HOPE FOR MALAWI
Once again, the Hope for Malwi event held this past Sunday was a heart warming experience. I was honoured to bring greetings on behalf of Premier Scott Moe and the Government of Saskatchewan.
From the beginning, this organization was founded on compassion, generosity and love in action.
Although the Hope for Malawi Foundation was not officially established until 2008, the dream began in 2006 after a chance encounter on an airplane when Peter and Elaine Zakreski met a woman who was travelling back from a visit where she was helping her village build a medical clinic and shelter for children. The Zakreski's were inspired by the project and took a leap of faith and decided to provide the funds needed to bring it to completion.
Upon visiting the village the following year, Peter and Elaine were able to meet the local people and witness the positive impact their generosity was having on the residents of the village. It was this experience that motivated the Zakreski's to do more. And now, several years later, it is a privilege and honour to share in celebrating all that they have accomplishing, while we look forward with anticipation to what is to come.
The efforts of everyone involved in Hope for Malawi is even more meaningful as the mission to aid the Malawi people is upheld and preserved. Special thanks to Elaine, her children and grandchildren for continuing the legacy, despite the passing of Peter in 2020. Along with guidance from the board and committed volunteers, we celebrate the accomplishments that Hope for Malawi has provided such as practical necessities such as food, water, shelter and medical supplies. But most of all hope, joy, love and dignity to those in our world who may otherwise not be afforded those basic essentials..
YOUR LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Saskatchewan continues to receive good news on its economy. Our province ranked first in the nation in month-over-month retail trade growth, increasing by 3.0 per cent from August to September 2023. That’s a growth rate of five times the national average! The total value of retail trade was more than $2.1 billion in September 2023. These numbers are proof that Saskatchewan's economy continues to grow and that our province has the resources the world needs.
Our government continues to work to build and protect our economy so that it can continue to grow. Recently, our government announced the team of experts who will make up the Saskatchewan First Act’s Economic Assessment Tribunal.
The tribunal’s first referral for economic analysis and consideration is the federal government’s Clean Electricity Regulations (CER). The CER was published by the federal government this past summer. In the months ahead, both the federal oil and gas cap and Federal Fuel Standard will also be referred to the tribunal.
No other province has an independent tribunal whose exclusive role is to analyze and quantify the dollar figure harm of federal policies and legislation. The Saskatchewan First Tribunal will help protect the economic future of families, communities and businesses.
As we continue our plans to build and protect Saskatchewan’s economy, our government recently invested $80 million in the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) to pursue the development of a microreactor in Saskatchewan. SRC will apply the research and knowledge gained from this initial microreactor project to support our province’s nuclear industry and better understand the potential for future microreactor projects.
This first microreactor is expected to be operational by 2029. This project will create economic development opportunities and jobs while helping to provide a custom solution for our province’s unique energy needs.
As our provincial economy continues to grow, so does our province’s critical minerals sector. Saskatchewan is home to 23 of the 31 critical minerals on Canada’s list, plus the world’s largest deposits of potash and high-grade uranium.
This year, we have seen great progress toward our goal to increase Saskatchewan's share of Canadian mineral exploration spending to 15 per cent by 2030. In 2023 alone, our province’s share of the national total in mineral exploration is projected to increase to over 12 per cent.
More than 100 companies are actively advancing mineral projects in our province, from early-phase exploration to larger scale projects such as BHP's $6.4 billion Jansen Stage 2 expansion. Our government will continue to work with resource sector partners and stakeholders to grow our critical minerals sector.
A strong and growing economy allows our government to invest in programs and services that matter to the people of Saskatchewan. Our government is working to ensure patients have access to urgent breast cancer diagnostic procedures. A new initiative will accelerate urgent diagnostic breast cancer procedures, including breast mammograms and biopsies.
PROVINCE RECORDS SECOND-LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, ADDING 19,300 JOBS
Employment Increased 1,500 From Last Month, With Unemployment Rate at 5.1 Per Cent.
The Canada Labour Force Survey showed Saskatchewan added 19,300 new jobs when compared to November 2022. Saskatchewan continues to have the second-lowest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate among the provinces at 5.1 per cent, below the national unemployment rate of 5.8 per cent.
"The positive trend in job growth demonstrates that Saskatchewan's efforts to train, recruit and retain a diverse and talented workforce are having a positive impact on Saskatchewan's labour force," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Our government will continue our work to grow our economy, strengthen our labour force, and support Saskatchewan employers, ensuring that Saskatchewan remains the best place to work, live and settle in Canada."
