News Feed
2013
January
Record Oil Production in 2012
Posted On January 31, 2013Oil production in Saskatchewan hit a new record in 2012 according to statistics released by the Ministry of the Economy today. Crude oil production in the province reached 172.9 million barrels in 2012, up more than 7.0 per cent from the previous record of 161.0 million barrels set in 2008. "In 2012, Saskatchewan's oil industry had an exceptional year," Minister responsible for Energy and Resources Tim McMillan said. "Our economy continues to be one of the strongest in the country, and this record year in oil production proves that we have the resources and business climate the...
November Wages Rise for Sask Workers
Posted On January 30, 2013Saskatchewan workers had more money in their pockets during the month of November, according to the latest numbers released today by Statistics Canada. The report indicates Saskatchewan workers had a 3.7 per cent increase in wages in November of 2012 when compared with November 2011, the third highest percentage increase among the provinces. "The Saskatchewan economy continues to make strides, and more importantly, Saskatchewan people are seeing the real benefits of positive economic growth," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "The rise in weekly earnings is significant as it helps to...
Grand Opening of Regina's Arcola Community School
Posted On January 29, 2013Today Education Minister Russ Marchuk joined students, teachers, members of the community and representatives from the Regina Public School Division to officially commemorate the opening of the new $19.2 million Arcola Community School. "Investing in education is key to the success of our students, and to the growth and prosperity of Saskatchewan," Marchuk said. "This school is a great example of 21st century learning. The design brings an environmentally sustainable approach together with providing learning opportunities, resulting in an environment where students are encouraged to...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On January 24, 2013Access to affordable, quality health care is one of the most important services a government provides for its citizens. That is why our government has been working in conjunction with other provinces and territories to provide lower cost generic drugs. This plan will see a great reduction in cost on six of the most commonly used drugs. The new prices will come into effect April 1, 2013 on: Atorvastatin - used to treat high cholesterol; Ramipril - used to treat blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions; Venlafaxine - used to treat depression and...
Livestock Research Receives $3.4 Million Investment
Posted On January 23, 2013Today Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced $3.4 million in funding for 23 livestock and forage research projects. Funding for these projects is provided through the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). "Saskatchewan is a world leader in agricultural research," said Ritz. "The Agriculture Development Fund and work done in the province's research institutions help producers innovate to strengthen our economy here in Saskatchewan and across Canada." "Research is vital to the future of our industry and ranchers...
School Year Becomes Uniform Across Sask
Posted On January 23, 2013All Saskatchewan students will receive more consistent face-to-face, instructional time in schools starting this fall. Legislative and regulatory amendments that set instructional hours in a school year at 950 were proclaimed on January 1, 2013. The changes will apply to the 2013-14 school year. "We have been working with our stakeholders for the past year on these changes," Education Minister Russ Marchuk said. "These changes will help to ensure all Saskatchewan students benefit from more consistent instructional hours and will bring us in line with our western Canadian counterparts." Following...
Sask Manufacturing Shipments Rank Second Highest
Posted On January 18, 2013The province's manufacturing shipments are maintaining a leading position in Canada for 2012 and continuing to set monthly records. Manufacturing shipments were up 4.7 per cent in November 2012 over November 2011, according to Statistics Canada. Nationally, Saskatchewan had the second highest increase among provinces in terms of percentage change, and set a record once again for the month of November. "Saskatchewan's manufacturing sector continues to have a solid performance for 2012," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "Not only are we second among all provinces, but results for...
Surgery Wait Times Stats Show Gradual Gains
Posted On January 17, 2013After an earlier stall in progress, November showed the second consecutive month of modest gains toward the goal of providing all surgeries within six months by April 2013. Statistics for November 30, 2012 show that there were 299 fewer people waiting more than six months for surgery than the month before. In November 2007, there were 10,635 people waiting more than six months for surgery. Efforts across the province have reduced that number by 60 per cent to 4,271 people. "Surgical teams in Saskatchewan are working together to achieve more timely surgeries for patients while...
Sask Exports Continue to Set Record
Posted On January 11, 2013Numbers released by Statistics Canada today show the province's merchandise exports were up 7.7 per cent for the first eleven months of 2012, compared to the same period in 2011. This landed Saskatchewan in second place among the provinces and sets a new year-to-date record. "Strong export numbers are an indicator of our province's economic strength," Minister responsible for Trade Tim McMillan said. "November's statistics are encouraging and show that our province is on track to have a record year in terms of export gains." Commodities that saw the most significant increases...
February
Highest Weekly Earnings Increase In Canada
Posted On February 26, 2013Saskatchewan workers had a 5.0 per cent increase ($44.96) in seasonally-adjusted average weekly earnings in 2012, the highest percentage increase in Canada. Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings were $936.00, above the national average of $908.35. “Higher wages for Saskatchewan working people is a true measure of our economic progress,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “With increased salaries in a wide range of jobs, our province is in a great position to be a destination of choice for job seekers in Canada and across the globe.” According to...
Sask Forests are Healthy
Posted On February 20, 2013Saskatchewan’s forests are healthy according to the Ministry of Environment’s 2012 Report on Saskatchewan Forests, now available on the ministry’s website. “I am pleased to say that this report finds that our forests are being maintained in a healthy state,” Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. “Forests provide many benefits – economic, environmental and social – that enhance our quality of life. Our government is committed to protecting this significant part of Saskatchewan’s natural heritage and to reporting regularly on...
Sask Agri-food exports tops in Canada
Posted On February 14, 2013Canada’s top agri-food exporting province for the second year in a row For the first time ever, Saskatchewan exported more than $11 billion in agri-food products in 2012, and remains the nation’s top agri-food exporter. In total, Saskatchewan accounted for 23 per cent of Canada’s agri-food exports in 2012. "Saskatchewan farmers and ranchers continue to provide safe, reliable and high quality agri-food products here at home and around the world,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said. "Our government continues to invest...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On February 13, 2013In the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, our government committed to doubling agri-exports by 2020. To achieve this goal we need to give our agricultural producers the tools they need to succeed, which is why we were proud to announce record coverage and additional enhancements to the 2013 Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Program. The 2013 crop insurance budget is a record $198 million. Coverage levels are also increasing – from $174 per acre last year to a record $194 per acre this year. That’s more than double the coverage offered when we first took office in 2007. ...
Strong Housing Starts
Posted On February 12, 2013Saskatchewan's construction sector was busy in 2012, recording the highest number of housing starts since the 1970s. According to the latest Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) report, urban and rural housing starts in the province totaled 9,968 units. The report also indicated that urban housing starts in Saskatchewan increased in 2012, up 39.9 per cent compared to 2011, putting Saskatchewan in first place among the provinces in terms of percentage change. "With the strength of our economy and a surge in our population, 2012 is going down as one of our strongest...
SaskAdvantage Scholarship
Posted On February 11, 2013Thousands of Saskatchewan students are benefiting from the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship. “To date we have helped 4,475 students with their post-secondary education by providing over $2.2 million in scholarships,” Advanced Education Minister Don Morgan said. “By the end of this fiscal year, we are expecting that more than 8,000 students will receive the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship at a value of over $4 million.” The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship was launched in spring 2012 and provides new Saskatchewan Grade 12 graduates who enroll...
Record crop insurance funding and coverage
Posted On February 11, 2013Today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced details of the 2013 Crop Insurance Program, which includes record funding and record coverage levels. "Agriculture plays an important role in Saskatchewan and across Canada in creating jobs and economic growth," Ritz said. "Insurance-based programs such as these ensure that Saskatchewan farmers have the tools they need to maintain their success today and well into the future." "We are committed to the growth of the agriculture industry by working...
First Land Sale of 2013 Yields $11.9 Million
Posted On February 7, 2013The first sale of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights for 2013 generated $11.9 million in revenue for the province, bringing final land sale revenues for the 2012-13 fiscal year to $88.9 million. February's sale included 104 lease parcels that brought in $11.8 million in bonus bids and two petroleum and natural gas exploration licences that sold for $125,000. While investment in the Bakken remains strong, industry continues to identify opportunities province-wide. The Lloydminster area received the most bids with sales of $5.9 million. The Weyburn-Estevan area was next at...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On February 6, 2013Saskatchewan's economy remains one of the strongest in the country, if not the world. Major economic forecasters are predicting we will be number two in Canada in terms of economic growth this year. Oil production in Saskatchewan hit a new record high in 2012. At 1,086,054, we are well on our way to achieving one of the key goals of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth: a population of 1.2 million by 2020. A strong economy has allowed our government to invest in programs and services that are improving the quality of life for all Saskatchewan people. With our next budget just around the...
March
Report from the Legislature
Posted On March 27, 2013Everyone has a role to play when it comes to potential flooding this spring, and that includes our government. To that end, Premier Brad Wall has appointed a special cabinet committee to oversee the province's preparations and response to potential spring flooding. In addition, we have designated $182 million in the Growth and Financial Security Fund to cover potential costs. Several ministries have already committed resources to flood preparation. For example, Ministry of Government Relations and the Water Security Agency have been holding meetings in at-risk regions. At those meetings,...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On March 21, 2013The theme of the 2013-2014 provincial budget is "Balanced Growth." This year's budget is balanced, controls spending and continues to make investments to ensure a better quality life for all Saskatchewan people. It also delivers on commitments we made in the Plan for Growth. Saskatchewan remains the only province with a balanced budget. This is key to achieving our Growth Plan goal of 1.2 million people by 2020. Through prudent management of the province's finances, including debt reduction saving hundreds of millions of dollars in interest payments, we lay a solid foundation for...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On March 14, 2013Our government is committed to ensuring Saskatchewan remains the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family. To that end, we have announced that education property tax rates will be reduced in next week's budget. The overall value of property in Saskatchewan has increased by 67 per cent over the last five years, which could have meant significant property tax increases. Reducing education property tax rates will help mitigate those increases. While some property owners may still see their taxes go up, others will go down and the overall impact in terms of re-assessment will...
New Incentive Program to Attract Rural Doctors
Posted On March 13, 2013Another Step Forward on Physician Recruitment and Retention Premier Brad Wall announced new funding today to attract more recently-graduated physicians to rural Saskatchewan communities and improve patients’ access to physician services. The new Rural Physician Incentive Program will provide $120,000 in funding over five years to recent medical graduates who establish practice in rural communities of 10,000 or less. “Recruiting doctors to rural areas and keeping them once they’re here is a huge priority for our government,” Wall said. “We’ve...
Government Holds the Line on Education Property Tax
Posted On March 13, 2013Premier Brad Wall today announced that the government will hold the line on education property tax in 2013. The overall value of property in Saskatchewan has increased 67 per cent over the past four years, from $58 billion in 2009 to $97 billion in 2013, thanks to Saskatchewan’s strong and growing economy. Wall said while that’s good news for property owners, it could have meant significant property tax increases if the government had left the education property tax rates unchanged. “A few weeks ago, Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter said that...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On March 6, 2013Our government is committed to taking action that reflects the values important to Saskatchewan people. After extensive consideration and consultation, we have decided the drinking age in Saskatchewan will not be lowered from 19 to 18. The idea to look at possibly changing the drinking age was the result of a resolution from the Saskatchewan Party's youth wing. So we said as a government, we would look at it and accept comments and feedback from some of the major stakeholders, as well as the public on this matter. We received feedback from groups such as the province's police chiefs, Mothers...
Healthline Number Changing to 811
Posted On March 5, 2013The Government of Saskatchewan is making access to 24/7 health advice easier by changing the province’s HealthLine number to 811. “People can now access HealthLine for professional health advice any time, by simply dialing 811 from anywhere in the province,” Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. “HealthLine is a key part of our primary health care strategy to improve access to health services and I encourage Saskatchewan residents to take advantage of this valuable resource.” Saskatchewan joins several other jurisdictions across the country in using...
Government Maintains Current Legal Drinking Age
Posted On March 4, 2013The legal drinking age in Saskatchewan will remain at 19 years. “We have heard from stakeholder groups and from people across the province that government should not change the drinking age in Saskatchewan,” Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Donna Harpauer said. “While there were also some people that supported reducing the age to 18 years, it became clear that the majority urged government to maintain the status quo.” The legal drinking age in Saskatchewan is consistent with the majority of other provinces. Only Manitoba,...
April
2013 Provincial Flood Response Update
Posted On April 24, 2013The Ministry of Government Relations, in collaboration with various government ministries, agencies, Crown corporations and stakeholder groups are providing updates on the key steps the province and its partners are taking to mitigate and alleviate potential flooding across the province. Water Security Agency Water Security Agency (WSA) now has 207 applicants in the Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program. Staff and consultants have been dispatched to assist these clients. They include: 62 communities, nine First Nations, 10 general, 17 RMs, and 109 individuals. Runoff...
Record Retail Sales
Posted On April 23, 2013Saskatchewan’s retail sales rose in February 2013, hitting another record for the month according to a report released by Statistics Canada today. In February 2013, retail sales were $1.5 billion, 5.0 per cent higher than a year ago (seasonally adjusted), and the second highest percentage increase in Canada. “Record retail numbers are a major contributor to GDP growth,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “A strong economy bolsters higher consumer confidence, which in turn boosts retail sales, leads to job creation and provides attractive business opportunities.” On...
SAID Program Turns 10,000
Posted On April 23, 2013More than 10,000 Saskatchewan people with long-term and enduring disabilities now have a better quality of life thanks to enrollment in the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability program (SAID). "I am so pleased that we are helping improve the quality of life of these 10,000 Saskatchewan citizens," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "The SAID program supports our government's goal to make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live for people with disabilities, and we are deeply committed to supporting this important program for many years to come." "I want...
Gov't Fulfilled Commitment to Address Waitlist
Posted On April 22, 2013The Government of Saskatchewan has fulfilled its multi-year commitment to address the waitlist of 440 people with intellectual disabilities that required specialized, residential, and/or day programs to meet their needs. In addition to serving all 440 people on the list, another 215 Community Living clients beyond the original waitlist have been served. The initiative, launched in 2008, represents the largest investment in Saskatchewan history in support of people with intellectual disabilities, at a total of $62.5 million. “This is a milestone day for every one of the 440 people...
Record Breaking Month for Wholesale Trade
Posted On April 19, 2013Saskatchewan products were on the move in February, recording an all-time high for wholesale trade for the month. According to new numbers released by Statistics Canada today, the province saw a 6.4 per cent jump in wholesale trade compared to the same time last year. This ranked Saskatchewan third in percentage growth among the provinces. “Increases in economic markers such as wholesale trade are indicative of the confidence that currently exists in our province’s economy,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “Saskatchewan goods are moving throughout this nation...
Sask EI Claims Continue to Drop
Posted On April 18, 2013The number of people collecting employment insurance benefits in Saskatchewan continued to drop in February according to figures released by Statistics Canada today. Initial and renewal claims dropped by 8.0 per cent between February 2012 and February 2013, the second highest percentage drop among the provinces. “Saskatchewan’s economy continues to expand at a level that is one of the best in Canada,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “It’s that additional economic activity that creates jobs and keeps unemployment low.” The number of regular...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On April 18, 2013Our government continues to take action to support our Growth Plan goals pertaining to agriculture. Under Growing Forward 2, the provincial and federal governments are partnering to provide $388 million in funding over the next five years for programming for farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses and exporters. This programming was created in consultation with agricultural producers, and includes: $170 million in agriculture innovation, research and technology transfer; $65 million in rural water infrastructure; $60 million in environment, food safety, plant...
Increased Funding will Improve Access to Cancer Care
Posted On April 17, 2013Patients will have better access to cancer care thanks to a $12 million provincial funding increase that brings the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s overall budget to $150.7 million. “This investment in safe, quality cancer care, research, prevention, and early detection programs moves us closer to our goal of a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people,” Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. “Our government and our health partners are working to provide the very best cancer care possible, meeting the needs of patients and their families throughout this growing...
Saskatchewan Exports Hit Record Levels
Posted On April 17, 2013Thanks to strong demand for quality Saskatchewan-made products, the province’s export sales have hit record levels. Recently revised data from Statistics Canada indicate that provincial exporters sold more than $32.6 billion worth of products in 2012, a 10.3 per cent increase from the year before. This moves Saskatchewan past British Columbia into fourth place among the provinces when it comes to exports. Saskatchewan exports have more than tripled in the last decade. The province is Canada’s largest exporter on a per capita basis. “This is remarkable,” Premier...
2013 Provinical Flood Response Update
Posted On April 17, 2013The Ministry of Government Relations, in collaboration with various government ministries, agencies, Crown corporations and stakeholder groups, are providing updates on the key steps the province and its partners are taking to mitigate and alleviate potential flooding across the province. Water Security Agency (WSA) An open house will be held in Lumsden on Friday, April 19, at the Dew Drop Inn, 275 James Street North, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The WSA and the Ministry of Government Relations has now held open houses in Regina, Moose Jaw, Estevan, Fort Qu’Appelle,...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On April 11, 2013The potential for significant flooding remains a top priority for our government as spring slowly arrives in Saskatchewan. The Water Security Agency’s April forecast indicates that in March there were greater than normal amounts of precipitation in certain parts of Saskatchewan. Because of that, an above normal spring runoff is still expected for most of the province. There are also some areas that have the potential for very high runoff and flooding, including Moose Jaw to Indian Head then south to Weyburn and from Saskatoon to North Battleford extending north to Waskisieu Lake....
Growing Forward 2 Agricultural Programming Launched
Posted On April 11, 2013New Programs Designed to Make Saskatchewan Producers More Innovative, Productive and Competitive on a World Scale Today, Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced the launch of the Growing Forward 2 agricultural policy framework in Saskatchewan. “Our government remains focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry,” said Ritz. “Growing Forward 2 provides flexible, innovative programming for Saskatchewan’s hard-working farmers to ensure...
Saskjobs.ca Strong
Posted On April 9, 2013Employment opportunities in Saskatchewan continue to be abundant as evidenced by the number of job seekers from Saskatchewan and around the world who continue to access saskjobs.ca for employment opportunities in the province. In March 2013, there were 1,113,954 visits to the website, up by 11.8 per cent from last March. "Saskjobs.ca continues to be the job website Saskatchewan employers turn to when they need to fill much-needed positions,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “In March we saw postings from 353 communities across the province in virtually every employment...
New Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Posted On April 9, 2013During congratulatory remarks to the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) Regina graduates, Rural and Remote Health Minister Randy Weekes announced, on behalf of Advanced Education Minister Don Morgan, a new program that will encourage nurses and nurse practitioners to work in rural and remote areas of the province. Funding from the 2013-14 Budget will launch a program to forgive up to $4,000 per year in Saskatchewan Student Loans to a maximum of $20,000 over five years for nurses and nurse practitioners who work in under-served rural and remote communities with a population...
Water Security Agency April Forecast
Posted On April 8, 2013Today, Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA) Ken Cheveldayoff released the April forecast and update on the spring runoff. The month of March saw greater than normal amounts of precipitation in certain areas. As a result, an above normal runoff is expected for majority of the province, while the areas that have the potential for very high runoff and flooding have increased. These areas include Moose Jaw to Indian Head then south to Weyburn, and from Saskatoon to North Battleford extending north to Waskesiu Lake. “With the additional snowfall...
Flood Preparedness Program to Assist Communities
Posted On April 2, 2013Today, Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency (WSA) Ken Cheveldayoff confirmed the government of Saskatchewan will continue to assist residents faced with threats of flooding with the 2013 Emergency Flood Damage Reduction Program (EFDRP). The program provides engineering and technical assistance to municipalities while sharing the cost of permanent and temporary flood prevention works. “As Saskatchewan readies for a significant spring run-off, our government is committed to supporting its citizens and communities faced with potential flooding,”...
Follow the Signs in Highway Work Zones
Posted On April 1, 2013Driving down the highway you see the familiar orange sign with a worker on it. Do you slow down immediately? Maintain your speed until you see workers? How fast should you be going and when can you speed back up again? When construction season begins this spring, Saskatchewan motorists will see improved signage in highway work zones, ensuring that the speed limits are "black and white". “We're making it ‘black-and-white’ for drivers,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. “With the introduction of the new signage, all drivers need...
May
Spring Session Wraps
Posted On May 16, 2013Premier Brad Wall said a balanced budget, continued economic strength and a new Saskatchewan Employment Act that modernizes the province's labour legislation were the highlights of the 2012-13 legislative session which wraps up today. "Sound financial management is the foundation of our government's Growth Plan," Wall said. "We are one of only a few provinces in Canada with a balanced budget – a budget that controls spending while making important investments in health, education, infrastructure and people with disabilities." Wall said Saskatchewan continues to...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On May 16, 2013Our government has a strong record of keeping promises – doing the things we said we would. We did it consistently during our first term, and continue to do so. I am happy to report that during the just-completed spring session of the Legislature, we honoured several commitments we made in our Growth Plan. We announced our sixth consecutive balanced budget – a budget that controlled spending while making important investments in health, education, infrastructure and support for people with disabilities. We remain committed to making Saskatchewan the best place...
New Affordable Housing to Assist Youth in Regina
Posted On May 13, 2013CMHC, and the Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, are contributing a combined total of $768,000. The City of Regina is contributing $80,000 through a municipal grant, with Ranch Ehrlo Society providing the funding balance of approximately $85,000 through cash and land equity. The project will be called CHAZ Court in honour of Dale Chastkiewicz, former chair of Ehrlo Community Services who dedicated seven years in support of Ranch Ehrlo and continues to help the community. “CHAZ Court is designed to assist young singles transition from care,...
New Labour Legislation for Saskatchewan
Posted On May 13, 2013The Saskatchewan Employment Act (Bill 85) today passed third and final reading in the Legislative Assembly.The Act consolidates 12 pieces of labour legislation into one updated and comprehensive Act that protects workers, promotes growth and increases accountability. "I want to thank all the people and organizations who made submissions and the members of the Minister’s Advisory Committee for their input and candor,” Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. “The new Act includes house amendments that are the result of our consultative process....
New Record for April Job Numbers
Posted On May 10, 2013Saskatchewan’s employment figures for April are the highest on record for the month. Employment was 548,500 in April, up by 16,700 jobs over April 2012, a 3.1 per cent growth rate and the second highest in Canada. Full-time employment was 444,100, another record level for the month of April. “What is encouraging about today’s record job statistics is the solid growth we are seeing in the number of full-time jobs,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said on behalf of Economy Minister Bill Boyd. “When workers are able to secure full-time work, it means additional...
Increased Funding Helps to Reduce Surgical Wait Times
Posted On May 8, 2013Saskatchewan patients will receive surgery sooner and benefit from innovations that improve the quality and safety of surgical care, thanks to a $70.5 million investment in 2013-14 in the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative, a four-year collaborative effort by the health system. The funding is up $10 million from the previous year. It will enable health regions to complete 7,000 more surgeries for patients in 2013-14, about half of them (3,200) by Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region. Combined, the 10 Saskatchewan health regions that offer surgery will provide about 89,000 procedures. "Saskatchewan’s...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On May 8, 2013The worth of a society can be measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. In keeping with our government’s belief in that statement, we continue to honour commitments made in both the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth and this year’s provincial budget. On May 6, 2013, we announced the first step toward implementing a comprehensive Disability Strategy. The Disability Strategy will focus on the priority areas specified in the Plan for Growth: accessibility, affordability and availability of housing; transportation; employment; education; support for community inclusion;...
Action Plan for Mental Health & Addictions
Posted On May 7, 2013National Mental Health Week May 6-12 The Government of Saskatchewan is taking a patient first approach to developing a mental health and addictions action plan, building upon the care and services already in place to better serve some of the most vulnerable people in Saskatchewan. Health Minister Dustin Duncan today announced at a Canadian Mental Health Association brunch in Regina that an inter-ministerial action plan will be developed to address the complex and often connected issues of mental health and addictions. Sectors of government involved include Health,...
