BUDGET COMMITMENTS INCLUDE TARGETED INVESTMENTS FOR SAFER COMMUNITIES
The Government of Saskatchewan is reinforcing its commitment to delivering safer communities and neighbourhoods through new and continued investments in the 2025-26 Budget. This includes $665 million for the Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety; $271 million for the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General; $118.9 million for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA); and $9.1 million for the Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO).
"Public safety continues to be a top priority for our government, which is reflected through investments in Budget 2025-26," Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety and Justice and Attorney General Tim McLeod said. "Investments in policing, border security initiatives, reintegration supports for offenders and measures to address gangs, illegal drugs and weapons will help create safer communities for everyone in Saskatchewan."
Read more about the investments here: Budget Commitments Include Targeted Investments for Safer Communities | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan
SASKATCHEWAN'S MOST POPULAR NAMES FOR 2024
eHealth Saskatchewan released a list of the top 20 baby names for 2024 today and it shows a lot of movement.
In 2024, Sophia ended Olivia’s nine-year run as the most popular name for baby girls, bumping Olivia down to second spot. Hazel rose from 20th to sixth, Ellie from 19th to fifth, Harper from 17th to eighth, and Isla from 10th to fourth. Ivy lost ground, falling from fifth place last year to 17th place this year. For the first time, Lainey is one of the most popular names for baby girls, coming in at number 20. Sadie and Grace return after being absent from the list for a few years, while Brielle, Nora, Evelyn and Sophie did not return this year after appearing in the top 20 in 2023.
On the boys’ side, Henry jumped from 18th place all the way up to number one, bumping Oliver down to second place while long-time favourites Liam and Noah follow in third and fourth spots respectively. Other favourites like Levi, Hudson, Jack and Theodore remain strong. Daniel appears back on the list for the first time since 2017, and Asher, Alexander, Brooks and Elijah also return after being absent for some years. Muhammad climbed to 13th this year after first appearing in the top 20 in 19th place last year. Another favourite, Leo, fell from fourth place last year to 16th place this year, while Lincoln, Emmett, Ethan and Luke did not return to the top 20 this year. Check out the top 20 baby names over the last 10 years.
The list of top 20 baby names for 2024 is created with a preliminary count of 13,189 live births registered in Saskatchewan as of April 5, 2025. eHealth is still completing birth registrations from the end of 2024. The number of live births registered in 2023 was 13,080. This does not include Saskatchewan mothers who gave birth outside of the province.
21 NEW OFFICERS HIRED TO SUPPORT FRONTLINE POLICING IN SASKATCHEWAN
The Government of Saskatchewan is funding 21 new police officer positions filled over the past year as part of the province's $11.9 million Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods commitment to hire approximately 100 new municipal police officers.
"Saskatchewan residents expect and deserve to feel safe in their communities and that means having enough police officers on the ground where they are needed the most," Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said. "We are proud to support municipal police services in expanding their frontline capacity to prevent and respond to criminal activity in their communities."
REGINA BREAST HEALTH CENTRE NOW OPEN
An exciting milestone April 23rd... The doors at the new Regina Breast Health Centre (BHC) is now open and accepting patients. This centre will offer pre- and post- surgical care with advanced diagnostic imaging in one location, streamlining the patient experience and enhancing breast health care in Regina and southern Saskatchewan.
Minister of Health, Jeremy Cockrill and Minister of Rural and Remote Health were joined by several colleagues at the opening of this incredible facility.
Multi-disciplinary teams will work together in the same clinic to closely collaborate as a team to provide timely care and an all-inclusive patient experience. Support teams include: breast radiologists, breast specialized surgeons, nurse navigators, diagnostic imaging professionals, physiotherapists, a social worker and support administrative staff all working together and closely collaborating as a team to provide timely care and a better patient experience.
Information: Regina Breast Health Centre | SaskHealthAuthority
In other health care related news, an additional 16 locations will benefit from Saskatchewan's Rural and Remote Recruitment Incentive (RRRI) program to now extend eligibility to a total of 70 communities. More than 420 hard-to-recruit positions have been filled as a direct result of the RRRI program, which is key to stabilizing and strengthening health care services in rural and northern communities.
Our government works everyday to ensure Saskatchewan remains the best place in Canada to work, live and raise a family.
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