FALL SESSION ENDS: SASKATCHEWAN WELL POSITIONED FOR FUTURE GROWTH

As the fall session of the Saskatchewan Legislature draws to a close, Premier Brad Wall said our province is well positioned to take advantage of future economic growth as the world's economies continue their turn-around.

"Our mid-term financial report recorded an unprecedented reversal of fortunes when it came to potash revenue projections," Wall said. "And while this will present challenges for our government, I'm confident we will be able to meet those challenges. We are very well positioned to continue our leadership as one of the strongest economies in Canada."

On average, Canada's nine leading economic forecasters are projecting an economic growth rate in Saskatchewan of 2.8 per cent for 2010 - tied with B.C. for the best in Canada.

Wall said when his new government took over two years ago, Saskatchewan's debt stood at $6.8 billion. Today that debt stands at $4.2 billion and there has been a net improvement in Saskatchewan's financial position to the tune of $2 billion over the past two years. Even with this improvement, the government has still been able to undertake significant new initiatives that will better the lives of families in our province.

Highlight of this fall session include:

• Setting a bold new goal to reduce surgical wait times in Saskatchewan to no more than three months over the next four years;
• Enhancing public safety with a ban on texting and hand-held cell phone use while driving, effective January 1;
• The introduction of new legislation to prohibit smoking in vehicles where children under the age of 16 are present;
• Legislation establishing the framework for meeting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent from 2006 levels by 2020 through innovation in low-carbon technologies;
• A record $630 million investment in highways and infrastructure, resulting in 1,580 kilometres of highway improvements;
• More than $5.4 million in capital money for 21 new group homes across Saskatchewan to enhance services for people with intellectual disabilities;
• Introduction of a pilot program to help the victims of crime collect restitution;
• Introduction of a proposed new law to protect consumers by assuring wider distribution of tickets to major events in our province; and
• The passage of new regulations to protect wild horses in the Bronson Forest.

Wall also thanked Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer and everyone involved in the planning and delivery of H1N1 vaccinations across Saskatchewan.

"Saskatchewan has provided a workshop for the nation on the safe and efficient delivery of vaccine first to high risk groups and then to the general public," Wall said. " I know this involved significant planning and extra hours by health workers all over our province, and I thank everyone for the work they have done."

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927