Jordan McPhail represents La Ronge and northern communities at the Saskatchewan Legislature. (Image Credit: Submitted photo/Saskatchewan NDP)

By Derek Cornet

fall sitting

McPhail believes province’s North underrepresented in Throne Speech

Oct 28, 2026 | 10:08 AM

Cumberland NDP MLA Jordan McPhail believes residents of Saskatchewan are looking for change and the Sask. Party failed to deliver that in Tuesday’s Speech from the Throne.

“We see from the government they have taken on a steady-on approach. I think a lot of people were looking for change,” he said.

“I had to say it was a bit surprising for me as a northerner who has heard stories from people across the North, whether it’s the cost of living, the access to health care, the access to educational assistance.”

The annual throne speech marks the beginning of the fall sitting at the legislature and is an opportunity for the provincial government to outline its upcoming goals. Some of the highlights include legislation to provide greater oversight and accountability in personal care homes, restrictions on assisted dying, stronger administrative penalties for impaired drivers, and a law aimed at preventing the misuse of artificial intelligence.

McPhail thinks the throne speech largely left out concerns from his constituents.

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“The only two times the word North even shows up in the Speech from the Throne is when they are talking about the community of North Battleford and the Northwest Territories,” he said.

“It’s like the province, which is no surprise to northerners, have forgotten the entire northern half of this province that they are supposed to be serving.”

McPhail noted there also wasn’t much in regards to relief when it comes to tariffs. He spoke about the Carrier Forest Products Ltd. layoffs in Big River as an example.

“They had a good job, they were paying their bills and providing food and sustenance to their tables from the hard work they did at that facility and the government is late to the game here yet again,” McPhail said.

“It’s sad to see that’s where we’re at in the province of Saskatchewan where people have to lose so much for their government to respond in any way, shape or form.”

McPhail added the NDP have many questions coming for the provincial government in the coming days and weeks.

“We’re going to continue to fight for people to deliver the changes they expect of their government and were going to be tireless in those efforts to make sure they are well represented in the Province of Saskatchewan.”

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

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McPhail believes province’s North underrepresented in Throne Speech

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