Report from the Legislature- October 7, 2015

 

Focused on the Fall Sitting

The fall sitting of the Legislative Assembly will begin October 13th.  As the Saskatchewan Legislature reconvenes, our government’s focus is keeping Saskatchewan strong.

As part of the 25 day sitting, MLAs will debate new legislation introduced by the government. One example is a bill to reduce wait times by allowing private MRIs in Saskatchewan.

During this session, our government will also outline its future plans for farmland ownership rules in the province, based on the results of public consultations held in recent months.

Saskatchewan is Still Growing

The strength of province can be measured in growth – and Saskatchewan continues to grow.  The province’s population grew by 3,100 in the second quarter of 2015.

According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan’s population increased by 11,354 people in the past year and has now grown in every quarter for the past nine years.

Even with the challenges facing the oil industry, people continue to see this as a great place to live and work – which is a big change from the way things used to be.

More Than 30 Highway Projects Released for Tender

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is releasing its fall tender plan, announcing more than $174 million of highway work for the 2016 construction season.

The projects include about 50 km of paving, 115 km of repaving, 40 km in grading and paving, 50 km of maintenance, five bridge replacements or rehabilitations, and two culvert installations.

With this year’s record $842 million Highways and Infrastructure budget, the government has exceeded its 2011 commitment to invest $2.2 billion over four years by about half a billion dollars.

Tanning Bed Regulations to Take Effect This Fall

Regulations to prohibit use of indoor tanning beds by youth under 18 will take effect November 1, 2015.  This step will help to protect youth from the health risks associated with indoor tanning.

The regulations, which represent a workable, practical approach to this issue, will apply to tanning facilities and to businesses that offer indoor tanning services, such as gyms and spas.

Saskatchewan will continue efforts to encourage healthy lifestyle choices and educate youth and parents about the risks of indoor tanning.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Properly maintained and installed smoke alarms in every bedroom, on every level of your home and in other key locations are important to reducing fire-related deaths and injuries.

This is Fire Prevention Week and I encourage you to do your part to protect your family by testing smoke alarms – not only during Fire Prevention Week, but throughout the year.

The province is introducing significant improvements to its fire safety legislation.  The new Fire Safety Act and related regulations will better reflect the current roles of fire services and will:

  • Clarify local and provincial authority and responsibilities regarding fire safety and response;
  • Improve liability protection for local firefighters and departments, including volunteers; and
  • Provide improved guidelines for the province to assist communities and local fire services overwhelmed when responding to an emergency.

For more information, visit saskatchewan.ca, search “fire awareness” then click Fire Awareness and Education.