Report from the Legislature – January 20, 2016

Province Proclaims 2016 Red Tape Awareness Week

Reducing the regulatory burden for business and consumers in Saskatchewan is a key priority of our government.  Our Red Tape Reduction Action Plan sets a direction for ministries, agencies and crowns to review business regulations for impacts and costs at least once every 10 years.

The 2014-15 Our Regulatory Modernization Progress Report identified more than 200 initiatives undertaken to reduce red tape.  A target of $5 million in savings was established for the 2015-16 fiscal year.  To date, a total of $12.4 million in savings has been achieved through regulatory changes.

January 18th to 22nd, is Red Tape Awareness Week in Saskatchewan.  Regulatory modernization is part of our government’s Growth Plan.  There’s still more to do but we remain committed to reducing red tape, improving business competitiveness as well as promoting growth and innovation in Saskatchewan.

Record Research Funding for Livestock and Forage Sectors

The federal and provincial governments have announced more than $7.8 million in funding for 26 livestock and forage research projects.  This investment ensures producers benefit from research into improved forage varieties, optimization of livestock feeding systems and management of animal diseases.

This record livestock and forage-related investment through the Agriculture Development Fund includes the renewal of five year core funding for the Prairie Swine Centre and the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization.  An additional $800,000 is also being invested by third party organizations.

Since 2008, the federal and provincial governments have invested $37 million in livestock and forage research.  These dollars help to ensure the future success of an already strong and vibrant industry.

Crop Research Receives $7 Million in Government Funding to Advance Industry

Agriculture has always been a key driver of our economy and plays an essential role on a global scale. People around the world rely on our province for high-quality food and investing in research is vital to ensure our producers are growing what the world needs in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.

The federal and provincial governments recently announced $7 million for crop-related research projects through the Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund.  Bolstered by support from industry partner organizations, this funding extends to 40 projects and supports research in a variety of areas.

Research is critical to the continued growth of high-yielding, high-quality crops.  This funding will support research into things like the impact of drought and heat during flowering on canola yield, the screening and management of Fusarium Head Blight and improving wheat, lentil, faba bean and canaryseed varieties.

Government Invests More Than $1.5 Million in Wheat Research

Since our province has a significant role to play in providing quality food to a growing global population, we are determined to remain a leader in wheat research.  That’s why our government recently announced more than $1.5 million to six projects geared at advancing one of the most important crops in Saskatchewan.

This investment is part of Premier Wall’s 2012 commitment to invest $10 million in wheat research, with $5 million earmarked for the Canadian Wheat Alliance.  Industry and government partners in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are providing nearly $1.7 million in additional research funds.

Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested $23.4 million in wheat research through the Agriculture Development Fund.  A complete list of funded projects is available at saskatchewan.ca