March sets a new Record for Building Permits
Posted On May 6, 2013Construction across Saskatchewan has picked up according to the latest building permit numbers released by Statistics Canada today. In March 2013, building permits in the province totalled $270 million, the highest on record for the month of March. This was a 22.6 per cent rise from March 2012, the third highest percentage increase in the nation. “In spite of less than ideal weather conditions, Saskatchewan’s construction businesses were still able to make progress,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “That says a lot about the quality of the companies and the...
Gov't to Develop Province-Wide Disability Strategy
Posted On May 6, 2013The Government of Saskatchewan has taken the first step toward a comprehensive Disability Strategy for the province. The government committed to engaging the disability community in the development of the strategy in the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth and the 2012 Speech from the Throne. “We have designed a process to involve and hear from as many people as possible on this important issue,” Social Services Minister June Draude said. “At the end of this process, the Disability Strategy will support our goal of making Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live for...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On May 1, 2013Saskatchewan will soon be home to four brand-new private liquor stores. The stores will open by summer 2014 – two in Regina and two in Saskatoon. Sobeys will operate outlets in Saskatoon’s Stonebridge neighborhood and on Rochdale Boulevard in northwest Regina. The other Regina store will be run by Willow Park Wines & Spirits in the south Regina neighborhood of Harbour Landing. The fourth store will be operated by the Saskatoon Co-op in the Blairmore neighborhood. Currently, Saskatchewan’s liquor retail system is a mix of public and private operators: 79 public...
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2012
January
Saskatchewan economy off to a strong start
Posted On January 30, 2012Leading the Nation in Several Categories As the first month of 2012 comes to an end, the positive economic news rolled in as job numbers and wholesale trade hit monthly records. Saskatchewan led the nation in growth in wholesale trade, retail sales and non-residential construction. Average weekly earnings increased and unemployment dropped. "The strong and resilient Saskatchewan economy is providing many job opportunities for people who want to live and work in Saskatchewan," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "Saskatchewan workers continue to benefit...
Sask. leads the nation in growth of registered nurses
Posted On January 27, 2012Saskatchewan leads the country in the growth of its registered nurse (RN) workforce, according to a report released yesterday by the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI). Regulated Nurses: Canadian Trends, 2006 to 2010 outlines positive news for the province. During this timeframe: The registered nurse workforce in Saskatchewan increased by 12.5 per cent - the highest of any other province in Canada. Saskatchewan is one of the few provinces where the average age of RNs decreased. In 2010, more than 60 per cent of RNs worked in full-time...
Saskatchewan average earnings rank second in Canada
Posted On January 26, 2012According to today's report from Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings were $904.42, the second highest in Canada behind Alberta ($1,052.53). This is the second highest average weekly earnings for Saskatchewan on record. The national average was $883.96. In November 2011, Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings increased by 5.1 per cent, compared to a year ago. This increase was the second highest among the provinces behind Newfoundland and Labrador (5.7 per cent) and above the national average of 2.2 per cent. "Saskatchewan workers continue to benefit from...
Shoppers ring up retail numbers in November
Posted On January 24, 2012Retail sales in Saskatchewan continued to rise according to a report from Statistics Canada released today. In November 2011, retail sales were up by 11.3 per cent over November 2010, the highest among the provinces. Nationally, retail sales were up 3.1 per cent. "Saskatchewan people are feeling confident about the economy with so many great jobs in this province and that is allowing them to create a better quality of life," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Retail sales have been rising steadily over the last months, which bodes well for businesses across the province." There...
Wholesale trade triples the national increase
Posted On January 20, 2012Saskatchewan's wholesale trade in November 2011 jumped 22.3 per cent over last November, more than triple the 6.5 per cent rise nationally and the highest increase among the provinces. "With an economy that continues to quickly expand, wholesalers have to make sure the supply is there to meet high consumer and business demand," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "With that high demand comes more jobs, higher wages and new businesses in our province." The November wholesale trade totals are the highest on record for the month of November. Wholesale trade has increased on...
Another decrease in EI recipients
Posted On January 19, 2012The number of Saskatchewan people receiving regular Employment Insurance benefits has dropped year-over-year for the 20th consecutive month. There were 9,600 beneficiaries receiving regular EI benefits in Saskatchewan in November 2011, a decrease of 3,250 compared to a year ago. Saskatchewan had a 2.2 per cent decrease in the total number of claims from a year ago, the fourth largest decrease among provinces. "The latest drop in the number of EI recipients from Saskatchewan reflects the continued strength of our province's labour market," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration...
More progress on surgical wait times
Posted On January 19, 2012Saskatchewan is meeting its goal of treating the province's longest waiting surgical patients, as the overall number of patients waiting continues to decline. New surgical data updated to November 30, 2011, shows that just over 1,400 patients in Saskatchewan have waited more than 12 months for surgery - a 65 per cent drop since the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative began in April 2010. Saskatchewan has completed about 55,900 surgeries since the start of this fiscal year (April), 7.2 per cent more (about 3,780 cases) than during the same period last year. "It's very encouraging...
Headstart on a home is underway in North Battleford
Posted On January 19, 2012Construction of a new $3.2 million condominium development for 21 low- to moderate-income families is underway in North Battleford, with $2.9 million in financing assistance from the Government of Saskatchewan through the Headstart on a Home program. Located at 2332 Kildeer Drive, the development will consist of 21 units featuring two bedrooms, a four-piece bath, an open floor plan for the kitchen, dining room and living room and a patio or deck. The cost of each unit will range between $169,900 and $184,900, including GST. The project is estimated to be completed in late 2012. "The...
2011 a great year for oil well drilling in Saskatchewan
Posted On January 13, 2012Saskatchewan has just posted its second-best year for drilling of oil wells and has broken a record, only a year old, for drilling of horizontal oil wells. Year-end statistics from the Ministry of Energy and Resources show that 3,528 oil wells were drilled in 2011. That represents a 29 per cent increase over the figure for 2010 and is just shy of the record figure set in 1997. That activity contributed to the new record for horizontal oil wells drilled last year. There were 1,992 of these wells drilled in 2011, a 30 per cent increase over 2010's previous record. Horizontal well...
Answers for MS patients
Posted On January 12, 2012Our government is keeping the promise we made to help find answers for MS patients and their families. On January 12, we announced that MS patients in Saskatchewan can now apply to take part in the largest Liberation Therapy clinical trial of its type. The two-year, double-blind clinical trial at Albany Medical Centre in Albany, New York is in the final stages of Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval and can proceed immediately. Our government is providing $2.2 million in funding to have 86 Saskatchewan MS patients included in the trial. This will be a controlled clinical study...
February
Hot Saskatchewan economy keeps hitting new records
Posted On February 29, 2012Saskatchewan continues to attract investors and newcomers with its pace-setting economic activity in early 2012. Saskatchewan broke records for growth in retail sales and wholesale trade, manufacturing shipments and building permits in the month of February. "Saskatchewan's economy is working at full throttle and producing the kind of figures that put us among the nation's leaders in terms of growth and opportunity," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "These numbers are sending a message already being voiced by our province's entrepreneurs - opportunity lives here." In...
New project provides support to newcomers
Posted On February 22, 2012Internationally trained professionals will be able to put their knowledge and skills to work sooner with a new pilot project funded by the Government of Saskatchewan, the Government of Canada and the private sector. The Immigrant Access Fund (IAF) Saskatchewan received $450,000 through a multi-year agreement with the Government of Saskatchewan, to provide microloans to help internationally trained professionals finance the costs of having their credentials recognized in Canada. Microloans are small loans that do not require applicants to be employed, have a credit history in Canada or...
Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation moves ahead
Posted On February 21, 2012Minister responsible for Innovation Rob Norris today signed a multi-year agreement for Innovation Saskatchewan to provide funding for the new $30 million Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation (CCNI), a world-class research centre housed at the University of Saskatchewan to support nuclear research, development and innovation. "The Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation is a key cornerstone of Saskatchewan's innovation and nuclear agendas," Norris said. "It will play a vital role in advancing our vision for a safe, responsible, value-added nuclear agenda that focuses on nuclear medicine,...
MLA Report for February 17, 2012
Posted On February 17, 2012Surgical wait times are down again, as our government continues making progress towards its goal of no one waiting more than 3 months for surgery by 2014. New statistics updated to the end of last December show the number of patients waiting more than 18 months is down 89 per cent from where it was in 2007. The number of people waiting more than 12 months is down 76 per cent. Over the last five years, our government has instituted several new initiatives that have played a role in this reduction, including; using private surgical clinics within the public system; to recruiting more doctors...
Another drop in EI recipients
Posted On February 17, 2012The number of people in Saskatchewan receiving Employment Insurance (EI) dropped significantly in December, 2011, compared to the same month in 2010, for 21 consecutive months of year-over-year decreases. There were 10,050 beneficiaries receiving regular EI benefits in Saskatchewan, a decrease of 2,230 (18.2 per cent) from December 2010. Each of the province's eight large centres had year-over-year declines in the number of beneficiaries, with the largest occurring in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert. "With increases in average weekly earnings and a growing demand...
Surgical wait time reductions continue
Posted On February 13, 2012As surgical wait times in Saskatchewan continue to decline, the province is highlighting an online directory and encouraging patients to take a more active role with their doctors in improving their surgical experiences. Surgical data now updated to December 31, 2011, shows that the number of patients waiting longer than 18 months for surgery has dropped 89 per cent and the number waiting over 12 months has dropped 76 per cent. These figures represent improvements of two and three percentage points respectively since the previous monthly data update. Saskatchewan has completed...
Renovation of family housing project underway
Posted On February 13, 2012The Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), is investing approximately $8 million to redevelop a total of 71 homes for families in Parkview Village located in East Regina. To date, 16 homes have been completed. The remaining homes and landscaping are expected to be completed later this year. "Without our government's reinvestment in this existing project, these homes would have been lost," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. "Instead, more than 71 families will soon be calling Parkview...
Weight limit increased on Diefenbaker Bridge
Posted On February 13, 2012The weight limit on the Diefenbaker Bridge in Prince Albert will be increased to 47,000 kilograms (kg) as of midnight tonight, following the repair of the cracked girder and inspection of the complete bridge. The cracked section of the bridge has been removed and replaced, and traffic was allowed to run over the bridge at a restricted weight of 15,000 kg while a permanent safety line was installed to ensure ease of access to allow for weekly inspections. Inspections of the bridge have shown that the weight limit can now be safely increased to 47,000 kg. This is the weight limit typically...
Saskatchewan grows by 65,000 people in five years
Posted On February 8, 2012Most Growth Ever in Any Five-Year Census Period The 2011 Census count was released today and it shows Saskatchewan grew by 65,224 between 2006 and 2011. That is by far the largest population growth in any census period since Statistics Canada started doing the Census every five years in 1956. The population growth also marks a complete reversal from the previous two census periods 1996 to 2001 and 2001 to 2006, which saw Saskatchewan's population drop by about 11,000 people during each five-year period. In its Census release, Statistics Canada called Saskatchewan a "turnaround," saying:...
Saskjobs.ca starts year with impressive numbers
Posted On February 7, 2012Last month, 14,717 job vacancies were posted to SaskJobs.ca, an increase of 44 per cent over January 2010 and an increase of 24 per cent over the month previous (December 2011). There were 931,372 visits to the site in January. This clearly signals that job seekers are recognizing Saskatchewan as a great place to build a career. "With a record of economic growth, unprecedented employment numbers and a growing population, Saskatchewan is a place of opportunity," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "And, the number of job seekers within...
Record year for building permits in 2011
Posted On February 7, 2012Saskatchewan's building permit increases led Canada in 2011 with a 25 per cent increase over 2010, according to Statistics Canada. Saskatchewan's growth outpaced the 1.7 per cent national rise. Building permits totalled $2.6 billion in 2011, the highest on record, beating the previous figure of $2.2 billion in 2008. Saskatoon and Regina also set building permit records. "Saskatchewan has more people than ever before, we have more jobs than ever before and every day new homes and businesses are being built to make this province a great place to work and raise a family," Enterprise...
Saskatchewan has record employment
Posted On February 3, 2012Saskatchewan reached record highs for the month of January with 520,600 people employed including 419,900 full-time jobs. "Saskatchewan's economy is a leader in Canada," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "With strong growth in Aboriginal and youth employment, Saskatchewan continues to be a great place to live and work." Off-reserve Aboriginal employment experienced year-over-year growth of 6,200 jobs (18 per cent) for the eighth consecutive month of gains. Aboriginal youth employment also increased year-over-year by 1,400 jobs (17.3...
Premier announces spring session
Posted On February 2, 2012Premier Brad Wall today announced that the spring session of the Legislative Assembly will begin on Monday March 5 with the 2012-13 provincial budget to be delivered on Wednesday, March 21. Wall said the provincial budget will focus on keeping the government's election commitments while maintaining fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. "Saskatchewan's economy is leading the nation," Wall said. "We have a growing population, low unemployment, the second-highest average wages in the country and a great quality of life in our province. "Saskatchewan people have worked...
March
MLA Report for March 29, 2012
Posted On March 29, 2012MLA Report Last week our government brought down the only balanced budget in Canada. The theme of this year’s budget is Keeping the Saskatchewan Advantage. One of the ways it does that is providing responsible fiscal management within a framework of sustainable spending on services and initiatives important to Saskatchewan people and keeping the promises we made in last fall’s election, an advantage created by the hard work of all of us. This is a budget with a vision to make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live, to work, to start a business, to get an education,...
First Balanced Budget in Canada This Year
Posted On March 29, 2012The provincial legislature today voted to pass the 2012-13 Saskatchewan Party government budget - the only balanced provincial budget in Canada so far this year. British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and the federal government have all tabled deficit budgets. "The Saskatchewan Advantage is real," Minister of Finance Ken Krawetz said. "While other provinces have massive deficits, we have balanced budgets. While other provinces have high unemployment and sluggish economies, we have the lowest unemployment in Canada and our economy is leading the nation." Krawetz...
Funding increase for individuals with disabilities
Posted On March 27, 2012Saskatchewan's Approved Private-Service Homes (APSH), serving people with intellectual disabilities, and Mental Health Approved Homes will receive an 11.6 per cent funding increase effective May 1, 2012. "These funds will help ensure that our most vulnerable citizens continue to receive the services they require in the community," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "They will also help make Saskatchewan the best place to live in Canada for people with disabilities." "This funding increase will help our approved homes to continue to provide services for the individuals...
Surgical wait times continue to improve
Posted On March 27, 2012New surgical data updated to January 31, 2012, shows that Saskatchewan continues to make progress improving access to surgery for patients. "Since 2007, there has been a 90 per cent drop in the number of Saskatchewan patients waiting more than 18 months for surgery and a 79 per cent decrease in the number waiting more than 12 months," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "We're continuing to build on that great progress." By the end of 2012-13, the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative's target is to reduce all surgical wait times to less than six months. By 2014, the goal is to provide...
Headstart on a Home is Underway in Moose Jaw
Posted On March 23, 2012Construction of a new $2.8 million condominium development for 15 low- to moderate-income families is underway in Moose Jaw, with $1.9 million in financing assistance from the Government of Saskatchewan through the HeadStart on a Home program. "We are pleased that Moose Jaw is the latest community to take advantage of HeadStart on a Home to help meet the need for entry-level housing in Saskatchewan," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. "Increasing housing supply within the price range of families and individuals currently...
Saskatchewan grew by more than 17,000 in 2011
Posted On March 21, 2012Saskatchewan's population jumped by 17,064 people in 2011 to an all-time high of 1,067,612, according to new population estimates released today by Statistics Canada. That's the biggest increase in one year since 1953, when the population grew by 18,000. Saskatchewan's 2011 growth rate of 1.62 per cent was the second-highest in Canada, behind only Alberta. Saskatchewan also had the second-highest rate of net interprovincial migration (people moving in minus people moving out) with net interprovincial in-migration of 1,181 in 2011. In fact, Saskatchewan and Alberta were the only...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On March 21, 2012The last few years have been transformational for Saskatchewan. We have gone from being a have-not province to being a driver of the Canadian economy. Our population is at an all-time record high of 1,065,000. Thousands of people including both those who moved away and newcomers are choosing Saskatchewan as the place they want to live, work and raise their families. The credit for the work that’s made all that possible belongs to you, the people of Saskatchewan. You are responsible for creating the Saskatchewan Advantage. It is our government’s job to take action...
Moving forward on child welfare transformation
Posted On March 20, 2012As recommended by the Saskatchewan Child Welfare Review Panel, the Government of Saskatchewan is embarking on discussions with key stakeholders regarding a review of the province's child welfare legislation. "Our Child Welfare Transformation Strategy is guiding our efforts to change the child welfare system based on the themes of working differently, prevention and renewal," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "Reviewing and updating our legislation is an important step in renewing our system, and we are moving forward with our partners to begin this critical work." The...
Highway Hotline Launches New Mobile Website
Posted On March 19, 2012The Highway Hotline launched today its new mobile website for smart phones giving, motorists another convenient way to check road conditions. "This launch is another step in our recent work to upgrade Saskatchewan's road information system to better inform all motorists before they travel on our highways to help them plan safer trips," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "The new mobile website is handy if you're out and about and need to know what's on the road before driving home." Found online at http://hotline.gov.sk.ca/sk/map/mobile/,...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On March 8, 2012It is often said a society is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens. With that in mind, our government is continuing to take action to better meet the needs of people with intellectual disabilities. Starting April 1, 2012, we are changing the way we fund day programs from the old cost-per-space model developed in the 1970s to one that is based on the actual needs of each individual. This will also allow us to devote more resources to support people that have more complex needs. Implementation will cost approximately $6.3 million in 2012-13 which includes $4.6 million for...
Increased funding for people with intellectual disabilities
Posted On March 7, 2012People with intellectual disabilities will have access to better-funded, quality supports that meet their needs thanks to the new Day Program Funding Standard and expansion of the residential funding standard for individuals with complex needs. "This funding will help make Saskatchewan the best place to live in Canada for people with disabilities," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "This initiative will allow us to better tailor our funding to the actual needs of individuals attending day programs and living in residential facilities." "We are very pleased that these...
Saskjobs.ca posts more than 13,000 jobs in February
Posted On March 5, 2012Saskatchewan continues to be a province full of opportunity. In February, the province's SaskJobs.ca website saw 13,740 job postings by employers in 306 communities. This is a 42 per cent jump over February 2011. "The increase in activity on the Saskjobs.ca website is another indicator of our province's strong economic position," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "With one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada and a growing population, people from across Canada are realizing that Saskatchewan is a great place to live and work." More...
Saskatchewan investment projected to pass $20 billion
Posted On March 1, 2012Saskatchewan continues to be the hot spot for investment with new capital spending by private and public organizations projected to reach a new record level of $20.2 billion in 2012 according to a new report released by Statistics Canada. "Saskatchewan is an opportunity rich province with a competitive and innovative economic climate, which makes us a very appealing jurisdiction for investors today," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Major long-term commitments of this magnitude simply do not happen where there is uncertainty or a lack of return on investments." This...
April
Royals to Celebrate Diamond Jubilee in Regina
Posted On April 30, 2012Premier Brad Wall announced today that Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will visit Regina on May 22 and 23 to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee with the people of Saskatchewan. "Throughout her reign, The Queen as well as The Royal Family have made a number of visits to our province and in doing so have forged a strong bond with the people of Saskatchewan adding to our own provincial identity, history and heritage," Wall said. "On behalf of our province, I would like to personally welcome Their Royal Highnesses to Saskatchewan, and...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On April 27, 2012Saskatchewan’s always had a unique place in Canada. One of the things that sets us apart this year is that we have the only balanced provincial budget in the country. Newfoundland and Labrador announced its deficit budget this week – and that’s the last budget announcement of 2012. We know that this was made possible by all hard work that you do – and as legislators, we commit that we will continue to take action that protects the Saskatchewan Advantage you have created. But the Saskatchewan Advantage is about more than just growth for growth’s sake....
Sask average wage’s post highest increase in Canada
Posted On April 26, 2012Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings rose by 5.0 per cent in February 2012, compared to February of last year, the highest increase among the provinces according to Statistics Canada. Average weekly earnings in the province were $905.98 - the third highest among the provinces after Alberta at $1,057.57 and Newfoundland and Labrador at $919.08, and above the national average of $886.45. With inflation of 2.0 per cent factored in, Saskatchewan had a real wage increase of 3.0 per cent compared to a national decrease of 0.8 per cent. "Workers in Saskatchewan are seeing...
Funding provides for First Nations and Métis students
Posted On April 25, 2012In the 2012-13 Budget the provincial government renewed a commitment of $4.3 million for the First Nations and Métis Achievement Fund and Individual Achievement accounts. These programs provide funding to school divisions and community based organizations for initiatives related to improving educational outcomes for First Nations and Métis students across the province. "The initiatives supported by the First Nations and Métis Achievement Fund include actions to improve success in reading, science and mathematics, as well as staffing resources to support student,...
Saskatchewan to host Summit on Innovative Housing
Posted On April 24, 2012Housing experts are gathering in Regina to participate in the second Housing and Development Summit being held April 24-25, 2012 at the Ramada Hotel and Convention Centre. The focus of the conference will be on continued planning for growth in Saskatchewan and the need to ensure that housing is affordable and accessible for all Saskatchewan citizens. "Collaboration across the housing sector is key if we are to support Saskatchewan's growing population and ensure that housing is affordable and accessible for all," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing...
Sask only balanced provincial budget in Canada
Posted On April 24, 2012With the release of Newfoundland and Labrador's 2012-13 deficit budget, Saskatchewan has become the only province in Canada this year to announce a balanced budget. Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the Canadian government had all previously announced deficit budgets for the current fiscal year. "Most Canadians are living in provinces where the government is spending beyond its means, creating economic uncertainty and putting at risk a secure future for its citizens. Our government, meanwhile, continues to control...
2012-13 Construction Season Gets Rolling
Posted On April 23, 2012Workers and equipment will be moving dirt and laying pavement as the 2012 highway construction season gets underway in Saskatchewan. More than 1,200 kilometres (km) of major improvements and planned maintenance work is targeted to be complete in 2012, made possible by a budget of $581.5 million, the second largest Highways and Infrastructure budget in the province's history. "We've put more than $2.2 billion into our highway system over the past four years," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "We're going to build on that by continuing to invest another...
Funding for Surgical Care Flows to Health Regions
Posted On April 23, 2012Saskatchewan patients will receive surgery sooner and benefit from innovations that improve surgical care, thanks to a $60.5 million investment in the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative. Regional health authorities (RHAs) are receiving funding that will allow them to collectively complete an additional 4,380 surgeries in 2012-13. About 70 per cent of the additional surgeries will be provided in Regina and Saskatoon. Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region will provide about 1,600 more surgeries than last year and Saskatoon Health Region about 1,560 more. The other health regions combined will...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On April 19, 2012Our government is moving forward on another commitment to improve healthcare in Saskatchewan. Last week, Moose Jaw received some long awaited news from the Five Hills Health Region on the site of the new hospital. The Health Region has purchased 30 acres of land on Diefenbaker Drive; this location is close to highway #1 and #2 which will allow for good traffic flow, future growth and parking. This new hospital will incorporate the LEAN principles of design and be a patient-centered facility. The funding for this hospital will fall under the new model where the province funds 80 per cent and...
