Scott Boulton

The Government of Saskatchewan introduced some recent legislation to provide relief to small businesses in the province.  

As outlined in the 2024-25 Budget, The Income Tax Amendment Act, 2024 maintains the small business tax rate reduction in Saskatchewan at one per cent until June 30, 2025.  

"Small businesses are the backbone of our provincial economy," Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said, "We are pleased to maintain the small business tax reduction to help support their growth and allow owners to reinvest in their businesses."

New provincial regulations will restrict the possession of capsaicin-containing wildlife control products, otherwise known as 'bear spray', in public urban spaces in Saskatchewan. 

The regulations will also prohibit defacing or altering bear spray to hide or disguise the product's identity. Those charged under the regulations could face potential fines of up to $100,000. 

Saskatchewan will not be remitting the costs of the carbon tax for natural gas used for home heating, according to the Minister responsible for SaskEnergy.

Dustin Duncan made that statement on Thursday in a video posted to Premier Scott Moe's social media, in front of Parliament Hill.

In it, he says the decision was made following the federal government's exemption of home heating oil from the carbon tax and subsequent refusal to extend any further exemptions.

Oats had their service charge increased for the first time in nearly two decades for Manitobans this week.

The Manitoba Oat Growers Association made that decision during their AGM this week, as part of the CropConnect Conference in Winnipeg.

Executive Director Shawna Mathieson talked about some of the items that were brought up at the meeting.

Oats had its service charge increased for the first time in nearly two decades for Manitoba farmers this week.

The Manitoba Oat Growers Association made that decision during its AGM this week, as part of the CropConnect Conference in Winnipeg.

Executive Director Shawna Mathieson talked about some of the items brought up at the meeting.

Another union has declared that they're at an impasse with the provincial government in contract negotiations.

Earlier this week the province managed to get back to the table with the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation following job action across the province.

Representatives from SaskPower and GE Vernova’s Nuclear business, GE Hitachi, met in Regina today to sign an agreement to advance small modular reactor development in Saskatchewan.

The agreement will enable SaskPower and GEH to collaborate on project planning and facilitate the sharing of expertise related to the design, fuel sourcing, and fabrication of the BWRX-300 small modular reactor.

It will also support workforce and supply chain planning needed for a Saskatchewan-based SMR deployment.

SaskEnergy and SaskPower are launching a new rebate to help Saskatchewan residents improve their home’s efficiency.

The Home Efficiency Retrofit Rebate provides eligible homeowners with rebates to be used towards upgrading their home’s insulation, air-sealing, windows, and doors.

Saskatchewan's carbon tax rider is going up at the start of the new year as the federal government's rate increases.

The federal carbon tax applied to SaskPower’s carbon emissions will increase from $65 to $80 per tonne of CO2 emissions effective January 1, 2024.

The accompanying rate rider on SaskPower bills will require an average increase of 0.5 per cent to cover this increase.

Any specific amount charged per customer will vary depending on their power consumption and rate class.

A new energy solution could help turn renewable energy into baseload power utilizing a Saskatchewan resource.

The Petroleum Technology Resource Centre recently published a white paper on Compressed Air Energy Systems and their potential in the province.

Director of Communications Norm Sacuta details the process.