SASKATCHEWAN UPDATE: UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS
Submitted by: Norman Magnin, Ryan, Regina, SK
I would just like to let members of the CPTA know that we are a recognized voice for commercial/industrial ratepayers across Canada and politicians are watching what we discuss, and in my case publish in the CPTA newsletter and shared on LinkedIn.
The Ministry of Government Relations directly replied to the article I recently published with correspondence from the Executive Director, Policy & Program Services Branch. This is the branch that is directly in charge of drafting the amendments to the municipal Acts, and the branch that I have been providing concerns on behalf of the CPTA. In a letter dated June 26, 2025, it was stated:
The ministry’s intent is to have a fair, equitable and efficient assessment appeal mechanism that benefits both municipalities and property owners.
Lastly, I want to address the item you identified in your article as most concerning – potential changes regarding the amending of the grounds of appeal. While I cannot divulge specifics of the legislative amendment package until details become public, I can share that potential amendments propose to add regulation-making authority for amending a notice of appeal. This change would allow for the conditions and circumstances related to adjusting appeal grounds to be discussed further with all affected parties, CPTA included, at a later date.
Thank you again for your involvement to date. I look forward to continuing to work with the CPTA and other affected stakeholders as the ministry considers options on how to improve the property assessment appeal framework in Saskatchewan.
This is a positive and good first step. Moving from repealing the provision for amending notices of appeal altogether to allowing regulatory provisions that would describe the circumstances when allowable is much more palatable.
As the representative of the CPTA on the Assessment Appeals System Advisory Committee established by the Ministry, I will continue to keep our membership informed of upcoming legislative changes. If a bill is introduced in the 2025 fall legislative session that deals with assessment appeal provisions or the property tax system in general, I will update the CPTA membership.
I also wish to personally thank the CPTA Board, and all those involved with signing off on the article, and having it placed in the newsletter. Having an outlet to bring these types of issues to the forefront for discussion purposes worked in our case, but the battle continues to ensure we have a balanced and fair appeal system.