Legislative Report (26 February 2009)

Crop Insurance Commitment

Your Saskatchewan Party is keeping the second part of our promise on Crop Insurance. First, we reviewed the Crop Insurance system by asking producers how they thought it should be enhanced to better fit their needs. Now, our government is taking action by introducing new features to Crop Insurance in 2009 and enhancing existing parts of its core programs. Despite declining grain prices in 2008, the coverage for 2009 on average is increasing, and premiums are decreasing slightly. The highlights of the new Crop Insurance Program for 2009 include:

• increasing compensation for wildlife damage to 100 per cent;
• introducing yield trending for canola, identity preserved canola, fall rye and winter wheat;
• introducing a yield cushioning pilot program, which limits the impact of poor yields, from 2005 to 2007, on individual coverage levels;
• decreasing the producer’s share of premium costs in the Enhanced Irrigation Pilot;
• introducing an in-season price option, which offers coverage levels based on prices that reflect actual market conditions and not price forecasts;
• establishing premium rates in March for the variable price option and the in-season price option;
• updating pedigreed seed prices;
• expanding the list of organic crops insurable under the contract price option;
• improving the experience discount for producers with proven management capabilities;
• increasing the establishment benefit payment levels;
• continuing to explore reinsurance options for Crop Insurance;
• improving awareness of premium discounts and incentives;
• working with industry to establish coverage for new crop varieties; and
• initiatives to help producers understand the program and options available to them.

The deadline for customers to apply for, make changes to, or cancel their 2009 Crop Insurance contract is March 31st. Detailed program and contract information is available at any Crop Insurance customer service office, online, or by calling 1-888-935-0000.

IMPROVING DOWNTOWN SASKATCHEWAN

Your Saskatchewan Party government recognizes the valuable role heritage sites play in local communities. That is why our government will study and create an approach to economic development that preserves our heritage and stimulates local economies through The Main Street Program Concept Development Study. The Main Street revitalization program is part of the ministry of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Research and Development Strategy. This strategy will test innovative and creative approaches to cultural development. The development plan will help further strengthen an already vibrant and growing arts, culture and heritage sector. Main Street programs are time-tested initiatives that have encouraged economic and social development of communities across North America. Past examples of successful Main Street revitalizations include Moose Jaw and Gravelbourg. Economic development that recognizes our valuable heritage assets will make a great contribution to Saskatchewan’s quality of life.

MAKING IT EASIER TO GET THROUGH SASKATOON

Your Saskatchewan Party government is taking one more step to ensure we remain strong throughout 2009 and support the growth of our cities. Our government is injecting $98.5 million to kick-start Saskatoon’s massive Circle Drive South Project. This money is in addition to the $500 million infrastructure stimulus package announced earlier this month by Premier Brad Wall. Our government has committed $86.5 million toward the construction of a new bridge and roads to complete Circle Drive, as well as $12 million toward interchanges at Lorne Avenue and Circle Drive South and Idylwyld Freeway and Circle Drive South, for a total of $98.5 million. Our government’s investment will improve the flow of traffic in Saskatoon, improve efficiency for shippers to connect with national and international trade routes, reduce congestion and enhance safety. Advancing the funds now will help to get construction moving, keeping Saskatchewan people and industries working.

LOOKING TO SASKATCHEWAN

Our government’s measures to ensure the Saskatchewan economy stays strong continue to pay dividends. The recent $500 million “economic booster shot,” in addition to the largest personal income tax cuts in provincial history, seem to have attracted the attention of job seekers from across the country and around the world. In January, there were a record half-million visitors to SaskJobs.ca. A new single day traffic record was set February 10, the day after a Toronto Star article featuring Premier Brad Wall. On that day, there were 26,670 visits to SaskJobs.ca, surpassing the previous single day mark of 24,016, set during our government's highly successful recruiting mission to Toronto during the fall of 2008. That mission has resulted in at least 74 families having moved from Ontario to Saskatchewan in the past four months. While the Saskatchewan economy is not immune to the effects of the recession, there is still opportunity to be had here.

MAKE HUMBOLDT HOCKEYVILLE 2009

Congratulations to the City of Humboldt for its Hockeyville campaign and for being selected as a top finalist for Kraft Hockeyville 2009. As a finalist, Humboldt won $25,000 toward the Elgar Petersen Arena from Kraft, plus they helped host CBC Hockey Day in Canada on February 21. Humboldt, along with Terrace, British Columbia; Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and Woolwich, Ontario were chosen to be one of the top five finalists for hosting Kraft Hockeyville 2009. Your votes will decide who wins voting starts February 28 at 10:00 p.m. Polls will be closed at 10:59 p.m. on March 4. Saskatchewan has raised the best players.

There are three ways to vote:

• Online at CBC Sports
• Toll-free at 1-866-533-8066
• By SMS text messaging "Vote Humboldt" to 222111.

Voting is unlimited, so VOTE OFTEN. For more information on Humboldt for Hockeyville, visit the City of Humboldt website.

Past Legislative Reports