For the first time in nearly 10 years, Saskatchewan has a representative in the federal government cabinet. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his new cabinet, which includes 28 cabinet ministers and 10 secretaries of state. Prime Minister Carney is reviving the Secretary of State designation. The Secretaries of State will provide leadership on key issues and priorities within their minister’s portfolio.  

Buckley Belanger, MP for riding of Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, will serve as the Secretary of State for Rural Development. Belanger was born in Île-à-la-Crosse and previously ran for the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River seat in the 2021 federal election, losing to Conservative Gary Vidal. Before that, he served provincially as the MLA for Athabasca from 1995 to 2021, first as a Liberal and then under the Saskatchewan NDP. Buckley also was elected mayor of Île-à-la-Crosse at the age of 28, where he served three terms. 
 

Employment Standards Amendments Pass 

This week , The Government of Saskatchewan passed amendments to The Saskatchewan Employment Act.  

The amendments will come into force later this fiscal year and include items such as: 

• Allowing employers and employees to use a calendar day rather than 24 consecutive hours for the purposes of work schedules and overtime provisions; 
• Increasing the threshold when employers are required to notify employees, the minister and the union of a group termination from 10 employees to 25 employees;  
• Limiting when employers can request sick notes; 
• Providing the director of employment standards with the authority to order reinstatement and compensation for lost wages in cases of discriminatory action by an employer; and 
• Extending various leave provisions. 

If you need further information on these changes you can contact, Gladys Wasylenchuk, Labour Relations and Workplace Safety or at 306-787-2411.