Premier touts Saskatchewan’s ‘lean’ health-care gains
Posted On April 18, 2012Premier touts Saskatchewan’s ‘lean’ health-care gainsGLORIA GALLOWAY OTTAWA— Globe and Mail UpdateSaskatchewan Premier Brad Wall will tell a conference of health experts in Montebello, Que., on Wednesday about the progress his province is making to reduce care costs while delivering better treatment to patients. Mr. Wall was shot down by the federal government earlier this year after he proposed Ottawa create a fund to help provinces find innovative ways to improve care. But Saskatchewan is still taking steps to make its own system more efficient and...
Sask still only province with balanced budget
Posted On April 18, 2012Saskatchewan remains the only province in Canada with a balanced budget, after Manitoba yesterday and Prince Edward Island today tabled deficit budgets. British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the Canadian government had all previously announced deficit budgets for the 2012-13 fiscal year. In Manitoba, the province increased taxes on gasoline and cigarettes, as well as fees for land titles, birth, marriage and death certificates. “It’s no wonder a recent national poll found that 84 per cent of people surveyed in Saskatchewan have a positive...
"Less Safer"
Posted On April 17, 2012NDP Says Work by Private Sector Engineers "Less Safer" Than Government Engineers NDP MLA Buckley Belanger yesterday suggested that highways designed by private consulting engineers will be "less safer" than if the same work was done by government engineers. Yesterday in Question Period, Belanger was questioning Highways Minister Jim Reiter about the government's practice of using consulting engineers to do highway design work – a practice started in 1997 by the Romanow NDP government. Belanger said: "Mr. Speaker, the people of this province will...
Putting Patients First
Posted On April 16, 2012Patients in northern Saskatchewan can now have better access to orthopedic specialists in Prince Albert. The specialists have started sharing patient referrals, so that patients can choose to take the next available appointment rather than waiting for a particular specialist. Victoria Hospital's Department of Orthopedics has introduced "pooled referrals", a process that gives patients the option of seeing the first available specialist who is qualified to treat their condition. Four orthopedic specialists work within the department. "This is another innovative way to help...
Just Say NO!
Posted On April 11, 2012Saskatchewan Party MLA Lyle Stewart is calling on interim Saskatchewan NDP leader John Nilson to oppose any bid to re-instate the federal long gun registry. In a recent interview, new federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair said he will bring the controversial registry back if he becomes Prime Minister. "For too many years, Saskatchewan's law-abiding gun owners were treated like criminals because of the federal gun registry. When it was finally scrapped, you could hear the collective sigh of relief right across the Prairies," Stewart said. "John Nilson was the Justice Minister in an NDP...
New Homes Help Keep Babies and Mothers Together
Posted On April 10, 2012Construction on two new homes that will help keep at-risk mothers and their newborn babies together was officially launched in Saskatoon today. The two homes, called Baby Steps and Mah's Place, will be operated by the Saskatoon Downtown Youth Centre (EGADZ) with funding from the Government of Saskatchewan, Government of Canada and City of Saskatoon. "We are very pleased to partner with EGADZ by providing $500,000 in funding for the construction and development of Baby Steps," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "This program will provide a safe and supportive environment...
Lowest unemployment in Canada
Posted On April 5, 2012Saskatchewan's unemployment rate in March 2012 was 4.8 per cent, down from 5.0 per cent in February. The province's jobless rate was the lowest in the country and well below the national unemployment rate of 7.2 per cent. Regina's unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent was lowest among major Canadian cities while Saskatoon at 5.9 per cent was ninth lowest. "With these positive job numbers, a growing population and record high earnings for workers, we are continuing to build momentum for the rest of the year," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris...
Record hits for saskjobs.ca
Posted On April 4, 2012SaskJobs.ca experienced more than one million hits in March - the highest ever number of visits in one month since the site went live on November 1, 1999. There were 1,074,900 visits to the site in March - an increase of 13.5 per cent over the same month last year. Ireland ranked as the country with the most international traffic on SaskJobs.ca with 13,706 visits. Last month, Premier Brad Wall and Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris led a labour recruitment mission to Ireland along with 27 Saskatchewan employers. "More people than...
Promise made, promise kept
Posted On April 4, 2012Saskatchewan cancer patients will have improved access to cancer care and services, thanks to a funding increase this year to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. The provincial government committed $138.8 million for the agency in the 2012-13 Budget, an increase of $16.9 million (nearly 14 per cent) over 2011-12. It will be used to enhance access to cancer screening, cancer drugs and oncologists. "We're committed to giving Saskatchewan people the best cancer care available anywhere," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency is doing an exceptional...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On April 4, 2012An important facet of Keeping the Saskatchewan Advantage is properly funding services that are important to Saskatchewan people. This week we announced we were keeping one of our key campaign promises: increasing funding for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. Our commitment this year to the Cancer Agency is $113.8 million, an almost 14 per cent increase from 2011-12. In 2012-13, it is expected this funding will provide 30,000 cancer drug treatments, 39,000 mammograms and 6,000 new patient appointments at the cancers centres in Saskatoon and Regina. The latest data shows the number of people...
New student housing at U of R
Posted On April 3, 2012Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris announced today that the Government of Saskatchewan has provided $1 million for the initial planning of a new student housing project at the University of Regina. The proposed project includes a student housing complex, child care facilities and other amenities, including parking. "We are pleased to support the planning of the student housing project at the University of Regina," Norris said. "Over the past four years, the Government of Saskatchewan increased investments in student housing by more than 3,000 per cent,...
Government shows support for anti-bullying efforts
Posted On April 2, 2012The week of March 30 to April 5 has officially been proclaimed as Pink Revolution Anti-bullying Week. The Ministry of Education is demonstrating its support for anti-discrimination efforts with a focus on events and initiatives coinciding with this officially proclaimed week. Pink Revolution Week kicked off in Saskatoon on March 12 and had a subsequent flag raising ceremony on April 1. This Saskatchewan made event was co-ordinated by the Anti-bullying Network, which is comprised of the Boys and Girls Club, The Avenue Community Centre, Youth Launch, Restorative Action Program, Saskatoon...
May
Enhancements for SAID
Posted On May 30, 2012The Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program is expanding enrolment and increasing benefits for program participants as it moves away from a welfare model toward a Living Income structure that offers more financial independence. "The SAID program supports our government's goal to make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live for people with disabilities," Premier Brad Wall said. "To support this objective, we are making substantial investments to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through better benefits, increased enrollment and more independence....
Fifty One Child Care Spaces Open in Saskatoon
Posted On May 28, 2012Today, Saskatoon Sutherland MLA Paul Merriman, on behalf of Education Minister Russ Marchuk, joined the Spadina Early Learning and Childcare Co-operative Board, representatives from the Saskatoon Public School Division and families and community members at the opening of 51 child care spaces at Spadina Early Learning and Childcare Co-operative - Princess Alexandra in Saskatoon. "Increasing the number of high-quality, licensed child care spaces for Saskatchewan families is a priority for the Government of Saskatchewan," Merriman said. "The 51 spaces celebrated today demonstrate our commitment...
Saskatchewan NDP back Mulcair’s attack on resources
Posted On May 15, 2012Saskatchewan NDP strategist Erin Weir has revealed his party supports federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair’s assessment that the way to create manufacturing jobs in eastern Canada is to kill resource jobs in the west. In a column in the May 11 Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, Weir called Mulcair’s now infamous “Dutch disease” comments “a balanced approach” and said: “The solution is to increase royalty rates.” Weir was responsible for costing out the NDP’s disastrous 2011 election platform, as noted in Murray Mandryk’s October 21, 2011...
New System Improves Care of Children
Posted On May 14, 2012A new electronic case management system designed to keep track of children in care of the Ministry of Social Services is now up and running across the province. This new system, called Linkin, replaces the previous paper-based system and enhances services provided by the province's Child and Family Services Division, which works to protect children from abuse and neglect. "The safety and well-being of children is our top priority," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "This new system provides front-line workers with better access to information so they can spend more time...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On May 10, 2012The good economic news for Saskatchewan just keeps rolling in. A new report from BMO Economics indicates our province’s economy will grow by 2.9 per cent this year, second only to Alberta. The report goes on to state: “Saskatchewan’s economy remains among the top performers in Canada, boosted by a strong resource sector.” Our abundant natural resources – potash, oil, uranium – have played a significant role in our province’s transformation from “have not” to “have” status. That transformation is part of the Saskatchewan...
500 New Child Care Spaces Allocated Across Sask
Posted On May 10, 2012Education Minister Donna Harpauer, today announced that the Saskatchewan Government has allocated 500 new child care spaces to 15 communities across the province. The allocation is based on the 2012-13 provincial budget which provided $2 million to develop 500 new child care spaces across Saskatchewan, and an additional $4 million to cover the capital costs of those new spaces. "Increasing the number of high-quality licensed child care spaces for Saskatchewan families is a priority of this government," Harpauer said. "Investing in our children means we are investing in our future....
Sask NDP would hand over resource sector to the feds
Posted On May 8, 2012When asked by a reporter about federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair's comments suggesting a strong resource sector is bad for the country because it kills manufacturing jobs in eastern Canada, Saskatchewan NDP Energy and Resources Critic Cathy Sproule passed the buck. "If there are issues around economics, that's something the federal government would have to deal with," said Sproule. Saskatchewan Party MLA Kevin Doherty says Sproule's comments provided some clarity. "I now understand why the NDP never had a plan to grow Saskatchewan's economy - they think it's a federal...
Women Entrepreneurs Week Proclaimed
Posted On May 7, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan today proclaimed May 7-13 to be Women Entrepreneurs Week, to celebrate the contribution of women to Saskatchewan's vibrant economic growth. "Women entrepreneurs are found in every sector of our economy and they have been instrumental in our economic growth through the various businesses that they operate," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "This is a great time to be in business in Saskatchewan. We are committed to ensuring that women entrepreneurs continue to grow and expand their businesses, create jobs and take advantage of the business opportunities...
Moving The Film & Creative Industries Forward
Posted On May 4, 2012Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson today announced the government has offered the film and creative industries a three-point plan for moving forward. "The old film employment grant program was not serving to develop a strong film industry in Saskatchewan and it came at a high cost to taxpayers," Hutchinson said. "We are not reversing our decision to end that program. However we do believe there is a promising future for the film industry and in fact the whole creative sector in Saskatchewan if we focus on innovation and growing strong, grassroots, Saskatchewan-based...
NDP vote against Keystone XL Pipeline
Posted On May 3, 2012In a debate in the Legislature, Saskatchewan NDP MLAs voted unanimously against a resolution to support the important Keystone XL pipeline project. The $7 billion project would create hundreds of thousands of jobs, pump millions of dollars into the Saskatchewan economy and further build our province's international reputation as a source of secure energy. "By voting against this motion, John Nilson and the NDP are sending a clear message to the people of Saskatchewan – they are against jobs, against economic development and against keeping our economy strong and growing," said...
Report From The Legislature
Posted On May 2, 2012Saskatchewan has a proud history when it comes to our role in the Commonwealth. From a capital city named after Queen Victoria to King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visit in 1939 to The Princess Royal visit in 2007, we have long enjoyed a special relationship with the Crown. Evidence of that special relationship will be seen again later this month, when Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, come to Saskatchewan. The royal couple will be visiting Regina on May 22nd and 23rd to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee with the people of Saskatchewan....
Strengthening Immigrant Nominee Program
Posted On May 2, 2012Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris has introduced key changes to the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). These changes are being made to streamline processing while enhancing the integrity of the immigration program in Saskatchewan and to address the labour market needs of the province. The program improvements include: The launch of additional consultations on foreign worker protection legislation to ensure that foreign nationals living in Saskatchewan during their recruitment, immigration and settlement process are protected....
Renewing Labour Legislation
Posted On May 2, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan is proposing to modernize, simplify and amalgamate labour legislation as well as explore the creation of a Saskatchewan Employment Code. The intent of the review is to: (1) restructure and re-organize the legislation so it is easier to use and understand; (2) eliminate inconsistencies to reduce confusion; and (3) clarify which legislation applies in particular situations. Some examples of the topics under consideration are: essential services legislation, union financial disclosure, notice requirements, collection of employees' wages after...
Rental Housing Construction Rebate
Posted On May 1, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan launched a new Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Rebate today that will help add 10,000 new rental units to the province by the end of 2016. Funding for the new rebate is estimated at $34 million for the first five years of the program. This initiative is expected to increase the overall, purpose built rental market by 29 per cent. "We heard consistently from the housing sector that the current corporate income tax structure is a barrier to the development of rental housing," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation...
June
Supporting Lower-Income Seniors
Posted On June 27, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan has unveiled the new Personal Care Home Benefit (PCHB), and announced increases to the Seniors Income Plan (SIP). The moves are part of the government's Seniors Affordability Plan and come into effect July 1, 2012. "These programs will help seniors with low income with their costs of living," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "We know some seniors are having difficulty making ends meet, and that's why we made the Seniors Affordability Plan an important part of our election platform last November. I am very pleased to be able to follow through...
Legislative Building time capsule on display
Posted On June 26, 2012The new time capsule created as part of the celebration of the Legislative Building's 100th anniversary was put on display in the building's entrance today. The time capsule was made by Pro Metal Industries Ltd. Its shape is similar to the original time capsule, placed in the building's cornerstone in 1909, but it has been modified to be longer and narrower so it can be fit back into the cornerstone through the existing opening. It also has a dome-shaped top, mirroring the shape of the dome of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building, and has the names of all current MLAs inscribed on the...
Sask NDP would dismantle province's resource sector
Posted On June 26, 2012NDP leadership hopeful agrees resource sector is a "disease" At their convention last weekend, not only did the NDP refuse to stand up for western Canada's resource sector, they renewed their support of a controversial resource royalty review proposal that was a key plank of their flawed 2011 election platform. "They had a chance to tell federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair that he was wrong to call Saskatchewan's resource sector a disease that threatened Canada's economy. Not only did interim leader John Nilson give Mulcair a free ride, the only declared leadership candidate...
Construction underway at Pinkie Road and Highway 1
Posted On June 6, 2012New Overpass will Increase Traffic Safety Construction has resumed on the new $43 million overpass at the junction of Highway 1 and Pinkie Road. "With the commercial and residential development in Regina's southwest quadrant, we are seeing increases in traffic," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. "Our government is committed to providing the people of Saskatchewan and the Regina region with the infrastructure that will support our growing province, economy and communities." The new overpass will allow for continued development at the Global Transportation...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On June 6, 2012The Saskatchewan Advantage is about more than just growth for growth’s sake – it’s about using the benefits of growth to improve the quality of life for you and your family. It’s about things like improving access to healthcare; to this end, we have announced the new Plains Surgery and Outpatient Care Centre as part of our ongoing response to the 2009 Patient First Review. This new centre, approved in principle, will provide a full range of outpatient services including surgery, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, rehabilitation, outpatient cancer care and other related...
New Surgery and Outpatient Centre Planned for Sask.
Posted On June 5, 2012Facility will Help Relieve Pressure on Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region Health Care System Patients across southern Saskatchewan will benefit from a new facility in Regina that will provide a full range of outpatient services including surgery, diagnostic imaging, pharmacy, rehabilitation, outpatient cancer care and other related services that do not require an overnight stay. Premier Brad Wall has announced approval in principle for the Plains Surgery and Outpatient Care Centre, an ambulatory care facility that will be designed and built in partnership with the Hospitals of Regina...
July
Saskatchewan Receives an Aa1 (positive) Credit Rating
Posted On July 27, 2012Moody's Investors Services has changed the outlook on Saskatchewan's credit rating to Aa1 (positive) from Aa1 (stable). "The change in the outlook for Saskatchewan's Aa1 rating reflects the ongoing improvement in the province's financial position that is expected to continue," the agency said. The news was welcomed by Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Ken Krawetz who said that the change confirms the province's improving fiscal and financial position. "Saskatchewan continues to move in the right direction," Krawetz said. "While the volatile world economy provides challenges,...
Weekly earning growth best in Canada
Posted On July 26, 2012Saskatchewan's economy continues to lead the country with a new Statistics Canada report released today showing average weekly earnings in the province jumping 5.4 per cent in May when compared with May 2011. The increase tied with Newfoundland and Labrador for the highest increase among the provinces and well ahead of the 2.5 per cent increase on a national basis. "As wages rise, the benefit not only extends to Saskatchewan workers, but to our overall economic growth," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "The record retail sales numbers released earlier this week demonstrates the power...
Government takes next step in 25 year water strategy
Posted On July 24, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan is a step closer to the implementation of a comprehensive water management plan that will integrate activities that are necessary to the management and protection of water in this province. A second phase of public consultations will be completed this summer and it is anticipated that the 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan will be announced this fall. "Saskatchewan is a province of 100,000 lakes and rivers and the stewardship of this invaluable natural resource is paramount during this time of unprecedented population and economic growth,"...
Saskatchewan records largest drop in EI claims
Posted On July 19, 2012According to a report released by Statistics Canada today Saskatchewan had a 26.8 per cent decrease in EI initial and renewal claims between May 2012 and May 2011, the largest percentage decrease in the nation. There were 1,950 fewer claims during this period (seasonally adjusted). Nationally, claims decreased by 6.4 per cent. "The strength of the Saskatchewan economy is having a positive impact on our workforce," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "It shows there are real jobs, real opportunities for people who are currently in the province looking for work or for those who are considering...
Moving Saskatchewan's Creative Industries Forward
Posted On July 18, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan today announced details of the consultation process for the creative industries. The consultations are designed to gather ideas for the creation of a comprehensive strategy to advance the commercial objectives of the creative industries including the adoption of new and emerging digital technology. "Our government is committed to working with industry leaders to grow the creative economy," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. "Through the consultations, we want to engage people and businesses in creative industries such as commercial music...
New stadium vision becomes reality
Posted On July 14, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan, City of Regina and the Saskatchewan Roughriders today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a new stadium that will be constructed on Evraz Place lands in Regina, Saskatchewan. It is anticipated the new stadium will be ready for use in early 2017. "The current stadium has served us well for the past 100 years," Premier Brad Wall said. "But it's time the best fans in Canada and the best team in Canada have the best, new stadium in Canada. The new stadium will not only provide a leading edge facility for the Riders, it will also support amateur...
Employment opportunities in SK continue to grow
Posted On July 9, 2012Saskatchewan employers continue to seek new workers, with Saskjobs.ca posting 15,205 jobs in June, a 16.6 per cent jump compared to June 2011. "These new numbers show job seekers have an abundance of choices when it comes to finding new employment opportunities," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "More individuals working will have a positive impact on the economy, as people will have the ability to spend their income on goods and services to continue our upward growth." Full time employment accounted for 12,269 job postings, which are distributed across Saskatchewan. The highest...
Take precautions against West Nile Virus
Posted On July 5, 2012Summer is here, and so are the culex tarsalis mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus. Health officials are issuing their annual reminder for Saskatchewan residents to take precautions to reduce their exposure to the insects. "By all means, get out and enjoy the summer weather, but make sure you're taking the appropriate precautions to keep from getting bitten by mosquitoes that might carry West Nile," Provincial West Nile Virus Coordinator Phil Curry said. To reduce your risk of exposure to West Nile Virus, the following precautions are recommended: using...
Regional Parks receive more than $1 million in funding
Posted On July 4, 2012The Provincial Government is announcing today that Saskatchewan Regional Parks will once again receive a grant for $1.023 million for the 2012-13 fiscal year. "Our government has shown its commitment to our regional park system by maintaining the same level of funding as last year - the highest amount received by regional parks since the 1990s," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. "Our regional parks are important to the people of Saskatchewan. They contribute to the economy and are reflective of our communities and the volunteers who operate them." The funding...
August
Construction begins on the Biggar long term care home
Posted On August 29, 2012Residents of Biggar and area are celebrating a major step forward on a health care construction project today with a sod turning ceremony at the new Biggar long term care facility construction site. Construction of the $22.8 million facility is expected to start late summer 2012 with scheduled completion in early 2014. The new facility will replace the Biggar Diamond Lodge nursing home which was built in 1966. "Our government is committed to improving health care infrastructure in Saskatchewan," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. "We continue to deliver on our promise to put...
Congratulations to the qualifying paralympic athletes
Posted On August 28, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan wishes Saskatchewan's Paralympic athletes the best of luck in the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games, taking place from August 29 to September 9 in London. Six athletes from Saskatchewan qualified to compete. They are Arnold Boldt (cycling, Saskatoon), Logan Campbell (sailing, Saskatoon), Earle Connor (athletics, Saskatoon), Alexandre Dupont (athletics, Bradwell), Keira Frie (athletics, Saskatoon) and Robert Hudson (archery, Leoville). "The Government of Saskatchewan is proud of our province's Paralympic athletes," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin...
Surgery wait list reduced by 2,225 patients in past year
Posted On August 20, 2012Saskatchewan patients are receiving surgery faster, thanks to a concerted effort by Saskatchewan's health system, new data confirms. First quarter results for the 2012-13 year show 97 per cent of patients have surgery within 12 months and 89 per cent within six months. Information posted to www.sasksurgery.ca also indicates there were 2,225 fewer patients waiting for surgery in Saskatchewan on June 30 than on the same date in 2011, a reduction of nine per cent. Since November 2007, the number of patients waiting more than a year for surgery has dropped 83 per cent. During...
Planning for Growth
Posted On August 17, 2012When the Saskatchewan Party was in opposition, we released an economic paper called the Promise of Saskatchewan. That document formed the basis for our election platform and then the principles for our first term in government. It's time to revisit that plan and create a new one that reflects Saskatchewan in 2012. It should focus on maintaining growth and using our relative economic strength to improve people's lives. We have been blessed with amazing growth. Since the Saskatchewan Party took office in 2007, our population has grown by 76,000 people to a record-high of 1,072,282....
Government congratulates Saskatchewan athletes
Posted On August 13, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan thanks the Saskatchewan athletes who competed in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games for being wonderful provincial and national ambassadors. Government also wishes to thank the coaches, officials and support staff from our province for their contributions to the Games. "Congratulations, athletes, on a successful Summer Olympic Games," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said. "Canada might be well-known for its winter sports, but you showed the world that our province and our nation produce skilled summer athletes, too. Coaches, officials and staff,...
Seniors ride for just $10 in September
Posted On August 13, 2012The Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) is pleased to announce its popular $10 senior seat sale for the month of September. Seniors 60 years of age and older will be able to ride anywhere along STC's network for $10 per one-way trip. "We want to offer a sale that's enticing to seniors," Minister responsible for STC Don McMorris said. "By giving them the opportunity to ride the bus for such a low cost once again in September, we feel we've accomplished that." The company has taken great strides to improve the on-board experience of its passengers in 2012. STC's fleet became...
Budget Remains Balanced
Posted On August 3, 2012The First Quarter Financial Report released today by Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Ken Krawetz shows that Saskatchewan remains on track to have the only provincial balanced budget in Canada in 2012-13. A weak global economic recovery has fuelled volatility in commodity markets, reducing renewable resource revenue. Overall, revenue is forecast to be down $113.2 million from budget, largely due to reduced revenue projections from oil and Crown land sales. "While resource revenue can fluctuate over the course of an entire year, the overall strength of our economy coupled...
September
Report from the Legislature, Sept. 27th 2012
Posted On September 27, 2012Your Saskatchewan Party government continues working toward keeping another important promise we made during last year’s election campaign: reducing surgical wait times. We learned this week seven out of 10 health regions are within five percent of reaching the goal of reducing wait times for surgery to less than six months. They are: Heartland 100 per cent; Cypress/Sunrise 99 per cent; Prairie North/Five Hills 98 per cent; Sun Country 97 per cent; Prince Albert Parkland 95 per cent; Kelsey Trail/Saskatoon 90 per cent;...
