BarrretMLA

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Report from the Legislature
February 18, 2026

Saskatchewan continues to deliver results across key sectors of our economy and public services. From leading job growth and advancing surgical technology to supporting communities, our government remains focused on initiatives that make a real difference for everyone who calls Saskatchewan home.

New figures from Statistics Canada show Saskatchewan led the nation in year-over-year job growth in January, with 15,000 new jobs added. That represents an increase of 2.5 per cent, the second highest among all provinces. Our province also recorded the second lowest unemployment rate at 5.3 per cent, well below the national average of 6.5 per cent. This growth reflects the strength of our economy and the confidence that industry and employers have in our province. More people working means more opportunity for families, stronger communities and continued economic momentum.

That strength is also reflected in Saskatchewan’s wholesale trade sector. Saskatchewan once again ranked first among the provinces for year-over-year growth, with wholesale trade increasing 14.7 per cent from December 2024 to December 2025. Strong wholesale growth signals a healthy flow of goods through our economy and creates opportunities for Saskatchewan businesses. Our government remains committed to helping companies expand, reach new markets and stay competitive so they can continue creating jobs across the province.

A strong economy allows our government to invest in important services, including innovative health care that delivers better outcomes. Robot-assisted surgeries are strengthening surgical services in our province, with the newly added system located at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. It is now the fourth robotic system operating in Saskatchewan, one of the highest per capita rates of any Canadian province. Two other systems operate at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon, and another was introduced at Pasqua Hospital last fall. With this expansion, more patients will have access to minimally invasive procedures that allow quicker recoveries close to home. Our government extends sincere thanks to our surgeons and health care teams for their ongoing collaboration in expanding surgical access.

We continue to take meaningful action to address gender-based violence. Our government is investing $1.46 million in additional funding through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence. This funding will support 10 organizations and programs across the province. Investments are being allocated based on alignment with the five pillars of the National Action Plan: foundational knowledge; support for survivors and their families; prevention; a responsive justice system; Indigenous-led approaches; and strengthening social infrastructure. Addressing gender-based violence requires sustained action, strong partnerships and targeted investments. Our government is grateful to our partner organizations for the important work they do to help create safer communities for women and girls in Saskatchewan.

Ensuring safety in our communities also means maintaining safe and reliable transportation links, which are essential for remote northern communities, businesses and industries. Construction of ice and seasonal roads usually begins in early winter, with closures occurring by late March, depending on weather conditions. As we move through winter, Highways Minister Kim Gartner is reminding motorists to check the Highway Hotline for the latest road conditions and allowable weights on provincial ice and winter roads before travelling. Residents are encouraged to use the interactive map at https://t.co/ZfTE169jJs for up-to-date information.

Through continued economic development, health care innovation and community investment, your Saskatchewan Party government remains focused building a stronger, more secure future for everyone in the province. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to contact my constituency office at 306-567-2843.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Another night, another win! Congrats to Davidson Cyclones for getting onto the next round of league playoffs by defeating Dinsmore last night! Another great crowd packing the barn in Davidson to cheer on the hometown boys as they chase after a league crown!

Great to see so many volunteers each night making these events happen! Thanks to all that fans for supporting local sports too!

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Saskatchewan's strong wholesale trade growth once again signals a healthy flow of goods through our economy and creates opportunities for Saskatchewan businesses. Our government is committed to helping companies expand, reach new markets, and stay competitive so they can continue creating jobs and driving economic growth across the province. To learn more, visit https://t.co/UFc1jhTL2N.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Family Day!!! Be sure to spend time with your family and enjoy all that Saskatchewan offers today! It’s shaping up to be a great day and I can hardly wait to spend time with my grandkids!!!

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Kenaston is an anchor community in Dakota Arm River! Not only home to a powerful senior hockey team but also home of the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre! A great town council committed to excellence in their community and a strong business hub for the area!

I had a great meet up with the Kenaston Town Council last night! Thanks to Mayor Brad for having me in to chat about all the great things like Municipal Revenue Sharing, Community Safety Grants and the strong future ahead for our communities!

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Our teachers and school staff work hard all year to deliver high-quality education to the students of Saskatchewan. This week is an opportunity to thank these individuals for the time and energy they commit to ensuring that our students are supported, educated and prepared for the future.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Saskatchewan's labour market remains strong with the second lowest unemployment rate amongst provinces at 5.3 per cent. Our government is working with industry and employers to ensure that they have access to the workforce they need to fill the jobs they are creating.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Amazing to be at the @ProudlyAg conference today alongside my colleague James Thorstienson in Saskatoon meeting up with leaders from SYA! Future of farming is bright with these folks chasing after excellence day after day!

