Legislative Report
(1 October 2009)

Giving People A Voice

Earlier this month, our government released the report from the Uranium Development Partnership (UDP) public consultations held in the spring. The report’s findings made two things clear:

1. Saskatchewan people wanted more input; and
2. They also wanted more information.

Our government listened and we acted. After the UDP report was released, Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd asked the committee that will be holding public consultations on future electricity needs to consider holding more hearings.

Not only did the Crown and Central Agencies committee agree to double the number of hearings (from 9 to 18), it will also issue an interim report, following the first stage of hearings.

The first stage gets underway October 6, 2009 in Regina, with stops in La Ronge and Saskatoon, before concluding in Regina October 19. The second stage begins January 18, 2010 in Lloydminster and concludes January 29, 2010 in Regina. For a complete listing of all the consultations, check here.

The hearings on how to best meet Saskatchewan’s future energy needs will consider all forms of electrical generation; from wind and solar, to geothermal, clean coal and nuclear. The committee will hear from the public and stakeholders, including SaskPower and energy experts.

RECORD POPULATION GROWTH

It’s like Saskatchewan has become a safe haven during the global recession. Over the past year, our population has grown by 16,500 people. That is the fastest rate of growth since the 1950s.

It is proof that the initiatives undertaken by our government are working. By cutting taxes, building long-term care homes for seniors, fixing roads and investing in Saskatchewan’s first Children’s Hospital, we are laying a solid foundation for this and future generations.

Unlike the NDP, our government will keep moving Saskatchewan forward. We will continue to create opportunities for Saskatchewan people and for those who want to move to our great province.

With more than a million people now calling Saskatchewan home, our province not only remains one of the most affordable places to live, we also have the nicest September weather in the country!

PROVINCIAL PARKS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER

We love our parks. Despite the cooler-than-usual summer, provincial parks across the province saw record attendance over the last couple of months. It’s proof our government’s $5 million investment in parks this year, through campsite electrification and other improvements, was the right thing to do.

Past Legislative Reports