Don Toth MLA Website

Report From The Legislature

15 July 2010

Hon. Don Toth, MLA
Moosomin Constituency

The week of July 11 – 17 saw the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan come to life as 86 Canadian and International Legislators gathered in Regina for the 48th Canadian Regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference. It was an honour for our M.L.A.’s and Legislative staff to host this year’s conference. The goal of these regional conferences is to allow members to converse with colleagues from across the country comparing notes on how other members communicate with constituents as well garnering a better understanding of how we can work together to enhance our democratic process. While in Saskatchewan we also took some time from busy business sessions to show off some of our Saskatchewan history as well as treating our guests to some Saskatchewan fine foods.

Prior to the C.P.A. Regional Conference, Agriculture Ministers from across Canada gathered in our province. Given the challenges agriculture producers are facing as a result of this spring’s excessive moisture, farmers were looking for something positive to come out of the meeting. I was pleased to see the ministers come forward with a commitment of an additional $30/acre for flooded acres. While a cash injection will not replace the income from a crop, it will certainly give producers some assistance as they move forward and plan for nest year’s growing season.

With the challenges facing rural communities in recruiting doctors the provincial government put a plan in place to address the doctor shortage issue. $3.5 million has been committed for a physician recruitment strategy and the establishment of a Physician Recruitment Agency, which will recruit and retain more physicians to rural and urban Saskatchewan. The province also launched a marketing campaign aimed at retaining expatriate physicians and U. of S. medical students. The government will also increase the enhancement of the physician application licensure process and the enhancement of medical training to prepare graduates to practice in rural Saskatchewan.

Over the past number of years, 52 hospitals were closed in rural Saskatchewan, health care infrastructure was crumbling and our province had the oldest equipment in Canada. During 2008-2009, $100 million was provided to regions to address urgent health facility maintenance and repair requirements-this was a record amount of funding provided for one fiscal year. $143 million was also committed towards the construction of 13 new long term care facilities. We all know more needs to be done to address the health care needs of Saskatchewan residents. Over time I believe strides forward will be taken by the provincial government to address our health care needs.

If you have any concerns, please call my office at 435-3329 or 1-888-255-8684 or just Contact Don.

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