Legislative Report
(26 August 2009)

Premier Wall Calls Byelections In Saskatoon And Regina

One September 21st, voters have a clear choice: to move forward with Brad Wall and the Saskatchewan Party, or backward with Dwain Lingenfelter and the NDP. Premier Brad Wall has called by-elections in the constituencies of Regina Douglas Park and Saskatoon Riversdale.

Corey O’Soup, a high-school teacher who works with at-risk kids, is running for the Saskatchewan Party in Saskatoon Riversdale. Having lived in Riversdale for much of his life, O’Soup has served as a board member for organizations supporting youth and affordable housing initiatives. The candidate in Regina Douglas Park is Kathleen Peterson, a family law lawyer who volunteers for the Regina Free Legal Aid Clinic, in addition to the YWCA Women of Distinction and Transition House.

Both candidates will campaign on our government's positive record of economic growth, tax cuts, debt repayment, infrastructure spending and investment in programming to help low income individuals and families.

Saskatchewan is the only place in Canada where the number of jobs has increased over the past year. Over the past two years, our population has grown by more than 18,000 people. Balanced budgets, debt reduction and infrastructure spending have helped keep our economy strong, despite the world-wide recession. Taxes are down and 80,000 people are no longer paying any provincial income tax at all. Under our government, Saskatchewan is moving forward. Why would we want to go backward with Dwain Lingenfelter and the NDP?

SUPPORT FOR SENIORS

Our government is taking action to ensure travel is more affordable for seniors. In partnership with the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC), we are providing seniors with the biggest seat sale in company history. During the month of September, anyone 60 and older can purchase a one way ticket on any of the 29 routes across the province offered by STC for only $7 dollars as part of the “Seniors Anywhere” program. The promotion also has an environmental aspect, in that for every added person on the bus, there is potentially one less car on the road.

More information about the "$7 Seniors Anywhere Fare", including route information, can be accessed at www.stcbus.com, by calling 1-800-663-7181 or by visiting your local STC Agent.

MORE MONEY FOR PARKS

Regional parks play an important role in Saskatchewan. They provide people with recreational opportunities and improve our quality of life. To that end, our government has announced a $1 million grant for regional parks. With this funding, the Saskatchewan Regional Parks Association will be able improve campgrounds, playgrounds, purchase equipment, maintain golf courses and enhance water quality. This money is part of an earlier commitment by our government to provide regional parks with $2.4 million over four-years.

Regional parks are managed by local boards and volunteers. They are largely financed through fees, donations and local fundraising. Those volunteers take a lot of pride in their parks, and this funding will allow them to continue to do so.

SAFETY AND SECURITY IN NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

Our government continues to keep our promise to reduce crime and improve public safety across the province. We have signed a formal agreement to address crime and community safety in northern communities. The Community Policing Framework Agreement was developed by the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (SANC), the RCMP, and other partners. Retired Prince Albert police inspector Alan Fraser has been hired as the Northern Coordinator for the agreement. He will work to ensure local boards receive appropriate training. The agreement will be in effect until 2029, and will be reviewed every two years. Our government is looking forward to working with our partners to improve the policing services in our northern communities.

Past Legislative Reports