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Strong People Working Together for a Strong Saskatchewan

Dec 9, 2014 | 1:37 PM

Saskatchewan is strong when our people are strong.  This is why our government is committed to providing greater supports for those experiencing mental health and addiction issues.  To that end, I would like to thank Dr. Fern Stockdale Winder and many others for their work to shape the recommendations that are included in a new Mental Health and Addiction Action Plan.

Working Together for Change: A 10-Year Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan for Saskatchewan is the culmination of extensive public consultation that puts a particular emphasis on the voices of people with lived experience.  This action plan, which addresses the complex and often connected issues of mental health and addictions, includes the voices of family members, concerned citizens and providers from across the human service sectors.

Our government has received and endorsed the report and remains committed to action that will improve the services provided to those living with mental health and addictions issues. 

Saskatchewan people can be proud of what we have accomplished together.  Our province is home to more people and jobs than ever before, our incomes are higher and our taxes lower.  In the Legislative Assembly on December 4, 2014, my colleague, MLA for Melville-Saltcoats – Bob Bjornerud, highlighted our record of reducing taxes.  Here is part of the debate:

“Mr. Speaker, one of the reasons I ran for politics in 1995 was because of the track record of the NDP at closing hospitals, 52 hospitals.  Mr. Speaker, I think it’s common knowledge right across this province, but especially in rural Saskatchewan, that we hope that we never have to put up with another NDP government and watch the demise of this province like we did in the last 16 years before we formed government.

Mr. Speaker, some of the things that we’ve done since we’ve came to power, and a lot of them have to do with taxes which has helped grow this province, but since 2007 the Sask Party government tax reductions saved families almost $2.8 billion.

Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan residents will save 480 million this year due to tax cuts. Since 2007 our government has increased the personal, spousal, and child exemption amounts and introduced new low-income tax credits.

Mr. Speaker, for an example, an individual taxpayer pays no tax on the first $18,650. A member of four with $50,000 annual income will pay just $166 in provincial income tax in 2014 compared with $2,302 in 2007, and of course that was at the end of the NDP reign. Tremendous difference, Mr. Speaker.”

You can click here to view the full debate. http://docs.legassembly.sk.ca/legdocs/Legislative%20Assembly/Hansard/27L4S/141204Debates.pdf

The most recent Statistics Canada Report indicates that Saskatchewan’s rate of unemployment (3.4%) is well below the national average of 6.6%.  Note that is has been the lowest (or tied for lowest) in Canada for 24 consecutive months!

The Aboriginal youth unemployment rate fell 3.8 percentage points to 13.5% from 17.3% a year ago.  As well, the Aboriginal unemployment rate fell 1.6 percentage points to 9.1% from a year ago.  This is 26 months of year-over-year declines.

However, there is more work to be done. 

On the advice of the Joint Task Force on First Nations and Métis Education and Employment, your Government is working to strengthen access to information, services and supports that help people to transition to school, work, and new communities.

Our government recently announced $3M to improve education outcomes for First Nations and Métis children.  This will expand the use of Help Me Tell My Story (HMTMS) as well as support the Invitational Shared Services initiative that will be provided to on-reserve schools.

Our on-reserve Adult Basic Education investments are unique in Canada because 25% of funding is for on-reserve. 

Through industry/government/Aboriginal partnerships, $9.5M ($1.5M provincial, $8M federal) is going to support the Northern Career Quest initiative that provides training opportunities in the mining sector.

These are among the many benefits that a growing, prosperous province provides.

Your voice matters – I want to know what is important to you and would like to hear your thoughts and ideas to keep our province moving forward in a way that is a benefit to all Saskatchewan residents.  Please feel free to contact me or drop by my constituency office.

Prince Albert Northcote constituents are always welcome to contact my office by calling 306-922-4220. You may also visit my website at http://mlajurgens.ca or email mlajurgens@sasktel.net. Our office is located at 5A 598 15 St. East across from Superstore.