What to Expect
Saskatchewan
Nathaniel Teed retained the NDP’s seat in the Saskatoon Meewasin byelection on Monday, receiving almost 57 per cent of the vote. With the constituency previously held by former NDP leader Ryan Meili, the seat was a must win for the NDP. The decisive victory was the first major test for new leader Carla Beck and gives the party some momentum heading into the fall legislative session.
Manitoba
In Manitoba, bipartisan tributes will continue following the passing of former Winnipeg NDP MP Bill Blaikie, a long-time party stalwart and well-respected legislator.
The Manitoba PC Government continues to face electoral challenges following an Angus Reid poll that places Premier Heather Stefanson’s approval rating at 22 per cent, the lowest in the country.
The Week That Was
Saskatchewan
Saskpower has narrowed down the site for a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) to two potential areas of the province. The Crown corporation recently announced that the Estevan area or the Elbow area will serve as the location for an SMR if the province decides to use the technology. The area will be selected by 2023, with a site chosen by 2024.
On September 26, Saskatchewan’s Lieutenant Governor, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Treaty Commissioner of Saskatchewan unveiled the first-in-Canada Treaty boundary signage. Official road signs now mark the Treaty 4-Treaty 6 boundary near Highway 11.
Employers and workers in Saskatchewan are being reminded that the province’s minimum wage will be $13 an hour effective October 1, 2022.
Manitoba
The Manitoba government, Chemawawin Cree Nation (CCN) and Norway House Cree Nation (NHCN) have signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to develop two-year, revenue-sharing pilot projects. Under these agreements, the Manitoba government will share 45 per cent of the dues collected for timber harvested in proximity to CCN and NHCN retroactive to January 1, 2022.
The Government of Manitoba is providing $100,000 to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) in support of the organization’s Truth and Reconciliation Week programming. The five-day educational program is taking place from September 26 – 30.
On Monday, Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen announced the establishment of two healing lodges at correctional centres in Brandon and The Pas. A one-time capital investment of $1.4 million from the province will go toward the construction of The Standing Together Healing Lodges and another $1.2 million will be invested in annual staffing and operating costs.