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Since the program's inception in 2023, the program has been incredibly successful with nearly 1,000 new secondary suites added, increasing rental availability. For more information, search Secondary Suite Incentive on https://t.co/RS5iJLCNq9

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Report from the Legislature
February 4, 2026

In the first month of 2026, our government marked a meaningful milestone for Saskatchewan’s largest city. In partnership with St. Paul’s Hospital (Grey Nuns) of Saskatoon and the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation, our government celebrated the grand reopening of the hospital’s front entrance and the Kikâwînaw wîki Healing Centre. The newly renovated, fully accessible front entrance offers a covered patient drop-off area, enhanced lighting and improved interior layout. Inside, expanded space includes additional washrooms, a larger gift shop and relocated Patient Registration, Visitor Information and Protective Services to improve safety, efficiency and the overall patient experience. This investment reflects our continued commitment to putting patients first and ensuring everyone in Saskatchewan has access to quality care where and when they need it.

Supporting reliable infrastructure is essential to delivering services across the province, and this includes ongoing investments in Saskatchewan’s transportation system. Since 2008, our government has invested more than $13 billion in transportation infrastructure, improving over 20,700 kilometres of highways. While major road construction typically takes place during warmer months, bridge work continues through late fall, winter and early spring to maintain safety and reliability. To date, more than $78 million in bridge projects are underway across the province, supporting Saskatchewan’s export-based economy. Motorists are reminded to remain alert in construction zones and to check the Highway Hotline (https://t.co/iWa3jjFjKe) before travelling for up-to-date road conditions and project information.

Your Saskatchewan Party government continues to take action to ease affordability pressures, including increasing rental supply. One important initiative is the Saskatchewan Secondary Suite Incentive, which has been extended for another year. Since the program’s inception in 2023, nearly 1,000 new secondary suites have been added across Saskatchewan, creating more rental options in established neighbourhoods and helping families manage housing costs. The deadline to incur eligible construction costs has now been extended to March 31, 2027. Guidelines and more information are available at https://t.co/UkA1GJm8Ut.

In addition to supporting essential services and housing, we remain focused on ensuring Saskatchewan families can continue to enjoy the province’s outstanding recreational opportunities. While spring may still be a few weeks away, summer planning can officially begin. Saskatchewan Parks has announced the 2026 camping reservation dates, giving families, friends and outdoor enthusiasts something to look forward to. Seasonal campsite reservations in provincial parks will open on April 13. Nightly, Camp-Easy yurt and group campsites will have staggered launches from April 14 to 17. To learn more or to start planning your trip, visit https://t.co/khGXX4sN9A.

We continue to make strategic investments to keep strengthening communities, supporting families and building a province where people can live, work and enjoy all that Saskatchewan has to offer. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please feel free to contact my constituency office at 306-567-2843.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Campers can mark their calendars! Seasonal campsite bookings begin April 13. Nightly, Camp-Easy Yurt and group campsites will have staggered launches from April 14 to 17. Start planning your trip at https://t.co/FMhqI9mV5k.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

These groups are involved in a diverse range of activities, including arts, culture and sport, hospital foundations, service clubs and more. Our government is dedicated to the people of Saskatchewan and charitable gaming grants are one of the ways in which we deliver on that commitment. Groups can apply through SLGA's charitable gaming licensing process online.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Families across the province are invited to discover the power of learning together. Visit https://t.co/sVyk3UGhF0 to learn more about Family Literacy Week events and activities.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Report from the Legislature
January 21, 2026

Saskatchewan is showing no signs of slowing down, with recently released strong economic numbers. In 2025, our province’s labour market continued to deliver low unemployment and consistent job creation. According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan added 15,200 jobs and recorded the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 5.2 per cent, well below the national average of 6.8 per cent. These results reflect the strength of our industries and employers, and the growing opportunities available here at home.

Positive momentum continues with new wholesale trade figures showing an increase of 15.3 per cent from November 2024 to November 2025. This ranks Saskatchewan first among all provinces for year-over-year growth. Strong performance in this sector signals consumer confidence in our economy. Our government remains focused on ensuring producers can reach the markets they need so more resources continue to flow within our provincial economy.

These strong economic results allow us to reinvest strategically. Saskatchewan’s position as a global leader in crop exports is built on decades of research and innovation, and we continue to support that work. Our government is also investing in livestock research to help producers adapt, remain competitive, and succeed in an ever-changing industry.

