Hon. Don Toth, MLA

Moosomin Constituency

The move to extended hours has certainly created a different atmosphere in your Legislative Assembly. While the Official Opposition has spoken at length to a number of bills, they have also allowed numerous bills to move forward to Committee. Their actions bring to the attention of anyone watching, that members can work together. Even though there is a motion for extended hours, members of both parties can agree to take less hours on certain bills if that is their desire. As Speaker, I am pleased to see that Caucuses through their House Leaders can find common ground for orderly debate in the Assembly.

This past week we were again reminded of how well our province is doing. The Globe and Mail recently devoted a large chunk of its business section to the Land of the Living Skies. Saskatchewan was described as Canada’s new “it” province. The Royal Bank’s chief economist called us the “new Alberta”. The Business News Network ran a week-long series on Saskatchewan featuring interviews with realtors, politicians, business people and resource industry insiders. The series reinforced our new “it” status. With the latest sales of oil and gas exploration rights generating a record $265 million, eclipsing in one sale the old entire year record of $250 million set in 2007, we are on track to surpass even Alberta in terms of land sales. This is certainly welcome news in view of the fact that our area is blessed with oil, potash activity as well as private business initiative.

The government also moved forward legislation titled the Active Families Benefit Act. The Active Families Benefit will be a $150 refundable tax credit for kids six to fourteen registered in cultural, recreational or sports programs. The list of eligible activities will be defined by this fall, with the program coming into effect for the 2009 tax year. It is estimated it will provide an estimated $18 million in tax relief for Saskatchewan families, affecting up to 120,000 kids. Research shows active kids are not only physically healthier, they watch less T.V., play fewer video games, have better friendships, and are less likely to drop out of school or get involved with drinking and drug use. I believe this should be a positive move.

I was also pleased to see more funding for municipalities which should assist them as they struggle to address the sudden growth in their communities. Is it enough? Maybe not, however it is a start and I trust the Provincial Government will be able to find common ground to address ongoing funding needs of local governments.

I close by making a few comments about the introduction of amendments to the Education Act, 1995. The amendments are about balancing consultation, communication and assessment in regards to school closures with preserving the strength and autonomy of locally-elected school boards. Under the changes, school divisions will now have to give formal notice to a school during October if it is under review, as opposed to the current February. Forming a school review committee becomes a requirement. And the Minister of Education will be able to designate a school as a School of Opportunity, with criteria established by the end of June. These amendments provide guidelines which will ensure boards can make informed and responsible decisions on behalf of their residents with input from the community.

If you have any concerns, please call my office at 435-3329; 1-888-255-8684 or visit my web site www.dontoth.ca