Legislative Report (16 July 2008)

Saskatchewan's Growth Continues

SASKENERGY APPLIES FOR RATE INCREASE

With higher market prices for natural gas across Canada, the U.S. and around the world, SaskEnergy has applied for a rate increase. The application for a 39 per cent increase means the average homeowner’s bill will increase by about $35 a month. The rate review process includes public meetings and takes several months. In the end, the Rate Review Panel will make recommendations to government, so it is important we allow the panel to do its job. Traditionally, SaskEnergy natural gas rates have been the lowest or second lowest in Canada; even with an increase Saskatchewan will remain low compared to other jurisdictions. We will also endeavour to ensure the most vulnerable people will be taken care of. Letting people know now about the possibility of higher prices for this coming winter also allows them time to make changes to their energy consumption in their home or business. For information on programs designed to help reduce energy use, go here on the SaskEnergy website.

NATION-LEADING ECONOMIC GROWTH

There’s no slowing down our hot economy. The release of our latest economic checklist shows that through July, Saskatchewan finished first or second in nine of ten key economic indicators. We also learned our province was number one in Canada in year-over-year percentage growth in international exports. Saskatchewan was up 63.3 percent in May, compared to the national rate of 3.5 per cent. From building permits to wages to population and international exports, Saskatchewan is experiencing unprecedented growth and our government is working to sustain the momentum and ensure everyone shares in the benefits.

AGREEMENT REACHED TO SELL SASKFERCO

Debt reduction and infrastructure investment top the list of our government’s priorities for the proceeds of the SaskFerco sale. The nitrogen fertilizer producer was sold this week in a deal worth $1.6 billion. The proceeds from the sale for Saskatchewan taxpayers was approximately $750 million. Much of that money will go toward paying down the debt and addressing the infrastructure deficit created by the former government. SaskFerco has been an excellent investment, and it was a good time to sell. The company was started with $68.5 million in seed money provided by the province 17 years ago. SaskFerco no longer needs government involvement, and will continue to prosper under its new owner, a Norwegian company named Yara International.

ENDING EQUALIZATION CHALLENGE

For the first time in many years, Saskatchewan is a “have” province, and, as your government, we intend to work hard to ensure we remain that way. We also want to work in cooperation, not confrontation, with the federal government. Your Saskatchewan Party government has withdrawn a reference to the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal on equalization payments made by the NDP government. Our decision to work with the federal government is already paying off. We have received $240 million for a clean coal project for which Saskatchewan is receiving international recognition as a leader on carbon capture intiatives. Saskatoon is finally getting a new bridge, thanks to $86.5 million in federal funding. Instead of wasting taxpayers’ time and money, we are moving forward in a spirit of cooperation to get the job done for Saskatchewan families.

WORKING TO FIX OUR HIGHWAYS

As your Saskatchewan Party government moves forward on fixing roads that fell into disrepair under the former government, please be careful as you and your family travel the province this summer. Highway crews are hard at work, so it’s important you remember to slow to 60 km/h when passing workers and equipment, use caution and be prepared to stop as directed. Twinning continues on Highway 11 between Saskatoon and Prince Albert, as well as on the Trans-Canada near the Alberta border. There are many other projects underway across the province, as this is a record-setting year for highway construction. The $513 million for transportation infrastructure contained in our Ready for Growth budget is the largest such investment in Saskatchewan’s history.

For further details and an interactive highway map with other ongoing work, maintenance activities and advisories, motorists can view the maps online here. Information can also be reached by phone at 1-888-335-7623.

SHARING THE BENEFITS

Sustaining the economic momentum, making prudent investment decisions, securing federal funding and improving our highways are examples of how your Saskatchewan Party government is making sure everyone shares in the benefits of growth. This is your province, though, so it is important our government finds out what your priorities are. As MLAs, we have been charged by Premier Brad Wall to spend the summer gathering input. You can also tell us what your priorities are online, by visiting the Saskatchewan Party Caucus website and clicking on “Sharing the Benefits.” With your help, we will chart a course for the future that ensures Saskatchewan continues to grow.

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