Latest news with #GovernmentofSaskatchewan
Hamilton Spectator
07-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Deadline for $5,000 young entrepreneur bursary next week
What would an extra $5,000 mean to your business? The application deadline for the newly-launched Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program is coming up fast—July 14—and there's potentially 57 young business owners across the province that could access $5,000 each. Launched in the provincial spring budget, the bursary not only means cash for young entrepreneurs, but valuable mentorship opportunities, peer networking, and support from the business community across Saskatchewan. 'Saskatchewan's future depends on the bold ideas and determination of its next generation of entrepreneurs,' Saskatchewan Chamber CEO Prabha Ramaswamy said. 'The Young Entrepreneur Bursary Program ensures that emerging business leaders have the support they need to pursue their vision and contribute to a thriving provincial economy. 'We are proud to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan to reduce financial barriers and champion the growth of our province's entrepreneurial talent,' said Ramaswamy.' Eligibility for the Young Entrepreneur Bursary is open to business owners between 18 and 35 who operate a for-profit entity based in the province and have been in business for 10 years or less; with preference given to those with under five years of operation under their belts. Applications opened back on May 21 and the initial recipients will be announced on Sept. 30. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce will be administering the three-year program with $285,000 from the provincial government each year through a network of 57 local Chambers of Commerce. 'We actually got a really good pile of applications,' said Ramaswamy. 'We had approximately 235 applications from across 66 communities.' There's still some time to apply as Ramaswamy noted those applications are from around 65 per cent of the 57 Chamber regions. 'We would like to make a push for more applications from Chamber communities, so that's what we're going to be focusing on in the next couple of weeks,' she said. Saskatchewan has a strong entrepreneurial spirit with a long history. According to statistics from 2024, nearly 152,000 businesses call Saskatchewan home with 149,000 of those being small businesses; roughly 125 small businesses for every 1,000 people in the province. After the July 14 deadline, applications will be grouped by region and judged locally. From there, a third-party adjudicator looks at the applications based on merit and regional distribution, ultimately selecting one per each of the 57 chamber regions. Should there be no applications from a particular region, that bursary will be reallocated to a nearby region with high application volume. The funding can be used in a variety of ways such as business development; operations and equipment; product or service expansion; and skills, training, and professional services. As for the mentorship component of the bursary, recipients are required to attend at least two sessions in order to receive the final $1,000 in funding. There will be five mentorship sessions in total between October, 2025 and May, 2026 comprised of two in-person and three online. 'Part of the mentorship is going to be us giving them a free membership to the Saskatchewan Chamber for one year, and they also get complimentary tickets to two of our biggest events, which is Food, Fuel, Fertilizer Global Summit and PowerUp Summit,' Ramaswamy explained, adding that those added incentives would bring an addition $1,200 in value on top of the bursary amount. 'That is really important for them; the networking, making the connections, possibly linking up with established entrepreneurs, and then just some of the workshops we'll have will be very useful,' explained Ramaswamy. The bursary program itself is a great incentive to let those young entrepreneurs know they can stay in Saskatchewan and thrive. 'Something like this is a bit of a catalyst to boost entrepreneurial activity in our province, and even probably a catalyst to attract or keep young entrepreneurs in our province,' Ramaswamy said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Global News
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Saskatchewan government faces potential legal action over wildfire efforts
The law firm Procido LLP is evaluating the viability of a negligence claim against the Government of Saskatchewan. It claims the government may have failed to protect the people and property of the north by not acting with urgency or having sufficient resources available to act. Procido LLP said early findings suggest only five of the province's 10 water bombers were operational during the crisis. It claims a provincial firefighting base in Narrow Hills Provincial Park was destroyed due to inadequate resourcing. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Procido also said rural municipalities trying to issue emergency alerts were not able to, because nobody 'had the authority from the province' to do so. It said the Government of Saskatchewan issued an evacuation order and mistakenly included the City of Prince Albert. Story continues below advertisement Residents of places like East Trout Lake, which was burnt to the ground, were told by the province they 'were in no immediate danger.' The group also adds that the potential negligence may have caused damages in Manitoba, like in the Flin Flon area. Procido is hosting a live webinar on Monday to explore the potential for a class action lawsuit against the government for negligence and damages. It welcomes people wanting to get involved to attend. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said it was not aware of any lawsuit during an SPSA update Wednesday.
