Statute Cleanup and Repeals

Summary#

• This bill removes (repeals) a large number of old Saskatchewan laws. Its main goal is to clean up the statute book by getting rid of laws that are outdated, one‑off, or no longer needed.

• Most changes are housekeeping. For most people, daily life will not change.

• Key changes:

  • Repeals two public laws: The Companies Winding Up Act (an old law on closing companies) and The Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation Act.
  • Repeals well over 150 “private” or local laws tied to specific cities, clubs, churches, schools, hospitals, trust and insurance companies, railways, and one‑time tax exemptions.
  • Removes many old acts that confirmed city bylaws, allowed borrowing for early public works, or approved agreements with utilities and railways.
  • Takes effect when the bill is signed. The repeal of The Companies Winding Up Act will take effect later, when the provincial cabinet issues an order.

What it means for you#

• General public

  • No change to everyday services, taxes, or rights.
  • This is mainly a cleanup so the law is easier to understand and search.

• Local governments (e.g., Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Regina, Yorkton, Prince Albert, Estevan, Yorkton, Weyburn)

  • Old acts that once confirmed bylaws, borrowing, land changes, or agreements are removed.
  • Current municipal powers and finances are governed by modern laws, so day‑to‑day operations should not change.
  • Staff may wish to double‑check whether any historic agreements mentioned in the repealed acts are still relevant.

• Non‑profits, faith groups, and schools named in the bill

  • Many repealed acts created or named specific organizations or granted property tax exemptions long ago.
  • If your organization is named and still active, make sure it is properly set up under today’s general laws (for example, current non‑profit or charities law) and that any tax relief comes from current municipal or provincial rules.
  • If unsure, seek advice from your governing body, municipality, or a lawyer.

• Businesses and financial institutions named in the bill

  • Many repealed acts formed or renamed trust, loan, or insurance companies from the early 1900s onward.
  • If a successor company believes an old private act still matters, review your status under current corporate and financial laws.

• Companies being wound up and advisors

  • The repeal of The Companies Winding Up Act will occur later, by cabinet order.
  • Most company closures today use federal insolvency laws. Watch for the order and any guidance on the shift.

Expenses#

Estimated public cost: none expected.

• This bill does not create programs or spending. It mainly updates the statute book.
• There may be minor administrative work to update legal references and websites.

Proponents' View#

• Cleans up the law by removing obsolete, one‑off, or duplicate acts, which reduces confusion.
• Makes it easier for the public, courts, and governments to find and apply current rules.
• Reflects modern practice: current municipal, corporate, and tax laws already cover these topics.
• Should have no effect on everyday services and no new costs for the province.
• Staggers the end of The Companies Winding Up Act to allow an orderly transition.

Opponents' View#

• Risk of unintended side effects if any organization still relies on an old private act for its legal status or a property tax break.
• Repealing acts that confirmed historic agreements or bylaws could create uncertainty unless cross‑checked against current arrangements.
• Some want clearer public notes on why each act is obsolete and how impacts were assessed.
• Archivists and local historians may worry about losing easy pointers to past obligations or land and infrastructure history.