build. But let’s take a look at that, Mr. Speaker, and let’s look back at a little bit of history. Enbridge Mainline was started in 1950. It runs from Edmonton all the way to Superior, Wisconsin, 1600 kilometres in length. Was completed in 150 construction days, had over 1,500 tradesmen working on it. Completely privately funded.

Trans-Canada pipeline runs from Edmonton to Montreal. Started in 1956, took two years to complete, 3500 kilometres long. Carries natural gas from Western Canada to Eastern Canada. Primarily privately funded. The federal government did step in under John Diefenbaker and provide a little bit of backup funding to it, Mr. Speaker, but once it was completed and operational the government stepped back.

Now I want each and every one of us here today, and watching on TV, just use your imagination and think about how much our technology has improved since 1950s. I mean we have GPS [global positioning system] now to assist the digging equipment, the trackhoes and everything else. We have new welding techniques. We have non-destructive testing tools in place that weren’t available in the ’50s for higher quality control and a better result. We should be able to build these projects faster and more cost competitive, but the reality is we aren’t.

And why is that? There’s a myriad of factors, but one thing I feel strongly about, Mr. Speaker, is government overreach. We need elected officials at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels to move with a sense of purpose and urgency and actually build infrastructure that will benefit all Canadians over the long term.

We will always continue to tell Saskatchewan’s story, Mr. Speaker. It’s imperative. We have that strong economy that attracts people, investment, talent, and businesses. I’m very proud of our government, and we will always advocate for Saskatchewan people and Saskatchewan industries.

I’m going to talk a little bit about the budget now, Mr. Speaker. And the environment budget, it’s very good. The investments in this budget will ensure sustainable habitat for fish and wildlife and advance a lot of innovation as well. This government works to promote industries and sectors across the province that allows for economic growth while leading in environmental stewardship. We know our decisions will have a lasting impact on our future generations, and we’re planning for a future that supports resilient, biologically diverse landscapes. We know that Saskatchewan is blessed with abundant natural resources and world-class producers that provide the food, fuel, fertilizer, and forestry that the world needs.

As the Minister of Environment I’m very proud to support efforts that balance conservation with opportunities for hunters and anglers to truly enjoy our great outdoors. By promoting sustainable practices, we will continue to ensure that future generations enjoy the opportunities that we all have had.

This is one of the reasons why the Ministry of Environment has allocated 1.89 million, an additional 933,000 into Saskatchewan’s 20-year habitat management plan. This strategy will balance development with conservation, using science-based solutions to ensure sustainable fish and wildlife habitats all across the province. The HMP [habitat management plan] emphasizes maintaining biologically diverse landscapes, which aligns with the growth plan with environmental stewardship. This government understands the importance of balancing healthy forests, landscapes, and wildlife.

Engaging and supporting our communities is essential for achieving our environmental goals. Sustainable landscapes and resilient wildlife populations are crucial for our natural resource economy. That’s another reason why, Mr. Speaker, this budget contains one and a half million for woodland caribou habitat restoration. This work will help create jobs in northern Saskatchewan and will help achieve our goal of doubling the growth of the forestry sector by 2030.

I had the opportunity this winter, Mr. Speaker, to tour the great work that Sarcan does in their facilities in Regina. The 2025 budget for Sarcan was $37 million, an increase of nearly $600,000. This grant is collected through the beverage container collection and recycling program.

Sarcan is truly a leader in environmental protection, job creation, and economic growth through its provincial-wide recycling network. And when you tour the facilities, Mr. Speaker, you not only see the good work that they do in recycling and everything else, but you also see the good work they do in the community of creating opportunities for so many people all across the province.

You know, I have the opportunity of representing Last MountainTouchwood, Mr. Speaker. It’s a rural riding and I’m very proud of what this government has done for so many communities in rural Saskatchewan. We see record funding through the municipal revenue-sharing program, which provides no-stringsattached funding to communities to spend on local priorities.

Three-quarters of 1 per cent of the PST [provincial sales tax] goes to municipalities all across the province. And it’s a very important message that we have to get out to every person in Saskatchewan because it really involves municipalities in seeing the economy grow. Because as the economy grows, the spending and the PST will grow, and the municipalities will reap the benefit of that. So as our economy grows, every level of government throughout the province also sees an increased revenue.

One great project in the budget, Mr. Speaker, we’ve increased funding for the community rink affordability grant. Our government is doubling that amount to offset the costs of operating skating and curling rinks. This program supports about 600 ice surfaces across the province, and in my constituency alone, Mr. Speaker, there’s over 21 facilities that will be supported through this grant.

Another great item in the budget, Mr. Speaker, is some of the funding through our provincial parks. We are truly fortunate to have some of the best campground sites and truly hidden gems all spread out throughout the province, with breathtaking scenery. Twelve-and-a-half-million-dollar investment for capital projects and infrastructure upgrades for provincial parks is going to make for a great camping season this summer, Mr. Speaker.

One million dollars awarded to regional parks is going to be very well received all across the province. This funding is going to be used to build new seasonal campsites at regional parks all across the province. These are sites that are leased for the year and open for the entire summer season. You know, it’s very important as a government, Mr. Speaker, that we continue to enhance quality of life for each and every citizen all across the province.

There’s something I want to talk about here, Mr. Speaker. It’s a pilot program I had the privilege of announcing at the annual SARM convention. This is something that SARM and SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association] have been asking for for a long time. And in this pilot that I announced, Mr. Speaker, it’s going to allow municipalities that have a fire service agreement with their volunteer fire department to use any derelict buildings — that the municipality deems is a derelict building — to be able to use them for volunteer firefighter training scenarios. This is a great pilot, Mr. Speaker, very popular at the SARM convention. I’m looking forward to talking about it again at the SUMA convention. And hopefully we will see it all rolled out in November.

