Saskatchewan Party MLA
Report from the Legislature
The spring sitting of the Legislature has wrapped up in Regina, with the focal point being the 2019 provincial budget as well as several pieces of new legislation that were passed. The provincial budget focused on a sustainable plan to ensure a balanced budget this year and for years to come. We were also able to make some key investments such as:
• the largest overall investment in the ministry of Health and a record $30 million more for targeted mental health and addictions funding;
• An increase of $26 million in operating funding for Saskatchewan school divisions;
• New tax credits for volunteer firefighters and first responders; and
• Funding to begin a five-year Enhanced Intersection Safety Program. Additionally, this spring there were multiple pieces of legislation that were passed such as:
• the development of new trespassing legislation which will place the onus on visitors to obtain permission from landowners – the new legislation will take force once the necessary regulations are developed;
• Changes to The Saskatchewan Employment Act creating a new critically ill adult leave, expanding parental leave and adding an additional week of maternity leave;
• Passing “Clare’s Law” which will allow police to release information about someone’s violent or abusive past to intimate partners whose safety may be at risk;
• Creating a paid job leave option for survivors of interpersonal and sexual violence to take up to five paid days and five unpaid days off to seek supports or services. There are signs of increasing strength in our economy. This despite the headwinds we are facing whether it is the federal carbon tax (which we will take to the Supreme Court if necessary), trade challenges for our agriculture sector with countries like China and India, or the difficulties that we face getting our oil to tidewater. We have seen 9 consecutive months of strong job growth, over 14,000 new jobs over the past year, and 18,000 more fulltime jobs province-wide. In the weeks and months ahead, my fellow MLAs and I will be busy back in our constituencies connecting with you – our constituents. We are looking forward to hearing your thoughts, suggestions and feedback in terms of how we can build on the growth of our communities and our province.