Legislative Report (19 February 2009)

Sunday Hunting Coming

When Saskatchewan people said they wanted Sunday hunting, our government listened and took action. Effective for the 2009 hunting season, Sunday hunting will open in Saskatchewan for all game species, bringing our province in line with most other North American jurisdictions. By implementing Sunday hunting, your Saskatchewan Party government is also taking steps to strengthen the rural economy, increase recreational hunting opportunities and promote tourism. Hunting plays an important role in the Saskatchewan economy. A 2006 economic evaluation of hunting done for the Ministry of Environment showed that the total hunting-related expenditure in the province was $107 million and that hunting created the equivalent of 1,000 full-time jobs. The Ministry of Environment will continue to ensure that wildlife resources are managed to provide priority to First Nations and Métis people under their Aboriginal and Treaty rights, after conservation needs are met.

STRENGTHENING SASKATCHEWAN’S GLOBAL RELATIONSHIPS

Your Saskatchewan Party government continues to take steps to maintain international relationships which will keep the provincial economy strong. A trade mission currently underway in India is reinforcing the long and productive relationship between one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies and Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan delegation is meeting with business, academic, government and research contacts in India, as well as with interests in key resource sectors like uranium, diamonds, and oil and gas.

Mining is the focus of an investment mission to China and Japan, where the Saskatchewan delegation is promoting mining opportunities at mineral investment seminars, as well as meeting with Asian companies that have existing investments in the province. Even though we are not immune to the effects of the current global economic climate, demand continues to be high for Saskatchewan’s natural resources. It is more important than ever to continue networking and building relationships around the world.

FUNDING FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Our government is focused on the needs of farmers and ranchers, which is why we are providing funding for agricultural research that will produce long-term benefits for producers. The recent announcement of $12.6 million in funding for 48 agricultural research projects will ensure Saskatchewan remains a leader in the field. The research projects funded range from studying the level of antibiotics used in livestock production to the impact of phosphorus fertilizer on pulse crop production to lowering costs in hog production and enhancing rust resistance in western Canadian wheat varieties. These projects will be undertaken by organizations such as the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, the Prairie Swine Centre, the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Saskatchewan Research Council, the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute and the Saskatchewan Seed Potato Growers' Association.

PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SASKATCHEWAN YOUTH

With summer job season just around the corner, our government wants to ensure Saskatchewan youth are aware of employment opportunities at home. With over 400 positions available, the Public Service Commission of Saskatchewan is one of the largest employers of students in the province. Most of the hiring takes place in late March and throughout April. Most students are hired to work from May to August. Employment opportunities are available across a wide range of ministries, including the Ministries of Highways, Environment and Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport. Summer opportunities in the public service have included jobs in research, geology, administration, park and highway maintenance and social services.

Apply online through the Career Centre webpage. Random referrals then match jobs to student interests, including location, availability and qualifications.

Past Legislative Reports