The fall sitting of Saskatchewan's Legislature ended this week with Premier Scott Moe and his Sask Party government highlighting a range of new measures aimed at making life more affordable for families, ensuring safer communities and strengthening the provincial economy. The Sask Party passed several pieces of legislation, introduced new incentive programs and implemented the promises made in the recent election and the Speech from the Throne.Moe told the media that affordability remains a top concern for many Saskatchewan residents. Following through on a key election commitment, his government introduced The Saskatchewan Affordability Act, which aims to provide long-term, sustainable support for citizens..Taxpayers Federation urges Saskatchewan to reject hotel tax proposal.Moe said the Act delivers the most significant personal income tax reduction since 2008, raising personal, spousal, and child exemptions by $500 a year for the next four years. It also boosts the senior supplement by $500. Moe said these changes will help ensure Saskatchewan remains one of the most affordable places in Canada to live, work, raise a family, and start a business."We know affordability continues to be top of mind for many Saskatchewan residents," said Moe. "Which is why our government brought forward The Saskatchewan Affordability Act. It is the fulfillment of the commitment we made during the recent election campaign, and it aims to deliver long-term, sustainable support for all Saskatchewan residents and families.".Former Sask Party MLA avoids penalty, prompting NDP call for tougher conflict of interest laws.In addition to reducing income taxes, the government passed The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act, 2024, which extends the carbon tax exemption on home heating, pushing back against what Moe called an "unfair federal policy." The Trudeau government's decision to stop charging the carbon tax on home heating oil, mainly benefiting Atlantic Canada, left Saskatchewan families paying the carbon tax since most people in the province heat their homes with natural gas rather than heating oil.Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy Jeremy Harrison said the amendment ensures that Saskatchewan residents see real relief on their home heating bills. On January 1, residents will continue to avoid having the federal carbon tax applied to their residential SaskEnergy bills, which will save the average family about $400 annually..Saskatchewan investigating racism, conflict between Regina doctors.With the federal carbon tax set to increase from $80 per tonne to $95 per tonne on April 1, savings are expected to climb to about $480 in 2025."By passing The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act, 2024, our government will continue providing Saskatchewan residents with real relief by keeping home heating exempt from the carbon tax," said Harrison."It was unfair for the Liberal-NDP federal government to provide carbon tax relief for people who live in one region of the country, and our government will keep fighting until the carbon tax is removed everywhere, on everything, for everyone."The two key affordability bills, The Saskatchewan Affordability Act and The SaskEnergy (Carbon Tax Fairness for Families) Amendment Act, 2024, received unanimous support in the Legislature..OLDCORN: Health Minister Holland puts politics before effective quitting smoking methods.Moe said that backing shows all parties understand the importance of keeping Saskatchewan an affordable place to live.Throughout the fall sitting, Moe and his ministers repeatedly returned to the themes of affordability, security, prosperity, and opportunity. Moe said that every piece of legislation, incentive, and policy introduced during the session was designed to build on Saskatchewan's economic strengths while ensuring that benefits flow back to everyday families and communities.The government's message has been that a strong economy and responsible resource management will allow the province to maintain a high standard of living, attract new businesses and residents, and fund the services people rely on..Regina murder fugitive makes Canada’s Top 25 Most Wanted list.For now, Moe and his team are confident that the steps taken this fall have laid the groundwork for a future in which Saskatchewan remains affordable, communities become safer, healthcare grows stronger, and students receive the support they need to succeed."From affordability measures that put money back in the pockets of families to safety legislation that builds stronger communities, and from expanding access to healthcare to enhancing educational support, we are moving forward," Moe said. "Our province has a bright future, and we are taking action to ensure that every Saskatchewan resident can share in its success."