Recently, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture David Marit and Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald announced a $9.7 million investment to support crop research in Saskatchewan. This includes $2.5 million through the Strategic Research Initiative to study the long-term management of herbicide-resistant kochia and wild oats. It also includes $7.2 million to support 39 new crop research projects through the Agriculture Development Fund (ADF).

Through the ADF, an additional $4.5 million was announced to support 25 new livestock and forage-related research projects. The ministers also announced a renewed $3.9 million multi-year partnership with two world-class research organizations (the Prairie Swine Centre and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization). More information and a full list of projects are available at https://t.co/AJYRwMvmXu.

Beyond economic and agricultural investments, our government, together with SGI, remains committed to making Saskatchewan roads safer for everyone. Through the $2 million Provincial Traffic Safety Fund, 80 projects across 78 communities will receive grants of up to $100,000. Since the program began in 2019, $16.6 million has been awarded to more than 900 projects across the province. Applications for the next funding round are open until March 21, 2026. Program details and the full list of approved projects are available at https://t.co/OuAMqVgVTm.

Supporting Saskatchewan families with affordability remains a key focus for our government. One of the many ways we are doing this is by doubling the Community Rink Affordability Grant to $5,000 per rink, representing an annual investment of more than $3.2 million. Rinks are vital community hubs where people of all ages come together. Last year alone, more than 300 rinks, covering over 500 ice surfaces, benefited from this program. Full guidelines and the online application are available through the SPRA website at https://t.co/ihzdbR1u76.

We will continue to invest in priorities that support the people of Saskatchewan. While there is more work ahead, you can count on your Saskatchewan Party government to keep delivering what is best for our province. If you would like to share your thoughts or have any questions about a provincial program or service, please contact my constituency office at 306-567-2843. We look forward to hearing from you.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Our government is investing in research that will deliver innovation to livestock producers, helping them to adapt, stay competitive and thrive in an everchanging industry. Projects are selected through an annual competitive process.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Report from the Legislature
January 7, 2026

Happy New Year, Saskatchewan.

Your Saskatchewan Party government extends its best wishes and hopes everyone enjoyed the holiday season with family and friends. The end of one year and the beginning of another is a good time to reflect on what matters most. Over the past year, our government has advanced initiatives that reflect our priorities and lay the foundation for continued progress in the year ahead.

Affordability remains a key focus for our government as we begin 2026. A family of four in Saskatchewan will pay no provincial income tax on their first $65,000 of income, the highest tax-free threshold in Canada. This results from the second step of our four-year income tax reduction plan, combined with indexation. Our government is also increasing personal, spousal and child tax exemptions, along with the seniors’ supplement by $500 annually over four years.

In addition, several tax credits are increasing to help residents with affordability. These include the Low-Income Tax Credit, Disability Tax Credit, Caregiver Tax Credit, Personal Care Home Benefit, Active Families Benefit, First-Time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit, and the Graduate Retention Program. We remain committed to ensuring Saskatchewan continues to be the most affordable place to live in the country.

Our government continues to make targeted investments to support Saskatchewan students and families. We are investing $28.5 million in the Relocatable Classroom Program to provide 39 new classrooms and relocate two existing ones. These classrooms will be installed over the summer in communities across the province and will be ready for students in the 2026-27 school year. This program helps address space pressures by adding classrooms where they are needed most, supports growing enrolment and provides school divisions with flexibility to manage local needs.

At the same time, Saskatchewan’s School Playground Equipment Grant Program, launched in fall 2025, has seen strong uptake. More than 40 projects have already been approved, with funding of up to $50,000 available per project. This initiative is helping communities build and improve playgrounds where children can play, learn and grow. The program reflects our government’s ongoing commitment to building healthy, vibrant communities for families. The current application period runs until February 25, 2026, on a first-come, first-served basis. Full program guidelines are available on the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association website at https://t.co/WQfk2SPa7R.

These measures reflect a government focused on delivering results for Saskatchewan people. As the new year gets underway, our government remains committed to the work ahead and looks forward to sharing more initiatives and progress as 2026 unfolds. If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please reach out to my constituency office [phone]. Your feedback is important as we continue working together to build a strong Saskatchewan.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

These numbers are the direct result of the strength of industry and employers, and the increasing opportunities available here at home. Our government is committed to ensuring this growth continues into 2026 and that Saskatchewan remains the best province in Canada to live, work, and raise a family.

[BarrretMLA @BarretMLA]

Our government remains committed to keeping Saskatchewan the most affordable place to live in Canada. That’s why we are increasing the personal, spousal and child tax exemptions, along with the seniors’ supplement by $500 each year over four years. To protect taxpayers, we are once again indexing personal income tax to the national rate of inflation.