Legislative Report
(15 July 2009)

Record Highway Work Continues

The 2009 highway construction season continues, with our government investing a record $630 million to improve Saskatchewan’s transportation system. The 300 kilometres of Orange Zone stretching across Saskatchewan this summer includes:

• $100 million in upgrades to more than 250 km of rural highways;
• $114.5 million for investments to stimulate the economy, including;
• $23.3 million to continue twinning of Highway 11;
• $19.7 million to develop the Global Transportation Hub at Regina;
• Repairing and repaving 300 km of provincial highways;
• The largest bridge and culvert program in the province's history - $45 million; that also includes $10 million to begin replacing the St. Louis Bridge; and
• $40 million - a 100 per cent increase - to improve rural municipal roads.

Through this record investment, your Saskatchewan Party government is taking action to fill the $6 billion pothole in Saskatchewan’s highways created under the NDP.

With the tremendous amount of highway work taking place this summer, motorists should watch for and obey all construction signs. Remember that drivers who exceed 60 km/h when passing a highway worker in the Orange Zone face a base fine of $140.

For complete details regarding the record 2009 highway construction season, check here.

NEW JOB NUMBERS REFLECT STRENGTH OF SASK ECONOMY

According to the latest Labour Force Survey released by Statistics Canada, the number of people working in Saskatchewan hit an all-time high in June. There were 535,600 people working, up from the previous record of 530,100 set in May. Between June 2008 and June 2009, the number of people working in the province increased by 14,500, by far the highest year-over-year increase in Canada. We also have the lowest unemployment rate in Canada. Despite layoffs in some sectors, Saskatchewan's economy is still going strong and continuing to set job creation records. Not only are we blessed with a diverse economy and resource sector, our government has taken the right steps to keep the economy moving forward through lower taxes and record investments in infrastructure. We will continue to take action to create opportunities which will benefit people both in Saskatchewan and across Canada.

PROMOTING SASKATCHEWAN STATE-SIDE

Our government promoted Saskatchewan’s clean energy initiatives at a major economic conference in the U.S this week. MLAs attended the annual Pacific North West Economic Region (PNWER) Summit in Idaho.  On the agenda were clean energy research and development and the importance of reducing trade barriers with our largest trading partner. International exports represent approximately half of Saskatchewan's gross domestic product, valued at $64 billion in 2008. In that same year, 63 per cent of Saskatchewan's exports went to the United States. Saskatchewan will host PNWER's Legislative Academy and Economic Leadership Forum in Regina in November, with a focus on Saskatchewan's strong economic position and innovation agenda. Our government understands the importance of trade with the U.S., and will continue to take action to ensure that relationship is not jeopardized.

CELEBRATING SASKATCHEWAN PARKS

Our government declared July 12-18 as Saskatchewan Parks Week, as part of efforts to enhance awareness of the important role parks have in preserving and managing these areas for present and future generations. Parks Week also promotes Saskatchewan's parks as a place to visit for fun and recreation. Recreation plays an important role in the high quality of life Saskatchewan people enjoy. Through initiatives such as the electrification of hundreds more campsites and kiosk improvements, your Saskatchewan Party government is taking action to ensure parks continue to play that important role.

Past Legislative Reports