Our government has roots in rural Saskatchewan. We understand agriculture is the backbone of our communities, which is why are we are taking historic measures in response to the unprecedented flooding producers have experienced this spring and summer. We recently partnered with the federal government to introduce a $360-million Excess Moisture Program (EMP) to help Saskatchewan farmers manage flooded crop land. The EMP, the largest one-time provincial agricultural disaster response in Saskatchewan’s history, provides $30 per eligible acre for both unseeded crop land as of June 20th and seeded crop land flooded out on or before July 31st. In addition to this support, Crop Insurance customers are eligible for an unseeded acreage benefit of up to $50 per eligible acre, and also have coverage for seeded land that has been flooded out.

The rainy weather hasn’t deterred Saskatchewan families from going camping. When you get to the park, you will notice some significant improvements. Our government has added more than a thousand electrified campsites. We are also upgrading or replacing some service centres, boat launches, potable water systems, picnic tables and barbeques.

When you’re outside this summer, remember to protect yourself from mosquitoes. We are now officially in West Nile season. Take simple precautions such as wearing bug spray, covering up, avoiding the outdoors between dusk and dawn, and emptying areas and containers that collect water.

As our government continues working hard throughout the summer months, I am excited to continue in my role as the MLA representing the interest of Moose Jaw North. Premier Brad Wall recently made changes to the provincial cabinet and MLA duties which positions our government to continue a growth agenda. This new cabinet is a strong team that will keep Saskatchewan moving forward and address the challenges of a growing, vibrant province.

As our government takes action to build Saskatchewan for the future, the Opposition NDP continue to impede such positive growth as demonstrated in Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Deb Higgins’ last column.

Our government has been very open about the financial picture of Saskatchewan and we are controlling spending. The General Revenue Fund (GRF) statements show a balanced budget and a spending reduction of $146.6 million relative to the 2009 -10 budget. Throughout the course of 2009-10, our government constrained spending through a government-wide belt-tightening exercise targeting savings from vacancy management, travel restrictions and other cost-cutting measures. Plus, the 2008 tax cut implemented by the Sask Party Government, removed 80,000 low income earners from the provincial tax rolls and saved Saskatchewan taxpayers $300 million annually. The education property tax reduction introduced in the 2009-10 budget continues as a saving to Moose Jaw property owners.

Moose Jaw hasn’t been spared from the seemingly endless rain this year, but the weather hasn’t dampened spirits. Our friendly city has been buzzing with events, most notably was sidewalks. Residents and families filled the streets ready to shop and enjoy some local food and entertainment. Special thanks to the Moose Jaw Art Guild and Cathy Sinclair who drew a caricature of me at Creative PhotoGraphics Art Gallery. I will be proud to hang the impressive drawing in my constituency office. Thanks to everyone who took part in Sidewalk Days – bringing community spirit and making it a huge success.

Congratulations to the Saskatchewan Stock Growers on their 97th Convention recently held in Moose Jaw. Our Minister of Agriculture, Bob Bjornerud took part in this year’s convention themed “Adding Value to Beef – Reality or Myth?” The convention focused on opportunities to add value to their product. There were very informative sessions throughout the convention for beef producers and for the beef industry.
The Wakamow Aboriginal Community Association held their “Moose Jaw Aboriginal Day Celebration” in Connor Park. I was pleased to attend the event and experience Aboriginal music, art, food and dance. The children attending enjoyed themselves and learnt about Aboriginal culture, games and activities. Thanks for the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in this celebration.
The St. George Masonic Lodge also deserves huge congratulations on their 100th anniversary. Thanks to all lodge members, past and present, for all of your service within the community over the past 100 years.