MLAs Column
More people called Saskatchewan home this Christmas, as the province’s population grew by 4,132 people in the past quarter and 14,467 in the past year. It is encouraging to finish the calendar year on a positive note. Important, positive progress was accomplished during the fall sitting of the Legislative session and we have received good news regarding an upswing in the economy. According to the most recent RBC Economics Provincial Outlook, Saskatchewan will lead Canada in economic growth in 2018 and 2019. The report projects Saskatchewan growth of 2.7 per cent for both years, compared to the Canadian projection of 1.9 per cent in 2018 and 1.6 per cent in 2019.
The provincial economy will benefit from recovery in the energy sector, as well as rising investment spending and expected rebounds in the agricultural and mining sectors. The report notes key potash contracts secured in China and India as contributing factors to some of the growth. The growth in the mining sector is expected to have a positive effect on capital spending and on the construction sector in Saskatchewan. The report also projects growth of 0.5 per cent in employment and a lower unemployment rate of 5.7 per cent for 2018. This is all encouraging news.
To promote the strength of our economy, our government passed a bill allowing small businesses to pay less tax on more income. The bill extends the lower two per cent tax rate and gives employers greater incentive to invest in new capital projects and to hire more workers here in Saskatchewan. We also introduced an Agriculture Value Added New Growth Incentive to attract more investment. The fall sitting reflected the efforts to strengthen the economy, and to support the vulnerable in our province. A part of our government’s larger effort was to address the issue of interpersonal violence in Saskatchewan. We worked together with the Opposition on legislation to provide 10 days of unpaid job protected leave to access services or relocate. We recognize that interpersonal vio- lence continues to be a serious problem for Saskatchewan families. We will continue to work with our partners, other jurisdictions, and other levels of government to develop long-term solutions. In addition to legislation, we need to develop measures to identify and prevent abusive relationships.
Our government has moved to fulfil its commitment to provide individualized funding to children under six with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We have also taken steps to improve the rate of organ donation in the province through a new program led by donor physicians.
It has been a privilege to represent the constituents of Moose Jaw North in 2017. Thank you for your support, your input and your suggestions over the year. Please enjoy the New Year’s festivities and remember to plan a safe ride home. To assist in your safety and the safety of others, Moose Jaw Transit will provide free bus service from 7:55 p.m. through 3:15 a.m on New Year’s Eve. All regular bus routes will be in effect, so no matter where you’re celebrating within the city, a free, safe ride home will be available.
Debbie and I wish you an enjoyable New Year’s celebration, and good health and happiness in 2018.