Legislative Report
We want to ensure every Saskatchewan resident has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process – particularly those who face challenges in casting their vote. This is why, in consultation with the Official Opposition, our government has introduced amendments that are going to make it easier for Saskatchewan people to vote in future provincial elections.
The Election Amendment Act, 2014 will establish a permanent voter registry and remove the requirement for door-to-door enumeration, restrictions on who can vote at advance polls and provide for homebound voting for voters with a disability. These new provisions will allow voters with a disability to apply to have election officials come to their home to take their vote. Additional changes will broaden voter assistance provisions and make it easier for voters to designate a friend or access an interpreter to help them cast their vote.
We are particularly proud of a change that provides special residence recognition to voters serving in the Canadian Armed Forces. Active members of the military who are from Saskatchewan will retain their residency while serving outside the province while members who are coming from outside the province to serve in Saskatchewan will immediately be able to vote in provincial elections. We are the first jurisdiction in Canada to implement this change.
As part of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, we expect to add 60,000 more people to our workforce by 2020. To that end, we’re making record investments in post-secondary education so people can receive the training needed to participate in our dynamic labour market.