Saskatchewan is seeing success in the fight against COVID-19.
A few weeks ago, Step 1 of our Re-Opening Roadmap began with household gathering limits expanding up to 10 people and attendance at worship services, public gatherings, and table limits at restaurants all increasing. Youth and adult outdoor sports were able to resume as well.
Step 2 of our Re-Opening Roadmap will see the removal of capacity limits on retail, personal care services, bars and restaurants; further increases to private gathering sizes; and organized indoor sports and recreational activities being allowed to resume.
We are seeing, as more and more people are getting vaccinated, that we can safely re-open while continuing to drive down the spread of COVID-19. And while this is encouraging, it is no time for complacency. Residents who have not received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine are strongly encouraged to book an appointment as soon as possible so that we can return to our pre-pandemic lifestyles at the earliest opportunity.
It is also equally important to get a second dose of the vaccine once you are eligible.
Saskatchewan's strong economy and balanced approach to COVID restrictions have resulted in our province posting the strongest job growth and lowest unemployment in Canada for the second consecutive month.
This province is leading Canada's economic recovery. In May, our province added 4,100 new jobs with unemployment falling to 6.3 per cent. This is in stark contrast to the 68,000 jobs lost across the country.
Saskatchewan employers are hiring and recent private sector investments, worth billions of dollars, will create thousands of more good jobs and opportunities for Saskatchewan people in the months and years ahead.
This year is set to be a busy one for businesses operating in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks, with a variety of new and unique offerings taking the visitor experience to the next level.
In addition to the existing businesses Sask Parks visitors have come to know and love, this year, visitors can expect to see the following new offerings:
•Prairie Paragliding at Blackstrap Provincial Park;
•Sailing instruction by Living Sky Sailing School at Elbow Harbour Recreation Site;
•Aquatic Adventures new inflatable water parks at The Battlefords, Buffalo Pound, Duck Mountain and Greenwater Lake provincial parks;
•"Come Try it Days" run by Sask Rowing Association at multiple provincial parks;
•Night sky photography classes by Jazmin Lucasavich at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park;
•Luxury glamping tents at Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, provided by Glamping Resorts Ltd.;
•Wellness events and self-care products offered by Mother Wolf Soul and Body at Echo Valley Provincial Park;
•Wellness retreats hosted by Back2Nature at Candle Lake and Pike Lake provincial parks;
•Outdoor yoga classes for adults and children hosted at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park by Strong with Nature Yoga;
•Zumba and yoga at Makwa Lake Provincial Park hosted by C-L-G Zumba Yoga Meditation;
•Hillside Smoke 'n Que at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park, operating at the Lower Chalet with competition style BBQ Food Truck services;
•Bike repair and service at Buffalo Pound Lower Chalet provided by Velofix; and
•Fresh Air Experience demonstrations and outdoor equipment sales at various provincial park and recreation sites throughout the province.
Residents are reminded to follow COVID restrictions and public health guidelines for their area. The most recent guidelines can be found online at www.saskatchewan.ca.
Work is progressing on our government’s plan to construct 30 sets of passing lanes over the next two years. This includes two sets of passing lanes on Highway 2 north of Prince Albert and the last of 13 sets of passing lanes on Highway 39 between Milestone and the U.S. border.
More than 1,350 kilometres of provincial highways will be improved this year, the second of our government’s 10-year Growth Plan goal to build and upgrade 10,000 kilometres of highways.
I’m proud to say that our government is also making a significant investment to improve the quality of life for individuals managing diabetes and ease the financial impacts on families.
Recently, the province announced that it is now providing coverage for Continuous and Flash Glucose Monitors (CGM/FGM) and related supplies at no cost for children and youth under 18 who meet specific medical criteria. In addition, the Insulin Pump Program will now cover Type 1 diabetics of all ages who meet certain medical criteria.
This year's budget includes a $5 million investment to expand supports for people with diabetes that will lessen the financial burden for Saskatchewan families dealing and living with diabetes. You can learn more online at saskatchewan.ca.
