LAWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Laws

Oct 8: From now through November 30, Saskatchewan will gather feedback on the OHS Regulations. Public review will be in 3 phases, starting with the current review focusing on Parts 1 to 5 of the Regulations. Issues on the table: asbestos, incident reporting, incident investigation, OHS programs, youth employment, working alone, workplace violence and harassment, and first aid.

Infectious Illness

Oct 14: Public health clinics in Saskatchewan began providing this season’s free influenza and COVID vaccinations to residents ages 6 months and older. Free vaccines will also be offered at select pharmacies and physician or nurse practitioner offices. Residents can book appointments via the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s online booking system, or by calling 1-833-727-5829, Monday to Friday.

Action Point: Find out how to use the OHS Insider Infection Exposure Control Plan template to guard against COVID, flu, and other potential infectious illness outbreaks at your workplace.

New Laws

Sep 3: Recently passed amendments to the Saskatchewan Employment Act restricting an employer’s right to require employees to provide sick notes verifying their need for sick leave, maternity leave, interpersonal violence leave and bereavement leave will officially take effect on January 1, 2026, the government announced.

Reprisals

Sep 3: New rules giving the director of employment standards the authority to order reinstatement and compensation for lost wages in cases of discriminatory action by an employer in violation of the Saskatchewan Employment Act will take effect on January 1, 2026.

CASES

Environmental: Trucking Company Fined $161,000 for Shorelines Alterations & Permit Violations

A trucking company was fined $161,000 after pleading guilty to altering shorelines and failing to follow permit conditions relating to culvert installations. The case began a year ago when conservation officers in Spiritwood observed significant amounts of soil and debris at a creek flowing directly into Chitek lake. Concerned about potential impacts on water quality and aquatic habitats, officers inspected other work areas along Highway 24 and found similar issues [110186505 Saskatchewan Ltd., operating as Schmidt Trucking, Govt. Press Release, September 30, 2025].