Don Morgan

Three years ago today, Hamas carried out the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel, murdering 1,200 innocent people, including eight Canadians, and taking more than 250 hostages. Today, we honour those whose lives were stolen and keep in our thoughts the families and loved ones who continue to carry the pain of their loss. At a time of rising antisemitism in Canada, Saskatchewan stands firmly with our Jewish community, rejects hate in all its forms, and reaffirms that every person has the right to practice their faith freely and without fear.

Another difficult day as we have lost another friend and colleague. Lyle Stewart, long-time Saskatchewan Party MLA and former Agriculture Minister has passed away at the age of 73 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Lyle was the MLA for Thunder Creek and Lumsden-Morse and a key member of our team for nearly 24 years, from 1999 until his retirement from politics last year. Lyle was a man of few words, which is unusual for a politician, but you always knew where he stood. His quiet strength and dedication to the people he served were an example to all of us who served with him. Lyle was a good friend and I will miss him a lot. On behalf of the our government and the province, I want to express my deepest condolences to the family and many friends of Lyle Stewart. Flags at the Legislature will be lowered to half-mast in his honour.

Two weeks from today, the new provincial budget will deliver the largest ever increase in school operating funding and a record new commitment to address classroom size and complexity. Today, I am taking the unusual step of announcing part of the education budget prior to budget day, to clearly demonstrate our commitment to address teachers’ concerns around classroom supports. In light of these significant new commitments, I am asking the STF to pause their job action so that teachers and students can return to their classrooms, and the teachers’ union can return to the bargaining table.

As of today, Saskatchewan Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer is now the longest-serving female cabinet minister ever in Canada at either the federal or provincial level. Donna has been and continues to be a valued member of every cabinet since the day the Saskatchewan Party took office in 2007.

Trudeau has provided a carbon tax exemption on home heating for families in one part of the country, but not here. It’s unfair, it’s unacceptable, and here’s what we’re going to do about it.

Today in the Legislature, I spoke about our government’s strong support for Israel following the horrific attacks by Hamas terrorists. Am Yisrael Chai.

On behalf of everyone in Saskatchewan it is my honour to proclaim October 7 as George Reed Day in our province. George was an incredible athlete and inspiration to this generation and the next, both on and off the field. I hope to see everyone across our province wearing their best green and white across Saskatchewan on Saturday.

Today, we mark the solemn one year anniversary of the tragedy that took place on James Smith Cree Nation. Collectively, we pause to remember and honour the victims and their families as we reflect on the journey toward healing. Our government remains dedicated to ensuring that those impacted have access to the supports and resources they need as we continue build a stronger, more resilient and united Saskatchewan.

Set to open early next year, the new Regina Urgent Care Centre will focus on mental health and addictions with a dedicated entrance for those who require specialized support. Operating on a 24/7 basis, the new urgent care centre will offer an array of health care services for those who require care but do not necessarily need to go to an Emergency Room. The new Regina and Saskatoon Urgent Care Centres ensure that residents in our two major centres will continue to have access to the health care they need, when they need it.

Pride Month serves as an opportunity for all of us to recognize and support a part of our diversity that makes Saskatchewan such a great place. As we listen and learn from our communities, we can continue to have important conversations and build a more inclusive society for all. Together, we can create communities where we support one another and everyone is treated with dignity, respect and without prejudice.

Congratulations to Premier @ABDanielleSmith and the @Alberta_UCP on their majority win this evening. I look forward to the continued cooperation and collaboration between our two provinces as we address the challenges facing western Canada and build a prosperous future for this generation and the next.