Changes to Fees and Charges in 2024-25

To provide relief to Saskatchewan cattle farmers experiencing several successive years of dry conditions, the Ministry of Agriculture is freezing the 2024 Crown land grazing rate at 2022 levels.

Crown grazing rates are set annually using a formula based on fall cattle prices and the long-term stocking rate of each parcel of land. The rate freeze applies to all grazing leases in Saskatchewan. This is the second consecutive year that rates have been maintained at existing levels. This initiative will save lessees $14.9 million for 2024-25.

For further information, please contact: Ministry of Agriculture: Jamie Shanks, 306-787-5155

Grazing Rent Credit Extension

Cattle producers who must reduce their stocking rates on leased Crown land due to drought will again be eligible for a rent reduction.

The rate reduction will apply in situations where an individual lessee or pasture association must reduce the number of animals grazing Crown leases by 20 per cent or more, compared to the approved long-term carrying capacity of that land, due to ongoing dry conditions.

This program helps to protect and maintain the sustainability of Crown land for the long term.

This initiative will save lessees $2 million for 2024-25.

For further information, please contact: Ministry of Agriculture: Jamie Shanks, 306-787-5155

Cultivation Lease Rate Freeze

To provide relief to cultivation lessees as a result of dry conditions, the Ministry of Agriculture will freeze 2024 average cultivation lease rates on Crown lands at 2023 levels.

Average Crown cultivation lease rates are established annually using a market-based formula based largely on the price projected to be received at market for individual crops.

A maximum ceiling will be maintained to ensure average rates do not increase above 2023 levels.

Calculated rates were decreased in 2023 to provide relief to Crown cultivation lessees.

This initiative is anticipated to save lessees $500,000 for 2024-25.

For further information, please contact: Ministry of Agriculture: Jamie Shanks, 306-787-5155

Changes to Radiation Services Fees

The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety provides oversight and regulation through The Radiation Health and Safety Regulations, 2005 to ensure workers and the public are not exposed to unnecessary radiation.

In order to reduce administrative burden on owners and operators, annual registration fees for radiation equipment will no longer be required.

A number of fees for services that are now provided by the private sector will also be removed.

Oversight of radiation equipment will still be provided to ensure safety protocols are being followed.

Additionally, in rare occasions that owners and operators require ministry consultation, the hourly consultation rate will be increased to better reflect cost recovery.

This initiative is not anticipated to significantly increase revenue.

This initiative will save stakeholders $58,000 for 2024-25.

For further information, please contact: Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety: Gladys Wasylenchuk, 306-787-2411

Increased Administrative Penalties for Violation of Securities Laws

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority is responsible for carrying out and providing the structure for the administration and enforcement of 23 financial services and consumer protection statutes.

To better protect Saskatchewan investors, maximum penalties for violating securities laws and the maximum threshold for providing educational material costs are being increased for The Securities Act, 1988.

These increases to penalties and educational material costs are intended to encourage compliance and are not expected to have a revenue impact.

The necessary legislation has been introduced, but the changes will not come into effect until the The Securities (Saskatchewan Investors Protection) Amendment Act, 2023 is passed and comes into force later in 2024.

For further information, please contact: Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority: Lauren Caza, 306-787-5567

Removal of Film Classification Fees

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority is responsible for overseeing the regulatory framework for the classification of films (including movies, videotapes and DVDs) and the regulation of exhibitors and distributors of films in Saskatchewan.

In order to reduce burden on the film industry, film classification requirements and associated fees are being removed.

A new streamlined information requirement structure will be implemented along with fee removals when The Film Content Information Act takes effect in late 2024 or early 2025.

This initiative will save stakeholders $60,000 beginning in 2025.

For further information, please contact: Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority: Lauren Caza, 306-787-5567.

by Government of Saskatchewan

Changes to Fees and Charges in 2024-25

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