Province releases list of fee increases, including SGI deductibles

Deductibles, admin fees, EV charges, and fishing licence costs rise next year as the province indexes some fees to inflation.

The Saskatchewan government has released a list of fee changes and increases, including higher deductibles for basic SGI plate insurance and several new administrative charges.

Deductibles for typical vehicle plates will go up from $700 to $950 and some vehicles will see a jump of about 20 per cent, effective Jan. 1, 2027.

New administrative fees will also be introduced, including a $15 fee to register a vehicle or renew a driver’s licence, a $5 fee to renew vehicle registration and an additional $2 charge on driver’s licence payment transactions.

The province says the changes will help support the Auto Fund long term as it faces pressure from inflation and rising vehicle repair costs.

After doubling road-use fees for electric vehicles in last year’s budget, the province will also be trying to increase the charge with inflation going forward.

According to the province, indexing the fees annually based on the national rate of inflation will keep what EV owners pay more in line with drivers of traditional vehicles.

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New fees are also coming for outdoor licences. A “habitat certificate” will be introduced, requiring fishers to pay an extra $20 for an annual licence and $5 for a weekend pass. The province expects the measure to generate about $2.1 million annually.

Hunters who purchase both hunting and fishing licences will only need to buy one certificate but could face a new $15 fee if they fail to submit their required hunter harvest survey at the end of the season.

Changes are also coming to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program. The province says it will now cost $500 to apply for skilled worker streams, whether applicants have a job offer or not. Officials say the change reflects federal adjustments to overall immigration levels.

Alcohol-related penalties will also increase. The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) will have the authority to issue higher penalties to establishments that sell or supply alcohol to minors or intoxicated people or fail to check identification for someone who appears underage.

The province says the current minimal penalties issued are $1,000 for selling alcohol to minors or intoxicated people, and $500 for failing to demand proof of age. Penalties will be increased to $2,500 and $1,000 respectively.