Health care is always a huge part of the budget, Mr. Speaker, and improving access is truly a priority for this government. This budget allocated 8.1 billion to the Ministry of Health, an $88 million investment to enhance access to acute health care services for safer and more responsive patient care. And this initiative also included improving kidney health programs and dialysis services by adding 30 full-time positions. These additional resources will help meet patient demand closer to home in Meadow Lake, North Battleford, Tisdale, Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon, and Fort Qu’Appelle, which is a community just outside the constituency of Last Mountain-Touchwood.

Something that is very popular across the constituency that I represent, Mr. Speaker, is the diabetes glucose coverage. We’re expanding also no-cost coverage for glucose monitoring systems and supplies for seniors and young adults aged 25 and under who use insulin to manage their diabetes. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to the health and well-being of our residents, particularly those living with diabetes — a life-altering and costly disease for many all across the province. Improving the lives of those living with diabetes is another way our government is delivering for the citizens of this province.

The budget also includes an investment in education. It is another huge spend of the provincial budget, Mr. Speaker. But there’s a couple of points I want to make in the overall budget: 191 million in education capital, and the preventative maintenance and renewal, PMR, funding of 65 million to allow school divisions to maintain their existing facilities. This budget also includes 15 million for minor capital renewal projects that allow school divisions to address structural repairs and renovations to prolong the life of schools all across the province.

This PMR funding is going to be really huge for rural Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker, and many people in the Last Mountain-Touchwood constituency. Horizon School Division is going to see an increase from last year’s 2.3 million and Prairie Valley School Division will see an increase from last year’s 2.4 million. These are real results, and we’re delivering a budget that has real impacts on our next generation. We are seeing record growth in our province but this party, and only our party, is standing up to meet the needs and these challenges, Mr. Speaker.

On budget day, Mr. Speaker, we had many conversations with many people and met with many of the colleagues and different people. But I had a very good visit with the Saskatchewan school board president, Shawn Davidson and Prairie Valley School Board Chair, Janet Kotylak.

They really talked about how grateful they were for the PMR funding and how impactful it’s going to be for their communities and the schools that they represent. This funding allows them to continue to be able to keep maintaining these existing facilities. And they’re in the best position to make those decisions, Mr. Speaker. And it’s a simple program but it’s very effective.

Now there isn’t a rural MLA [Member of the Legislative Assembly] that should ever stand up and talk about a budget speech, Mr. Speaker, and not make a couple notes about highway infrastructure. Highways are absolutely critical for each and every rural person . . . [inaudible interjection] . . . Yeah, absolutely.

But one of the very exciting things in the budget was the passing lanes on Highway 10 from Fort Qu’Appelle to Melville. These passing lanes have been incredibly successful all across Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. The first ones built were from Fort Qu’Appelle to Balgonie as a pilot, and they worked really well, like they’re affordable to build and the flow of traffic is seamless.

I’ve driven that highway thousands and thousands of times, Mr. Speaker, and before those passing lanes, particularly in the summer rush, I mean it was a virtual death sentence between people going to the lakes with campers and boats and the tremendous flow of traffic into the city and everything else. And now it’s just another relaxing drive with every 7 miles there’s a passing lane, so you just wait your time. And people have been very respectful and very knowledgeable on how passing lanes work — an incredible success story all across the province.

One thing that the budget showed . . . And these are statistics that, you know, economists talk about and political figures talk about, but not a lot of ordinary people talk about, Mr. Speaker. But I want to put it in a kind of a different context. So we talked about our AA credit rating which is very good, and we talk about the second-lowest debt-to-gross-domestic-product, GDP, across the country. But there’s a very interesting statistic I want to talk about the economy, Mr. Speaker, and it’s a record-setting statistic and it truly shows how strong and growing economy Saskatchewan is going.

This winter, Mr. Speaker, we had an absolute record-breaking number of snowmobiles registered across the province of Saskatchewan — 13,226 snowmobiles registered in the province of Saskatchewan. Record-setting year. And it shows how much faith Saskatchewan people have in the economy and their ability to provide for their families and have a little bit of extra money for some wonderful time spent in a family setting outdoors.

So I’m almost out of . . . Oh, I am over the time, Mr. Speaker. As I wrap up my speech, there’s a few things I want to talk about. Saskatchewan has the food, fuel, and fertilizer that the world needs. In our platform we were the party that had a plan for growing our province and growing our economy. On this side of the House, Mr. Speaker, we are committed to protecting the competitiveness of Saskatchewan businesses, and on this side of the House we believe environmental stewardship goes hand in hand with the economy. We need a growing and strong economy to provide for that, as the Minister of Finance said, “for the things that matter — health care, education, community safety.” Saskatchewan products are the solution to the problems we see interprovincially and globally, Mr. Speaker.

We are currently in a federal election, Mr. Speaker, and this question needs to be posed to each and every member of this Assembly: who are we going to support in the federal election? Are we going to support individuals that want to see this country brought together, see us succeed, see infrastructure built all across the country? It’s a very important question, particularly to the members opposite.

I want to thank the Premier for his leadership in these challenging times, for all of his work and truly his dedication to the province of Saskatchewan. I want to thank the Finance minister for preparing the budget and all of the members on treasury board for doing their due diligence and bringing forward a balanced budget.

Thanks to this government, we’ve made this province a place people are truly proud to call home. Saskatchewan’s the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I’m very proud of our government’s record of building a strong economy and strong communities, and we always have to protect that, Mr. Speaker.

I’m very proud to support this budget. I will be supporting in favour of this budget seconded by the member from White CityQu’Appelle, and I will not be supporting any amendments. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

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