Cision Canada
19-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS OPEN FOR SENIORS IN SASKATOON THROUGH FEDERAL-PROVINCIAL FUNDING Français
SASKATOON, SK, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to address the urgent needs of Canadians. To provide seniors with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan announced today a $990,000 joint investment. The official opening of the Columbian Manor Expansion Phase V, developed by KC Charities, marks a significant step in providing safe, supportive homes for low-income seniors. This project is adding 134 housing units for seniors in Saskatoon, including the development of 30 one-bedroom units, 20 fully accessible units and 10 barrier-free units for low-income seniors with limited mobility. The developer, KC Charities, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and supportive services for seniors in Saskatoon. Funding provided for this project is as follows: $990,000 in cost-matched funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan through the National Housing Strategy (NHS) – Saskatchewan Priorities Initiative (SPI) $ 340,000 from the City of Saskatoon $1,750,000 from KC Charities Quotes: "Everyone deserves a home to call their own. Thanks to our partnership with Saskatchewan through the National Housing Strategy, your federal government is helping to make that a reality for more seniors in Saskatoon. Safe, affordable, and accessible senior housing is a key part of our housing plan, making sure no one is left behind." – The Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development) and Member of Parliament for Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River "When we work together with community partners, we can support developments that make a real difference in the lives of Saskatchewan people. The Columbian Manor project provides dignity, comfort, and connection to seniors who have given so much to our communities." – The Honourable Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) "The City of Saskatoon is proud to support the expansion of Columbian Manor, which reflects our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive and caring community. This partnership with KC Charities and other orders of government helps ensure that seniors in Saskatoon have access to safe, affordable housing and the support they need to thrive." - Mayor Cynthia Block, Mayor City of Saskatoon "A place to call home, where comfort meets affordability, and every senior is valued, respected, and cared for." - Norma Denis, Executive Director of Operations, KC Charities Inc Quick facts: The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence. NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need. All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people, and communities In 2019, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan entered into an agreement through the National Housing Strategy. The Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Agreement will invest $585 million over 10 years, which is cost matched between the federal and provincial governments. The Rental Development Program (RDP) provides one-time capital funding in the form of a forgivable loan to assist in the development of affordable rental housing units for households with low incomes. The RDP is funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC). KC Charities is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and supportive services for seniors in Saskatoon. Since 2007, it has worked with government and community partners to develop over 150 affordable housing units, helping seniors live independently in a caring and inclusive environment Associated Links: Visit for the most requested Government of Canada housing information. CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed so far. In November 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan released Saskatchewan's Growth Plan: the Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030, which sets out the Government's vision for a province of 1.4 million people by 2030. The Plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province. To learn more, visit SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
CBC
06-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
'We're not interested in separation': Sask. government responds to sovereignty petition
Social Sharing A petition calling for a provincial referendum on Saskatchewan's sovereignty has garnered nearly 2,000 signatures in three days, prompting responses from both the provincial government and the Opposition NDP. The petition, launched by advocacy group Unified Grassroots on May 2, aims to "empower the provincial government to negotiate new terms for Saskatchewan's relationship whether as part of Canada or as an independent nation." If successful, the petition could kick-start a process to launch a plebiscite vote within 12 months of submission to the government. In order to be submitted, it must accumulate signatures from 15 per cent of eligible voters, or about 125,000 signatures. The result of the vote, even if it were to favour separation, would not be legally binding. WATCH | The history of western separation in Canada: The history of western separation in Canada 8 hours ago Duration 3:28 On Monday, both the provincial government and Saskatchewan NDP said they do not support separation from Canada. During question period on Monday afternoon, Saskatchewan Finance Minister Jim Reiter stated several times that the provincial government does not support leaving Canada, but would follow the legislation on plebiscites. "I'm a proud Canadian, all members of this side of the house are," Reiter said. "We're not interested in separation.