Legislative Report (29 January 2009)

Protecting At-Risk Children

Your Saskatchewan Party government is taking the first step toward being able to better track children in the care of the government. The Ministry of Social Services has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a multi-purpose computer system that will improve child welfare case management, client registration, income assistance benefit processing and contract management. Having an electronic case management system will provide child welfare workers with more accurate and timely information about children in care. The new system will also allow your Saskatchewan Party government to better comply with the expectations of the Children's Advocate and the Provincial Auditor. This is a multi-year project, to be implemented in 2010. The next step is to pick the computer system, which is expected to happen this summer. This is an exciting project that will make a significant difference in the ability of child welfare workers to help our most vulnerable children.

MINIMUM AGE OF EMPLOYMENT CONSULTATIONS

Your Saskatchewan Party government is working to strike a balance between the desires of young people to gain safe work experience with our commitment to ensuring that they succeed in school. Consultations are now underway on the absolute minimum age of employment in Saskatchewan and other employment standards to protect the well-being of young workers. Currently, the Minimum Wage Regulations restrict the employment of young workers in five sectors - hotels, restaurants, educational institutions, hospitals and nursing homes. Our government has already lowered the minimum age of employment in these five sectors from 16 to 15 with the provision that employed 15-year-olds not work more than 16 hours per week. This change is a pilot project that will be reviewed in May 2009, following the conclusion of the consultation process. Public input on the minimum age of employment will be sought through print advertisements and the internet. The deadline for input is May 1, 2009. As your Saskatchewan Party government reviews the minimum age of employment, our highest priorities remain the health and safety, education and overall well-being of Saskatchewan young people.

SASKATCHEWAN ECONOMY REMAINS STRONG

Despite the global recession, the Saskatchewan economy continues to show strength. Statistics Canada is reporting payroll earnings in Saskatchewan continue to increase, as does the number of people working. Retail and wholesale trade numbers also reflect the relative strength of the Saskatchewan economy. Figures from last November show Saskatchewan continued to lead the country in both key economic indicators. At the same time, though, the number of people collecting employment insurance in Saskatchewan rose slightly from November 2007 to November 2008. However, the number of people working in Saskatchewan increased by almost 15,000 over the same time period. Although we are encouraged by Saskatchewan’s continuing strong performance, your Saskatchewan Party government recognizes we do not live in isolation from the rest of the world, and that we must be vigilant. We will continue to take prudent measures that will ensure the security of all Saskatchewan people.

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