Legislative Report
November 24, 2022

Increased Investments Made Possible by Strong Economy

A growing economy in Saskatchewan has allowed our government to expand investments in the programs and services that make a difference. These initiatives benefit our most vulnerable residents while supporting the needs of a growing population.

A strong province is one where everyone benefits from growth. This fall, your Saskatchewan Party Government introduced new legislation that will create a more inclusive and accessible province for all people. The Accessible Saskatchewan Act will establish standards and regulations that will lead the way to support people with disabilities. Following the principle of "Nothing about us, without us", this new legislation will continue to engage the community in this important work.

We will lead by example with this new legislation. To ensure organizations are supported, the proposed legislation will apply to the government first, including rolling out an accessibility plan. The legislation includes an Accessibility Advisory Committee, with at least half of the members being persons with disabilities or from organizations representing people with disabilities. We will increase public awareness of issues impacting the community through the Saskatchewan Accessibility Office, which will monitor compliance concerns. The legislation will also recognize sign language as the primary form of communication for people who are deaf. By introducing these changes, we are working to create a province where persons with disabilities can fully participate.

Our government is embarking on a new one-year pilot project to deliver services to victims of human trafficking. Partnering with Hope Restored Canada, we are investing $150,000 to expand secure housing, counselling, treatment and life skills programs. This initiative results from months of work with Hope Restored Canada to support victims as they heal from the trauma inflicted and pave a new path for their lives.

Supporting Saskatchewan's efforts to prevent interpersonal violence and abuse, our government endorses the new National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Unveiled in Nova Scotia at the 40th Annual Meeting of Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women, the action plan is a collaboration between governments, stakeholders and Indigenous organizations. Implementing the National Action Plan will build on the initiatives already in place, including the $25 million in annual support Saskatchewan currently provides.

As Saskatchewan continues to grow, our government is working to provide more support to families. A $28.9 million joint investment with the Government of Canada will see nearly 2,200 new regulated childcare spaces across the province. With this announcement, Saskatchewan will have just shy of 23,0000 regulated childcare spaces, well on our way to creating 28,000 spaces by the end of March 2026 and reducing fees to $10 a day. On average, 70 per cent of childcare fees have now been reduced in Saskatchewan thanks to the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

Seniors across the province will see more financial support in the coming months. This year, our government increased the maximum monthly benefit through the Senior’s Income Plan by $30 per month, with a second $30 increase approved for 2023/24. Around $34 million in annual funding helps support 14,500 low-income seniors in the province.

Increased investments are made possible by the strong economy. Our government will continue to make sure all residents see the benefits. New private investment, more jobs and higher resource revenues support expanding these important government services. That’s growth that works for everyone.