Promises Kept

PROMISE KEPT: When in opposition, Premier Wall committed to having a smaller cabinet than the previous administration.  The current cabinet, sworn in November 21, 2007, consists of 18 members, two less than the last Saskatchewan cabinet.

PROMISE KEPT: On November 26, 2007, Finance Minister Rod Gantefoer offered new details of the government's commitment to eliminate the Provincial Sales Tax (PST) on used cars and light trucks.

PROMISE KEPT: Within days of being sworn in, the Saskatchewan Party government set aside the former administration's Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Domtar to negotiate a deal that does not involve taxpayers’ money.  The decision not to proceed with the MOU will save Crown Investments Corporation and Saskatchewan taxpayers nearly $100 million.

PROMISE KEPT: A directive issued to the province's Crown Prosecutors on December 12, 2007, will see tougher treatment of repeat drunk drivers, including the forfeiture of their vehicle.

PROMISE KEPT: Sound financial management will be the foundation of the Saskatchewan Government and its growth agenda.  That was the message from Finance Minister Rod Gantefoer on December 13, 2007, as he introduced the new government's first piece of legislation - The Saskatchewan Growth and Financial Security Act.

PROMISE KEPT: Saskatchewan's new government is keeping another election promise with the introduction of its second piece of legislation setting the stage for a new approach to economic development in the province.   Introduced December 17, 2007, An Act respecting Enterprise Saskatchewan outlines the structure of Enterprise Saskatchewan and will give the new special operating agency the authority to carry out its mandate.

PROMISE KEPT: On April 22, 2008, the Saskatchewan Party government passed its first pieces of legislation since taking office in November 2007, including a new law establishing a fixed election date every four years.

PROMISE KEPT: For the first time in Saskatchewan history, First Nations Chiefs from across the Province, Premier Brad Wall, Saskatchewan Cabinet Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) gathered in the Provincial Legislature on December 18, 2007 to share in a traditional celebratory feast.  The gathering was a way for MLAs to meet with the Chiefs and to signal that the new Provincial Government intends to build a strong, long-term relationship with First Nations people and their leaders based on mutual respect and understanding.

PROMISE KEPT: On December 19, 2007, the Saskatchewan Party government introduced The Public Service Essential Services Act which defines essential services and balances the rights of workers with the need for essential services to ensure public safety.

PROMISE KEPT: The Saskatchewan Party government introduced amendments to The Trade Union Act on December 19 that are intended to promote cooperative, productive and healthy work environments for employers and employees while ensuring Saskatchewan is competitive with other Canadian jurisdictions.

PROMISE KEPT: On January 30, 2008, the Saskatchewan Party government announced it will provide approximately $4 million in funding to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency for the drug Avastin, for treatment of patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

PROMISE KEPT: On January 31, 2008, Premier Brad Wall announced a two-day round-table conference in May 2008 to help form a new policy to ensure Saskatchewan First Nations and Métis people become true partners in Saskatchewan's economy and future.

PROMISE KEPT: On February 21, 2008, the Saskatchewan Party government announced that beginning July 1, 2008, children up to age 14 will have their prescription drug costs capped at $15 per prescription. Seniors across Saskatchewan will soon be receiving applications and information on the new Seniors' Drug Plan set to take effect on July 1, 2008.

PROMISE KEPT: The Saskatchewan Party government announced on February 21, 2008 that people suffering from a debilitating form of arthritis known as ankylosing spondylitis (A.S.) will now have two of the medications used to treat the disease covered under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan.  Several other medications were approved under the Exception Drug Status for use when specific criteria are met.

PROMISE KEPT: Minister of Justice Don Morgan announced on February 12, 2008 that people with unpaid fines in the province of Saskatchewan may soon see their income tax refunds and GST rebates withheld.  The Fine Collection branch of the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General will partner with the Canada Revenue Agency to garnish federal government income tax and GST payments from people who have not paid their fines.

PROMISE KEPT: On February 28, 2008, Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) President Rosalee Longmoore and Health Minister Don McMorris signed a partnership agreement committing to work together to solve Saskatchewan's shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs). This is the first agreement of its kind in Canada.

PROMISE KEPT: On February 29, 2008, The Government of Saskatchewan announced the names of ten individuals who have agreed to accept positions on the Enterprise Saskatchewan Board of Directors.

PROMISE KEPT: Gary Merasty, a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation and Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at Cameco Corporation in Saskatoon was appointed to the Enterprise Saskatchewan Board of Directors on February 29, 2008.  Mr. Merasty served as Grand Chief with the Prince Albert Grand Council, as well as the Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River.

PROMISE KEPT: The Saskatchewan Party government announced on March 17, 2008 that campfire permit fees, also known as the "wiener roast tax", will officially be eliminated in Saskatchewan parks effective April 1, saving park goers about $375,000 annually.

PROMISE KEPT: On March 17, 2008, the Saskatchewan Party government announced an increase in the victim surcharge fines collected on provincial offences to help provide improved services to the victims of crime. Where the fine imposed is $500 or less, the surcharge will be increased by $10. Where the fine imposed is greater than $500, the surcharge will be increased by 10 per cent.

Promises kept by the Saskatchewan Party government in its first budget, Budget 2008-09: Ready for Growth, delivered in the Legislative Assembly March 19, 2008.

PROMISE KEPT: On April 7, 2008, Crown Corporations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff announced the provincial government is rewarding vehicle owners who ‘go green on the road' with a 20 per cent rebate from SGI on their 2007 insurance and registration fees for hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles.

PROMISE KEPT: On April 9, 2008, Agriculture Minister and Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation Bob Bjornerud launched a review of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance program that will focus on ways to improve the program for farmers.

PROMISE KEPT: Education Minister Ken Krawetz introduced legislation in the house on April 14, 2008 that amends The Education Act, 1995 to expand the process boards of education follow when making the decision to close schools that are located within school districts.

PROMISE KEPT: The Government is asking Saskatchewan residents to weigh in on education property taxes. The Government launched an online form via the Ministry of Education website on May 9, 2008 asking residents to put forward their ideas about how the province can find a solution aimed at reducing education property taxes.