… We're also not interested in muzzling the voices of people who want to use freedom of speech." NDP jobs and economy critic Aleana Young said earlier on Monday that Premier Scott Moe could easily put separatism calls to rest and is choosing not to. "I have three calls for Premier Moe today: one, condemn [Alberta Premier] Danielle Smith, two, condemn Unified Grassroots, and three, be straight with the people of Saskatchewan and say out loud, clearly and unequivocally, that you would vote to stay as part of Canada," she said. "This is a premier who is all too happy to get along, to go along with the fringe elements of his own base." The provincial government reiterated its stance in a later statement. "The Government of Saskatchewan does not support separating from Canada, however we also don't support the status quo," it said. "We believe in a strong and united Saskatchewan, within a strong and united Canada, and the role Saskatchewan can play in making Canada an energy superpower." A public vote to separate from Canada can also happen through a government-initiated referendum. According to Saskatchewan's Referendum and Plebiscite Act, a government-led referendum would be legally binding if more than 60 per cent of voters vote for a single result and at least 50 per cent of eligible voters had cast a ballot. That process would bring several challenges. The House of Commons would have the power to edit or cancel the question if it felt the wording would not clearly capture the will of the people. The federal government would also have to consult with all political parties in the province on the issue.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Saskatchewan finance minister opts for 'symbolic' black shoes on budget day
Saskatchewan's latest budget will be presented during a time of tumult as tariffs and uncertainty define the province's relationship with its largest trading partner. Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Finance Minister Jim Reiter displayed a hard copy of the 2025-26 provincial budget without cracking it open or giving the assembled media any major hints about what was inside. The budget — subtitled 'Delivering for you' — is to be presented on Wednesday afternoon at the Saskatchewan legislature. As for what the slogan means, Reiter said the budget would focus on campaign promises by Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party that were designed to target 'priority areas.' This budget was created amid erratic tariffs from the U.S. on all imported Canadian goods as well as retaliatory Chinese tariffs on canola. Reiter called it 'difficult' to plan for a fiscal year in the current economic climate. 'It adds so much uncertainty,' he said while showing off his new shoes — a budget day tradition. 'I wasn't sure I was going to do this. They're going to be symbolic. I would just say this folks: they're black, and I'll let you read into that what you will.' In the language of budgets, if something is said to be 'in the black,' it conveys a surplus. A budget that's 'in the red' indicates a deficit. Asked to elaborate on the meaning of his shoes, Reiter just said 'they'll look good with my black suit.' Reiter also explained to reporters that his shoes were made in India by a company headquartered in the United Kingdom, a direct acknowledgment of the current pressures posed by U.S. and Chinese tariffs. Long before the current time of trade wars and reciprocal actions against the U.S., mid-year financials in November projected the provincial deficit had ballooned to $743.5 million from the $273.2-million shortfall forecast in the 2024-25 budget. Higher crop insurance payments were cited by Reiter, who is presenting his first budget as the new finance minister. Also, in the lead-up to the budget, the Government of Saskatchewan authorized up to almost $1-billion dollars in additional spending by way of cabinet special warrants. Wednesday also signals the resumption of the first session of the 30th legislature, with MLAs sitting for the next 30 days. The session began with a 10-day sitting late in 2024 after the provincial election. Mandryk: Big government spending a given for upcoming Saskatchewan budget Mandryk: Sask. government spending a billion dollars more with little explanation alsalloum@ The Regina Leader-Post has created an Afternoon Headlines newsletter that can be delivered daily to your inbox so you are up to date with the most vital news of the day. Click here to subscribe. With some online platforms blocking access to the journalism upon which you depend, our website is your destination for up-to-the-minute news, so make sure to bookmark and sign up for our newsletters so we can keep you informed. Click here to subscribe.
