Legislative Report
18 March 2021

Update on Vaccine Rollout

Everyone is feeling the impact of COVID-19 on their families, livelihoods, and way of life. Together we have worked with medical professionals to reduce the impact, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, as well as promote job creation, growth, and investment.

After a year of adapting to all aspects of this global health challenge, we can take comfort in our vaccine rollout's effectiveness to date. I strongly encourage you to get the COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available to you. If you have yet to receive the vaccine, please watch for regular updates on clinics and eligibility. When it's your time, you can book an appointment online at www.saskatchewan.ca/COVID19-vaccine or by phone at 1-833-SASK-VAX (1-833-727-5829).

The Government of Saskatchewan has amended The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 to allow for paid time off from work for an employee to get vaccinated for COVID-19. This new regulation comes into force immediately. Special Vaccination Leave is similar to provisions allowing residents to vote during a general election, allowing for:

• three consecutive hours leave during work hours to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, or
• more than three consecutive hours if the employer determines the circumstances warrant a longer break from work; and
• workers do not lose any pay or other benefits while receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.

Expanded Household Bubbles & Higher Capacity for Worship Services

Recently the Government of Saskatchewan made amendments to public health measures, allowing households to create a bubble up to a maximum of ten individuals. These ten individuals should be from the same two or three households. In addition, worship services are now permitted to host up to 30 per cent capacity or 150 attendees, whichever is less.

The Regina area is the only exception, as extra precautions are required to address a higher number of COVD-19 and COVID variant cases. Residents are asked to assess their individual situations and consider not expanding their household bubble. They are also encouraged to limit travel to essential trips and be vigilant both at home and in the community.

You can learn about the current public health measures in Saskatchewan at www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-measures.

Saskatchewan Well Positioned for Strong Post-COVID Recovery

Saskatchewan continues to have what the world needs and is better positioned than any other jurisdiction in Canada for a strong and vibrant economic recovery from COVID-19.

Our economy continues to move in the right direction, with year-over-year manufacturing sales growing well above the national average. We are also seeing significant growth in residential building construction along with remarkable export and job numbers in recent months.

Investments in infrastructure during this extraordinary time provide an opportunity to make our communities more sustainable and resilient. Recently, more than $33 million in joint federal and provincial funding was announced for 26 Saskatchewan projects. Providing communities with reliable and sustainable infrastructure is a shared priority for both governments.

All levels of government continue to work together for the people of Saskatchewan to make strategic infrastructure investments. In Saskatchewan, these projects will provide better access to community amenities such as playgrounds and swimming pools, update sewage systems and ensure reliable, efficient water services.

Rural municipalities play a significant role in our plan to build a strong Saskatchewan. This new funding will ensure projects will be ready for this construction season to help build rural infrastructure while protecting and growing jobs across our province.

Our government has announced $11.2 million in economic stimulus funds for the Rural Integrated Roads for Growth program. This funding boost will provide a head-start on getting projects approved for the 2021 construction season and will continue to assist RMs with the cost of construction and upgrading municipal roads, bridges and culverts to support growth. With the additional dollars, our government contributes more than $39 million to the program in 2020-21.

This program is an important component of the province's plan to rebuild 100 roads over the next three years and 100 bridges over the next four years.

As always, our constituency office is here to assist you. Please contact us by phone or e-mail if you have questions or need help with government programs or services.