LAST CHANCE - YOU'RE INVITED

If you would like to attend the Throne Speech, please let me know as soon as possible as I have a limited number of invitations.  Contact ken.cheveldayoff.mla@sasktel.net

YOUR REPORT FROM THE LEGISLATURE

I hope everyone was able to relax and spend some time with family and friends over the Thanksgiving weekend.  As we move along in October, we feel the weather changing, harvest is wrapping up and the fall Legislative session about to begin. The throne speech will be delivered by the Lieutenant Governor on October 22. This speech will outline the direction and priorities of our government. My colleagues and I have been busy throughout the summer months travelling around the province, listening to our constituents, businesses, community organizations and others to hear what opportunities are available in our communities. The results of this consultation can often inform policy direction of the government. 

Some of our ministers have also been engaging outside of Saskatchewan on important files that will help keep our economy the best in Canada. Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz, Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff and representatives of seven Saskatchewan cities as well as leaders of SARM and SUMA were in Ottawa this past week to meet with federal leaders on restoring cost-shared infrastructure investment programs. The provincial government and Saskatchewan municipalities share the vision for stronger, safer communities not only for Saskatchewan, but across the nation.

 The Provincial government made a commitment to the federal government that the province will contribute one-third of the costs toward a municipal infrastructure program. This funding is contingent on the federal government establishing a partnership to secure the remaining funding, which would include contributions from municipalities.

Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison will soon lead a trade mission to Mexico to strengthen our trade, research and investment ties. The mission will reinforce the province's international reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality food, feed and value-added commodities. This is in addition to minister Kaeding's recent mission to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The goal was to bolster trade relationships in the agriculture, mining, and energy sectors, while diversifying Saskatchewan's export markets.  

Some have said that engaging outside of our province is a waste of time. We disagree. Saskatchewan has the great fortune of producing far more than we need at home because our province has the best agricultural producers in the world. Our government will always support our farmers at home and abroad, forging new relationships and markets for our Ag sector.
Saskatchewan’s strong economy continues to lead on jobs created.  Statistics Canada's latest labour force numbers show that the labour market in our province remains strong, with 19,000 full-time jobs added year-over-year in September, an increase of 2.2 per cent. Saskatchewan's unemployment rate is the second lowest amongst provinces at 6 per cent, below the national average of 7.1 per cent. 

Year-over-year, full-time employment in Saskatchewan increased 3.8 per cent, which ranked second highest among provinces. Our government will continue to pursue pro-growth policies that will lead to opportunities for employment in our province.

A major investment in education infrastructure was unveiled recently in Moose Jaw, where Premier Scott Moe and SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit joined school division representatives and community members to officially open the city's first joint-use elementary school. Built to serve Moose Jaw's growing and diverse population, the new joint-use facility is now home to Coteau Hills Elementary and Our Lady of Hope Catholic School.

The Government of Saskatchewan invested $68.2 million in the development of this new educational facility, which reflects the province's commitment to building safe, supportive learning environments. The school accommodates up to 1,100 Pre-kindergarten to Grade 8 students, with 600 in the public program and 500 in the Catholic program. This school is the fifth brand new school opening in just the past couple of months. Many will remember prior to 2007 when Saskatchewan would see an entire school permanently close, on average, every single month. Those days are over.

When you have a strong and growing province, you also have the capacity to make investments to help the most vulnerable in our communities. Our government, along with Creative Options Regina, (COR) recently celebrated the opening of a four-space home for adults with intellectual disabilities, made possible thanks to a $1.2 million capital investment from the province. 

This home gives residents the personalized support they need to live as independently as possible. The government is grateful for our partnership with COR in creating a space for the residents to thrive in the community they call home. COR operates the home and provides personal care and support. In addition to the capital investment, the Ministry of Social Services is providing $429,000 in annual operating funding. 

To provide our citizens with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan have officially opened two newly constructed affordable housing projects in Prince Albert. These two buildings will provide homes for young families and those affected by interpersonal violence.

These projects support individuals who are rebuilding their lives, recognizing the critical role that housing plays in creating security and opportunity. Thanks to this important work, thirteen families will have the stability that a home provides.  Our government will continue to ensure that all citizens reap the benefits of a strong economy.

PAUL J. HILL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS DINNER

I was honoured to be among future leaders and experienced professionals last week at the Paul J. Hill School of Business dinner.. The Hill Business Dinner is an annual networking and recognition event hosted by the Hill and Levene School of Business through the University of Regina.

Events like this are more than dinners—they're bridges between ambition and experience, between students and mentors.  

To the students: innovation, resilience, and connection are key. The opportunity for conversations at the dinner could help to shape their future. To the professionals: it was a pleasure to thank them for investing in the next generation. Their presence shows Saskatchewan believes in its students.
 

This year, the keynote speaker was Tim Gitzel, CEO of Cameco, formerly known as the Canadian Mining and Energy Corporation. Cameco is the world's largest publicly traded uranium company based in Saskatoon. Congratulations to Tim Gitzel who had inspiring words to the future leaders in our province ... to work toward their goals with passion and determination.

Our government is proud provide support through programs like Saskatchewan Student Aid and one of Canada’s most generous Graduate Retention Programs—offering up to $24,000 in tax credits for grads who stay and build their careers here.

The future of business in Saskatchewan is bright.

THANK YOU SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

As Minister of Advanced Education, meeting with students is indeed a highlight.  

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Students Association in Saskatoon. Representatives from Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina, and Saskatoon shared their accomplishments and identified areas for growth.

I appreciate the service of these students.

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