The Saskatchewan Throne Speech, delivered today at the opening of the fall legislative session, focused on affordability and critical investments in education and healthcare. While these priorities took center stage, the speech also delivered on key supports for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

“We are pleased to see the government’s commitment to exploring a new SME Investment Tax Credit as proposed by the Saskatoon Chamber,” says Jason Aebig, CEO. “Small businesses are the engines of our economy and today’s commitment underscores the vital role they play driving Saskatchewan’s growth.”

Traditionally, small and medium-sized businesses rely on personal networks to secure funds for purchasing capital and equipment, adopting new technologies, improving production, or expanding sales. By introducing a tax credit to incentivize direct outside investment, this initiative will broaden access to capital, helping businesses enhance operations, create jobs, and position themselves for sustainable growth.

The Chamber also welcomed confirmation that the small business tax rate will remain frozen at one per cent and that Saskatchewan will continue to have the highest threshold of annual income in Canada that can be claimed under the rate at $600,000.

According to the Chamber, other highlights for business outlined in the Throne Speech included:

• Creating a young entrepreneur bursary.
• Creating a new $5,000 Class 1 Truck Driver Training rebate.
• Increasing the Graduate Retention Plan benefit by 20 per cent to a maximum of $24,000.

In the coming year, the Chamber will continue to advocate for critical measures, including:

• Provincial property tax reform
• Small Business Rebates to address property damage and petty crime
• Development of a Made-in-Saskatchewan “Fund of Funds”
• Removal of PST on new construction projects to stimulate growth