Legislative Report (21 January 2009)

Supporting Low-Income Seniors

In these uncertain economic times, our government is taking measures to support ALL Saskatchewan people. 18,000 letters have been mailed to seniors eligible for the enhanced Seniors Income Program (SIP). SIP benefits are more than doubling for eligible seniors and the number of seniors eligible has doubled. SIP recipients also receive numerous healthcare benefits, such as:

• One free eye exam per year;
• Free chiropractic services;
• A reduced deductible for prescription drugs;
• A home care subsidy;
• Supplementary health benefits for those living in special care homes; and
• Loans of some low-cost devices through the Saskatchewan Abilities Council.

Our government has taken several other measures to ensure low-income seniors are supported. We introduced a new low income tax credit, which will benefit people with little or no income, such as seniors. Our government has increased by 19 per cent the income threshold for seniors who rely on social housing. In recent weeks, we announced the opening of an affordable housing complex for seniors in Saskatoon’s inner city. These initiatives improve the quality of life for a group of people who have made an invaluable contribution to this province.

ANOTHER HEALTHCARE PROMISE KEPT

Your Saskatchewan Party government continues to keep our promise to strengthen cancer care. Residents of Five Hills Health Region now have access to a screening program for colorectal cancer. Approximately $1.1 million is being spent on planning and implementation of the program's first phase. 650 people are diagnosed each year in Saskatchewan with colorectal cancer and 250 die from the disease. Early detection and treatment can make a tremendous difference in patients' survival rates, and our government wants to offer every opportunity for early diagnosis, prompt treatment and a full recovery. The colorectal screening program is just one of several steps our government has taken to strengthen cancer care. Earlier measures include $4 million in funding for the cancer drug Avastin, which is used in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. The 2008-2009 budget provided $10 million in new funding to strengthen cancer care in Saskatchewan. Our government also provided $2.9 million in funding for Human Papillomavirus vaccinations to help prevent cervical cancer.

GOING GREEN WITH LOW-FLO TOILETS

Your Saskatchewan Party government is helping residents “Go Green” by offering a $50 rebate for low-flush toilets through the new Provincial Toilet Replacement Rebate Program. The program is expected to help residents replace 200,000 toilets over four years. A total of 15 million litres of water per day will be conserved, and 20,000 tonnes of CO2 will be reduced over four years. Water is the most important environmental issue facing our province. This program will protect our water supply and lower greenhouse gas emissions through reduced water treatment and pumping requirements. Our government is committed to finding real solutions to key environmental issues facing our province. For more information, go to the Ministry of Environment website.

PROMOTING SASKATCHEWAN AGRICULTURE INTERNATIONALLY

Your Saskatchewan Party government is committed to building strong agricultural ties with our trading partners to the south. By attending the Legislative Agricultural Chairs Summit in California we can highlight Saskatchewan agriculture and discuss some of the challenges facing our producers. Topics on the agenda include competitiveness, labour and immigration, and drought. Our provincial agriculture industry is very much export-dependent and addressing market access issues such as Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) while strengthening Saskatchewan's relationship with other jurisdictions continue to be priorities for our government.

Past Legislative Reports