Question Period (4 March 2026)

From Hansard (4 March 2026)

To view this section on video, click here and start play at 1:56:50 PM.

Community Supports and Library Worker Safety

Vicki Mowat: — Mr. Speaker, people continue to pay for this government’s mistakes and their failed leadership. Yesterday I stood on behalf of workers at libraries in Saskatchewan who are being subjected to constant harassment, violence, and threats. One worker was nearly abducted. Another witnessed a machete attack. They work in a library, Mr. Speaker. They shouldn’t have to face these issues alone. They deserve a government that has their backs.

When grilled about these serious issues yesterday, why did the minister shrug and tell these workers to simply call the police?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And this is just yet another example of why nobody takes the members of the opposition seriously, Mr. Speaker. Our government works to find solutions while members opposite just want to stoke fear. Our government, Mr. Speaker, takes all . . .

Speaker Goudy: — I’m going to mention that you can’t give intentions of the opposition to say that they’re wanting to stoke fear. And you know, you could say they’re stoking fear, other things. But to say the intention of that’s . . . So please, continue on.

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Mr. Speaker, our government takes all matters of public and workplace safety of the utmost importance. This is why our government has made significant investments into street outreach programs, funding additional police officers, alternative response officers, and complex-needs facilities.

Mr. Speaker, we’ve made significant investments to improve outcomes for people who are experiencing homelessness, committing more than $118 million in homelessness services across government. And as my colleague has stated numerous times, we’re working on 500 more treatment spaces across the province.

As I said yesterday in the media scrum, Mr. Speaker, violence in the workplace is completely, completely unacceptable, no matter the workplace. I’d ask the members opposite to focus on solutions and not merely complain about this.

---

The following section begins at 2:11:15 PM in the video link provided above.

Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability Program

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On a Friday, without any notice or warning, the Minister of Social Services made deep cuts to the program that so many people with disabilities rely on. These cuts will make it harder for people with disabilities to access supports and live their lives.

During a cost-of-living crisis, why is the Minister of Social Services making it harder for some of the most vulnerable people in Saskatchewan?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I would say quite the opposite is the fact here, Mr. Speaker. We’ve made it easier. We were told by different community-based organizations, by different SAID recipients themselves, by even some of our ministry staff, that the SAID program was very complex. It took a lot of time and it required recipients of benefits to do things like provide receipts, which took them time, and it took extra time to get paid.

Mr. Speaker, no current SAID clients are going to see a reduction in benefits when these changes take effect. I have made that very clear right from the beginning — not one single SAID recipient is going to see a reduction in benefits. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

Brittney Senger: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Of course the minister has his own spin on it, and yet it’s now become a last resort to provide essential support. And the minister is referring to current SAID recipients yet not referring to any new SAID recipients.

So Peter Gilmer from the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry warned that these cuts were “the continuation of extreme deprivation for many people.”

We know that this government is facing a massive budget deficit due to their fiscal mismanagement. Why is the Minister of Social Services trying to balance the budget on the backs of people living with disabilities?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This is a government that recognizes the challenges faced by those living with significant and enduring disabilities. I would point out, Mr. Speaker, it was this government in 2009 that introduced SAID to this province of Saskatchewan, Mr. Speaker. Over that time, Mr. Speaker, SAID benefits have increased 65 per cent. In that same time the consumer price index has increased by 43 per cent, which means a net increase to SAID recipients of 22 per cent in that time, Mr. Speaker.

This is a government that cares deeply about our disability community. We care deeply about every individual in this province, and we care deeply about families. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the SAID program, we will take no advice from the members opposite on how it runs. We know what we need to do in the disability community, and we’re going to continue to do that good work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

 

Erika Ritchie: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Saskatchewan people are struggling through an affordability crisis, and this government is dealing with a fiscal crisis of their own making. And it is in these times that the choices governments make show their true priorities. The executives of the Saskatchewan Health Authority got a $300,000 pay increase. The former Sask Party executive director got a $200,000 government patronage appointment.

And what did people living with enduring disabilities get? They got cuts to essential support they need to live their lives. Are these the priorities of the Minister of Social Services, to make those with disabilities receive less so that this government’s appointees can be paid more? Or will he show some real compassion and reverse these cuts today?

Hon. Terry Jenson: — Again, Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the SAID program, we will take no advice from the members opposite. It was this government that introduced that program in 2009, and we are providing benefits that outpace inflation, Mr. Speaker. And there are no cuts, Mr. Speaker. In 2025-26 the budget increase to our investment in SAID was 314.5 million, Mr. Speaker. That is for all SAID recipients.

Since 2009 SAID benefits have increased by 65 per cent, Mr. Speaker. The consumer price index has increased by 43 per cent, which means benefits have outpaced inflation by 22 per cent. And I hear the member from Regina Walsh Acres wants to get in on the questions. I invite him to stand up and ask.

---

Back to 2025/2026 Session