GOVERNMENT INTRODUCES BILL TO ESTABLISH NEW ORGANIZATION FOR INDUSTRIAL LICENSING AND INSPECTION SERVICES

A Bill proposing establishment of a delegated administrative organization, the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan, to administer the safety program for boilers, pressure vessels, amusement rides and elevators was introduced in the legislature today by Corrections, Public Safety and Policing (CPSP) Minister D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert.

The Bill proposes enactment of The Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan Act, as well as amendments to a number of existing acts and regulations governing safety standards for these devices. With passage of the Bill, programs and services currently undertaken by CPSP's Licensing and Inspections branch will move to the new authority.

"Changes in technology, expansion of industry and rapid economic growth in Saskatchewan have made it difficult for government to keep up with the increasing demands for regulatory services," Huyghebaert said. "A delegated authority will deliver services more effectively and efficiently, which responds to industry needs and minimizes risks to public safety."

The Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan will be arms-length to government, but CPSP will continue to be responsible for overall policy as well as legislative and regulatory requirements.

"Industry has been concerned about the backlog in inspections and the government's ability to respond to our needs for several years," Hitachi Canadian Industries Ltd. Vice-President Murray Daku said. "I am pleased to see this step being taken."

It is intended for the authority to begin operations July 1, 2010, with 52 Licensing and Inspections Branch staff being transferred to the new authority at that time.

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For more information, contact:

Judy Orthner
Corrections, Public Safety & Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: judy.orthner@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-2233