Regina Wascana Plains September 30th Newsletter

Legislature Opening

The fall sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature will commence on October 23. Her Honour the Lieutenant Governor will read the Speech from the Throne outlining the government’s priorities.

 

Brightwater Opens

Along with Regina Dewdney MLA Gene Makowsky, I attended the opening of Brightwater Senior Living of Riverbend.  Brightwater Senior Living of Riverbend includes lifestyle options in Personal Care and Memory Care and is located on Heseltine Road.

 

Makowsky Enshrined in Plaza of Honour

I extend my congratulations to my colleague Gene Makowsky (Regina Dewdney) for being inducted into the Saskatchewan Roughrider Plaza of Honour. Prior to being elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2011, Gene played 17 seasons with the Roughriders. Among his accomplishments;

  • Selected in the 2nd round (23rd overall) by the Riders in the 1995 CFL Draft
  • His 284 regular season games played is the most in Roughrider history
  • Played in 16 playoff games
  • Played in four Grey Cups, winning the championship in 2007
  • Was named the CFL Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2004 and 2005
  • Was named the West Division Most Outstanding Lineman in 2004, 2005 and 2008
  • Was named a West Division All-Star in seven consecutive seasons
  • Was named a CFL All-Star five times

 

1.1 Million: SK Grows By More Than 100,000 In Six Years

Saskatchewan’s population has surpassed the 1.1 million mark for the first time ever after growing by more than 100,000 people since 2007.

New population figures released today by Statistics Canada show Saskatchewan’s population was 1,108,303 as of July 1, 2013. That’s an increase of 106,255 since July 1, 2007.

Saskatchewan’s population grew by 20,757 in the past year and 6,895 in the past quarter – the largest increase in any quarter since Statistics Canada began keeping quarterly estimates.

Saskatchewan has not seen this kind of population growth since the province’s early days. Saskatchewan’s population grew rapidly during the province’s first 25 years – from 236,000 when the province was formed in 1905 to just over 900,000 in 1930.

After that, Saskatchewan’s population did more fluctuating than growing. It then took until 1983 for Saskatchewan’s population to reach the one million mark for the first time. It dropped back below one million in 2001 before finally hitting one million again in 2007.

 

Unemployment Rate lowest in Canada for eight months

Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate has been the lowest in the country for the eighth month in a row according to new figures released by Statistics Canada today. In August 2013, the unemployment rate in the province was 4.2 per cent, well below the 7.1 per cent posted nationally.

There were 564,900 people employed in the province last month, a record for the month of August and an increase of 15,800 or 2.9 per cent over the past 12 months. Saskatchewan ranked second among the provinces in terms of percentage gains.

 

Staying in Touch

I appreciate the many opportunities to make a positive difference in our constituency. Your phone calls, letters and emails make a big difference in keeping me informed on the issues that matter to you.

If you would like to recognize anyone or have your event mentioned in this newsletter, please don’t hesitate to contact me.