Legislative Report (4 December 2008)

Five Year Plan for Highways

Our government has unveiled a five-year transportation infrastructure plan which will address two decades of neglect. The Rolling Five-Year Capital Plan will ensure Saskatchewan has the roads it needs for future growth. The five-year plan consists of five main components:

• gateway corridors;
• urban highway connectors;
• a rural highway strategy;
• a northern transportation strategy; and
• a continuing focus on maintenance

The Rural Highway Strategy is the cornerstone of the Rolling Five-Year Capital Plan. The strategy was created by assessing more than 10,000 kilometres of provincial highways, which prioritized projects in terms of:

• engineering economics;
• highway function and traffic;
• highway safety;
• alignment with the provincial economy;
• potential partnerships; and
• the local economy that each road serves.

This plan is about more than just reacting to road and highway problems. It is proactive and visionary and will allow us to build the infrastructure we need to handle our current and future economic growth.

For a complete list of 2008-2012 construction projects, check this link.

ENHANCING PASSENGER SAFETY ON STC BUSES

Our government is taking steps to ensure the safety of passengers on STC buses. Effective immediately, passengers riding with STC will be encouraged to keep carry-on baggage to a minimum and to stow most luggage in the lower baggage compartment. Drivers have the authority to restrict carry-on baggage and to inspect passengers and their carry-on baggage. Existing security personnel at STC's busiest terminals will be available to assist drivers with boarding inspections as required. To better protect passengers and drivers, the company is implementing a number of new security measures: all buses will be equipped with interior and exterior cameras; improved corridor lighting and larger rear-view mirrors for improved visibility of passenger compartments; a larger plexi-glass shield will be installed to physically protect drivers and allow them time to address emergencies and Global positioning devices with emergency alert capability will be placed on all buses. With the push of a button, the police or other assistance can be dispatched to the precise location of the bus.

SASKPARTY GOVT CONTINUES TO LOOK AT ENERGY ALTERNATIVES

As Saskatchewan grows, so too do our power needs. Our government continues to explore all forms of electrical generation, including coal, wind, water and nuclear. While we encourage Ontario-based Bruce Power to continue its research into development of nuclear power generation in our province, the safety and security of Saskatchewan people come first. Any further development of the nuclear cycle must be safe, environmentally-sustainable and affordable. Bruce Power has released the results of a feasibility study which show nuclear power is a viable alternative in Saskatchewan and that they would explore options in regards to a site here.

In October, our government established the Uranium Development Partnership (UDP), with a mandate to identify, evaluate and make recommendations on value-added opportunities for nuclear. Part of that mandate is nuclear power generation. The UDP will release a report to cabinet this spring, which our government will use as a foundation for broad public consultation and input.

MORE FUNDING FOR FASD AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

Our government is committed to ensuring a safe and secure Saskatchewan for future generations. We have announced $100,000 promoting awareness and the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The money will go the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute (SPI) for new activities to focus on raising awareness across the province at the grassroots level; support the development of new multimedia material that will be used to teach local community leaders about FASD; and continue to support an FASD Speakers' Bureau which focuses on increasing FASD education among front-line workers, caregivers and professionals across Saskatchewan. Education is key in preventing the spread of this devastating disorder.

Past Legislative Reports