July retail sales triple national average
Posted On September 25, 2012Saskatchewan's July retail sales were the highest on record for the month, hitting $1.47 billion according to a report on retail sales released by Statistics Canada today. Sales increased by 9.1 per cent over the same period for July 2011. That's the second highest percentage increase among the provinces on a year-over-year basis, and triple the 3.0 per cent recorded nationally. "There have been six consecutive months of increases for retail sales, and added to that, we've got another record for July," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. On a monthly basis, retail sales in Saskatchewan...
Gaming grants provide $2.1 million to Sask. communities
Posted On September 25, 2012The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) is providing approximately $2.1 million in charitable gaming grants to more than 1,000 volunteer groups and organizations across the province. "These grants recognize the efforts of Saskatchewan volunteers by providing them with additional funding to further support the important programs and services their groups and organizations provide," Minister responsible for SLGA Donna Harpauer said. "These volunteers enhance the lives of people in our communities and that work is appreciated." Among the grants provided by SLGA this...
Government expands discounted bus pass program
Posted On September 24, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan has expanded the Discounted Bus Pass Program to North Battleford; bringing the number of communities in the province where the program is offered to seven. The program has also been renewed for another year in Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and Swift Current. "This program demonstrates the positive things that can happen when we work with municipalities to support the most vulnerable members of our society," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "As a result, people with lower incomes in seven Saskatchewan cities have access to...
Report from the Legislature, Sept. 20th 2012
Posted On September 20, 2012MLA Report for Sept. 20, 2012 Our government is taking action in the wake of the tragic death of an 18-year-old girl killed while working as a highways flagperson. Ashley Dawn Richards was struck by a vehicle in an Orange Zone in August – a tragedy Premier Brad Wall described as a senseless loss caused by blatant disregard for the rules. The Province of Saskatchewan is partnering with the RCMP to improve safety in the Orange Zone. The RCMP will conduct traffic enforcement blitzes targeting highway construction zones. Our government will announce further measures in the coming...
Government takes action to enhance Orange Zone safety
Posted On September 19, 2012The Province of Saskatchewan and the RCMP are joining forces to improve safety in Saskatchewan's construction zones. The RCMP will begin traffic enforcement blitzes in the busiest Orange Zones across Saskatchewan, Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris announced today. "Our government will not tolerate speeding through the Orange Zone," McMorris said. "Our first priority is to keep our highways workers safe. In the coming weeks, we will be announcing further measures to protect workers and ensure drivers are driving safely in the Orange Zone." The Province...
Grand opening of Regina's Douglas Park School
Posted On September 17, 2012Today Education Minister Russ Marchuk joined students, teachers, dignitaries and representatives from the Regina Public School Division to commemorate the grand opening of the new $19.6 million Douglas Park School in Regina. "We believe that investing in education is essential to the success of our students and the future success of Saskatchewan," Marchuk said. "Two words come to mind with this new school - innovation and discovery. I'm confident that students, teachers and parents will be given a solid educational opportunity in the new Douglas Park School." Designed to the...
Report from the Legislature, Sept. 14th 2012
Posted On September 14, 2012One of the challenges of Saskatchewan’s historic growth is providing the supporting infrastructure as more and more families choose the Land of the Living Skies to live and work. The 2011 census showed that during the previous five years the number of children in Saskatchewan grew by more than 10,000. That is the second highest rate of growth among all provinces and a sharp reversal of a decrease between 2001-2006 of almost 20,000 kids. As children are our most valuable and treasured resource, the increase between 2006 and 2011 is great news, but it puts pressure on our education system....
Stewart heading to annual agriculture minister meeting
Posted On September 12, 2012Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart will leave today to meet with his federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) counterparts for their annual meeting being held September 12-14, 2012, in Whitehorse, Yukon. The meeting will focus on the next FPT policy and program framework, Growing Forward 2, which will replace the current suite of programs that will end on March 31, 2013. The new agreement will outline the funding parameters for business risk management (BRM) programs such as AgriStability, AgriInvest, Crop Insurance and AgriRecovery. Changes are expected in some areas of BRM programming. "We've...
October
Report from the Legislature
Posted On October 31, 2012Over the last five years, the number of people living in Saskatchewan has increased by 80,000 people. Almost half of those newcomers are immigrants. Since 2007, almost 39,000 people from 190 different countries have settled in over 320 communities across the province. In 2012-13, our government intends to nominate 4000 people under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP); including accompanying family member that number climbs to more than 12,000. By comparison, Saskatchewan attracted only 8,000 newcomers between 2001 and 2006. Welcoming newcomers to the province is...
Orange Zone Safety
Posted On October 31, 2012The Province of Saskatchewan is increasing the fines for drivers caught speeding in Saskatchewan's construction zones. Effective November 1, Saskatchewan's fines for speeding in the Orange Zone will be among the highest in the country. "Our government is proud to announce new measures designed to move forward on safety improvements in the Orange Zone for both construction workers and motorists," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. "We will be undertaking a strategic review designed to prevent tragedies from occurring on our roads." The Ministry of Highways...
11 And Under Initiative Celebrating Success
Posted On October 30, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan is joining with a number of community partners in celebrating the success of the 11 and Under Initiative in Regina. The program is a collaborative effort between the Regina Police Service, schools and a number of community-based organizations. The Ministry of Social Services contributed almost $95,000 in funding for the program in the current fiscal year. "Our government is committed to working with the community to find ways of supporting our most vulnerable citizens," Social Services Minister June Draude said. "The 11 and Under Initiative is an excellent...
Third Annual Agriculture Scholarship Announced
Posted On October 29, 2012Today Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart announced the launch of the third annual Saskatchewan Agriculture Student Scholarship. "I am pleased to announce this scholarship to help encourage our youth to pursue careers in the agriculture industry," Stewart said. "We have a strong, vibrant industry in Saskatchewan with many opportunities, creating a high demand for skilled, dedicated people." Ten scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to Saskatchewan youth. Students in Grade 12 and recent graduates entering agriculture-related post-secondary studies in 2013 are eligible to apply....
Improving licensing for Hunters and Anglers
Posted On October 25, 2012Making front line services quicker and more convenient for hunters and anglers, Saskatchewan is automating its hunting, trapping and angling licensing system. "Our province has some of the best fishing and hunting opportunities in the world and automating the license issuance system will help to make the experience even better," Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "Each year hunters and anglers contribute about $40 million to our economy and create more than 2,500 direct jobs. These outdoors enthusiasts help maintain a strong workforce and support the economy in rural areas of...
Record retail sales in August
Posted On October 23, 2012August was a record month for retail trade in Saskatchewan as sales increased for the seventh consecutive month on a month-over-month basis. Retail sales rose by 0.6 per cent in the province, the third highest percentage gain among the provinces and double the national increase of 0.3 per cent, to a record value of $1.48 billion. "Saskatchewan consumers are confident in the direction our economy is heading and that is reflected in today's numbers," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "Retail sales are an important factor in economic growth and today's report is definitely a positive trend...
Sask. Prov. Parks attendance on track to set record
Posted On October 18, 2012The 2012 park season is expected to be another record year for Saskatchewan provincial parks with an early estimate of 3.56 million visits, a 5.7 per cent increase over the 3.37 million visits recorded across the park system in 2011, and the fall camping season is still underway. The new online reservation system had a successful year with more than 60,000 reservations, double the amount in 2011. For the first time, visitors were able to check campsite availability, make changes or cancel a reservation by visiting the website. Visitors were also able to see what's going on at the park...
Saskatchewan Plan for Growth: Vision 2020 and Beyond
Posted On October 17, 2012Without question, the last five years have been good ones for Saskatchewan. We are leading the nation in economic growth. Our population is at a new record high. This growth has meant we could afford to cut income, property and business taxes, reduce surgical wait times and help people with disabilities. The question now is: do we want this growth to continue? The answer MLAs heard when they consulted with constituents this summer was a resounding yes. But you also want your government to address the challenges arising from growth and ensure the benefits are shared with everyone....
Premier Wall releases the “Sask. Plan for Growth”
Posted On October 16, 20121.2 Million People By 2020 Is the Goal - Better Quality of Life Is the Reason Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall today released the "Saskatchewan Plan for Growth", setting a goal of 1.2 million people living in Saskatchewan by 2020, outlining his government's roadmap for getting there, and emphasizing that improved quality of life in Saskatchewan is the purpose of growth. "Over the past five years, Saskatchewan people have seen the benefits of a growing province - more jobs, more opportunities and more revenue to deal with the challenges of growth," Wall said. "Those benefits are...
New Campaign Challenges HIV Related Stigma
Posted On October 15, 2012As part of Saskatchewan's overall HIV strategy, the province is launching an awareness campaign aimed at challenging HIV-related stigma with the goal of empowering people living with HIV to get tested and access treatment and support. "We recognize HIV is a serious issue for our province and we're committed to finding solutions to address it," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. "We hope this campaign will help create an environment free of stigma and discrimination in which those living with HIV will feel comfortable accessing testing and care." The campaign includes Youtube...
Education Week begins with event in White City
Posted On October 15, 2012Today Education Minister Russ Marchuk joined students, dignitaries and representatives from the Prairie Valley School Division to celebrate the start of construction on a brand new $22 million education facility in White City. The new school, which was officially named this afternoon at the ceremony, will boast room for almost 500 students and early learners ranging from Kindergarten to grade eight. Designed with an innovative approach, this school will offer students in similar grade levels flexible environments, allowing students to learn in groups within shared spaces. The...
25 Year Water Security Plan creates vision for the future
Posted On October 15, 2012Today, the Government of Saskatchewan is releasing their 25 Year Saskatchewan Water Security Plan, fulfilling a commitment made during the 2011 election. For the first time, all of government's core water management responsibilities and technical expertise will come together to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach to water management. "Our government is responding to stakeholders who strongly identified the need for a long-term and comprehensive water strategy," Minister responsible for the Water Security Agency Ken Cheveldayoff said. "We are excited to create a strong new...
Sask. Legislative Building celebrates 100th Anniversary
Posted On October 11, 2012Events are taking place this afternoon and evening to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Legislative Building. Everyone is invited to join the public celebration which begins at 6:30 p.m. with a program in the Chamber. Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada and Mrs. Sharon Johnston will be in attendance. "This legislative building opened in 1912 during a time of tremendous growth in our province, Premier Brad Wall said. "And today as we celebrate the centennial of this incredible building, we are again experiencing incredible growth in...
First eight months of 2012 good for export market
Posted On October 11, 2012Merchandise export figures released by Statistics Canada today show Saskatchewan had an increase of 13.4 per cent in the first eight months of 2012 compared with the same period in 2011. That was the second highest growth rate in the nation over this period. "Trade and exports are a critical component of our economy," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "The variety of goods that flow across Canada and around the world is important to maintain and create new jobs and businesses here at home and also works to attract new investment to Saskatchewan." In the first eight months of 2012...
Report from the Legislature, Oct. 11, 2012
Posted On October 11, 2012One major aspect of Keeping the Saskatchewan Advantage is ensuring we have the infrastructure to support growth. One important way of doing that is maintaining and improving the major trade corridors throughout our province. This is why our government is investing an extra $50 million to repair and upgrade critical highways. This will bring our investment in highway infrastructure to $631.5 million this year alone, the second largest Highways budget in Saskatchewan’s history. An example of this year’s highways budget is the twinning of Highway 11, a vital route between Saskatoon...
Job postings up on Saskjobs.ca
Posted On October 10, 2012The number of job postings on saskjobs.ca increased in September 2012 over last September, up by 0.62 per cent. There were 15,323 job postings this September compared to 15,229 last year. "With a strong economy comes a strong labour market demand," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "Employers in the province are using saskjobs.ca to fill positions in communities across the province in a wide array of trades and professions." Postings are up on a year-over-year basis in health (up 27.79 per cent), sales (up 8.79 per cent) and engineers,...
Building Permits Up
Posted On October 5, 2012BUILDING PERMITS MORE THAN DOUBLE NATIONAL INCREASE Saskatchewan led the country in new building permits for August 2012, according to a report issued by Statistics Canada today. Saskatchewan's building permits rose 47.9 per cent over last August, the highest percentage increase among the provinces and more than double the national average of 22.0 per cent. "The construction industry is an important part of Saskatchewan's economy and these numbers highlight the high demand in...
Jobs Up, Unemployment Down
Posted On October 5, 201210,600 MORE SASKATCHEWAN PEOPLE WORKING IN SEPTEMBER Statistics Canada released new job figures for September 2012 today which indicate Saskatchewan had an increase of 10,600 jobs compared to a year ago. There were 540,800 people working in the province, an all-time high for the month of September. This was a 2.0 per cent growth rate, the second highest among the provinces. "As 2012 moves to a close, Saskatchewan's job market continues to show no signs of cooling," Economy Minister...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On October 4, 2012The Saskatchewan Advantage is about ensuring people and businesses have the tools they need to keep our province moving forward. On September 28th, our government announced that we had asked for, and received, an extension from the federal government to their deadline for returning spectrum (frequency). Industry Canada’s changes affect SaskTel’s ability to provide fixed wireless internet service to approximately 8,000 people in rural Saskatchewan. Those changes were supposed to come into effect this year; under our extension, SaskTel will have until March 31st, 2014 to assist...
In Tribute To Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk
Posted On October 3, 2012CANADIAN CENTRE FOR NUCLEAR INNOVATION TO BE NAMED AFTER DR. SYLVIA FEDORUK Premier Brad Wall today announced that the Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation (CCNI) located at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) will be renamed in tribute to Dr. Sylvia Fedoruk who passed away September 26. It will be renamed the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian Centre for Nuclear Innovation. As a medical physicist, Dr. Fedoruk was the sole female member of the team that first successfully treated...
Government launches Senior Home Security Program
Posted On October 2, 2012Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter has delivered on a campaign promise by announcing a new safety program for Saskatchewan's seniors today at the Seniors' First Safety open house hosted by the Regina Senior Citizens Centre. The Seniors Home Security Program is intended to help low-income seniors and seniors who have been the victim of a break and enter or a home invasion. "Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home," Reiter said. "Vulnerable seniors will benefit from increased security through these targeted home safety assessments and installation of home safety equipment...
Community Living Month celebrated in October
Posted On October 1, 2012The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed October as Community Living Month in the province. The proclamation recognizes the many accomplishments and contributions of people with intellectual disabilities, as well as the efforts of the staff and volunteers of the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living (SACL). SACL's mandate is to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities across Saskatchewan live in inclusive communities. "Our government appreciates SACL's efforts on behalf of all Saskatchewan residents with intellectual disabilities," Social Services Minister June...
Sask. minimum wage increases to $10 an hour in Dec.
Posted On October 1, 2012The minimum wage in Saskatchewan will increase to $10.00 per hour on December 1, 2012, an increase from the current minimum wage of $9.50 per hour. The move follows a commitment by the Government of Saskatchewan to review the hourly minimum wage on a year-to-year basis. The change also results in a corresponding increase to the minimum call-out pay to $30.00. "The contributions of Saskatchewan's working population are essential to ongoing economic growth and prosperity in the province," Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. "This increase in minimum...
November
Minimum Wage to Increase December 1, 2012
Posted On November 29, 2012Employers and minimum wage earners are reminded that Saskatchewan's minimum wage is going up effective December 1, 2012. The Government of Saskatchewan will increase the province's minimum wage from $9.50 to $10 per hour, which will also result in a corresponding increase to the minimum call-out pay to $30. "Saskatchewan's economy has been growing and it is only right that the minimum wage increase as well," Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. "Minimum wage has increased by 25.8 per cent since 2007 - a significant increase in pay for working people...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On November 29, 2012Using the Benefits of Growth Saskatchewan remains the only province in Canada with a balanced budget. The 2012-13 Mid-Year Report shows that our growing tax base and increased tax revenue are strong enough to offset lower than expected resource revenue. Our government's continued support for communities experiencing flood damage and other increased costs has resulted in a spending increase of $31.6 million, pushing the total budget to $11.23 billion. With B.C. announcing a possible deficit of $1.5 billion by year-end, and Alberta running a $1.3...
New Referral Methods Speed Up Medical Care
Posted On November 26, 2012Saskatchewan patients are benefitting from innovative scheduling options that reduce the time spent waiting for consultations with specialists in order to receive surgery and other treatments. Eight groups of specialists have adopted the streamlined process called pooled referrals, and a new provincial service is making it easier for specialists to participate even if they don't share an office. Health Minister Dustin Duncan took part in the official opening for Referral Management Services, which facilitates referrals from physicians and other clinicians. "Through the Saskatchewan...
Report from the Legislature
Posted On November 21, 2012Our government's commitment to continuing to move Saskatchewan forward was seen again in this week's announcement regarding the Information Services Corporation (ISC). We introduced legislation that will allow ISC to take the next steps to expand into new markets and continue growing. This legislation will allow for shares in the provincially owned corporation to be sold to the public with the province retaining 40 per cent ownership. Of the 60% of shares open for public offering, 45% are available for Saskatchewan citizens. Under this legislation, your private records remain in government...
Government Modernizes Liquor Regulations
Posted On November 20, 2012The provincial government is modernizing Saskatchewan's liquor regulations with a focus on reducing red tape and creating new opportunities and flexibility for businesses. "Saskatchewan has many liquor regulations that haven't undergone a comprehensive review for decades," Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Donna Harpauer said. "Our government is pleased to make these changes today and remains committed to reviewing regulations on an ongoing basis." Included in the more than 70 changes: salons, spas and movie theatres will be eligible for special...
Legislation Sets the Stage for Stronger, Larger ISC
Posted On November 19, 2012A bill introduced in the legislature today will provide for the sale of shares in the provincially-owned Information Services Corporation (ISC), moving forward on a commitment to open the door to expanded markets and growth opportunities for the company. "ISC has built a Saskatchewan success story that other jurisdictions have shown interest in doing business with," Minister responsible for ISC Don McMorris said. "A privately-operated ISC will have the ability to use that advantage to enter into new markets that a Crown-owned company would not." ISC is unique among registry providers...
Report From The Legislature, Nov. 15, 2012
Posted On November 15, 2012As a government, we talk a lot about the importance of growth. Even more importantly, we talk about using the benefits of growth to improve our quality of life. From shortening surgical wait lists to investing in important infrastructure such as highways and schools; our government is endeavouring to use Saskatchewan’s historic growth for your benefit. A recent example of doing just that is the recognition event held on November 6, 2012, for the next 83 recipients of the Saskatchewan Scholarship of Honour. At this time of the year, when we honour those who made the ultimate...
1,200 KM of Highways Improvements Completed in 2012
Posted On November 14, 2012The second-largest highways budget in Saskatchewan history has provided nearly 1,200 kilometres of highway improvements completed or underway in the 2012 construction season. "Our crews and contractors have made tremendous progress moving forward on 1,200 kilometres of planned work," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. "These improvements will keep our economy on track as we seek to build a highways system that will maintain the exciting growth we've seen take place over the past five years." A $631.5 million investment in 2012-13 brings the total investment...
$500,000 for Water Control Assistance Program
Posted On November 6, 2012Today, Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency Ken Cheveldayoff announced an additional $500,000 for the Water Control Assistance Program, increasing funding for 2012-13 to more than $1.2 million. "Some areas of the province continue to deal with water-related issues as a result of record amounts of precipitation from the last few years," Cheveldayoff said. "This additional funding will help communities and municipalities install and maintain infrastructure important to protecting peoples' homes, livelihoods and the infrastructure that Saskatchewan people depend...
New Private Liquor Stores
Posted On November 5, 2012The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) is adding three private liquor stores to the province's retail liquor system. The new stores - two in Saskatoon and one in Regina - will offer customers a full line of wines, spirits and beer products. "The province's population has grown by 80,000 people during the past five years which has meant more customers at our liquor stores," Minister responsible for SLGA Donna Harpauer said. "SLGA has been doing a good job managing the increased volumes but we know that there are neighbourhoods that are still underserved. These new...
New Tender Release Includes 40 Projects
Posted On November 1, 2012This year's Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure fall tender release features 40 new projects, including 19 construction contracts, eight bridge and culvert projects and 13 crushing and stockpiling contracts worth an estimated $172.8 million. "This year's fall tender release is impressive, and by moving forward with the upgrading of Highway 22, we hope to have our next construction season start off on the best possible foot," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. "By tendering and planning early, we will have the contractors and materials we need ready in order to...
December
Report from the Legislature
Posted On December 20, 2012With the Christmas season upon us, we are reminded time and again of how fortunate we are to call a place like Saskatchewan home. Ours is a province where you know your neighbours and you are there for them when they need you. We are known across the country for our rich tradition of volunteerism; helping those less fortunate. As family and friends draw near, it is important we remember just how special this place we live in is. 2012 was another amazing year for Saskatchewan. The provincial economy remained one of the strongest in Canada. Our government announced its fifth...
SK Government Introduces New Employment Legislation
Posted On December 4, 2012The Saskatchewan Employment Act will be introduced in the Legislative Assembly this afternoon. This Act consolidates labour legislation from twelve Acts into one updated and comprehensive Act. "The new Saskatchewan Employment Act clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of employees, employers and unions," Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. "The new Act will improve Saskatchewan's labour legislation to better protect workers, promote growth and increase accountability." The new Act will contain provisions that include: Indexation...
2011
January
Giving advice to new pilots as Honorary Colonel
Posted On January 31, 2011By Rebecca Lawrence Ex-Snowbird Yogi Huyghebaert is returning to his flying roots. The MLA for Wood River and Saskatchewan's Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, said he is very excited about his new role as Honorary Colonel for the 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, known as the Big 2, at 15 Wing, Moose Jaw. He himself went through the training system in 1967 and received his wings in Moose Jaw in 1968. While he said he doesn't like to use the word mentor, Huyghebaert said he hopes to share his flying experiences with the younger pilots. His...
Government keeps revenue sharing promise
Posted On January 31, 2011In his address today to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) annual convention, Premier Brad Wall confirmed the government will keep its promise to provide annual revenue sharing equal to a full point of the provincial sales tax (PST). That means Saskatchewan municipalities will receive record revenue sharing of $216.8 million in 2011-12, an increase of nearly $90 million or 70 per cent since 2007-08. Urban municipalities - Saskatchewan's cities, towns, villages and resort communities - will receive $138.7 million this year, an increase of 105 per cent...
Sask. Party Winning Health Care Battle
Posted On January 28, 2011By Murray Mandryk It's easy to pinpoint the exact time when the NDP lost the health issue in rural Saskatchewan. It was Mar. 18, 1993, the day of the infamous provincial budget that closed 52 rural hospitals. The closures cost the then Roy Romanow government half its rural seats in the election two years later and the rest of Saskatchewan's rural seats in the elections to come. From that day forth, any NDP government initiative in health care, regardless of how nebulous or important, was treated with massive cynicism in rural Saskatchewan. However, this...
MLA Report - January 27, 2011
Posted On January 27, 2011Saskatchewan people continue to benefit from our government's changes to personal income tax. In fact, there are more people benefiting from the increase to the personal exemption than even we anticipated. We have received new information indicating that 92,000 people are no longer paying provincial income tax – 12,000 more than we originally estimated. This means that people with fixed incomes, such as seniors and students, are keeping more of what they earn. Families with lower incomes also have more money in their pockets. Our government recognizes the vital role doctors...
