Enserva’s Provincial Spotlight Series provides an overview of the latest policy updates, regulatory changes, and industry-specific developments in our members’ operating areas. In this edition, we revisit Saskatchewan to explore topics pertinent to the energy services, supply, and manufacturing sectors.
ICYMI: The previous issue, published on May 21, highlighted Alberta.
Political Insights
The First Ministers’ Meeting, held in Saskatoon on June 2, 2025, concluded with agreement on a shared framework for identifying major infrastructure and energy projects considered to be in the national interest. The criteria—focused on enhancing Canada’s resilience, securing Indigenous partnership, supporting clean growth, and ensuring project viability—will guide a new federal process aimed at expediting approvals. The federal government has committed to introducing legislation to operationalize this framework, including the creation of a dedicated major projects office, with broad support expressed by provincial and territorial leaders.
Glen McCallum has been re-elected as President of the Métis Nation—Saskatchewan. With nearly 28,000 citizens eligible to vote—a marked increase from previous elections—the result reflects growing political engagement and support for advancing self-government. McCallum’s re-election is expected to advance the MN–S’s ongoing negotiations with Ottawa toward a modern treaty and self-government agreement, set to conclude this year, and to strengthen Indigenous partnerships across Saskatchewan.
Energy Policy & Developments
- Paused Provincial Carbon Tax: As of April 1, Saskatchewan became the first carbon tax free province in Canada. The provincial government has paused the industrial carbon tax under its Output-Based Performance Standards (OBPS) Program, removing the tax rider from SaskPower bills. This move was framed as a response to rising costs and federal overreach and is expected to save families and businesses hundreds of dollars annually.
- Mining Sector Momentum: Uranium and potash production continue to exceed expectations. In 2024, uranium sales hit $2.6 billion—surpassing the 2030 growth target—with production up 28%. Potash output reached 15.1 million tonnes, with 2025 sales forecast to exceed $8.4 billion. Projects like BHP’s Jansen mine are advancing steadily, reinforcing Saskatchewan’s global role in critical minerals and agricultural supply chains.
- Boosting Pipeline Investment: Saskatchewan has extended its Oil Infrastructure Investment Program (OIIP) to 2029, offering a 20% royalty tax credit (up to $40 million per project) to encourage oil and CO₂ pipeline development. The initiative aims to expand market access and support emissions reductions. Since 2020, the OIIP has enabled 74,000 barrels per day of additional pipeline capacity and attracted over $100 million in private investment, with $380 million more in the pipeline through conditionally approved projects.
- Indigenous-Led Renewables: Two major renewable energy projects have been announced through Indigenous-led partnerships: the Rose Valley Wind Project (200 MW) and Southern Springs Solar Project (100 MW). Developed by Potentia Renewables with the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation, these projects represent the largest Indigenous ownership stake in utility-scale power in Saskatchewan to date and will generate electricity for over 125,000 homes.
- Clean Tech Innovation: The University of Regina has unveiled Saskatchewan’s first Microgrid Living Lab—a fully independent power system drawing from solar, wind, and hydro. Designed for real-world experimentation and industry collaboration, the lab is expected to inform cleaner, more resilient power models for rural and remote areas, while supporting SME innovation and student-led research.
The Bottom Line
As governments have committed to a more coordinated approach to national project delivery, Saskatchewan stands to potentially gain from its alignment with emerging federal priorities. The critical piece will be if the federal government can act in a timely and effective manner to increase investor confidence and get projects done.