Saskatchewan's helium industry is poised for growth due to global supply chain disruptions, particularly from the ongoing conflict in Iran affecting helium production in Qatar, which supplies about a third of the world's helium. Despite having the fifth-largest helium reserves globally, industry leaders like Richard Dunn, executive director of the Helium Developers Association of Canada, argue that federal policies do not adequately support helium as a critical mineral. Helium is essential for various applications, including semiconductor manufacturing and MRI machines, yet it remains excluded from federal incentives available to other critical minerals. Saskatchewan's energy minister, Chris Beaudry, is advocating for changes to federal tax treatment to level the playing field, as the province aims to increase its helium production from nearly 3% to 10% of global supply by 2030, potentially generating $500 million annually. The province's Helium Action Plan, released in 2021, outlines strategies to scale production and establish a domestic liquefaction facility, addressing concerns about reliance on U.S. processing. As global demand rises, particularly from countries like Japan and South Korea, industry leaders stress the urgency of policy changes to unlock investment and capitalize on Saskatchewan's helium potential.