The First-time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit Transition Program Grant Regulations, established under The Executive Government Administration Act and The Economic and Co-operative Development Act through Order in Council 417/2025, provide a framework for granting financial support to first-time homebuyers in Saskatchewan who claimed the first-time homebuyers’ tax credit for the 2024 taxation year. The regulations define key terms such as “eligible individual,” which refers to someone who, as of December 31, 2024, is at least 18 years old, has received the federal first-time homebuyers’ tax credit, has acquired a qualifying home within the prescribed period from October 1 to December 31, 2024, and has received a notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency.

The program itself is designed to provide a one-time grant to supplement the 2024 federal first-time homebuyers’ tax credit, thereby reducing the financial burden of purchasing a first home. Eligibility for the grant is automatic for those who meet the prescribed criteria, with the minister empowered to issue payments deemed consistent with the program’s purpose. The grant amount is calculated using a specific formula based on the Saskatchewan first-time homebuyers’ tax credit claimed on the individual’s 2024 tax return, multiplied by a factor and capped at a maximum value of $525. Grants issued under the program are conclusively deemed valid for all purposes, subject to audits and compliance requirements.

Recipients of the grant are obligated to provide information or records requested by the minister to facilitate audits of their financial affairs. The minister also has authority to declare a grant overpayment if it is found that a recipient knowingly provided false or misleading information, omitted material facts, or failed to comply with the regulations or other applicable laws. Overpayments are treated as debts owed to the Crown in right of Saskatchewan and may be recovered under existing financial administration and revenue legislation. The minister is granted broad powers to conduct audits and recover overpayments in accordance with the Revenue and Financial Services Act.

The regulations establish procedures for serving notices, decisions, and other documents, allowing personal service, regular or registered mail, or email. The regulations specify deemed dates of service depending on the method used. Immunity provisions protect the government, the minister, the ministry, and their employees, officers, or agents from legal action for acts carried out in good faith under the regulations. Decisions of the minister are final and not subject to court review, injunction, or other judicial processes.

The program is strictly limited to grants for the 2024 taxation year and cannot be applied to other years. No grants are to be issued after March 31, 2027. These regulations came into force on the date they were filed with the Registrar of Regulations, setting a clear timeline for administration, compliance, and enforcement, while supporting first-time homebuyers in Saskatchewan with targeted financial assistance.

Saskatchewan (417/2025) October 7, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.