Let us turn our attention to the future and collaborate in its development.

Let us turn our attention to the future and collaborate in its development.

This was a key part of my address to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association Convention this week, where I had the privilege of speaking to numerous municipal leaders.

Saskatchewan is a remarkable province, and our greatest asset has always been its people. As we work together to shape the future, it is essential that we support one another in the present.

Investing in our citizens is crucial—this includes education, research, healthcare, childcare, and housing.

These elements are not merely optional; they constitute vital economic infrastructure.

To address the challenges we currently face and to make the necessary investments for future growth, we must act decisively.

Many communities in Saskatchewan are grappling with an unprecedented housing crisis, increasing crime rates, and alarming levels of drug overdoses and fatalities. We must prioritize investments in non-market housing and support systems, adopting proven strategies to mitigate this crisis.

Additionally, we require funding for frontline police officers, along with a robust recruitment and retention plan.

Complex challenges like these, among many others, cannot be resolved in isolated meetings in Ottawa or Regina.

It is imperative that we heed the voices of local leaders—both those present in this room and those working on the ground—because you are acutely aware of the realities you face daily in your communities.