By Northcote Voice

Reflecting Optimism – Building Saskatchewan with You

Dec 29, 2015 | 12:09 PM

The Christmas season is a time to look back, reflect, and look ahead to a new year.

In Saskatchewan, we have continued to see strong population growth, a good indicator of the confidence people have in the province.

It is a reflection of the optimism I continue to encounter as I talk with people in our community. Our diverse economy continues to create new jobs and population growth, in spite of serious challenges in the energy sector.

In fact, our population has now grown by 146,000 people over the past decade, stopping the decline of the previous decade.

That’s a lot of optimism.

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There are some very good reasons why people continue to be optimistic.

Across the province, people are watching highways, hospitals, care homes and schools being built, expanded or repaired. They know this will mean better services for families. You can even watch day-by-day progress on construction site webcams at saskatchewan.ca.

Today, Saskatchewan is a province where people believe they can succeed, and find the best opportunities.

In Prince Albert, we have invested heavily in all sectors, but especially in housing, health care, education, seniors and disabilities. A few examples of this are:

• The tripling of monthly benefits under the Senior’s Income Plan (SIP) from $90 in 2007 to $270 in 2015;
• An income-support program that provides a livable income, and dignity, to people with disabilities through Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disabilities (SAID);
• Planning for the renewal of Victoria Hospital;
• The new and expanded Pineview Terrace long-term care facility;
• More doctors and nurses and health care practitioners for the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region (PAPHR);
• Surgical wait times reduced for 90 per cent of those in PAPHR;
• Ongoing investments that have assisted individuals and families access safe, affordable rental housing and home ownership;
• Hopes Home, with 90 spaces for medically fragile children from Prince Albert and area;
• The new St. Anne’s School and the brand new Carlton Gymnasium;
• Improved access to Adult Basic Education and apprenticeship training;
• Funding for the repair and maintenance of Diefenbaker Bridge;
• Predictable and unconditional provincial revenue sharing for the City of Prince Albert – which has increased by about 150 per cent since 2007.

.Investing in these key areas result in improved quality of life for everyone in our community. It is in keeping with our goal to make our province, and the communities in it, the best places in Canada to live, work, and raise a family.

Together we’ve strengthened and diversified our economy, the benefits of which can be seen all around us. We are well-positioned to meet the challenges while enjoying the many blessings we have.

As our government looks to the future, we know there is more work to be done. Our priority is listening to, and working with you. Coupled with sound fiscal management, our government is committed to building Saskatchewan along with you.

It is my sincere wish that your holiday season includes much love and laughter with family and friends. A very Merry Christmas to you, and a joyous New Year.

It is your voice that guides us. I ask that you continue to write, phone, e-mail or visit my office to provide your insights and suggestions. It is through these discussions we can work with Saskatchewan people to keep Saskatchewan strong. 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.