Legislative Report
(10 June 2009)

Jobs For Saskatchewan People

In partnership with the federal government, your Saskatchewan Party government has announced almost $130 million in infrastructure funding which will create jobs and provide economic stimulus. The funding is being provided through four separate programs:

1. Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF)
   • $19.4 million is being provided for 19 road and local wastewater projects.
   • The ISF provides funding to provincial, territorial and municipal construction-ready infrastructure rehabilitation projects that will be built during this year's and next year's construction seasons.
2. Provincial-Territorial Base Fund
   • $51.8 million for 13 initiatives across Saskatchewan, including:
   • local road improvements;
   • municipal drinking water and wastewater system upgrades; and
   • installation of wind turbines for renewable energy generation.
3. Communities Component
   • $54 million for 25 communities of fewer than 100,000 residents
   • The projects in these communities are predominantly water and wastewater infrastructure.
   • The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan are contributing two-thirds of the total eligible costs of these projects, while Saskatchewan communities are contributing the remainder of the funds.
   • For complete details check here.
4. Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC)
   • $2.87 million for upgrades to recreational facilities such as rinks, ball fields, swimming pools and recreational centres.
   • For complete details on the RiNC program, check here. 

By working with our federal and municipal partners, our government is providing economic stimulus which will create jobs, improve local infrastructure and enhance the quality of life.

We are building a strong and steady future for the people of Saskatchewan.

STRONGEST JOB NUMBERS IN CANADA

Our ongoing, historic investment in infrastructure is producing results. According to Statistics Canada, there are more people than ever before working in Saskatchewan. In May 2009, there were 530,100 people working here, shattering the old record of 522,500 set last September. The May 2009 employment numbers show an increase of 12,600 jobs compared to May 2008. 4,700 of those are new construction jobs – proof this year’s $1.5 billion infrastructure investment is working Saskatchewan continues to have the strongest job growth in the country, at a time when most other provinces are losing jobs.

Saskatchewan also continues to show strong job growth in important sectors, such as employment for women and First Nations and Métis people. Employment for women is up 10,300 or 4.3 per cent over the past year, while employment for First Nations and Métis people is up 2,000, or 6.2 per cent. The combination of our government’s booster shot, lower taxes, and positive business climate are sustaining our economic momentum and ensuring future growth.

NDP TAKE GIANT STEP BACKWARD

While your Saskatchewan Party government continues to look to the future, the NDP have taken a giant step backward. At their recent convention, they elected Calgary oilman and former NDP Deputy Premier Dwain Lingenfelter as their leader. Lingenfelter represents the NDP’s failed economic policies and a time when Saskatchewan was a have-not province with a shrinking population. Today, Saskatchewan is leading the country. Our economy is growing, our population is growing, and we have the best job creation record in Canada.

In the next election, Saskatchewan people have a clear choice: do you want to continue moving forward with your Saskatchewan Party government, or go backward with Dwain Lingenfelter and the NDP?

Past Legislative Reports