Female politicians in Saskatchewan to get own washroom, 110 years later

REGINA — Bathroom parity is finally coming to the women politicians of the Saskatchewan legislature — more than a century after the building opened.

Steve Bata, the legislature’s building manager, said Wednesday a members-only washroom for women is expected to be completed in June.

Male politicians have had their own bathroom since the legislature opened in 1912. It’s a spacious area, featuring larger stalls with marble dividers and oak doors. There are also five sinks and a dresser.

Meanwhile, female members have been using smaller, austere public washrooms.

Todd Goudy, the legislature’s Speaker, said the women’s washroom wasn’t needed at the time because the legislature was built before women could vote. That changed in 1916, four years later, when they could vote and hold office.

“The best time to have done it might have been when the building was built, but the second best time is right now,” Goudy said.

The new women’s room will feature historical elements like the men’s, including old marble. It will also have a changing table and family area. The renovation, along with other plumbing work, will cost $200,000.

In Saskatchewan’s 61-seat legislature, there are 21 women. Twelve are with the NDP, eight are with the Saskatchewan Party government and one is an Independent.

Nicole Sarauer, the Opposition NDP house leader, said the addition is welcome. She said NDP women members have been asking for it for decades.

“It’s overdue,” she said. “In my caucus, we have 50 per cent women and have had (that) for a while.”

It’s a bathroom, she said, but also a statement.

“When you don’t have amenities for women that are equal to what are available to men, you are telling those MLAs and the community at large that one group of people is more important than the other,” she said.

She said a few years ago, the building had a single-stall washroom built to accommodate female members, but said it wasn’t ideal.

“(That washroom) is way deep in the government side (of the building). It’s actually very difficult for opposition MLAs to get to. You kind of have to walk through government members being briefed by their officials,” Sarauer said.

“There have been instances where we’ve been essentially encouraged by interactions with government officials to not use that washroom.”

Jamie Martens, a Saskatchewan Party government member, said in a statement she appreciates the renovation.

“While I did not have concerns previously, more bathrooms are always welcome,” she said.

For some, the change likely can’t come soon enough.

On Wednesday, those going to the women’s members-only washroom were greeted by a note on the door: “Out of order.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 27, 2026.

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press