Legislative Report (23 April 2008)

NIPAWIN EXPLOSION

Our hearts go out to those affected by the explosion in Nipawin April 18, in particular to the family and friends of the two men who lost their lives in the explosion. Although the events were tragic, Saskatchewanians responded as they always have in trying times: by providing strength and support to those who needed it. We must also thank the emergency responders from all over the region that did not hesitate when the call came in. In the days and weeks ahead, we will learn about the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, but let us not forget what matters most: when disaster struck we were there for one another.

PROMISE KEPT: REBATES FOR GRADS

With the announcement of the details of the graduate retention rebate for university grads, your Saskatchewan Party government has now more than 60 campaign promises. Graduates who agree to work in Saskatchewan can qualify for a refundable income tax credit to rebate up to $20,000 in tuition fees. Legislation enabling the program was introduced in the legislature this week. Through the Graduate Rebate Program, young people have one more reason to build their futures and careers in Saskatchewan. For complete details, go to this link.

MORE GOOD ECONOMIC NEWS

Saskatchewan is now home to Canada’s most valuable company. The Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan became the most valuable company on the Toronto Stock Exchange this week. That’s a far cry from the PCS of the 1970s, when it was almost driven into the ground by the NDP. Thankfully, times have changed, and so has the government. Confidence in our economy also continues to grow. New reports released by Statistics Canada this week show Saskatchewan is either at or near the top in retail and vehicle sales, international exports, and wholesale trade, when compared to other provinces. Making sure that growth continues and that everyone shares in the benefits are the top priorities of your Saskatchewan Party government.

NEW GOVERNMENT PASSES FIRST LAWS

Saskatchewan’s government now has an expiry date, while gift cards don’t as a result of the passage of the first pieces of legislation tabled by this new government. The newly passed laws include a law setting fixed election dates as the first Monday in November, every four years. The next election is November 7, 2011. Among the other bills passed into law was legislation eliminating expiry dates on gift cards.

HELPING THOSE IN NEED

Your Saskatchewan Party government helped turn a bad situation in the pork industry into a positive one for Saskatchewan’s most needy last week. Across the country, pork producers are being paid by the Federal government to cull a massive amount of sows through the Cull Breeding Swine Program because of a downturn in the market. Instead of allowing the animals to simply be buried, the Saskatchewan Party government is providing $440,000 to SaskPork to process 2,000 sows targeted by the federal program so the meat can be donated to Saskatchewan’s food banks. The meat will then be sent to food banks province-wide. It is estimated that will generate about 320,000 kilograms of pork worth $2 million on grocery store shelves. This donation will provide a vital source of protein to Saskatchewan’s most needy through Saskatchewan’s food banks for nearly a year. This is yet another example of the Saskatchewan Party government’s commitment to ensure that everyone shares in the benefits of our strong economy.

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