Sask. government rejects NDP call for special session on proposed SaskPower, SGI rates
CBC
The provincial government has rejected a call from the Official Opposition for a special legislative session over proposed rate increases from two of Saskatchewan's Crown Corporations.
At a news conference on Monday, NDP Leader Carla Beck said many residents are already struggling to make ends meet and further increases will only make that more difficult.
"I'm calling on [the government] to convene an emergency legislative session starting immediately so that we can pass the Rent Control Act and to cut taxes on groceries and children's clothing and to consider any other measures that might provide some relief and hope for people in this province," said Beck.
That proposal has already been rejected by the provincial government.
On Friday, Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) and SaskPower announced they had submitted separate two-year proposals to the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel.
SGI is proposing a rate increase of 3.75 per cent in June 2026 and in June 2027.
Under the proposal, 98 per cent of vehicles in the province would see a rate increase, with an average annual increase of $38, according to SGI.
SaskPower is seeking a rate increase of 3.9 per cent, effective February 2026, and another 3.9 per cent increase in February 2027.
According to SaskPower, if the changes are approved, the average residential customer would see an increase of about $5 per month in 2026 and 2027.
The average farm customer would see increases of $11 per month in each year.
Beck said the decision to announce the proposed rate increases on Friday suggests the government understands the proposals will be unpopular.
"The bottom line is this, the Saskatchewan NDP is not going to sit back and simply let this government pile on more taxes and fees while Saskatchewan people struggle," the NDP leader said.
In a lengthy statement, the provincial government described Beck's proposal for a special session as an attempt at a "do-over" of the most recent legislative sitting.
"Saskatchewan continues to be the most affordable place in Canada to live," the statement read.
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