YORKTON — Yorkton MLA David Chan says his first full year in provincial politics has been one of learning, long days and steady progress as the Saskatchewan Party government continues its push on affordability, infrastructure and community safety heading into 2026.
Chan says his first year in office moved quickly, but the pace of the work made it rewarding.
"It's been a very incredible year," Chan said. "It's gone by really, really fast, but it's been a year of learning, a year of growing and just getting to know a lot more of the community."
Chan, who was elected in 2024, says the experience of joining the government benches brought a much deeper understanding of how decisions are made behind the scenes.
He said working closely with Premier Scott Moe and cabinet has been eye-opening.
"I didn't know how much work a premier does before," he said. "But I tell you that Premier Moe has a crazy schedule. He does an incredible amount of work."
Chan said that insight extends beyond the premier's office.
"That goes actually for all the cabinet ministers," he said. "I just can't believe how much responsibility they have, how much they have on their plate. But we have some really incredible people; it's been a pleasure to get to know my colleagues."
He also pointed to ministry staff — the people the public rarely sees.
"I really have to give it to our staff in the ministry offices," he said. "We've got some really intelligent, talented, capable people working behind the scenes."
Looking back at the fall session, Chan said he was especially proud of the affordability measures introduced or extended this year. He credited the province's strong economic indicators to years of consistent, deliberate policy.
"We brought in some really great affordability measures," he said. "Our province is among the best rated economically. We have the second lowest debt-to-GDP ratio, the second lowest unemployment. We're highest in housing starts."
He said those achievements are the result of long-term strategic decisions.
"Those things don't happen by accident; that comes because of sound policy," he said.
One of the most significant files heading into next year is the Compassionate Care Intervention Act, introduced at the end of the fall sitting.
Chan, who has a background in mental health, says the legislation may be challenging but necessary.
"I'm looking forward to the conversation around the Compassionate Care Intervention Act," he said. "Mental health and addiction challenges are on the rise across the province and across the nation."
Chan said the province is also confronting drug issues unlike anything seen before.
"We've never seen the types of drugs that we're seeing now," he said. "We've got to have some of these very difficult conversations."
He said the coming debate will focus on the best approach for both those struggling with addiction and the broader community.
"What's the right way to respond for the health and the well-being of those affected and for the safety of our community?" he said. "I'm glad our government is taking the steps to bring that forward."
Closer to home, Chan acknowledged rising concern around homelessness in Yorkton, a trend he says mirrors what is happening elsewhere in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
Chan said he has spent the year meeting with local agencies working on the front lines, including SIGN, the City of Yorkton, the RCMP, firefighter-paramedics and protective services.
"I'm grateful that we have incredible people working on the ground," he said. "People like Andrew Sedley, our mayor, Trevor Morrissey, our fire chief, our RCMP officers — they’re very invested."
Chan said the province continues to support community-based solutions, including the municipal police grant.
"Yorkton received $357,000 for that and that's going to put more boots on the ground."
He noted that policing is only one part of the response. Programs such as the Police and Crisis Team, which pairs an RCMP officer with a mental health professional, are becoming increasingly important.
"They're much better with that pairing," he said. "They're able to address some of the difficult situations that require both the police officer and the mental health professional."
Chan said Yorkton's strength remains in its people.
"We have the best people here in Yorkton working on it," he said. "And our province is committed to being a strong partner."
Health care remains one of the most discussed topics in the region, especially after the Saskatchewan NDP pledged earlier this year to build a hospital in Yorkton if elected. Chan said that promise overlooks the work already underway.
Chan said hospital planning involves a lengthy and structured process — the same one used for every major project.
"Every hospital that we've built goes through a process," he said. "The Yorkton hospital is in that very same process."
Funding for the planning phase began in 2021, he said, and work has continued each year.
"Due diligence in planning is not delay," he said. "We need to get this right."