Sask Leads Wage Growth in Canada
Posted On January 27, 2011SASKATCHEWAN CONTINUES TO LEAD THE COUNTRY IN WAGE GROWTH For the second month in a row, Saskatchewan wage-earners have experienced the largest year-over-year earnings jump in Canada. Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings increased by 5.7 per cent in November 2010, tied with Prince Edward Island for top spot, and exceeding the national average of 4.4 per cent. Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings were $862.83, the third highest in Canada after Alberta ($1,016.27), and Ontario ($891.42). Nationally, the average was $865.17. "Saskatchewan workers continue to benefit...
Benefits of tax cuts exceed expectations
Posted On January 26, 2011New Calculations Show 92,000 People Came Off Tax Rolls - 12,000 More Than Expected New calculations by the Ministry of Finance show that the tax cuts introduced by the provincial government in the fall of 2008 removed more people from the provincial income tax rolls than previously thought. At the time, Finance estimated the increase to the basic personal exemption would mean 80,000 people would no longer have to pay provincial income tax. This calculation was based on a simulation model built around tax returns from 2006. New information received from the federal...
Province and Physicians Reach Tentative Agreement
Posted On January 25, 2011The province and the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) have reached a tentative four-year contract agreement. The agreement includes an 11 per cent increase in fees paid for physician services, along with a two per cent market adjustment. The agreement also includes $33 million in special programs that reward physicians choosing to adopt a full-scope of practice, rewarding rural practise, patient-focused care, chronic disease management and improved after-hours access. "Our government recognizes the vital role physicians play in delivering quality patient care to Saskatchewan...
More Affordable Housing For Regina Families
Posted On January 24, 2011MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AVAILABLE FOR REGINA FAMILIES More affordable housing is available for low and moderate-income families thanks to the opening of Maple Leaf Place, a 39-unit apartment building and 14 townhouses located in Regina's Heritage neighbourhood. The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), provided $11.3 million in project funding, with the City of Regina contributing $530,000. "Our government is pleased to work with the City of Regina to help more families find a place to call home," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for...
Medical Isotopes Project In Saskatoon Receives $12m
Posted On January 24, 2011A $12-million pilot project in Saskatoon will produce medical isotopes at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) by using linear accelerator technology instead of a more expensive and less reliable nuclear reactor. The project is one of four in the country that aim to study an as-yet unproven process that uses high energy particle accelerators, which do not require the weapons-grade uranium used in current isotope farming, to ensure a consistent supply of medical isotopes for Canada. Federal and provincials officials made the funding announcement Monday afternoon at the CLS...
$7 million for Agri. Research
Posted On January 21, 2011$7 MILLION FOR LIVESTOCK AND FORAGE-RELATED RESEARCH PROJECTS Record Funding for Livestock and Forage Research Today, Member of Parliament, Randy Hoback (Prince Albert), on behalf of Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced more than $7 million in livestock and forage-related research funding from the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF). This record amount of ADF livestock and forage funding is being awarded to 27 research projects. In addition, this funding includes new five-year operating...
S&P Boosts Sask. Credit Rating
Posted On January 19, 2011STANDARD & POOR'S BOOSTS SASKATCHEWAN'S CREDIT RATING Saskatchewan the Only Province to Receive Credit Rating Upgrade Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Ken Krawetz welcomes the news that Standard & Poor's has improved its credit rating outlook of AA+ for the Province of Saskatchewan from stable to positive. "The affirmation reflects our favourable view of the province's low and stable debt burden, economic performance throughout the recession, strong liquidity and moderate support from the federal government," Standard & Poor's said. "So far...
Fighting off spring flooding
Posted On January 19, 2011Saskatchewan must be prepared for potential spring flooding: Premier Wall By James Wood, The StarPhoenix REGINA — With heavy snow blanketing the province this winter after last year's record rains, the province wants to help municipalities be prepared for a potential new round of flooding in the spring. Premier Brad Wall told reporters Wednesday the government will earmark around $20 million for "proactive" work. "There are probably some trouble areas coming depending on the melt that's ahead of us," he said outside a meeting of the Saskatchewan Party...
Govt. accepts court of appeal decision on reference question
Posted On January 18, 2011Justice Minister Don Morgan today announced that the government will accept the decision of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal and will require marriage commissioners to perform civil marriages for all couples, including same-sex partners. "Our government wanted to take the necessary time to review this important decision and consider all of the possible options, including appeal or the possibility of enacting an alternative system, such as the Ontario model raised by the Court of Appeal in its decision," Morgan said. "We concluded there are no grounds for appeal of this unanimous...
MLA report for the week of January 10 2011
Posted On January 12, 2011MLA Report – January 12, 2011 As the people of Saskatchewan settle into 2011, we continue to hear more good news about our province’s economy. Our government recently learned that record high employment for the month of December meant Saskatchewan closed 2010 with the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada. December also marked Saskatchewan’s 11th straight month of year-over-year employment growth and, importantly, we saw continued employment growth for First Nations and Métis people. Plus, our seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent is well...
Sask saw increase in value of building permits in November
Posted On January 11, 2011REGINA — Saskatchewan saw a 39-per-cent increase in the value of building permits in November over the same period last year, the second-highest increase in the country, Statistics Canada said Monday. Nationally, permits were down an average of 10.3 per cent (seasonally adjusted), with six provinces experiencing a decline over November 2009. "The increase in building permits for November is another significant indicator that the Saskatchewan economy is picking up momentum," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a news release. Non-residential construction...
Sask enters 2011 with 2nd lowest jobless rate in Canada
Posted On January 7, 2011Record high employment for the month of December helped Saskatchewan close out the year with the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada. Saskatchewan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent is well below the national average of 7.6, according to Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey. December also marked Saskatchewan's 11th straight month of overall employment growth, the eighth straight month of employment growth for First Nations and Métis people and the fifth straight month of employment growth for First Nations and Métis youth. "We've...
Call for ban on taxpayer-funded attack ads
Posted On January 6, 2011Sask. Party wants to change ad rules By James Wood, Saskatchewan News Network; Postmedia NewsThe Saskatchewan Party government wants new restrictions on personal attacks in political advertising paid for by public funds. The government on Wednesday released a December letter from Justice Minister Don Morgan to NDP house leader Kevin Yates suggesting changes to the legislature rules around advertising paid for through caucus funds and MLA communication allowances which would bar "content that disparages another member." Yates said...
SaskJobs.ca reaches record popularity in 2010
Posted On January 6, 2011More job seekers than ever are exploring career opportunities on Saskatchewan's largest job search website, www.saskjobs.ca. The site hosted a record 8.9 million visits in 2010 while posting more than 111,000 jobs from employers across the province. All told, 8,750 more jobs were posted to the site in 2010 as compared to 2009, an increase of 8.5 per cent. "SaskJobs.ca is a valuable hub for Saskatchewan employers and job seekers from across Canada and around the world," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "In the past year, the site has...
MLA Report
Posted On January 5, 2011Happy New Year! 2010 ended with more positive news for our province. We learned major economic forecasters are predicting Saskatchewan will have the fastest growing economy in Canada this year. Our economy is expected to increase by an average of 3.7 per cent in 2011, well ahead of the national average of 2.4 per cent. We also learned that Saskatchewan's population had hit a new record-high of 1,049,701. With more than 50,000 people moving to our province since 2007, this is the fastest and most sustained period of population growth here in decades. The end of the year also...
February
Province Accelerates Municipal Road Funding
Posted On February 28, 2011PROVINCE ACCELERATES MUNICIPAL ROAD FUNDING The provincial government is providing $23.5 million to rural municipalities to improve and upgrade roads. "Our government's record investments in transportation include not only the provincial highway system, but rural municipal roads as well," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "This funding will help ensure RM roads can support our growing economy and provide safe transportation for rural residents." The funding is being provided through the Municipal Roads for the Economy Program (MREP). MREP provides...
$76 Million for Post-Secondary Capital Projects
Posted On February 24, 2011MORE THAN $76 MILLION DOLLARS FOR POST-SECONDARY CAPITAL PROJECTS The Government of Saskatchewan announced today that it is providing nearly $76.5 million for capital projects at post-secondary education institutions across the province. "These funds represent a significant investment in both current and future infrastructure needs of our post-secondary system," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "We are committed to building an environment for students and scholars that reflects excellence, innovation, accessibility and quality." The...
Review Threatens "Have" Status
Posted On February 23, 2011By Bill Boyd, The StarPhoenix The following is the viewpoint of the writer, Saskatchewan's Energy and Resources minister. Calls by Dwain Lingenfelter and others -including in The StarPhoenix editorial Royalty regime needs revisiting despite pledges (SP, Feb. 15) -to increase potash royalties appear premised on incorrect and incomplete information. I would like to set the record straight. As to whether current royalties are too low, according to the potash royalty and production rates contained in the CRU 2010 Potash Cost Report, Saskatchewan...
120 Schools Receive New Dollars
Posted On February 23, 2011NEW CAPITAL FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR 120 SCHOOL PROJECTS IN SASKATCHEWAN Saskatchewan's education system received good news today when Education Minister Donna Harpauer announced more than $60 million in additional funding for 120 school renovation and improvement projects in 65 communities across the province. "This is funding that will help address enrollment and renovation pressures being felt in schools and school-based child care centres across the province," Harpauer said. Funding of $17.8 million is for block capital projects that will provide functional and safer...
Premier Wall to Promote Sask. in U.K.
Posted On February 22, 2011By James Wood, The StarPhoenix Premier Brad Wall is looking to bring a few pounds sterling to Saskatchewan. He will be in the United Kingdom from Feb. 23 to 27 to promote investment in Saskatchewan, it was announced Friday. In an interview, he said next week's trip to London was inspired in part by the attention the province attracted during the fight over BHP Billiton Ltd.'s hostile takeover attempt of Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. last fall. "It's part of our ongoing outreach. We said after the BHP deal -and arguably even before...
Govt. Announces $133 million in Healthcare Funding
Posted On February 22, 2011PROVINCE ANNOUNCES $133 MILLION FUNDING COMMITMENT FOR HEALTH CARE New Funding Formula For Local Share Health Minister Don McMorris today announced $133.1 million in health infrastructure and access improvements to make the system safer and more secure for patients and health providers. "Our government continues to follow through on our promise to strengthen our health care system," McMorris said. "Today's announcement will mean better care and better access to care for Saskatchewan people." McMorris also announced that the provincial government will now pay...
Sask. has highest increase
Posted On February 18, 2011Saskatchewan's wholesale trade posted the highest increase of any province in Canada last year, according to a report released by Statistics Canada Thursday. Wholesale trade was up 25.1 per cent (seasonally adjusted), the highest percentage increase in Canada on a year-over-year basis. Saskatchewan saw a 5.5-per-cent increase in trade between November and December, also the highest percentage increase among the provinces. December sales in the province rose largely as a result of increased sales in the agricultural supplies industry, StatsCan said. This...
Sask To Lead Canada in 2011 and 2012
Posted On February 18, 2011In its 2011 Provincial Winter Outlook, the Conference Board of Canada is predicting Saskatchewan will lead the country in economic growth in both 2011 and 2012. The Conference Board says Saskatchewan will experience real GDP growth of 3.9 per cent this year and 4.5 per cent next year. According to the report, "Saskatchewan is set to enter a period of prolonged economic prosperity, anchored by large-scale development of the potash industry and steady gains in the energy sector." Other findings include: Saskatchewan will have an annual growth rate of 3.6...
Sask Exports Billions in 2010
Posted On February 16, 2011SASKATCHEWAN EXPORTS BILLIONS IN 2010 Saskatchewan's goods were in high demand in 2010 according to the latest report by Statistics Canada. In 2010, merchandise exports were $23.9 billion, an increase of 9.7 per cent over 2009. "Saskatchewan has been exporting quality goods that are in demand in other provinces and internationally," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "The rise in merchandise exports shows that our industries are supplying their traditional markets and making in-roads into new ones." Saskatchewan exports of goods totalled $2.29 billion...
Province pays $40M to reduce surgery waits
Posted On February 15, 2011By Pamela Cowan, Saskatchewan News Network The provincial government is taking the scalpel to surgical wait lists. Health Minister Don McMorris announced Monday the government is providing more than $40 million in additional funding to the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative so patients receive surgery sooner. The aim is to reduce all surgical wait times to less than 12 months by the end of 2011-12. The Ministry of Health's ultimate goal is to ensure that, by 2014, no patient waits longer than three months for surgery. The new money, allocated in the 2010-11 budget,...
Record Funding to Cut Surgery Wait Times
Posted On February 14, 2011RECORD GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO INCREASE SURGICAL CAPACITY AND CUT WAIT TIMES $40 Million to Health Regions Means More Patients to Receive Surgery Sooner Saskatchewan's government is providing more than $40 million in additional funding for the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative this year, so that more patients receive surgery sooner. Health regions will use the funding to accelerate increases in surgical capacity and make longer term plans for diagnostic and surgical services. "This significant financial commitment reaffirms our confidence in the fresh approaches and...
Premier Welcomes "Pledge to Saskatchewan" from PCS
Posted On February 14, 2011PREMIER WELCOMES "PLEDGE TO SASKATCHEWAN" FROM POTASHCORP 300 People Working in Saskatoon Head Office Within Two Years Premier Brad Wall today accepted detailed commitments of the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan's (PotashCorp) "Pledge to Saskatchewan." In a letter to Premier Wall from its President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Doyle, PotashCorp outlined further details of its "Pledge to Saskatchewan" which was first announced last October. The letter outlines specific targets for increasing the number of people working for PotashCorp in Saskatchewan,...
Sask Births Increase for Sixth Straight Year
Posted On February 11, 2011SASKATCHEWAN BIRTHS INCREASE FOR SIXTH STRAIGHT YEAR Saskatchewan experienced an increase in the number of live births in the province in 2010. To date, there have been 14,978 live births registered in Saskatchewan in 2010, compared to 14,536 for 2009. "This increase represents another year of growth for the province and is the highest number of births in 18 years," Minister responsible for ISC Tim McMillan said. "We haven't experienced this of level of births since 1992, when 14,992 live births were registered in Saskatchewan." These numbers were compiled by Information...
MLA Report - February 9, 2010
Posted On February 9, 2011MLA Report – February 9, 2010 Our government is continuing to take action to address the challenge of providing affordable housing. We recently announced the development of a comprehensive housing strategy to be completed by the end of June 2011. The goal of the strategy is to make immediate improvements that will strengthen Saskatchewan's affordable housing system as well as ensure a well-functioning system into the future. It will also help us find innovative solutions so that we can support a growing population and ensure that housing is accessible to all people and families...
$2.4 Million In Charitable Gaming Grants
Posted On February 8, 2011GOVERNMENT PROVIDES $2.4 MILLION IN CHARITABLE GAMING GRANTS More than 800 groups and organizations across Saskatchewan will benefit from approximately $2.4 million in charitable gaming grants distributed by the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA). "Volunteers in these groups and organizations work hard to provide services that enhance the quality of life and social well-being of local residents in their communities," Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Tim McMillan said. "Our government is pleased to assist volunteers in these...
Busy Construction Sites in December
Posted On February 7, 2011BUSY CONSTRUCTION SITES IN DECEMBER Building permits in Saskatchewan for December 2010 were released today by Statistics Canada that confirms construction sites are very busy across the province. Between December 2009 and December 2010 building permits jumped 19.5 per cent, the third highest percentage increase in Canada (seasonally-adjusted). Permits were also up on a monthly basis, increasing 5.0 per cent between November 2010 and December 2010. This was the fourth-highest increase in the nation over that period. "With our population hitting record levels last...
Meadow Lake Receives CDTF Funding
Posted On February 7, 2011CITY OF MEADOW LAKE RECEIVES CDTF FUNDING The Government of Saskatchewan announced the approval of $400,000 for the community of Meadow Lake under the Community Development Trust Fund (CDTF). The funding will be used to assist with Phase II of Meadow Lake's Storm Water Project. Phase II of this project will improve the community's current drainage system and allow city crews to operate more efficiently. This will include the implementation of upgraded storm lines and trenching around the west area of the city, and the installation of a large storm trunk line. "These...
Increase in Population Drives Building Boom
Posted On February 7, 2011Increase in population drives building boom in Saskatchewan LEADER-POST AND FINANCIAL POST REGINA — Saskatchewan bucked the national trend in building permits in December, posting a year-over-year increase of nearly 20 per cent, compared with a five-per-cent decline nationally, according to Statistics Canada. The year-over-year increase was the third-highest percentage increase in Canada, while the five-per-cent increase between November and December was the fourth-highest increase in the nation (seasonally adjusted). The rise in building...
"It's time to regain key nuclear lead"
Posted On February 4, 2011The following is the viewpoint of Rob Norris, minister responsible for SaskPower, Innovation Saskatchewan and the Uranium Development Partnership. Over the past half-century, Saskatchewan went from being a leader to a laggard in key areas of nuclear medicine and uraniumrelated research. Two recent items in The StarPhoenix -Nuclear path rejected (Jan. 26) and Small reactors raise alarms (Jan. 27) -remind us why. Decades of indifference, inertia and ideologically driven activism have allowed high-paying, knowledge-based, uranium valueadded jobs to slip away. In...
12 Straight Months of Employment Growth
Posted On February 4, 2011A YEAR OF GROWTH: SASKATCHEWAN POSTS 12TH STRAIGHT MONTH OF EMPLOYMENT GROWTH In a sign of continued momentum, Saskatchewan has seen year-over-year employment growth for each of the past 12 months. There were 517,400 people working in Saskatchewan in January, an increase of 7,400 over January of 2010 and a record for the month of January. Saskatchewan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.4 per cent ranks second lowest in Canada (behind Manitoba), well below the national average of 7.8 per cent. The news comes on the heels of a Statistics Canada release that...
Premier Wall Praises Progress on BHP Mine
Posted On February 3, 2011Premier Wall praises BHP Billiton as Jansen project moves into next stage of development By Cassandra Kyle and David Hutton, The StarPhoenix BHP Billiton Ltd. said Wednesday it has moved its Jansen potash project into the feasibility stage, a move that drew high praise from Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall. "It will be one of the largest projects in the history of the province if it goes ahead," Wall told reporters. "It's another signal of confidence from industry, from the businesses of the world, in this case an international...
Huge Job Jump at saskjobs.ca
Posted On February 3, 2011Job seekers from Saskatchewan, across Canada and around the world visited www.saskjobs.ca in droves this January - with good reason. The site saw 10,183 job postings in January, a 27 per cent increase over last year and the largest January total since 2008. Employers from 278 Saskatchewan communities posted opportunities to the site. "Workers and employers in every corner of our province are benefitting from the opportunities created by a growing provincial economy," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "With forecasters calling for Saskatchewan...
Comprehensive Housing Strategy by June 2011
Posted On February 3, 2011COMPREHENSIVE HOUSING STRATEGY TO BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 2011 The Government of Saskatchewan is leading the development of a comprehensive housing strategy by the end of June 2011. The strategy will be developed by Saskatchewan Housing Corporation in co-ordination with stakeholders in the housing industry, including rural and urban municipalities, home builders and developers, real estate organizations, chambers of commerce and community-based organizations across Saskatchewan. The goal of the strategy is to strengthen Saskatchewan's affordable housing system in the short...
Sask Top Employers Include Crowns & Agencies
Posted On February 2, 2011Saskatchewan's Top Employers Profiling the employers in Saskatchewan that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. Now entering its seventh year, Saskatchewan's Top Employers is an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers. This special designation recognizes the Saskatchewan employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work. This year's list includes many Saskatchewan crown corporations and agencies: Information...
Longest Wait Times Being Cut in NW Sask
Posted On February 2, 2011More Surgeries Means Quicker Access for Dental Patients As part of the provincial government's commitment to reducing surgical wait times, access to dental surgery is improving for residents of northwest Saskatchewan. The province is providing $69,000 in funding to Prairie North Health Region (PNHR) for equipment and operating funding to increase the number of dental surgeries it provides. Additional funding for operating costs will be provided for 2011-12. "Building surgical capacity in regional centres helps us put patients first, by shortening wait times...
MLA Report - February 2, 2011
Posted On February 2, 2011MLA Report – February 2, 2011 Your Saskatchewan Party government continues to work with our municipal partners to keep our province growing and moving forward. At the annual SUMA convention, Premier Brad Wall announced we are moving ahead on our promise to provide cities, towns and RMs with a record amount of revenue sharing. Municipal revenue sharing will increase to the equivalent of a full point of the PST. That translates into $216.8 million in 2011-12 – a 70 per cent increase since 2007-08. Revenue sharing in 2011-12 represents the highest amount of unconditional...
March
Tribunal Changes Warranted
Posted On March 31, 2011Tribunal Changes Warranted By Don Morgan, The StarPhoenix Following is the viewpoint of Don Morgan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General in Saskatchewan. Alex Neve and Ailsa Watkinson are concerned that Bill 160, now before our legislature, is a "troubling step backward" in human rights protection in Saskatchewan (SP, March 21). To make their case, they present opinion as fact and leave out critical details around the changes our government has proposed. Two examples stand out. We are proposing a change in the period...
Raising Roofs--Editorial
Posted On March 30, 2011Raising roofs The Leader-Post March 30, 2011 5:02 AM As more people enter the province or stay here, demand grows for houses and apartments - particularly those affordably priced. So severe is the squeeze that Regina's city council three years ago froze the conversions of apartment buildings into condominiums and a provincial government task force was put to work on the housing issue. With summer approaching, a local specialist in homelessness (who's also an NDP federal candidate) worries that Regina could see its first "tent village" in living...
Lingenfelter NDP can't keep story straight
Posted On March 30, 2011Say one thing and do another - YET AGAIN Regina – The Lingenfelter NDP can't keep their story straight on oil and gas royalties. During debate in the Saskatchewan Legislature on March 29, 2011, NDP House Leader Kevin Yates said NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter has never said his job-killing resource tax would extend to oil and gas. "Mr. Speaker, so those who say that an NDP government would change the natural gas and oil royalty structure in Saskatchewan are absolutely wrong. ... And our leader does not say that. He does not say that. In fact (Dwain...
$252 Million for Housing Initiatives
Posted On March 28, 2011MINISTER DRAUDE ANNOUNCES AFFORDABLE HOUSING PLAN Social Services Minister June Draude announced details today of a five-point action plan to add at least 4,600 new housing units over the next five years and make it easier for Saskatchewan people with modest incomes to purchase new homes. Total investments in housing from these five initiatives over the next five years will be more than $252 million.The five housing initiatives outlined in The Saskatchewan Advantage Housing Plan include: Headstart on a Home The Affordable Home Ownership Program Rental...
Sask. Tables Surplus Budget
Posted On March 24, 2011Regina— The Canadian Press Published Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2011 4:34PM EDT Saskatchewan is using soaring oil revenue to pump out a pre-election budget aimed at wooing voters with tax cuts. The budget increases how much people can earn before having to fork over cash to the government. The basic personal and spousal exemptions increase by $1,000 each and the exemption for dependant children increases by $500 per child. Finance Minister Ken Krawetz said Wednesday that the changes combined with a low-income tax credit introduced in 2008 mean...
Sask. Population Number Tops 1,050,000 for First Time
Posted On March 24, 2011SASKATCHEWAN'S POPULATION TOPS 1,050,000 FOR THE FIRST TIME Most Sustained Growth in 80 Years Saskatchewan's population has hit an all-time high of 1,052,050 as of January 1, 2011 according to the latest figures released today by Statistics Canada. "Our strong economy and great quality of life are attracting more and more people to Saskatchewan," Premier Brad Wall said. "More people are choosing to stay in Saskatchewan and more people from outside our borders are discovering the Saskatchewan advantage." Saskatchewan grew by 15,078 people or 1.45 per cent...
