Single-Window Development System
Res #: 16-23A
Number: 16
Year: 2023
Midterm: No
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources
WHEREAS the Ministry of Energy and Resources is in the process of creating a single-window application system for all
resource development activities requiring permitting or invoicing from municipalities as per the Province of
Saskatchewan’s Plan for Growth to 2030.
WHEREAS in January 2022, the Ministry of Government Relations, SARM, CAPP, and EPAC created a Steering
Committee to direct this project and did not notify any municipalities or other affected parties until the 2022 SARM
Midterm Convention.
WHEREAS there are existing private companies offering uniform application systems for oil and gas development,
which are utilized by most municipalities receiving majority of the applications; and that all municipalities utilizing
these private companies have already invested significant municipal time and funds.
WHEREAS the primary purpose for the Province of Saskatchewan is to create the Laws and Policies for the province,
and not to create businesses that are already clearly serviced by the private sector.
BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby the Ministry of Government Relations and the Ministry of Energy and Resources to
abandon any further development of a Single-Window Development System for applications in the oil and gas sector
to municipalities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that SARM encourage the Ministry of Government Relations and the Ministry of Energy and
Resources to work with the existing private companies to create an optional development system for applications in
the oil and gas sector to municipalities for any municipality that chooses to do so.
Responses From: Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources
May 8, 2023
The Ministry of Energy and Resources (ER) is always looking for opportunities to improve the regulatory and business environment to remain competitive and attract investment. ER is engaging with Rural Municipalities (RM) to understand the relationship between RMs and industry today and to explore improvements that are supported by and beneficial to, both RMs and industry.
There is no intention for the government to mandate a province-wide single-window system. This initiative is not meant to duplicate the existing efforts of RMs, to compete with private firms offering online services, or to infringe on local government decision making or autonomy.
There is no particular solution in mind at this early stage and what we hear through the engagement will drive the next steps for the project. ER is open to exploring any ideas emerging from engagement that would drive efficiency, consistency and transparency in interactions between RMs and industry. This includes encouraging expansion of best practices from RMs that have established good processes to manage oil and gas activities over the last number of years.
Susanna Laaksonen-Craig – Deputy Minister, Saskatchewan Ministry of Energy and Resources
