Legislative Report
July 29, 2021

COVID Vaccinations Continue While Activities Return to Normal

It has been a warm, eventful few weeks since public health orders and restrictions were lifted, and I hope you’re enjoying a great Saskatchewan summer!

Most residents are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and we have seen a significant reduction in transmission and hospitalization. While our return to more normal activities is encouraging, COVID-19 still poses a risk to those who aren’t fully vaccinated.

As of August 8, the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is shifting from mass vaccination clinics to focused outreach, targeting those who are partially or unvaccinated.

While the provincial vaccination program will continue through targeted walk-in and pop-up clinics in public places and at summer events, as well as through participating pharmacies, residents are asked to take advantage of all the options currently available to them.

For guidance on COVID-19, including the requirements for self-isolation if you have a positive test, expectations around masking, information for businesses and workplaces, and visitation requirements for acute care and care homes, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/living-with-covid.

I’m pleased to report that the resilience and drive of small business in Saskatchewan is leading the nation with 86 per cent having re-opened. Saskatchewan’s retail trade figures are also leading the nation, another strong indicator that our economic recovery is well underway.

Federal Actions on Border and Carbon Tax

Saskatchewan recently joined with Alberta, North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho to call on Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden to work together in re-opening the international border to immediately allow the free flow of citizens, goods, and tourists. Securely opening our border will strengthen our economies and continue building on our long history of mutual respect and friendship.

It is disappointing to hear that, although international travel from the U.S. will resume on August 9, Saskatchewan will be one of the only jurisdictions in Canada that will not have an airport accepting international travelers. We have worked to safely re-open our province and with no explanation or indication why from the federal government behind this decision, this is yet another blow to our industries who are counting on international access.

In what can only be described as an arbitrary and political decision, the Trudeau government recently denied our government’s plan to replace the federal carbon tax. The plan exceeded the minimum standards and protected the livelihoods of families across our province. If the federal government was truly willing to work with Saskatchewan, they could start by approving our plan today.

Improving Quality of Life in Saskatchewan

Our government recently fulfilled key commitments to improve quality of life in Saskatchewan.

The first was through an increase to the Seniors Income Plan, a monthly income-tested benefit which provides seniors with different levels of support based on the amount of their pension, taxable income or living arrangement. The benefit is higher for those with lower income and the program supports more than 15,000 seniors to live more comfortably and securely.

Expanded funding for families with children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has also been made available for children up to age 11. The program gives parents funding for therapeutic interventions and family supports that best suit their child’s individual needs. These may include respite services, therapeutic equipment, and training for parents and caregivers. An estimated 1,000 families will benefit. You can learn more at saskatchewan.ca/autism.

As always, if you have questions, comments, concerns, or require assistance with provincial government programs or services, please contact our Constituency Office.