BMO: Saskatchewan Fiscally Fit
Posted On March 24, 2011From BMO's "Fiscal Fitness" SaskBudget report: The bottom line: This budget does what few others are likely to do this fiscal year—balance the books, and with some tax relief to boot. Still, the wild card remains commodity prices as resource revenues are pegged at more than 26% of total revenues, and rising to nearly 30%by FY14/15. Barring a severe correction in prices, Saskatchewan is Canada's most fiscally fit province. For the complete report, click
The Saskatchewan Advantage
Posted On March 23, 2011On March 23, our government tabled a budget that is good for families, good for business and good for the future of our province. "The Saskatchewan Advantage" 2011-2012 budget is balanced, lowers taxes for families, homeowners, farmers and businesses, reduces the provincial debt and improves government services. Because of this budget, Saskatchewan families with dependent children will earn more tax-free income than anywhere else in Canada. Basic and spousal exemption amounts increase by $1,000 and the exemption amount for dependent children increases by $500 for each...
Jan. Retail Sales Highest in Canada
Posted On March 22, 2011JANUARY RETAIL SALES HIGHEST IN CANADA Today Statistics Canada released January retail sales numbers that indicate Saskatchewan's sales had the highest percentage growth in the country. The report indicates that retail sales in Saskatchewan increased by six per cent in January 2011 when compared to 2010 on a seasonally adjusted basis. Between December 2010 and January 2011, sales were up by three per cent in the province. "Strong economies influence consumer confidence and directly impact retail sales," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Saskatchewan people...
Successful Trade Mission to Asia
Posted On March 21, 2011SASKATCHEWAN COMPLETES FIRST COMPREHENSIVE TRADE MISSION TO INDIA AND BANGLADESH Saskatchewan Delegation Visits Growing Economies of India and Bangladesh as Part of the Province's Long-term Strategy to Engage Key Markets for Saskatchewan's Resources and Expertise Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says the province's first comprehensive trade mission to India and Bangladesh highlighted the contributions Saskatchewan can make in exporting key resources and partnering in research with these two important trading partners, both now and in the future. "We were able to tell...
Rate Review Bad Politics
Posted On March 15, 2011Rate Review Bad Politics By Justina Robinson, The StarPhoenix I am not surprised the NDP thinks royalty reviews can produce "positive change" for Saskatchewan people. This cheap and dangerous attitude is exactly what deterred positive change in our province for so many years. Saskatchewan already has the highest potash tax rate in the world. We also own half the potash in the world, and our province is benefiting. We have agreements in place that maximize our revenue, while still remaining attractive to investors. Our current government has shown that...
Premier Wall Extends Condolences to Japan
Posted On March 14, 2011PREMIER WALL EXTENDS CONDOLENCES AND PLEDGES FINANCIAL AID AND EXPERTISE TO ASSIST JAPAN Saskatchewan to Send $250,000 Toward Relief Efforts Premier Brad Wall, on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan, today offered condolences and support to the people of Japan and those affected by the overwhelming destruction of Friday's earthquake and tsunami. The Premier also pledged $250,000 that will be sent to assist with relief efforts through the Red Cross. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan as they do their best to cope with this devastating situation,"...
"No" to NDP's Job Killing Resource Tax
Posted On March 11, 2011Growing Opposition to Potash Royalty Review Written by Colin PowersThursday, 10 March 2011 There is growing opposition to Opposition Leader Dwain Lingenfelter's plan of raising resource royalties in Saskatchewan. Lingenfelter opened the spring sitting of the Legislature on Monday with a call for a review on potash royalties, but as Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd points out, several communities are opposed to his suggestion. The President of the Saskatchewan Mining Association and several other executives around Saskatchewan have been sending...
Ed. Property Tax Dropping
Posted On March 11, 2011Education Property Tax Dropping Written by Steve DooremalenFriday, 11 March 2011 Good news for farmers ahead of the spring budget Some big news has come out of the Spring Session yesterday. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Finance announced a drop in the Education Property Tax. As a result, the Mill Rate has been reduced to 3.91 across the province. The SaskParty made a promise to relieve agriculture producers of this tax for 4 years. After years of discussion, the government pulled through yesterday and they are very excited about the news. Minister of...
Sask. Economy to Lead in 2011: RBC Economics
Posted On March 11, 2011Saskatchewan's economy to lead Canada in growth in 2011: RBC Economics Leader-Post March 11, 2011 10:41 AM REGINA — Saskatchewan's economy is forecast to lead the country in growth this year, with a healthy 4.9-per-cent increase in real gross domestic product (GDP), according to RBC Economics. "Strength across a number of sectors for the province gives us reason to expect Saskatchewan's capital spending growth will remain solid in 2011 and improve relative to gains in 2010," said Craig Wright, senior vice-president and chief economist for RBC. "The...
Setting The Record Straight on Potash Royalties
Posted On March 11, 2011As with last fall's hostile takeover bid for the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, our government is again saying no to protect the jobs of all those working in our growing potash industry. We have considered the risks associated with the full-scale review of potash royalties the NDP is calling for. Like equal hours legislation they tried to ram down the throats of working people before the last election, this too is a potential "job-killing monster." First, a full-scale potash royalty review would put current plans for billions of dollars in mine expansion and new mine construction,...
More Ed. Property Tax Cuts
Posted On March 9, 2011MINISTER CONFIRMS SECOND STAGE OF EDUCATION PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION 80 Per Cent Education Tax Reduction on Farmland In his address today to the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) convention, Finance Minister Ken Krawetz announced the final stage of Education Property Tax reform. "Today's announcement completes the largest education property tax cut in the history of Saskatchewan, reducing the agricultural mill rate from 7.08 to 3.91 as promised," Krawetz said. In 2009, the government changed the funding formula which reduced the burden...
New Funding to Mitigate Beaver Damage
Posted On March 9, 2011NEW FUNDING TO MITIGATE BEAVER DAMAGE Increased Provincial Funding for Rat Control Today, Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced $500,000 in new funding to help RMs remove beavers and dams in areas where beavers are causing damage. This will be a one year pilot program and will be administered by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM). "There has been a substantial increase in beaver damage across the province due to excess moisture and a decrease in trapping in recent years," Bjornerud said. "We are pleased to work with SARM and provide...
Growing opposition to job-killing resource tax
Posted On March 9, 2011There is growing opposition to Dwain Lingenfelter's plan to kill jobs and investment by raising resource royalties in Saskatchewan. Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd today released several more letters he has received strongly opposing Lingenfelter's job-killing potash tax. Boyd released letters from the City of Humboldt, the Town of Colonsay and the Saskatchewan Mining Association...
MLA Report - March 9, 2011
Posted On March 9, 2011MLA Report – March 9, 2011 – Setting the Record Straight on Potash Royalties As with last fall's hostile takeover bid for the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan, our government is again saying no to protect the jobs for all those working in our growing potash industry. We have considered the risks associated with the full-scale review of potash royalties the NDP is calling for. Like equal hours legislation they tried to ram down the throats of working people before the last election, this too is a potential "job-killing monster." First, a full-scale potash royalty...
Welcome Sale of P.A. Pulp Mill
Posted On March 7, 2011PREMIER WALL AND ENERGY AND RESOURCES MINISTER BILL BOYD WELCOME SALE OF PRINCE ALBERT PULP MILL Paper Excellence to Invest More Than $200 million to Re-open Facility Premier Brad Wall and Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd are welcoming DOMTAR's announcement today that the Prince Albert Pulp Mill has been sold to Paper Excellence. "We're very pleased to see this deal come together," Wall said. "This project is great news, and it was achieved without the direct investment of taxpayers' money. It is further proof we have created the right business climate and a strong...
Province's Finances Continue to Improve
Posted On March 4, 2011PROVINCE'S FINANCES CONTINUE TO IMPROVE the StarPhoenix Finance Minister Ken Krawetz today released the province's Third Quarter Financial Report showing Saskatchewan's financial position has improved dramatically as a result of higher prices for non-renewable resources and increased tax revenue. Overall revenues are forecasted to be $10.99 billion, up by $311.4 million from Mid-Year estimates and up slightly more than $1 billion from the 2010-11 Budget. The General Revenue Fund is now expected to finish the 2010-2011 fiscal year with a pre-transfer surplus of $40 million. "These...
Sask. govt announces $14m for scans & research
Posted On March 4, 2011The provincial government is giving $4 million to bring PET-CT (Positron Emission Tomography Computerized Tomography) scan services to Saskatchewan and also $10 million towards a research cyclotron. The province is providing $4 million towards the $6-million purchase, renovations and installation of the PET-CT scanner. The Saskatoon Health Region's Royal University Hospital Foundation has committed to raise the remaining $2 million. "The introduction of PET-CT treatment and research services is a very positive step forward for patients in Saskatchewan," said Health Minister...
New Centre for R&D
Posted On March 2, 2011WALL LAUNCHES NEW CENTRE FOR RESEARCH IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MATERIALS SCIENCE AT U OF S Premier Brad Wall and Minister responsible for Innovation Rob Norris today announced $30 million in funding over seven years to establish a new research centre at the University of Saskatchewan that will re-establish the province as an international leader in nuclear science and nuclear medicine. "In the early 1950's, scientists at the University of Saskatchewan pioneered the use of Cobalt 60 for cancer treatment," Wall said. "Today we are taking another important step in re-capturing that...
No Rate Increase for SaskEnergy in 2011
Posted On March 1, 2011REGINA — SaskEnergy will not be applying to the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel for an adjustment to its commodity rate this year, the Crown corporation announced Tuesday. Market conditions and 'solid price management' are allowing SaskEnergy to maintain its rate of $4.55 per gigajoule (GJ) — Saskatchewan's lowest natural gas commodity rate since 2001, the corporation said in a press release. "Despite continued uncertainty in commodity markets, our gas price management strategy will help shield home and business owners against market volatility through 2011," said...
April
P.A. Pulp Mill Has New Owner
Posted On April 27, 2011IT'S OFFICIAL – PRINCE ALBERT PULP MILL HAS NEW OWNER The Prince Albert Pulp Mill is open for the first time in five years and moving toward a full restart of pulp operations. Paper Excellence has finalized the company's purchase of a facility that has been shut since 2006, and that's welcome news for Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd. "Paper Excellence is a valued member of the Saskatchewan forest industry," Boyd said. "The company's investment in Saskatchewan and the reopening of the mill mark a pivotal moment for the re-emergence of our forest industry...
$1.24 billion Carbon Capture Project
Posted On April 26, 2011GOVERNMENT APPROVES $1.24 BILLION CARBON CAPTURE PROJECT SaskPower to Proceed with Largest Capital Project in Company History The Government of Saskatchewan has approved construction of the Boundary Dam Integrated Carbon Capture and Storage Demonstration Project - among the first commercial-scale carbon capture and storage facilities in the world. The $1.24 billion project will transform an aging generating unit at Boundary Dam Power Station near Estevan into a producer of reliable, clean electricity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by approximately one million...
Province Invests $6 Million To Increase Housing Supply
Posted On April 21, 2011Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude today announced the creation of a $6 million Summit Action Fund to help increase housing supply across the province. This investment will make it possible for stakeholders to come forward and propose creative solutions that are not currently covered by existing housing programs, facilitating innovation in the housing sector. The announcement was made at the Building Communities, Building Saskatchewan Housing and Development Summit being held April 19-21, 2011 in Saskatoon. The summit is...
Yukon Signs On To Saskatchewan's MS Trials
Posted On April 21, 2011Yukon Health and Social Services Minister Glenn Hart and Saskatchewan Health Minister Don McMorris today announced that Yukon will contribute to Saskatchewan's clinical trials on the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) liberation procedure. "Yukon has committed $250,000 to the Saskatchewan project to ensure that territorial residents who meet the criteria will be able to participate in the anticipated clinical trials for the MS liberation procedure," Hart said. "We are very pleased to be able to partner with Saskatchewan and support its efforts to advance research into this therapy. Saskatchewan...
Saskatchewan Retail Sales Highest In Canada
Posted On April 21, 2011Statistics Canada released retail sales figures today for February 2011 and Saskatchewan's sales had the highest percentage increase in the country on a year-over-year basis (seasonally adjusted). Between February 2010 and February 2011, retail sales rose by 6.5 per cent, the largest percentage increase among the provinces. Retail sales were up by 3.7 per cent nationally over the same period. "There is a strong consumer confidence that is emerging in Saskatchewan," Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "We are expected to have the strongest economy in Canada...
MLA Report - April 20, 2011
Posted On April 20, 2011As Saskatchewan's population and economy continue to grow, more demand is being put on our roads and highways. That's why our government has announced the addition of more than 610 km of improvements and 790 km of repairs to our highways and bridges for this year's construction season. This extra road work is possible thanks to the $556.2 million investment in highways and infrastructure announced in the "Saskatchewan Advantage" 2011-12 budget. This investment brings total transportation spending since 2007 to $2.2 billion, keeping and exceeding our promise to invest $1.8 billion during our...
New Water Bomber to Fight Wildfires
Posted On April 19, 2011UPGRADED AMPHIBIOUS AIRCRAFT ARRIVES IN SASKATCHEWAN Today marks a significant transition point in the renewal of Saskatchewan's wildfire air tanker fleet with the arrival of the first of four CL-215T amphibious aircraft upgraded to the turbine powered model. The conversion of the planes' radial engines to more powerful turbine engines will reduce downtime and ongoing maintenance costs, as well as increasing the speed at which the planes can fly, making them even more effective. "Saskatchewan has a vibrant and growing economy and the protection of our communities...
Large Drop in EI Claims
Posted On April 18, 2011ANOTHER LARGE DROP IN EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFICIARIES The number of Saskatchewan people receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits has dropped significantly over the past year, according to the latest report from Statistics Canada. There were 11,150 people receiving regular EI benefits in Saskatchewan in February 2011, a decrease of 1,850, or 14.2 per cent from the same month last year. That marks the second highest percentage decrease among the provinces. As a share of labour force population, Saskatchewan has the lowest number of people receiving EI benefits...
Provincial Partners for $38m Facility in North Central
Posted On April 18, 2011PROVINCE AND LOCAL PARTNERS ANNOUNCE $38.8 MILLION IN CAPITAL FUNDING FOR NORTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY Regina's North Central community received good news today when the Ministry of Education, the City of Regina, the Regina Public Schools and the Regina Public Library announced more than $38 million in combined capital funding for the construction of a new integrated learning facility in Regina's North Central neighbourhood. The "Learning Across the Community" themed project will include a high school (Scott Collegiate), a child care facility, a city recreation complex, a public...
42 More Child Care Spaces in North Battleford
Posted On April 15, 201142 MORE CHILD CARE SPACES OPEN IN NORTH BATTLEFORD Today, Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Michael Chisholm on behalf of Education Minister Donna Harpauer joined the Village Childcare Centre Board, representatives from the Prairie North Regional Health Authority, members of the Battlefords Tribal Council, as well as community members and families to celebrate the opening of the 42 space Village Centre Childcare in North Battleford. "Since November 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has expanded the number of licensed child care spaces in our province by over thirty-six per cent,"...
2011 Year of the Entrepreneur
Posted On April 14, 2011Saskatchewan today joined with the Canadian Federation Independent Business (CFIB) and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) to declare 2011 the Year of the Entrepreneur. This declaration coincides with the CFIB's 40th anniversary and the 15th anniversary of the CYBF. "Entrepreneurship is the foundation on which our economy is built, and we want entrepreneurs to know Saskatchewan offers reduced business taxes, better regulations, mentorship and financial support," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "We look forward to continued collaboration between the CFIB, CYBF and...
PotashCorp Commits $27m to STARS
Posted On April 14, 2011Saskatoon PotashCorp Helps Bring Helicopter Air Ambulance Service to Saskatchewan PotashCorp has announced a commitment to the people and communities of Saskatchewan: a multimillion-dollar, multi-year plan to help bring helicopter air ambulance service to the province. While details of the commitment are being finalized, it will help support the availability of a state-of-the-art emergency medical services helicopter and the construction of a new hangar to house the aircraft from its base of operations in Saskatoon, with estimated values of $27 million. "We...
Seniors Ride for $10 in May
Posted On April 13, 2011SENIORS RIDE FOR JUST $10 IN MAY For the month of May, seniors 60+ will be able to ride anywhere within the Saskatchewan Transportation Company's (STC) network for $10 one-way. "This is a tremendous opportunity for seniors to experience the excellent service of STC while travelling our beautiful province for a very low cost," Minister responsible for STC Jim Reiter said in announcing the first seat sale of 2011. STC reaches 290 communities with passenger and freight services. The extensive coverage STC provides affords Saskatchewan seniors province-wide access to...
Sask. Has Lowest Unemployment Rate in Country
Posted On April 8, 2011SASKATCHEWAN NOW HAS LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE COUNTRY Saskatchewan's March unemployment rate of 5.2 per cent (seasonally adjusted) was the lowest in the country, well below the national rate of 7.7 per cent, according to Statistics Canada's March Labour Force Survey. Regina continues to be a hot spot for job creation in Saskatchewan, with a year-over-year employment increase of 3,500. Regina's March unemployment rate of 5.6 per cent was the lowest among Canadian cities. At 5.7 per cent, Saskatoon ranked second (tied with Winnipeg). Advanced Education, Employment...
"We Do Have The Advantage"
Posted On April 8, 2011From the Kindersley Clarion, March 30, 2011: Excerpt from a great editorial in the Kindersley Clarion about the 2011-12 "Saskatchewan Advantage" provincial budget. "In the end, it looks like a lot of people will be paying less taxes, there is a lot of money for education, health, roads and municipalities; and we will have a surplus at the end of the year. Although there have been arguments by the opposition that is was an election budget, so what? This budget is about the people, not what the leaders want and it should definitely not be about an election. ...
Province has a plan for housing
Posted On April 8, 2011Province has a plan for housing By June Draude, The Leader-Post April 8, 2011 I write in response to David Forbes' April 2 letter about housing. The government is taking a number of steps to improve housing accessibility and affordability through the newly released Saskatchewan Advantage Housing Plan, under which we will invest more than $252 million and add over 4,600 new homeownership and rental housing units across the province over the next five years. Contrary to Forbes' assertion, the plan is not focused solely on homeownership. Of the 4,600 new units overall,...
MLA Report – April 6, 2011
Posted On April 7, 2011MLA Report – April 6, 2011 Timely access to emergency medical services is a challenge in Saskatchewan. We are a large province with a lot of our population living in rural and remote communities, which is why our government is pleased to announce we have signed a service agreement with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), a non-profit organization that provides rotary wing air medical transportation in Alberta. The new service will support our existing air and ground ambulance programs, resulting in faster, more responsive emergency air medical services for Saskatchewan people....
Sask. Moves Forward with Helicopter Medical Service
Posted On April 6, 2011SASKATCHEWAN MOVES FORWARD WITH HELICOPTER AIR MEDICAL SERVICE Saskatchewan is proceeding with a major new component of emergency medical services. Medical helicopters based in Saskatoon and Regina will support faster, more responsive emergency medical care for patients across the province. The province has signed a service agreement with Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS), a non-profit organization that provides rotary wing air medical transportation in Alberta. Premier Brad Wall made the announcement today in Regina with STARS President and CEO Dr. Greg Powell and...
SaskTel Announces Major Capital Investment
Posted On April 5, 2011SASKTEL ANNOUNCES 2011 NETWORK INVESTMENT AND FIBER TO THE PREMISES PROGRAM SaskTel today announced it will invest $199 million in its Saskatchewan network in 2011 and approximately $670 million in a seven-year Next Generation Broadband Access Program (2011 - 2017). This program will deploy Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) and upgrade the broadband network in the nine largest urban centres in the province - Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw, Weyburn, Estevan, Swift Current, Yorkton, North Battleford and Prince Albert. "Saskatchewan continues to be a growing and dynamic place," Minister...
SK and MB Partner on MS Clinical Trials
Posted On April 5, 2011SASKATCHEWAN AND MANITOBA PARTNER ON MS LIBERATION CLINICAL TRIAL RESEARCH Premier Greg Selinger and Premier Brad Wall announced today that Manitoba and Saskatchewan are working together to advance clinical trial research on the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) liberation therapy. The Province of Manitoba will invest $5 million in MS research and follow the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) protocols in a complementary research process in Manitoba. Saskatchewan was the first province to initiate clinical trials for the MS liberation procedure, when it announced a $5...
Apprenticeship Allowances Increasing
Posted On April 4, 2011APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING ALLOWANCE RATES INCREASE Effective July 1, 2011, Saskatchewan Apprentices will receive an increase in the allowance they receive when living away from home to attend technical training. The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration on the recommendation of the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) has increased the Apprenticeship Training Allowance (ATA) - Living Away from Home Allowance Rate. The new rates will provide additional funding to apprentices to meet the rising costs of maintaining...
Promise made. Promise kept.
Posted On April 4, 2011GOVERNMENT FULFILLS COMMITMENT TO HIRE 120 POLICE OFFICERS The province is ensuring the safety of Saskatchewan residents by fulfilling its commitment to hire 120 new police officers over four years. Funding from the 2011-12 provincial budget has been provided to hire the remaining 30 police officer positions, resulting in a total of 120 new positions since 2008-09. "Our government recognizes the needs of the RCMP and municipal police services across the province," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert said. "The addition of these...
May
Mining Sector Eyes $43b Expansion
Posted On May 31, 2011By Bruce Johnstone, The Leader-Post Saskatchewan is in the midst of an unprecedented boom in the mining sector, which could see $43 billion invested in the province over the next two decades, a news conference to launch Mining Week in Saskatchewan was told Monday. "The Saskatchewan Mining Association is forecasting that $43 billion will be invested by our mining industry by 2028,'' said Crown Investment Corp. (CIC) Minister Tim McMillan. "Saskatchewan potash producers are planning to invest $12 billion by the year 2020 in expanding existing...
Teachers' Union Demands $320m in Wage Increases
Posted On May 26, 2011TEACHERS' UNION DEMANDS TOTAL $320 MILLION IN WAGE INCREASES Government Prepared to Offer More, But $320 Million is Not Sustainable Education Minister Donna Harpauer today said the provincial government is prepared to bring additional resources to the table to settle the current dispute with teachers, but the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation's (STF's) current demand for $320 million in wage increases is unsustainable. "The STF's current demand of 16.3 per cent amounts to about $320 million over three years," Harpauer said. "That is unsustainable and Saskatchewan...
MLA Report
Posted On May 25, 2011Negotiations between the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) and the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation (STF) broke down again last week after only three days back at the bargaining table. Last week, the GTBC went back to the table with approximately $9 million in additional resources to improve their original offer bringing the total cost of the package to over $100 million. Their intent was to be flexible in the interest of concluding a deal. The current offer to the STF would ensure Saskatchewan teachers would be among the highest paid in Canada. Instead of committing...
Budget Highlight of Spring Session
Posted On May 19, 2011SASKATCHEWAN ADVANTAGE BUDGET WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF SPRING SESSION Lower Taxes, Less Debt and a Growing Economy Mean Province is Moving Forward Premier Brad Wall said the "Saskatchewan Advantage" budget was the highlight of a productive legislative session which ends today. "Saskatchewan's economy is moving forward and that has allowed our government to lower taxes, reduce debt and keep making important investments in people and in infrastructure," Wall said. "Lower taxes, less debt and the strongest economy in Canada - that's the Saskatchewan Advantage. "During...
