Creating a New Normal

Eight years ago there was a sense Saskatchewan was being held back by a government that lacked purpose and a vision for the province.  Under that government, taxes increased, population decreased and it was normal to close schools, hospitals and long-term care beds.  Back then Saskatchewan was a great place to be from and not necessarily a great place to be.

Nearly eight years ago Saskatchewan people opted for a new approach and a promise to do what was necessary to unlock our enormous potential.  They responded by electing a new Saskatchewan Party government.  With a plan to grow our province, strengthen the economy and build a better quality of life, together we’ve made great progress toward a new normal.

Population growth is now normal.  Saskatchewan has had population growth every quarter for the past nine years. That’s the longest period of continuous growth in thirty years. 

Balanced budgets and lower taxes are another new normal in Saskatchewan.  And, instead of closing schools, hospitals and long-term care homes, we’re building new ones.

For years, lower-income seniors could only count on a $90 monthly supplement under the Seniors Income Plan.  Since 2007, regular increases have become the new normal with benefits tripling to $270 per month today.

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

5h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

8h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

12h ago

Thanks to the Saskatchewan Surgical Initiative, it is no longer normal to wait more than three months for surgery.  Once the longest surgical wait times in Canada, Saskatchewan’s are now among the shortest.

All told, there are over 140 changes that our government promised, that are now being enjoyed in our province.  You can see them in detail here: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/premier-brad-wall/promises-kept

Among the changes our government promised is a commitment to improve the lives of people with disabilities.  In 2009, we introduced Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID).  This is a program that provides a livable income, and dignity, to people with disabilities.  It has been refined, and increased in the years since then.  Further consultations regarding the disabled community are promised in The Saskatchewan Plan for Growth – Vision 2020 and Beyond (A copy can be found here: http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/budget-planning-and-reporting/plan-for-growth).

Recently, our government was presented with the Disability Strategy Report by the Citizen Consultation Team (CCT).  This is a ten year plan with the potential to revolutionize the experience of disability in Saskatchewan.  The overarching theme of the Disability Strategy is “People Before Systems: Transforming the Experience of Disability in Saskatchewan.”

Our government appreciates the hard work and commitment of the Citizen Consultation Team in gathering feedback from about 1600 people within the disability community.  It is the voice of those living with disabilities that has informed this Strategy for our province.  They have shared their stories, their ideas and solutions.  Those solutions propose ways to make our province more welcoming, responsive, innovative, accessible and inclusive.  We look forward to implementing meaningful changes that will positively impact those living with disabilities across Saskatchewan.

While the Disability Strategy is being led by Government, it will require a collective effort to realize change.  Together, we can create new ways to make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live for people with disabilities.  By raising the standard now, it too will soon be considered normal.

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