Legislative Report
July 7, 2022

Work on Saskatchewan Growth Plan Objectives Continues

Summertime fun is officially underway as we celebrated Canada Day to kick off the month. It was a pleasure to see so many smiling faces celebrating together again.

As we take advantage of the nicer weather, our government is working hard to meet with as many of you as possible to gather ideas and information. We continue to work on completing the 30 goals in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan and would like to get as much feedback as possible.

After a challenging growing season in 2021, there are opportunities for the agriculture sector in 2022. Conditions vary across the province, but there is optimism in the ag community. The world is looking to Saskatchewan for the food, fuel and fertilizer we produce.

Knowing our products are in high demand, Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan looks to increase the value of our exports by 50 per cent by 2030. We will support initiatives that will expand agri-food exports to $20 billion, support the increase of crop production to 45 million metric tonnes and increase livestock cash receipts to $3 billion.

Already, we have witnessed increased investment in the canola crush market, in line with our goal to crush 75 per cent of the canola that Saskatchewan produces. We are also working to see half of all pulse crops grown in the province, processed right here. This will help create more jobs in our communities, supporting families with good-paying jobs.

For this growth to be sustainable, supportive efforts are in place for water control and irrigation. The Water Security Agency (WSA) recently announced funding to prevent flooding and erosion problems that result in costly damage. Local governments, including rural municipalities, Conservation and Development Area Authorities and Watershed Associations can apply for funding that is available, up to $1 million.

WSA has expanded eligibility to include maintenance for constructed drainage projects, where previously, only natural watercourses qualified for funding. The funding is vital to support responsible agriculture water management. The deadline to apply is January 31st, 2023, with details available at www.wsask.ca.

Irrigation infrastructure is also receiving a boost in funding this year. The Ministry of Agriculture has announced an additional $2.5 million to help producers finance new projects. By supporting producers in developing irrigable acres, we are creating sustainability that will generate new opportunities. Producers can access up to $500,000 under the Irrigation Development Program. The funding supports irrigation infrastructure, such as pumps and pipelines, to create a secure water supply to the edge of irrigable parcels of land.

After much concern this spring from users, new reports from the WSA indicate that lake levels have risen substantially in Lake Diefenbaker, surpassing 2021 levels. A late mountain thaw delayed runoff for Saskatchewan, a warmer spring resulted in more evaporation around the lake, plus a lack of precipitation for the area impacted water levels. Runoff from Alberta has now started to arrive in the region, allowing the Riverhurst Ferry to resume operations. Low levels had delayed the ferry’s start to the season but is now available for travellers and producers looking to make it across the river.

With the increase in water activities across the province, the Ministry of Environment is reminding boating enthusiasts to help protect our waterways from aquatic invasive species (AIS). These plants, fish and invertebrates can damage habitats and fisheries, as well as power generation and water infrastructure. Once established, AIS can be impossible to eliminate and cost millions of dollars to manage each year.

One of the easiest and unintentional ways of spreading an AIS is by boat, canoe or other watercraft. As part of its program, the Ministry of Environment is out conducting roadside inspections and monitoring water bodies in the province. Public education is also a focus, including the Clean, Drain, Dry Program for watercraft and related equipment. Boat owners must stop at ministry inspection stations and are required to remove the drain plugs from their watercraft during transportation. You can learn more about helping keep our waters clean by visiting Saskatchewan.ca/invasive-species.

We would like to hear from you. Conversations during the summer months help to inform us on the programs and services that meet your needs. Reach out to your local Saskatchewan Party MLA office with any concerns or ideas you would like to share. Our offices can also help with issues that you might be experiencing while trying to access our services.