Legislative Report
(17 June 2009)

NDP Caucus Reverses Decision
To Pay Lingenfelter $75,000 Salary

Decision came less than an hour after SaskParty
Caucus news release condemning it

In a stunning display of hypocrisy, new NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter had agreed to receive a $75,000 per year salary paid for by the taxpayers of Saskatchewan. In 1998, when the SaskParty proposed to do the same thing for leader Elwin Hermanson before he was elected, Lingenfelter criticized the decision as “shocking.”

“But you know what they’re even more shocked about over the weekend is to find out that Mr. Hermanson is taking $2,000 a month of taxpayers’ money. Now that’s shocking and there’s something you can do about that right away. I would ask the member … if they will stand up today and say they have cancelled the contract with Mr. Hermanson for $2,000 a month, and donate that money to the hospital in Regina? Will you do that today?”
-Hansard, April 27, 1998

Your Saskatchewan Party Caucus issued a news release condemning the decision to pay Lingenfelter a salary using taxpayers’ money. Within an hour, the NDP Caucus announced Lingenfelter would be paid by the party and not with taxpayers’ money.

There seems to be one set of rules for Dwain Lingenfelter, and another set of rules for the rest of us.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

Your Saskatchewan Party government and the federal government have announced a major investment in post-secondary institutions that will create jobs and sustain growth. The combined $118 million under the Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP) will go toward 21 different projects across Saskatchewan, including:

1. A learning centre for students in paramedic, nursing and continuing care programs, and expanded classroom, lab and administrative space for nursing programs at SIAST Kelsey Campus in Saskatoon;
2. A plumbing skills training project at the SIAST Wascana Campus in Regina;
3. A teaching lab for the Early Learning and Childcare Program at Lakeland College in Lloydminster. The lab will also house Practical Nursing and University Studies programs;
4. Welding shop improvements at Carlton Trail Regional College in Humboldt; and
5. A new facility in Nipawin for Cumberland College

This investment will boost economic activity, create jobs and help Saskatchewan remain strong and steady. For more information about the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, including program criteria, application instructions and a list of the approved projects to date, please visit their website.

FIXING HIGHWAYS AND BRIDGES

Your Saskatchewan Party government continues to take action to address the billion dollar pothole created under the NDP. We have announced a $77.5 million investment into transportation infrastructure in the province’s southwest, including:

1. Improvements to the interchange at Highways 1 and 4 in Swift Current;
2. Resurfacing of Highway 1 at the junction of Highway 32 near Webb, East of Maple Creek, and five km west of Piapot to Sidewood;
3. Six bridge replacements near Chaplin on Highway 1;
4. Resurfacing of Highway 13 west of Woodrow to Lafleche and east of Limerick to Assiniboia;
5. A seal coat added to 14 km on Highway 21 south of Eatonia;
6. $34 million is being invested to rebuild the Highway 32 corridor;
7. Grading and paving of Highway 37 north of Climax and a seal coat south of Shaunavon; and
8. Base strengthening to Highway 43 near Pambrum.

This investment will help the regional economy grow and improve safety for motorists.

Motorists are required to slow to 60 km/h in the construction Orange Zone when passing Highway workers and equipment. Motorists caught speeding in the Orange Zone face a fine of at least $140. For more information on highway construction go to their website. 

FARM FAMILY CENTURY AWARDS

Your Saskatchewan Party government is paying tribute again to the province’s farm families. More than 650 families are being recognized through the 2009 Century Family Farm Award. Reaching the century milestone of farming the same land is an incredible achievement. This year marks a dramatic increase in award recipients since the Information Service Corporation (ISC) began managing the program. In 2007, there were 325 recipients and 367 in 2008. In total, 3,355 families have received a Century Family Farm Award since 1981. Recipients must apply for the awards by March 15 and meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Members of the same family that have farmed or ranched the land continuously for 100 years or more; and
• The family must live in Saskatchewan and continue to operate the farm or ranch.

The family farm has always been an important part of Saskatchewan's economy and represents the traditions and strong work ethic that have shaped our province. Four celebratory events are being held throughout June in Swift Current, Regina, Saskatoon and Yorkton. For a complete list of the 2009 recipients visit the ISC website.

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