Legislative Report (30 April 2008)

PRIVACY ISSUES

Your SaskParty government takes privacy very seriously. It would seem the NDP do not.

If you ever wrote a letter to a former NDP cabinet minister, it likely is not where it is supposed to be: the Provincial Archives. It could be at their office in their personal files. It may at their home. But there’s one thing you can be sure of. If they can use it for political gain, they will.

Over the past week, former NDP Justice Minister Frank Quennell used two letters from a private citizen for political gain, making false allegations against SaskParty Justice Minister Don Morgan. Not only is this inappropriate, it’s also breaking the law.

The Archives Act requires all former Cabinet Ministers to turn over correspondence and other information they received while acting as Minister of the Crown. After being defeated, this property is not the property of the former Ministers – it is the property of the Crown and is supposed to be sent to the Archives. Furthermore, the Act says no person should use this information for personal gain. The NDP have done just that.

Private citizens all across the province who have written to NDP Ministers in the past, or have asked MLAs to write on their behalf about personal issues, should be concerned. There is a long list of former NDP Ministers who have sent NOTHING to the archives – including former Ministers of Justice, Health, Social Services, Environment, and Labour.

SaskParty MLAs have demanded NDP members immediately submit any Ministerial Correspondence to the provincial archives. At the time of this writing, they have not.

If many of the NDP Ministers didn’t send this information to the archives – where is it? If they’ve destroyed this correspondence, the NDP are breaking the law. If they have originals in their homes or offices, they’re breaking the law. No matter what – there’s no justification for the NDP breaking laws and compromising people’s privacy.

CUTTING TAXES

Another promise kept by your Saskatchewan Party government could mean more money in taxpayers’ pockets. Because of record resource sales, our government has increased this year’s municipal revenue sharing by a further eight percent, to fifteen. Our campaign promise was to provide a 14 per cent increase in revenue sharing in two years. Your Saskatchewan Party government is keeping tomorrow’s promises today.

MORE GOOD NUMBERS

There seems to be no slowing down the Saskatchewan economy. We continue to lead the country in the key areas of retail sales, international exports, wholesale trade, and new motor vehicle sales. These positive numbers are a reflection of the confidence people have in your Saskatchewan Party government.

SASKATCHEWAN’S POPULATION JUMPS AGAIN

Thanks to a recent readjustment in our population numbers, it looks like more and more people are calling Saskatchewan home. Statistics Canada has adjusted its population growth numbers for last year by more than 6,000 people, to 1,012,547. That means an extra $6 million in federal transfer money. A growing population is a sign of a growing province, and, with our Ready For Growth budget we are more than ready for the continuing increase in people. More and more people are getting the message that Saskatchewan isn’t just a great place to live; it’s a great place to make a life.

FIXING THE LABOUR SHORTAGE

One of things our growing economy is in need of is skilled workers. Part of the solution is ensuring our First Nations and Métis people are more engaged in the economy, as well as, attracting people from others of Canada. To complete the equation, we have to think outside of the box, or, in this case, outside of Canada. Your Saskatchewan Party government recently announced a significant increase in the province’s immigration targets. We want 2,800 nominations under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program for 2008-2009. That is a big increase in the 2007-2008 target of 1,500. 2,800 nominations translate into 7,500 people, when you remember most of those people have families that will also be coming to Canada. This is a welcome change; for 16 years, the NDP didn’t do enough to attract immigrants that are key to a growing economy.

NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING

Those who died or were injured on the job in the last year were recognized as part of the National Day of Mourning. It was a sombre day of remembrance. The names of the 36 people who died on the job in the last year in Saskatchewan were read aloud in the Legislative Assembly. Our government offered condolences to their families of the dead or injured. Your Saskatchewan Party government is committed to ensuring where you work is a place of safety, not danger.

CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERS

April 27 to May 3 was National Volunteer Week. Saskatchewan is known across Canada for its spirit of volunteerism. As a matter of fact, we have the highest rate of volunteerism in Canada, at almost half the population. From bonspiels, to hockey tournaments, to the Brier and the Grey Cup, celebrate your volunteer spirit and give a pat on the back to that person sitting beside…they’re probably a volunteer, too!

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