MLA Report
Posted On May 18, 2011During the spring session of the legislature, our government took action to continue to move Saskatchewan forward. We announced the "Saskatchewan Advantage" budget, which makes life more affordable and keeps our economy moving forward by: Cutting income and property taxes for individuals, families, homeowners, farmers and businesses; Reducing the provincial debt by over $3 billion since 2007; and Investing in infrastructure – building and repairing highways, schools and hospitals. The "Saskatchewan Advantage" budget is one of only...
SGI Extends Farm Plate Eligibility Exemption
Posted On May 17, 2011SGI EXTENDS FARM PLATE ELIGIBILITY EXEMPTION With thousands of acres of farmland still under water, SGI is once again helping farmers by waiving the seeding eligibility requirement for farm plates in 2011. The farm plate eligibility exemption was first granted in 2010 and was set to expire on June 1, 2010. However, with farmers throughout the province facing an unusually wet seeding period for the second year in a row, SGI has extended the exemption. Under normal circumstances, an individual or farm corporation wishing to license their vehicles with farm plates...
Shorter Wait Times For Patients
Posted On May 17, 2011One Year Update Shows Big Reduction in Long Waiting Patients Saskatchewan's efforts to provide sooner, safer, smarter surgical care are translating into shorter wait times for patients and improved surgical processes. Since the Surgical Initiative was launched in April 2010, the number of patients waiting more than 18 months has dropped 57 per cent (907 cases). The number waiting more than 12 months has declined 37 per cent (1,495 cases). Data to March 31, 2011 shows that of the 24,366 people currently waiting for surgery, about three per cent (683 cases) have waited longer...
500 New Child Care Spaces
Posted On May 16, 2011GOVERNMENT ALLOCATES 500 NEW CHILD CARE SPACES Today, during Early Learning and Child Care Month, Education Minister Donna Harpauer announced that 13 communities have been allocated new licensed child care spaces as a result of the 2011-12 budget, which provided $2.1 million to develop 500 new child care spaces across Saskatchewan. "Our province is growing, and the demand for child care spaces continues to increase as more parents enter the workforce or pursue post-secondary education," Harpauer said. "In response, the Government of Saskatchewan is continuing its record...
UNION SHAKEDOWN
Posted On May 16, 2011SGEU Raises Union Dues to Wage Political Battle Against Saskatchewan Party Whether they like it or not, every Saskatchewan Government Employees Union (SGEU) member in the province will be forced to hand over more of their paycheques so that their union leaders can run political advertising against Premier Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Party government. In a recent letter to its membership, SGEU notified its union members that their union dues will be increasing from 1.5 to 1.9 per cent of yearly income – an increase of $200 a year on a $50,000 salary. The letter...
MLA Report - May 13, 2011
Posted On May 13, 2011Saskatchewan's seniors have given so much of their time and energy to help shape and grow this province, which is why our government looks for every opportunity to give back to them. In an effort to improve the safety and security of our seniors, we have introduced a new home security program for low-income seniors and those who have been victims of home invasions. Low-income seniors can take advantage of a free home security audit and have the appropriate security devices such as deadbolts, viewers, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed in their homes for free. This added protection,...
NDP Attack STARS
Posted On May 12, 2011NDP MLA Pat Atkinson questions integrity of respected air ambulance service Saskatchewan Party MLA Doreen Eagles said she is disgusted by NDP MLA Pat Atkinson's suggestion that the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) will "pick and choose" which emergencies to respond to based on the level of corporate donation made by individuals who need life-saving emergency services. "If a citizen who hasn't made a corporate donation to the STARS program is injured at the same time as a worker whose company has given a donation to STARS, how will STARS pick...
No Injury Benefits for Car Thieves
Posted On May 11, 2011GOVERNMENT ELIMINATES INJURY BENEFITS FOR AUTO THIEVES Convicted car thieves no longer have access to auto injury benefits through SGI, effective immediately. The amendments to The Automobile Accident Insurance Act introduced last week by government were passed today in the Legislative Assembly. "I am very pleased that we were able to make these changes so quickly during this legislative session," Minister responsible for SGI Tim McMillan said. "This ensures that convicted auto thieves will no longer benefit from the auto insurance paid for by law-abiding SGI customers." Under...
New Agreement With Medical Students
Posted On May 10, 2011NEW AGREEMENT WITH MEDICAL RESIDENTS Competitive Compensation to Help Recruit and Retain Key Health Care Providers The University of Saskatchewan and the Professional Association of Interns and Residents of Saskatchewan (PAIRS) have a new four-year agreement. The agreement, which covers the period from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2012, was ratified today by the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors and the PAIRS membership. The settlement includes a base salary increase of 10 per cent over four years, a market adjustment of 2.4 per cent in year...
MLA Report - May 9, 2011
Posted On May 9, 2011Our government and all Saskatchewan people value the important service that teachers provide in educating our children. That said we cannot accept the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation's (STF) demands for a 12 per cent increase in one year. The Government Trustee Bargaining Committee (GTBC) has made a fair, reasonable and competitive offer of a 5.5 per cent salary increase over three years. It's disappointing that the STF took strike action this week instead of allowing their members to vote on the GTBC offer. Not only are children being denied valuable classroom time, hundreds of...
Royalty Stability
Posted On May 9, 2011By Bruce Johnstone, Leader-Post Saskatchewan has no intention of revamping its oil and gas royalty regime, which is expected to bring in $1.4 billion in revenues this year, Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd told the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference here Tuesday. But Boyd conceded the province might have to "tweak'' its royalty structure to help out the struggling natural gas sector, which has seen historic lows in drilling, prices and production in recent years. "It's a tremendous success...
Saskatchewan's Unemployment Rate Lowest in Canada
Posted On May 6, 2011Saskatchewan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.0 per cent is the lowest in Canada for the second straight month - well below the national average of 7.6 per cent. Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said the numbers support the Conference Board of Canada's release earlier this week, which indicate Saskatoon and Regina will have the first and third highest economic growth rates in the country in 2011. Norris also pointed to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business's April Business Barometer, which shows that small business...
Nationalization by Taxation
Posted On May 4, 2011"If potash companies objected to the point of shutting down operations and leaving the province, that wouldn't pose a problem because Saskatchewan has mined potash before, Lingenfelter says."- Melville Advance, April 13, 2011 Nationalization by Taxation: Lingenfelter Prepared to Drive Out Potash Companies With High Taxes and Have Government Take Over NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter says driving potash companies out of the province with high royalty rates wouldn't...
June
Sask. People Earning More Paying Less in Taxes
Posted On June 30, 2011SASKATCHEWAN PEOPLE EARNING MORE AND PAYING LESS IN TAXES Saskatchewan Advantage Tax Cuts to Take Effect on Canada Day Saskatchewan residents are earning more and paying less in taxes, with average weekly earnings up 5.2 per cent just as lower provincial income taxes take effect tomorrow. Saskatchewan residents will see an increase in take-home pay beginning July 1, 2011, as employers adjust their payroll deductions to reflect the income tax reductions announced in this year's provincial budget. The balance of the income tax reduction will be delivered when Saskatchewan...
MLA Report - June 29, 2011
Posted On June 29, 2011I am pleased to report that crop insurance claims will now be processed for farmers facing historic flooding. The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) and the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU) have reached a tentative agreement ending the recent strike forced by SGEU leaders. The terms of the fair, market competitive tentative agreement, include a 5.5 per cent general wage increase over three years, along with several other benefits. On June 21, SGEU directed Crop Insurance employees to walk off the job. Why? Well, according to SGEU President Bob...
Perilous To Mess With Wall
Posted On June 27, 2011By Murray Mandryk The Leader-Post The political lesson of the week is don't go to war with Brad Wall for the hearts and minds of Saskatchewan people.You might survive, but you will lose. That's because there's no one better right now at making an emotional appeal to voters than Wall. In fact, it's quite likely that Saskatchewan hasn't had a premier this skilled at appealing to the public since Tommy Douglas. And Douglas never had anything close to the artillery Wall now enjoys in the form of support of the province's...
Sask. #1 for Oil and Gas Investment
Posted On June 27, 2011SASKATCHEWAN BEST PLACE IN CANADA TO INVEST IN OIL AND GAS Saskatchewan is ranked best in Canada as the place for oil and gas investment, according to the 2011 Global Petroleum Survey released today by the Fraser Institute. The Institute noted Saskatchewan offers investors confidence in a stable, competitive royalty and regulatory structure. Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd said the Fraser Institute's findings show the results of Saskatchewan's commitment to sound fiscal policy. "A stable, predictable royalty and taxation framework is key to attracting...
MLA Report - June 22, 2011
Posted On June 24, 2011MLA Report – June 22, 2011 After days of non-stop rain in southeast Saskatchewan, rising water invaded streets, homes and businesses and left entire communities under water. Many of us cannot even imagine the loss, devastation and stress of dealing with a flood, especially on such a large scale. During a recent tour of the affected communities, Premier Brad Wall assured people that our government will do everything we can to support families, businesses and communities throughout this challenging time. Throughout their tour of the hardest hit areas, they visited many homes and...
Strike Ordered By SGEU Ends
Posted On June 24, 2011Premier Brad Wall thanked the bargaining teams of both the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) and the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees Union (SGEU) for reaching a tentative contract settlement and ending the strike by Crop Insurance employees. "This is very good news," Wall said. "I know that Crop Insurance employees would much rather be at work processing claims and helping farmers at this difficult time. This agreement means they will soon be back at work providing those vital services for Saskatchewan producers." Now that legislation to end the...
Premier Recalls Legislature To End SCIC Strike
Posted On June 23, 2011PREMIER RECALLS LEGISLATURE TO END CROP INSURANCE STRIKE Premier Brad Wall has asked Speaker Don Toth to recall the Legislature for Monday, June 27 to end the strike by Saskatchewan Crop Insurance. "SGEU has decided to continue this unconscionable strike at a time when so many Saskatchewan producers are facing a devastating situation as a result of this year's massive flooding," Wall said. "Our government cannot and will not allow this to continue. "We will stand with Saskatchewan farm families in their time of need." Yesterday, SGEU President Bob Bymoen called...
Crop Insurance Extends Reporting Deadlines
Posted On June 22, 2011CROP INSURANCE EXTENDS REPORTING DEADLINES Due to the flood conditions facing many producers and the recent SGEU strike action, the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is extending the deadlines for producers to submit Establishment Benefit claims, Unseeded Acreage Benefit claims, Seeded Acreage Reports and Stored Grain Declarations to June 30. "Once again, I'm pleased that we can work with our Saskatchewan colleagues to make common sense adjustments to our programs so that Saskatchewan farmers can get back on their feet as soon as possible," said Federal Agriculture...
Wall Visits and Pledges Support for Flooded Areas
Posted On June 21, 2011By Angela Hall The StarPhoenix Premier Brad Wall pledged support for flooded Saskatchewan communities Monday as he toured areas where water has overcome highways and flowed into businesses and homes, forcing some residents into temporary shelters. "We're going to do everything we can to be shoulderto-shoulder and side-by-side with the people in southeast Saskatchewan to help them through this," Wall told reporters, after meeting with municipal officials and Environment Minister Dustin Duncan at Weyburn City Hall. Earlier,...
Flood photos from SE Sask
Posted On June 21, 2011On Monday, June 20, 2011 Premier Brad Wall toured the flood disaster zone in southeast Saskatchewan. Premier Wall told officials in affected municipalites such as Estevan and Weyburn "do what you need to do and we'll be there for you." To see photos of the Premier's tour click here.
SGEU Instructs SCIC Workers To Walk Off Job In Midst of Flood
Posted On June 21, 2011SGEU INSTRUCTS CROP INSURANCE EMPLOYEES TO WALK OFF JOB IN MIDST OF FLOOD Given the flooding challenges facing many producers, the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is disappointed the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union (SGEU) instructed its SCIC employee members to walk off the job as of 2 p.m. today. This includes employees at SCIC Head Office in Melville and at all 21 SCIC offices throughout rural Saskatchewan. On June 16, SCIC made a competitive offer to the SGEU, which included a 5.5 per cent general wage increase over three years. SCIC...
MLA Report - June 16, 2011
Posted On June 16, 2011We are blessed in Saskatchewan with 34 provincial parks, more than 100,000 lakes, and thousands of hours of sun, which combine to create a wide range of camping and recreational experiences for you and your family. Our government is proud of our publicly-owned provincial parks and we are committed to keeping them that way. The Saskatchewan Government Employees Union (SGEU) would have you believe otherwise. The SGEU is using union dues it collects from its hard-working members to pay for a series of attack ads in which they claim our government has an agenda to privatize. This is simply not true....
Monitoring Inmate Telephone Lines
Posted On June 14, 2011AMENDMENTS TO CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ACT REGULATIONS TO ENABLE INMATE TELEPHONE MONITORING Amendments to The Correctional Services Act Regulations enabling corrections officials from the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing (CPSP) to listen to calls recorded on its inmate telephone system have been approved. "The inmate telephone system is an important part of this government's overall agenda to strengthen on security measures in our correctional centres," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister D. F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert said. "Before the system was...
Electronic Tracking System for Prince Albert Hospital
Posted On June 14, 2011NEW SYSTEM BRINGS INCREASED EFFICIENCY TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT IN PRINCE ALBERT HOSPITAL A new electronic system in Prince Albert Parkland Health Region is leading to more timely treatment of patients and more productivity in the emergency room. An electronic tracking board helps co-ordinate the care of patients from the time they enter the emergency department to the time they leave. As well, secure access to patients' health care information means a more complete patient history is available for caregivers on which to base patient care decisions. "This system...
Rowan's Ravine Prov. Park Opens This Week
Posted On June 13, 2011ROWAN'S RAVINE PROVINCIAL PARK TO OPEN ON JUNE 15 Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport announced today that Rowan's Ravine Provincial Park will officially open for the season on June 15. Rowan's Ravine, along with other parks along Last Mountain Lake, was affected by flooding early in the season and was not able to open as scheduled on May long weekend. "I am excited that conditions have improved enough that we will be able to open Rowan's Ravine for the season," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "Park staff have been working hard to put things...
Lowest Unemployment Rate in Canada
Posted On June 10, 2011SASKATCHEWAN UNEMPLOYMENT RATE ONCE AGAIN THE LOWEST IN CANADA Regina Leading the Way Among Cities With a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.0 per cent (well below the national average of 7.4 per cent), Saskatchewan has now had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada for three straight months. Regina also continues to hold its own among major Canadian cities, with an unemployment rate of 5.4 per cent - the lowest in the country (tied with Hamilton). Regina also saw a year-over-year employment increase of 3,000. "As Saskatchewan's economy...
Premier Wall Remains the Most Popular Canadian Premier
Posted On June 7, 2011From Angus ReidBritish Columbia's Christy Clark debuts at 36 per cent—20 points higher than the premier she replaced. Brad Wall remains the best rated provincial head of government in Canada, and the premiers of both Manitoba and British Columbia show a significant spike in support, a new Angus Reid Public Opinion poll has found. The online survey of a representative national sample of 6,756 Canadian adults asked respondents in nine provinces about the performance of their respective premiers. Three-in-five people in Saskatchewan (59%) approve of the...
SaskJobs Numbers Surge in May
Posted On June 3, 2011SASKJOBS NUMBERS SURGE: MORE THAN 13,000 JOBS POSTED IN MAY Number of Opportunities Jumps by 53 Per Cent Employers from across the province have made an emphatic statement about the level of career opportunities available to job seekers in Saskatchewan. The province's www.SaskJobs.ca website saw 13,450 job postings in May, an impressive 53 per cent increase over the same month last year. Employers from 314 Saskatchewan communities posted opportunities to the site. "A cornerstone of the Saskatchewan Advantage is the ability of our people...
MLA Report - June 2, 2011
Posted On June 2, 2011On May 31, 2011, Labour Minister Don Morgan appointed a mediator to find a resolution to the contract dispute with the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF). By doing so, grade 12 students are guaranteed their final exams and graduations will go ahead as planned without any further job action by the STF. This was one of the main concerns of our government. This is a very encouraging development and hopefully, a positive step by both sides towards resolving their differences. Our government remains committed to a negotiated contract settlement with the teachers' union that is...
July
No Boom Under NDP
Posted On July 26, 2011By Bert Bowler The Leader-Post A while back, I saw an ad showing provincial NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter saying, "Now that the province is experiencing a boom, we should, etc." When Lingenfelter and his party were in power, we had oil, we had potash, we had uranium, we had mining, we had some good farming years and lots of other positives. The only thing we didn't have was a boom! Where was it? His party took off rent controls when they didn't work and his party laid out the potash royalty agreement. Still,...
Lingenfelter: Fake Votes & Fake Quotes
Posted On July 22, 2011Time For Lingenfelter To Stop Hiding and Answer for Fake Quote Ad NDP Blames Phony Clip on Ad Agency But Won't Take Responsibility and Pull Ad Regina - The Saskatchewan Party says it's time for NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter to come out of hiding and answer for his party getting caught red-handed splicing together a fake quote by Premier Brad Wall for a taxpayer-funded NDP ad. "Mr. Lingenfelter is the Leader of the NDP and he should be answering for his ad and the fake quote the NDP concocted," Boyd said. "Instead, he's putting up his MLAs who claim they didn't know anything...
Astounding, ridiculous, amateurish: editorial on NDP ad
Posted On July 21, 2011TWISTED WORDS FUEL CYNICISMStar Phoenix, July 21, 2011 It might be the case, as columnist Murray Mandryk noted here last week, that the NDP is doing politics differently this time around, with its focus on striving to regain power in 2015. Yet, if the party's idea of taking a new tack is to concoct misleading political radio advertisements by splicing together sound bites from a press conference and presenting them out of context to attack Premier Brad Wall, it's going to be a long road back for Dwain Lingenfelter's NDP . It's astounding that, in an age where...
NDP Fabricate Phony Brad Wall Quote In Ad
Posted On July 20, 2011NDP Caught Splicing Together Clips to Fabricate Phony Brad Wall Quote in Ad The NDP has been caught splicing together parts of Premier Brad Wall's answers to two completely different questions to fabricate a phony and misleading quote. Dwain Lingenfelter and his NDP MLAs are now running the fabricated clip in a taxpayer-funded radio advertisement. In the ad,...
Saskatoon Fastest-Growing City in Canada
Posted On July 20, 2011Postmedia News By Shannon Proudfoot The Prairies are rising and Saskatchewan is leading the way as home to two of the three fastest-growing cities in Canada, new demographic analysis from Statistics Canada shows. Saskatoon is the fastest-growing city in Canada, with a population growth rate of 27.7 per 1,000 people between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010. That translates into 7,200 more residents, for a total population of 265,300, the agency said Wednesday. Saskatoon is followed by Vancouver, growing at a rate of 22.3 per 1,000,...
Sask. Manufacturing Increase Quadruples National Avg.
Posted On July 18, 2011SASKATCHEWAN MANUFACTURING INCREASE QUADRUPLES NATIONAL AVERAGE Saskatchewan's manufacturing sales increased by a dramatic 16 per cent over the past year, according to Statistics Canada. Canada's national average increase was 4 per cent. "When people in Saskatchewan go to work, they are building everything from farm machinery to cutting-edge software and those products are being sold in markets across Canada and around the world," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "This province is blessed with tremendous natural resources and we are working hard to build on that...
Saskatoon Hosts Bi-National Economic Summit in 2012
Posted On July 18, 2011SASKATOON TO HOST BI-NATIONAL ECONOMIC CONFERENCE IN 2012 The Government of Saskatchewan announced today that Saskatoon will host the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit from July 15-19, 2012. The conference is expected to attract some 500 legislators, government officials and business leaders from across the northwestern United States and western Canada. The PNWER Summit will be an opportunity to discuss major issues ranging from natural resources extraction, energy usage and water policy to agriculture, transportation and border issues. The conference...
MLA Report - July 14, 2011
Posted On July 14, 2011MLA Report – July 14, 2011 It's a big year for our provincial parks. Our government recently announced that July 10th to 16th is Saskatchewan Parks Week and this year marks the 80th Anniversary of our provincial parks system. These beautiful parks provide a unique, recreational and cultural experience for people not only from Saskatchewan, but also from Canada and around the world. Our government is committed to ensuring that remains so. Since 2008, your Saskatchewan Party government has invested nearly $33 million to improve our provincial parks. Some of those improvements...
Sask Leads Nation in Home Building
Posted On July 11, 2011SASKATCHEWAN LEADS NATION IN HOME BUILDING Saskatchewan families who are home hunting are seeing more options in their neighbourhoods as Saskatchewan home builders are leading the nation in new starts, according to a report released today by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. "Every time a new house or apartment building goes up, it creates more space throughout the housing market in Saskatchewan," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "As Saskatchewan continues to create new jobs, more people are living here than ever before, and we're working closely with...
Western Provinces Support Marketing Choice
Posted On July 8, 2011WESTERN PROVINCES SUPPORT MARKETING CHOICE FOR GRAIN FARMERS Agriculture Ministers from Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia welcome the Government of Canada's plan to give producers marketing choice for wheat, durum and barley. This will give western Canadian farmers the same right other farmers have in Canada and around the world to choose how to market their grain. Ministers committed their support for marketing choice at the Annual Federal-Provincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministers meeting, where ministers gathered to discuss how to better work together to help farmers grow...
Sask. Unemployment Rate Drops, Lowest in Can.
Posted On July 8, 2011SASKATCHEWAN’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPS, REMAINS LOWEST IN CANADA For the fourth consecutive month, Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada. Saskatchewan's June unemployment rate of 4.9 per cent (seasonally adjusted) was well below the national average of 7.4 per cent. The number of unemployed was down by 3,600 (13.1 per cent) - the third highest percentage decline among provinces. Unemployment rates in Regina (5.2 per cent) and Saskatoon (5.5 per cent) rank first and third among major Canadian cities. "With the lowest unemployment rate in...
Minister Extends Special Mediator's Appointment
Posted On July 4, 2011MINISTER OF LABOUR RELATIONS AND WORKPLACE SAFETY EXTENDS APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL MEDIATOR Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan has extended the appointment of Richard Hornung as special mediator until July 8, 2011 in a bid to end the contract dispute between the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation and the Government-Trustee Bargaining Committee (Saskatchewan School Boards Association and the Government of Saskatchewan.) Mr. Hornung has been working with both parties since his appointment by Minister Morgan on May 31, 2011, and had been scheduled to submit...
August
New Hospital To Modernize Healthcare for Moose Jaw
Posted On August 30, 2011NEW HOSPITAL TO MODERNIZE HEALTH CARE FOR MOOSE JAW Moose Jaw will soon be home to an innovative new regional hospital that will enable better, safer service for the city and surrounding area, Health Minister Don McMorris announced today at Moose Jaw Union Hospital. "We are following through on our promise to invest in infrastructure and improve access to quality health services," McMorris said. "This resourceful , 'patient first' hospital will be the proud result of the shared pursuit of excellence by Five Hills Health Region staff, physicians, patients, designers and...
Saskatchewan and Hitachi Sign Nuclear R&D Agreement
Posted On August 25, 2011SASKATCHEWAN AND HITACHI SIGN NUCLEAR R&D AGREEMENTS Innovation Minister Rob Norris today joined with Mr. Hiroto Uozumi, President of Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd. and Mr. Taiji Yoshida General Manger of Hitachi, Ltd. to announce $10 million in funding for two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that will facilitate and support research collaborations in nuclear medicine, materials science, nuclear safety and small reactor design. "Almost six months ago Premier Wall announced our new research centre for nuclear medicine and materials science at the University of ...
New Affordable Housing in Yorkton
Posted On August 25, 2011GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATE NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN YORKTON Garry Breitkreuz, Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with MLA for Yorkton Greg Ottenbreit, on behalf of the Honourable June Draude, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, today announced support for a local housing initiative for seniors. Funding in the amount...
