Legislative Report
(12 August 2015)

Regina Bypass will Improve Safety and Save $380 Million

Site work has begun in preparation for construction of the largest infrastructure project in Saskatchewan’s history. The Regina Bypass, which will see a dozen overpasses, about 40 kilometres of new twinned highway, will improve safety on Highway 1 east of Regina, reduce congestion in and around the city and support economic growth throughout the region.

A public-private partnership (P3) model will save $380 million and help to deliver the project on-time and on-budget in a timeframe that would otherwise not have been achievable through a traditional construction approach. Based on preliminary numbers, the Regina Bypass project will create 8,200 construction-related jobs. Construction will be complete in the fall of 2019.

Investing in a Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence

Committed to an innovative, competitive and profitable agriculture and agri-food sector, our government is investing in a new Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence. This new Centre of Excellence will incorporate and build on collaborative work in areas such as herd health, animal welfare, disease prevention, nutrition, management, public health, environmental stewardship, food safety and security, forage utilization, breeding and development.

Saskatchewan is home to world-class livestock and forage research work, and the creation of a Centre of Excellence will support the continued profitability and sustainability of an industry that is a major economic driver for our province and for Canada. The work of this centre will help Saskatchewan’s farmers and ranchers remain competitive in the global marketplace.

Province Invests in Mobile Job Connections Buses for First Nations Communities

First Nations engagement in the workforce is a top priority of our government. In response to recommendations from the Joint Task Force on First Nations and Métis Education and Employment, the Mobile Job Connection Service project is expanding services and will be working closely with a number of employers to help them recruit First Nations people.

In an effort to strengthen access to information, services and supports that help people transition to school, work, and new communities, Job Connections buses will provide convenient access to services needed to research career and training opportunities, develop a career action plan, connect with employers and, ultimately, gain rewarding employment.

Saskatchewan Records 22 Months of Lowest Unemployment Rate in Canada

According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan has maintained the lowest unemployment rate in the country for almost two straight years. While we know there are gains and losses taking place in the job market – something we watch closely – consistently having the lowest unemployment rate in Canada means a sustainable and reliable job market that speaks volumes to business and industry when they are looking for jurisdictions to invest in.

Despite recent economic challenges, the women and men of Saskatchewan continue to work hard to contribute to Saskatchewan’s economic prosperity while also making important strides in their own quality of life. And given that the consensus among economic forecasters is for continued growth, Saskatchewan’s current and future employment outlook remains positive.

Past Legislative Reports