Legislative Report (9 July 2008)
Saskatchewan Party Government Helps
HELPING FLOOD VICTIMS
Unique challenges require unique solutions. Our government recognized that this week by providing up to $2 million to repair the utility infrastructure at Fishing and Waldsea Lakes. Under normal circumstances, those costs are born by customers, but we recognize this is a unique situation. The total cost could be as high as $3.25 million, when you include repairs to SaskTel’s main line, but the phone company is covering that cost as well. With this funding, we hope the hundreds of people affected by last spring’s disaster will be able to turn the page on what has been a lengthy and difficult challenge.
A NEW HOSPITAL FOR HUMBOLDT
Our government has done in eight months what the NDP could not do in more than 10 years. Construction on a new hospital for Humboldt has received final approval. The total cost is $40 million, with $26 million of that coming from the province, and the remainder from the Saskatoon Regional Health Authority, local municipalities, and the community. Construction is expected to start this summer, and be complete by the fall of 2010. The brand new facility will house acute care, community services and local administration. In March of 2005, the NDP promised Humboldt would have a new hospital by 2007. They failed to deliver on their promise. We promised to ensure all Saskatchewan citizens get the quality of healthcare they are entitled to receive. We are keeping that promise.
ENSURING A QUALITY EDUCATION
It’s a delicate balancing act: making sure children can receive an education as close to home as possible, with the need to ensure a minimum number of students by grade to maintain the quality of education. Our government’s commitment to striking that balance can be seen in amendments made to The Education Act, 1995 and The Education Regulations, 1986. The changes include the new Schools of Opportunity designation, which provides rural school divisions with financial support to allow communities to demonstrate increased school enrolments over a period of time, to a maximum of two years; setting minimum provincial school review criteria on enrolment benchmarks and distance to the nearest schools; establishment of a school review committee with community representation; extending the timelines and clarifying the school review process; and outlining a funding formula for Schools of Opportunity. Our government understands how important schools are to rural communities where increased economic opportunities on the horizon have brought optimism for the future.
SHARING THE BENEFITS
Providing financial support for disaster relief and healthcare, or taking steps to ensure vibrant rural communities, are examples of how your Saskatchewan Party government is making sure everyone shares in the benefits of growth. In this time of unprecedented prosperity, it is important no one gets left behind. That is why Premier Brad Wall has asked MLAs to go home this summer, and find out what people’s priorities are. You can also provide that input online, by visiting the Government of Saskatchewan website and clicking on “Sharing the Benefits.” With your help, we will chart a course for the future that ensures Saskatchewan will continue to grow.
Constituency Assistant: Kathie Parry
215 Main Street
P.O. Box 278
Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0
(Monday to Friday)
Phone: 306.882.4105
Toll Free: 1-855-762-2233
Fax: 306.882.4108
Email: jimreitermla@sasktel.net