Province Commits $66m For Flood-Damaged Highways
Posted On August 23, 2011PROVINCE COMMITS $66 MILLION TO PAY FOR FLOOD-DAMAGED HIGHWAYS The provincial government is investing an additional $66 million into the Highways and Infrastructure budget this year to repair provincial highways damaged by flooding and high water levels. "The men and women of the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure worked hard to keep our highways open when they could and keep motorists safe and informed of changing conditions," Minister of Highways and Infrastructure Jim Reiter said. "We know there are roads in bad shape and people are getting frustrated, but rest...
Retail Sales Up For the Sixth Straight Month
Posted On August 23, 2011RETAIL SALES UP FOR THE SIXTH STRAIGHT MONTH Saskatchewan retailers continue to set the bar nationally with the highest increases in the country, according to a report released by Statistics Canada today. Retail sales were up by 9.5 per cent between June 2010 and June 2011, the highest increase among the provinces on a seasonally adjusted basis, more than double the national increase of 4.6 per cent. "A strong economy with more jobs, higher wages and significant growth translates into higher consumer confidence," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "So far in 2011,...
Saskatchewan Mourns The Loss of Jack Layton
Posted On August 22, 2011SASKATCHEWAN MOURNS THE LOSS OF JACK LAYTON Saskatchewan people join with all Canadians in mourning the loss of national NDP Leader Jack Layton, who died today following a battle with cancer. Premier Brad Wall offered condolences on behalf of the government and people of Saskatchewan. "You couldn't help but admire Jack Layton's spirit," Wall said. "To find the physical and emotional strength to lead a successful national election campaign while fighting cancer - that will be remembered as one of the truly remarkable accomplishments in Canadian politics. "And...
Book of Condolence for Layton's Family Open to Public
Posted On August 22, 2011Members of the public wishing to express their sympathies to the family of Jack Layton may do so by signing a book of condolence located in the rotunda of the Legislative Building in Regina. Those unable to sign the book in person can send their message directly to condolence@gov.sk.ca, or through the Office of the Provincial Secretary's website at www.ops.gov.sk.ca. Layton passed away on Monday, August 22, 2011 following...
Premier Announces Replacement of N.B. Hospital
Posted On August 18, 2011PREMIER ANNOUNCES REPLACEMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN HOSPITAL NORTH BATTLEFORD Premier Brad Wall announced today the replacement of Saskatchewan's psychiatric rehabilitation hospital building, paving the way for improved conditions for patients at Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford. "Today we are following through on our promise to replace this building with a facility that creates a better, more effective environment for therapy and recovery," Wall said. "Our government wants to make sure the patient will come first in this new facility, and in mental health services across...
Province Exceeds 4 Year Commitment to Regional Parks
Posted On August 15, 2011PROVINCE MEETS AND EXCEEDS 4-YEAR COMMITMENT TO REGIONAL PARKS Campers in Saskatchewan's Regional Parks are enjoying about 500 brand new campsites, in addition to numerous other capital upgrades, thanks to the province's increase in funding over the past four years. For 2011-12, the Government of Saskatchewan has allocated $1,023,000 - the highest funding in recent history - to the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association for core operations and their capital grants program which assists Regional Park Authorities with facility upgrades and expansion. This brings...
NDP Still Defend Fake Ad
Posted On August 4, 2011"No amount of bluster can change the fact that the ad misrepresents the words of the Premier." - Star-Phoenix editorial, July 21, 2011 "It is both dishonest and unethical. It is an attempt to mislead the audience no doubt." - Nick Russell, Author of Morals and the Media, CJME Radio, July 22, 2011 "In no way did the question have anything to do with the rising cost of living for average Saskatchewan families. For the NDP to suggest otherwise is blatantly dishonest." - Murray Mandryk column, Carlyle Observer,...
NDP Cheap Shot May Have Cost It The Game
Posted On August 3, 2011By Murray Mandryk Many analogies have been drawn over the years between Saskatchewan's two favour sports - football and politics. Both are rough and tumble and often won in the trenches. Both will see the occasional cheap shot. Notwithstanding nature of loyal fans and a few homers who purport to be unbiased refs, both sides are guilty of such cheap shots. But while a cheap shot in football may only cost the team 15-yard penalty, there are times when it can be a determining factor in a game. Well, the same can be said about politics. And one wonders where the recent...
Additional Police Make Sask. Safer
Posted On August 2, 2011ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS FOR SAFER SASKATCHEWAN COMMUNITIES The location of the 30 new police positions receiving funding from the provincial government in the 2011-12 budget have been determined. All of the 30 positions will be allocated to the RCMP, with three to North Battleford, two to Meadow Lake, two to Estevan and the remaining 23 to support the province's policing agreement with the federal government. "In choosing the communities where new police positions would be located, we looked at historical crime rates as well as initiatives in place to help combat...
September
Big Jump In Population
Posted On September 28, 2011BIG JUMP IN POPULATION Largest Quarterly Increase Ever Recorded in Saskatchewan Saskatchewan's population has hit a new all-time high of 1,057,884 people following the largest quarterly population jump ever recorded since Statistics Canada starting keeping quarterly population estimates. Between April 1, 2011 and July 1, 2011, Saskatchewan grew by 5,444 people. This growth consisted of a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 1,524, net inter-provincial migration of 1,239 and net international migration of 2,681. Saskatchewan saw net in-migration from most other...
More Nurses & Doctors Working In Saskatchewan
Posted On September 27, 2011MORE NURSES AND DOCTORS WORKING IN SASKATCHEWAN Saskatchewan is celebrating the addition of more than 900 nurses now working in the province than in 2007-08. This represents more than 80 nurses than last October when the provincial government met and exceeded its commitment to hire 800 more registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses. The majority of these nurses have been hired as part of the work under the partnership agreement between the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) and the provincial government, signed in February 2008. Additional positions have been...
SGEU misleads public
Posted On September 26, 2011Union TV ad on funding for social services contains false information Social Services Minister June Draude has grave concerns regarding Saskatchewan General and Government Employees Union (SGEU) television commercial that alleges social services in Saskatchewan are being underfunded, putting families at risk. "The SGEU ads are dishonest and misleading – their only purpose is to scare people and score political points," said Draude. "Under the Saskatchewan Party, funding for Social Services has increased by over $223 million, which represents a...
Sask & Student Vote Partner for Fall Election
Posted On September 22, 2011SASKATCHEWAN AND STUDENT VOTE PARTNER TO ENGAGE STUDENTS IN UPCOMING ELECTION The Government of Saskatchewan is providing a grant of almost $25,000 to Student Vote, a non-profit, non-partisan organization, to engage students in Saskatchewan's upcoming provincial election. This funding is in addition to the $300,000 provided through Heritage Canada to support parallel election programs during several provincial and territorial elections this fall. "I encourage all Saskatchewan schools to get their students involved in this innovative program to engage students in a parallel...
MLA Report
Posted On September 21, 2011On November 7, the people of Saskatchewan will be presented with a choice: to move forward with Premier Brad Wall and your Saskatchewan Party government, or backwards with Dwain Lingenfelter and the NDP. We are proud of our government's record and are confident that on Election Day your choice will be a simple one. In the 2007 election campaign, we made several promises. We can report today that we have kept most of those promises – 145, to be exact. We did what we said we would do. One of the first promises we made, and kept, was to establish set election dates, the...
Premier Wraps Up Summer Tour
Posted On September 19, 2011PREMIER WRAPS UP SUMMER TOUR IN EAST CENTRAL SASKATCHEWAN Premier Brad Wall will wrap up his 2011 summer tour this week with stops in Melville, Langenburg, Yorkton and Preeceville. After this week, the Premier will have visited 35 Saskatchewan communities this summer including Biggar, Delisle, Warman, Osler, Big River, Yellow Grass, Weyburn, Estevan, Radville, Carlyle, Oxbow, Carnduff, Redvers, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, Maidstone, Cutknife, Cupar, Lestock, Kelliher, Ituna, Buffalo Narrows, Pinehouse, La Ronge, Air Ronge, Montreal Lake, Timber Bay, Regina...
Lingenfelter Makes More Empty Promises
Posted On September 16, 2011LINGENFELTER MAKES MORE EMPTY PROMISES NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter says one thing, but does another ... AGAIN NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter is up to his old tricks – making grand promises which contradict his own record. At a speech in Prince Albert, Lingenfelter told the crowd: "We're going to guarantee that every hospital in the province is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year," (Lingenfelter) said. ...
Former NDP MLA Blasts Sask NDP
Posted On September 14, 2011Former NDP MLA Blasts NDP for Destroying Rural Health Care in Saskatchewan Former NDP MLA Dr. Lewis Draper, who served in the NDP government with Dwain Lingenfelter, is blasting his former government for destroying health care services in rural Saskatchewan. In his recently-released book entitled "Healthcare Deform in Saskatchewan: How not to Improve Health Care", Draper, who was openly critical of his NDP government's decision to close 52 rural hospitals, used very strong language to express his displeasure with his government's attack on rural...
New Affordable Housing In Regina
Posted On September 13, 2011Twenty-four Regina families will soon have a place to call home thanks to the development of new affordable housing units in the Coronation Park area. Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude joined Chairman Edmund Bellegarde from the Silver Sage Housing Corporation and Councillor Mike O'Donnell from the City of Regina at an official sod turning this morning to celebrate the new housing development. The Government of Saskatchewan will provide $2.3 million in capital funding from the First Nations Housing Trust Fund...
MLA Report
Posted On September 7, 2011Saskatchewan's farmers and ranchers continue to make incredible contributions to our province. Over the last two years, however, they've been hit hard by Mother Nature. Our government is continuing to take action to support farmers and ranchers during their time of need. That's why we recently announced that the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) has provided a record $329 million to assist producers who were unable to seed due to excess moisture in 2011. This record funding was provided for 13,500 claims under the Unseeded Acreage (USA) benefit, which was increased this year...
MLA Report
Posted On September 2, 2011This spring's record moisture levels led to significant flooding throughout the province, and our government was prepared to meet this challenge. When Saskatchewan's highways were hard hit by spring runoff and flooding, we were able to move swiftly to invest $20 million to help repair damages caused by flooding and extremely wet conditions. We are now investing an additional $46 million that will go towards repairing bridges and culverts, fixing landslides, rebuilding washed-out and eroded highways and fix surface failures. Our government, along with the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority,...
October
Families Save Thousands In Taxes
Posted On October 6, 2011A Saskatchewan family of four earning $50,000 a year has saved more than $8,000 over the past four years as a result of the income tax reductions introduced by the provincial government. If taxes had remained at 2007 levels, that family would have paid $9,208 in provincial income tax over the past four years. However, income tax reductions introduced by the government starting in 2008 lowered their income taxes to $1,121 over that same period, a saving of $8,087 or 88 per cent. "That's a significant reduction," Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Ken Krawetz said. "Putting...
Record Building Permits In August
Posted On October 6, 2011Saskatchewan's construction industry continues to benefit from a strong and vibrant economy according to the August building permit figures, hitting an all-time record for the month of August. "Everyday Saskatchewan builders are putting up new homes as new families are moving in to our neighbourhoods and rising building permits are yet another sign that Saskatchewan is moving forward," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. Building permits were up by 26.1 per cent in August 2011 when compared to August 2010 (seasonally adjusted), the third highest percentage increase...
Economic Indicators Soar in the New Saskatchewan
Posted On October 3, 2011ECONOMIC INDICATORS SOAR IN THE NEW SASKATCHEWAN Saskatchewan's economy is soaring and today Enterprise Saskatchewan released a wide range of economic indicators charting the province's growth over the past three years versus the previous three years. Providing economic updates and analysis is a key part of Enterprise Saskatchewan's mandate. "As we map our economic progress, it is important to look at how far we have come and the conclusion is clear: Saskatchewan's economy is soaring above all expectations," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "There is no doubt...
November
15 New Sask Party MLAs Now Officially On The Job
Posted On November 30, 2011All 49 government MLAs sworn in during official ceremony at the Legislature The 49 Saskatchewan Party MLAs elected earlier this month officially took their oath of office today at a swearing-in ceremony at the Saskatchewan Legislature. On November 7, 2011, the majority of Saskatchewan people voted for a vision that would continue to move the province forward, by electing 15 more Saskatchewan Party MLAs to represent them in the Legislature. "We are humbled by the trust placed in us by the people of Saskatchewan," said Premier Brad Wall. "We will honour that trust by continuing...
Sask Supports Marketing Freedom For Grain Farmers
Posted On November 28, 2011Today, Agriculture Ministers from Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia expressed their support for marketing freedom in anticipation of the third reading of Bill C-18, The Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act. The Ministers also encouraged all federal MPs to vote in favour of the Act. Today's historic House of Commons vote is a major step toward providing western Canadian grain farmers with the freedom to market their own wheat and barley. Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia together produce more than 80 per cent of the wheat and 90 per cent of the barley...
Report Forecasts Impressive GDP Growth for Sask.
Posted On November 25, 2011The Conference Board of Canada released its Autumn 2011 Provincial Outlook Executive Summary today and is forecasting Saskatchewan will have the best GDP growth in Canada this year with real GDP expected to rise by 5.1 per cent. "Saskatchewan is experiencing its strongest growth, both economically and population-wise, in history," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Much of the growth is due to our resource sector, which is investing in Saskatchewan for the long-term." The report cites strength in oil and potash prices and excellent summer weather for agriculture...
Sask. Weekly Earnings 2nd Highest in Canada
Posted On November 24, 2011Saskatchewan's average wages are the second highest in the country for the first time since records have been recorded and, for the first time, passed Ontario in weekly earnings. Average weekly earnings were $906.22 in September 2011, the second highest among all provinces, behind Alberta, and above the national average of $872.75. "Saskatchewan continues to offer competitive wages for its workers in comparison with the rest of Canada," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "The fact that our average weekly earnings are second highest in the...
Saskatchewan Remembers Holodomor
Posted On November 24, 2011Deputy Premier Ken Krawetz was joined by members of the Government of Saskatchewan and the Official Opposition today for the lighting of a memorial candle as part of a remembrance service to commemorate the Holodomor genocide which devastated Ukraine in the 1930s. "Today we gather to remember, but more importantly to stand-up as a community and as a province and recognize the forgotten genocide that is Holodomor," Krawetz said. "It is through this time of contemplation and reflection, that we can say together in one voice that we will never let an atrocity like this happen again,...
Premier Calls New Leg. Assembly To Meet on Dec. 5
Posted On November 23, 2011Shortest Time Ever Between Election and Start of Session Premier Brad Wall today announced that the first session of the newly-elected Legislative Assembly will begin on Monday, December 5. That will be the shortest period of time - 28 days - between a provincial election and the first sitting of the Legislative Assembly in Saskatchewan history, breaking the previous record of 33 days set by the current government in its first term following the 2007 election. The session will begin with the election of the Speaker in the morning followed by the Throne Speech in...
First Promise Kept
Posted On November 8, 2011FIRST PROMISE KEPT: PST EXEMPTION ON CHILDREN’S CLOTHING EXPANDED ON NOVEMBER 15 Premier Brad Wall today announced that his first campaign commitment will be fulfilled on November 15 when the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) exemption on children's clothing is expanded to include children 17 and under. It currently applies to clothing purchased for children 14 and under. "We made this announcement to make life a little more affordable for Saskatchewan families and today we are keeping our promise," Wall said. "We wanted to bring this tax break into effect right away, in time...
December
More money in your pocket
Posted On December 30, 2011Saskatchewan residents will see an additional $25.2 million in annual tax savings as a result of the indexation of the provincial income tax system in 2012. As a result, an individual taxpayer now pays no Saskatchewan income tax on his or her first $18,075 of income, while a family of four pays no income tax on their first $46,850 of income. Indexation protects taxpayers from "bracket creep", or the automatic increase in tax caused by inflation and preserves the real value of personal income tax credits. For 2012, income tax brackets and personal tax credit amounts...
Record year for Sask economy
Posted On December 29, 2011Saskatchewan's economy had a banner year in 2011 and the New Year is projected to be even better. The province set records for investment and population growth in 2011 and two independent forecasters are predicting that Saskatchewan will continue to lead Canada and set records in 2012. "The statistics are good, but even better is the fact that people and investors recognize the real growth yet to come and know that Saskatchewan is becoming the leading place to do business in Canada," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "This year we have had many new businesses start in...
New population record
Posted On December 20, 2011Fastest Growing Province in Canada in the Last Quarter Saskatchewan's Population is now at an all-time high of 1,063,535 people. According to Statistics Canada, the number of people living in the province increased by 5,651 between July 1, 2011, and October 1, 2011. That's the most growth ever recorded in any quarter since StatsCan started keeping quarterly records in 1971, eclipsing the record of 5,444 set in the previous quarter of this year. Saskatchewan had the fastest growth rate in of any province in the past quarter and the second-fastest, behind only Alberta,...
A Vision for Saskatchewan
Posted On December 7, 2011On December 5, 2011, the Speech from the Throne was read in the Saskatchewan Legislature. In it, your Saskatchewan Party government laid out its plan for the legislative session that begins this fall and concludes in the spring. The speech reflected the clear, concise and forward-looking vision outlined in our platform in the recent provincial election. It will build on our government's record of the last four years of balanced budgets, debt reduction and investments that will assist society's most vulnerable. The speech was also about a vision of what Saskatchewan will look like...
Throne Speech Keeps Promises
Posted On December 5, 2011Fulfilling its election commitments, living within its means and keeping the province moving forward - those are the principles outlined today by the Saskatchewan government in the first Throne Speech of its second term of office. Premier Brad Wall said the Throne Speech outlines the government's plan to keep the commitments it made in the recent provincial election campaign. These include: continued economic and population growth; further improvements to Saskatchewan's highways; improving the availability and affordability of housing; introducing...
2010
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Finance Minister Ken Krawetz year-end interview
Posted On December 31, 2010Leader-Post: Describe the province's financial situation in 2010 and the progress made this year. Ken Krawetz: It's fair to say that 2010 has been a year of recovery for Saskatchewan. After the challenges created by the collapse of potash markets in 2009, it's good to see things returning to a more normal state. In fact, potash sales have been stronger than expected so far this year, and so are oil prices. The other key factor at play here is stronger than expected corporate income tax revenue. Taken together, these improvements mean that we will not have to use money from the Growth...
Sask. Economy To Lead The Nation in 2011
Posted On December 30, 2010Eight major economic forecasters are predicting that Saskatchewan will have the fastest growing economy in Canada in 2011. Saskatchewan's economy is expected to increase by an average of 3.7 per cent next year, well ahead of the 2.4 per cent forecast for the national average. Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Jeremy Harrison reflected on the economic performance in 2010 and about the potential opportunities in 2011. "In 2010 Saskatchewan's population hit another record high and we were the fastest growing province in Canada," Harrison said. "What was even better news was that...
Leader-Post year-end interview with Premier Brad Wall
Posted On December 29, 2010REGINA — Potash landed Premier Brad Wall in the spotlight this year unlike ever before. In a decision he admits is one of the most difficult of his three years as premier, Wall made an impassioned plea to Ottawa to block BHP Billiton's bid for Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, saying a takeover of the publicly traded company would not be in the strategic interest of the province or the country. As well, the year 2010 saw the Saskatchewan Party government turn to private clinics to help combat surgical wait times, while the NDP has charged that Wall has a privatization...
NDP leader ignores the facts
Posted On December 28, 2010Dear Editor: Given the NDP track record on agriculture, healthcare and the economy in Saskatchewan, NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter's remarks in the Dec. 15 issue of the Battlefords News-Optimist are hypocritical and ignore the facts. Dwain Lingenfelter and the NDP failed Saskatchewan families on healthcare. When Mr. Lingenfelter was deputy premier, doctors and nurses were leaving our province in record numbers. Fifty-two rural hospitals were closed. Saskatchewan had the longest surgical waiting lists in the country. For 16 years, the NDP did not build one new long-term...
CTV Year-end interview with Premier Brad Wall
Posted On December 27, 2010CTV.ca: 2010 was quite a year for Saskatchewan, from flooding to potash. Can you give us a sense of how the year played out? Premier Brad Wall: Well, you've touched on two of the highlights, or lowlights, obviously, depending on where you're coming from, because the flooding was just a tremendous tragedy for so many in the province. I was in all of the places that were affected early on in the process, Maple Creek, Yorkton, the Kawacatoose First Nation, North Battleford, Saskatoon and there was regional incidences everywhere. But if there's anything...
Potash play defined Brad Wall in 2010
Posted On December 23, 2010The Canadian Press The nail-biting drama over a $40-billion foreign takeover bid for Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan is solidified in the mind of Premier Brad Wall as the year's defining episode. "What is lasting is the issue itself," Wall said in an interview. "The personalities that were involved, myself included, that's more fleeting and more temporary. "I think we're going to have a discussion in the country about what is a strategic resource," he added. Wall came out swinging in October when he vehemently opposed Australian mining...
The world is coming to Saskatchewan
Posted On December 23, 2010The world is coming to Saskatchewan In Brief: International immigrants are flocking to booming Saskatchewan, boosting our population to another historic high. The Leader-Post Saskatchewan . . . we're going to need a bigger Christmas dinner table. Big enough to seat about 16,000 more people. With the latest Statistics Canada population report showing Saskatchewan grew by 15,855 in the 12 months ending Oct. 1, the province has additional reason to celebrate the season of giving as it ends the year with...
Habitat for Humanity – Women Build Fundraising Dinner
Posted On December 22, 2010The Government of Saskatchewan and Habitat for Humanity Regina are moving forward with plans for a women-led affordable housing project. Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity program that promotes women's leadership and participation in the construction industry, and provides concrete, practical opportunities for women to learn and practice trades skills under the direction of skilled tradespersons. The Women Build project, a first for Regina, will construct one Habitat for Humanity home for a Regina family. The Build will occur from May 2011 through October 2011. To assist in the fundraising...
NDP Grinches continue to run down Saskatchewan
Posted On December 22, 2010Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Dwain Lingenfelter and the NDP continue desperately trying to convince Saskatchewan people that our economy is in terrible shape. "Almost all of the independent forecasters say Saskatchewan's economy will lead the country in 2011. Our population has just hit an all time high. Employment is up," Thunder Creek MLA Lyle Stewart said. "We have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada, yet the NDP continue to say things are terrible. When are they going to stop running down Saskatchewan?" "The economy in the new Saskatchewan...
Premier Wall Vindicated on MS Trials
Posted On December 21, 2010The Toronto Star Gillian Steward Columnist Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall caused quite a furor last summer when he pledged to fund clinical trials for a controversial treatment for people suffering from multiple sclerosis. He was criticized for being naive and reckless; neither the federal government nor any of the provinces followed his lead. They said more study was needed before committing to clinical trials. But Wall stood his ground and Saskatchewan has now taken the first steps toward conducting...
Premier Brad Wall named Politician of the Year
Posted On December 17, 2010The premier of Saskatchewan is Power Play's top politician of the year. Wall helped fend off a takeover of PotashCorp, by Australian company BHP Billiton. Wall says the decision to reject the bid was based on revenue, job, and strategic resource standpoints.
BHP Moves Ahead With Jansen Mine
Posted On December 17, 2010The Canadian Press Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 BHP Billiton took another step forward with its Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan on Friday, with the submission of an environmental impact statement for the proposed mine about 140 kilometres east of Saskatoon. BHP, which tried and failed to buy Saskatchewan's PotashCorp earlier this year in a nearly $40-billion hostile takeover, said the