Legislative Report
(10 November 2009)

Second Anniversary Of Saskatchewan Party Government

November 7 was the two-year anniversary of our Saskatchewan Party government. Two years ago, you entrusted us with the future of the province. In that time, we have worked hard to live up to that trust.

We have kept 112 of the campaign promises we made. Taxes are down. Because of those tax cuts, 80,000 lower-income people no longer pay provincial income tax. Unlike the NDP, we kept our promise to change the way education is funded, resulting in historic property tax savings. Through a historic investment in infrastructure, we are fixing roads, schools and healthcare facilities. We are also 70 per cent of the way toward meeting our goal of hiring 800 more nurses. There are more daycare spaces. Through our Graduate Retention Program, post-secondary students can recover most of the cost of their education. We are helping society’s most vulnerable through more programming for people with disabilities, more affordable housing units and indexing shelter rates to inflation. For the first time in sixteen years, benefits under the Seniors Income Plan have increased, doubling both the benefit amount and the number of seniors eligible. By balancing our growing economy with the needs of Saskatchewan people, we are making sure everyone benefits from that growth.

We are now closer to the next election than we are to the last one. What can you expect from us over the next two years? We will continue to keep promises, starting with our promise to reduce surgical wait times to no longer than three months. You can expect us to continue to manage the province’s finances with prudence. We will continue to work hard to keep the trust you placed in us.

Thank you for your support.

H1N1 Vaccination Update

H1N1 vaccinations are being expanded again to include another small high-risk group. Primary caregivers of children under six months in age, in most cases their parents, are now being vaccinated. Vaccinations continue for the following risk groups:

• People of all ages who are immune compromised, including those diagnosed with or receiving treatment for:
  1. Chronic renal failure;
  2. On Hemodialysis;
  3. Leukemia, Lymphoma;
  4. Receiving Chemotherapy;
  5. Receiving Radiotherapy;
  6. Transplant recipients (Solid organ, bone marrow, etc.);
  7. HIV/AIDS;
  8. Congenital immunodeficiency; and
  9. On high dose steroids or other medications causing immuno-suppression.
• People under 35 with underlying health conditions such as:
  1. Asthma;
  2. Diabetes and other endocrine disorders;
  3. Neurological disorders;
  4. Chronic Heart and Lung Disease;
  5. Non White Cell Haematogical disorders (eg: sickle cell etc.);
  6. Obesity;
  7. Cancer (other than leukemia or lymphoma) and not on chemotherapy; and
  8. Liver disease.

Provincial clinics are still taking other high risk categories, including health care workers, pregnant and post-partum women (up to four weeks), and children from six months to Grade Six. It is expected H1N1 clinics will be expanded to include the general public in the coming weeks. For the most up-to-date information, check the Health section under Community Information for a link to the Health Region.

Remembrance Day – Lest We Forget

Every year, we remember. We wear poppies close to our hearts. We pay tribute to the dedication and sacrifice of all Canadian soldiers. Annual Remembrance Day ceremonies were held at the Legislature this week to honour all of the brave men and women who risked and are risking their lives for our freedom. On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month we honour their courage and sacrifice. We will always remember – lest we forget.

Past Legislative Reports