We begin this new year and a new decade with new year’s resolutions and plans for improvement in our daily routines. Our government is also beginning this new decade with ambitious goals as outlined in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan: The Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030. The plan has two overarching goals: to grow the province’s population to 1.4 million people and to create 100,000 more jobs by 2030. The purpose of growth is, and has been since 2007, to build a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people; to build a strong economy, strong communities, strong families, and a stronger Saskatchewan.
While the goals may seem very ambitious, it is amazing to see what has transpired since introducing “Saskatchewan’s Plan for Growth – Vision 2020 and Beyond.” Saskatchewan’s population has grown by 160,000 people, our province went from having Canada’s longest surgical wait times to among the shortest, we added nearly 900 more doctors and over 3,700 more nurses, built or renovated 69 schools and greatly improved our highways.
The New Growth Plan lists 30 goals and 20 actions. A previous column outlined ones that directly affect our local economy, particularly relating to agricultural and potash production. The action list includes growing Saskatchewan's agricultural economy, adding value and increasing Saskatchewan-based processing of the province's agricultural products, and promoting the quality and sustainability of Saskatchewan's agricultural and natural resource exports.
Premier Moe has already moved on some of these initiatives. The government has contracted the expertise of global affairs firm Harper and Associates to support the province’s increased focus on international trade and engagement. In 2020-21, the Ministry of Trade and Export Development will open new international trade and investment offices in Japan, India and Singapore to increase exports, attract more investment to the province, and strengthen relationships with international partners and customers.
Growth will not be to the detriment of our residents, small businesses or the environment. We will continue to reduce red tape and help small businesses thrive. We will deliver on Saskatchewan's climate change plan to reduce carbon emissions. Most importantly, we will continue to invest in the people of Saskatchewan. We will increase Indigenous participation in the economy through the growth of Saskatchewan's natural resource industries and labour market development. Already there are investments to further reduce surgical wait times to a three-month target.
Not to be missed in the extensive list of goals and actions is a very important point; that of a balanced budget. Our growth plan will keep the province's finances strong and the budget balanced, while building strong communities through investing in infrastructure, and always standing up for a strong Saskatchewan.
In Moose Jaw, the New Year always starts on a positive note with the Citizen and Group of the Year Awards. The Awards Luncheon happens on January 28th, and nominations are open until the end of this week, January 10. We have many outstanding individuals and groups who contribute so much to our community. Please consider nominating someone by visiting www.mjchamber.com.
This new decade is a tremendous opportunity to positively look forward. Together let us build a stronger Saskatchewan; a leader in Canada that will benefit every one of our people with a strong economy, strong communities, and strong families. God bless Saskatchewan!
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
