SUSTAINABLESK.CA BRAND AND WEBSITE LAUNCHED
Learn how Saskatchewan has become a world leader in sustainable economic development, and environmental stewardship.
Today Premier Scott Moe announced the launch of a new SustainableSK brand and website, which highlights many of Saskatchewan's economic sustainability, and environmental stewardship achievements.
"Saskatchewan has some of the highest-quality and sustainably produced food, fuel, and fertilizer, that a growing world needs. The province's new SustainableSK.ca website, will help share our sustainability story with the world," Moe said. "In the areas of sustainable resources, environmental stewardship, community support, and clean energy Saskatchewan is rising to the challenge. I would encourage everyone to take a look. The numbers tell an impressive story."
Sustainableskca Brand and Website Launched | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan
FIRST ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGERIES BENEFIT SASKATCHEWAN RESIDENTS
Saskatchewan patients are benefitting from a new state-of-the-art robotic-assisted surgical system that contributes to less pain and faster recovery times.
Since September, more than two dozen surgeries have been performed using the da Vinci Surgical System, which is the first program of its kind in the province.
"We are pleased that Saskatchewan patients and physicians can benefit from this innovative treatment option close to home," Health Minister Paul Merriman said. "Having a robotic surgical program advances patient care and helps to develop and attract highly-skilled physicians to our health system."
First Robot-Assisted Surgeries Benefit Saskatchewan Residents | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan
I was pleased to attend the announcement and have the opportunity to manipulate the surgical robot at St. Paul's Hospital last week.
Sincere thanks to Saskatoon Willowgrove resident Merlis Belsher family, and to all the donors, for their contributions to St. Paul's Hospital Foundation - Saskatoon. Their generosity has enabled the purchase of the da Vinci surgical system, Saskatchewan’s first state-of-the-art surgical robot. The Merlis Belsher family alone gave $1.1 million. The robot has been affectionately named Daryl, in honour of the Belsher’s late son. The total purchase cost is $2.5 million, $1.5 million provided by the foundation and a further $1 million from the Government of Saskatchewan.
REPORT FROM THE LEGISLATURE
A growing economy in Saskatchewan has allowed our government to expand investments in the programs and services that make a difference. These initiatives benefit our most vulnerable residents while supporting the needs of a growing population.
A strong province is one where everyone benefits from growth. This fall, your Saskatchewan Party Government introduced new legislation that will create a more inclusive and accessible province for all people. The Accessible Saskatchewan Act will establish standards and regulations that will lead the way to support people with disabilities. Following the principle of "Nothing about us, without us", this new legislation will continue to engage the community in this important work.
We will lead by example with this new legislation. To ensure organizations are supported, the proposed legislation will apply to the government first, including rolling out an accessibility plan. The legislation includes an Accessibility Advisory Committee, with at least half of the members being persons with disabilities or from organizations representing people with disabilities. We will increase public awareness of issues impacting the community through the Saskatchewan Accessibility Office, which will monitor compliance concerns. The legislation will also recognize sign language as the primary form of communication for people who are deaf. By introducing these changes, we are working to create a province where persons with disabilities can fully participate.
Our government is embarking on a new one-year pilot project to deliver services to victims of human trafficking. Partnering with Hope Restored Canada, we are investing $150,000 to expand secure housing, counselling, treatment and life skills programs. This initiative results from months of work with Hope Restored Canada to support victims as they heal from the trauma inflicted and pave a new path for their lives.
Supporting Saskatchewan's efforts to prevent interpersonal violence and abuse, our government endorses the new National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Unveiled in Nova Scotia at the 40th Annual Meeting of Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women, the action plan is a collaboration between governments, stakeholders and Indigenous organizations. Implementing the National Action Plan will build on the initiatives already in place, including the $25 million in annual support Saskatchewan currently provides.
As Saskatchewan continues to grow, our government is working to provide more support to families. A $28.9 million joint investment with the Government of Canada will see nearly 2,200 new regulated childcare spaces across the province. With this announcement, Saskatchewan will have just shy of 23,0000 regulated childcare spaces, well on our way to creating 28,000 spaces by the end of March 2026 and reducing fees to $10 a day. On average, 70 per cent of childcare fees have now been reduced in Saskatchewan thanks to the Canada-Saskatchewan Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.
Seniors across the province will see more financial support in the coming months. This year, our government increased the maximum monthly benefit through the Senior’s Income Plan by $30 per month, with a second $30 increase approved for 2023/24. Around $34 million in annual funding helps support 14,500 low-income seniors in the province.
Increased investments are made possible by the strong economy. Our government will continue to make sure all residents see the benefits. New private investment, more jobs and higher resource revenues support expanding these important government services. That’s growth that works for everyone.
