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2009-2010 Budget Submission

Minister of Advanced Education, Employment, Labour and Immigration

GSPP 835 Alternative Saskatchewan Budget

Prof John Wright

Sean McConnachie

200 270 499

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

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INDEX

Ministerial OverviewMajor InitiativesNon-FinancialsFinancialsNetwork Analysis

Strategic PlanEnvironmental ScanPolicy Actions

A. University Funding RenewalB. Amendments to the Trade Union Act C. Destination SaskatchewanD. The Graduate Retention ProgramE. Department Renewal

Communications StrategyConclusion

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MINISTRIAL OVERVIEW

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour (AEEL) is responsiblefor the “post-secondary education and training system, employment services,immigration services, student financial support, labour standards, occupationalhealth and safety, status of women, labour regulations and mediation, workersadvocate, and work and family balance” (Saskatchewan 2008). Currently withinthis capacity, AEEL is focused on ensuring that:

• Post-secondary institutions contribute to improving Saskatchewan’seconomy;

• Post-secondary education is affordable;• Improving training opportunities for all Saskatchewanians;• Increasing Aboriginal participation within advanced educational institutions

and the labour force;• improving collective bargaining within the economy; and•

Improving democracy within unionized work environments.

Major Initiatives

In its efforts to achieve its goals, AEEL has implemented many significant programinitiatives over the last fiscal year. These initiatives can be broken down into threemain areas: Advanced Education and training, labour and employment, andimmigration (Table 1).

Table 1: Major Ministerial Policy InitiativesPolicy Name Policy Description

Advance

deducation andtraining

The Graduate

RetentionProgram

– The consolidation of two previous tax

programs for graduates. Provided arefundable income tax credit rebate up to$20,000 for tuition paid for those thatresided in Saskatchewan for 7 years aftergraduation.

LabourandEmployment

Minimum WageRegulationsAmendment

– Reducing of the allowable working age to 15in five sectors: hotels, restaurants,educational institutions, hospitals, andnursing homes.

Immigration

SaskatchewanImmigrationNominee Program

– Allows the province to work with the federalgovernment to provided new immigration tothe provinces based on its current labour

needs

Non-Financials

AEEL implements its various programs and initiatives through a verity of branches,each holding its own mandates and policy objects. The organizational structure of AEEL is provided in Appendix A. This table highlights the major program and policybranches of the ministry.

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Through these administrative strructures, AEEL attempts to provide programingtargeted at post-secondary students, adult learners, employeers, unions, andimmigrants. In the provision of its various programs to these groups, AEEL hasdeveloped various preformance indicators that have been outlined in the 2009-2010preformance plan (Saskatchean 2009). The preformance indicators are outlined in

Table 2.

Table 2: AEEL Preformance Indicators, 2009-2010Indicator DescriptionLabour Forceattachment bycredintial

– labour force particpation rates based on the level of academic achievement within the province.

Employment rateeof First Nationsand Metis

– employment rates of aborigiunals within theprovinces as compared to non-aboriginals.

Educationalattainment of FirstNations and non-First Nationspopulations

– aggrgate assessment of the eduactional attainmentlevels between aboriginals and non-aborginals

Number of SaskatchewanImmigrationNominee Program

– indicates the level fo activity within theSaskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program

Source: Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. 2009

Because the ministry did not table its performance report to the legislature forpublic review, it is difficult to determine the extent to which AEEL’s programs aremeeting their intended objectives or the priorities of government.

Financials

Prior to 2005-2006, many of the components of what is now AEEL were locatedwithin different ministries making a chorological examination of the ministry’sfinances difficult, most notably its administrative expenditures. However, the mainprogram areas of what is now AEEL have been in existence for the better part of thelast decade. Graph 1 shows the major program areas of AEEL and their associatedexpenditure levels since 1999-2000. It needs to be noted that immigration servicesdid not exist prior to 2000 and that Career and Employment Services was notestablished until 2005.

Based on the information province in Graph 1 and Table 3, the major cost driver forAEEL is that of advanced education, or more specifically transfers to post secondaryinstitutions. Over the past decade, AEEL related program expenditures haveincreased by 75% with the largest portion of that attributed to significant increasesin transfers to advanced education institutions. Though AEEL’s expenditures havegrown significantly over the past decade, its representation of total governmentexpenditures has remained relatively stagnant at 8%. Based on the information

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province in Graph 1 and Table 3, the major cost driver for AEEL is that of advancededucation, or more specifically transfers to post secondary institutions.

Network Analysis

Due to the complexity of the issues that AEEL attempts to resolve, it has a large and

interesting web of clientele and interest groups that heavily influence its policydevelopment and program implementation. The chart provided in Appendix B showsthese various relationships between the ministry and groups.

STRATEGIC PLAN

In the long-term, AEEL intendeds to focus its energies to the design andimplementation of policies and programs that are consistent with the government’sobjectives as outlined in the 2009-2010 budget, A Stable and SustainableSaskatchewan. AEEL will largely focus on three main objectives:

1. The ensuring of long-run program effectiveness and efficiency;

2. Expanding productivity and opportunity within Saskatchewan; and3. Laying the foundation for future economic growth.

In its attempts to achieve the goals associated with these government wideobjectives, AEEL will focus its policies on outcomes that are linked with thegovernment’s objectives. The outcomes that AEEL will achieve in the medium- tolong-term are:

• improved post-secondary education quality;• improved access to advanced education for those in fiscal need;• improved innovation in research activities within the province;• competitive labour markets; and• Increases in administrative efficiencies.

AEEL will work towards these outcomes by implementing six major policies.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN

Currently AEEL is confronted with many short- and long-term issues that willimpinge on the stability and the sustainability of advanced education and the labourwithin the province. Appendix C highlights some of the main items that will holdsignificant influence of the policy directions of AEEL.

Based on the environmental scan provided, AEEL is currently facing significantthreats and opportunities for achievement of its long-term objectives. Based on theopportunities and threats outlined in Appendix C, AEEL must design its policies tomitigate these threats and maximize its opportunities.

POLICY ACTIONS

A. University Funding Renewal

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Policy Issue

The government has constantly faced increasing costs associated with the provisionof advanced education. Based on historical trends it is evident that the currentstructure is unsustainable under current conditions.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the government introduce a new approach to universityfinancing that will allow universities to set tuition rates based on current need whilemaintaining many of the mechanisms government uses to assist their students.

Policy Analysis

The main considerations within this policy area are the costs of provision and theequity of access for students. Based on this it is in the interest of the province tomake its universities among the most self sustainable in Canada by ensuring thatthey are run in an effective and efficient manner at the lowest cost to the

Saskatchewan taxpayer.

Appendix D shows that universities in the province are extremely dependent uponthe government for their year-to-year existence. This is not sustainable as ownsource revenues for these institution represent less than one-third of their currentrevenues. This is of particular concern for the University of Regina as it ran a$16million deficit for 2007-2008.

The main area of concern for the province is the extent to which student pay fortheir university education. Currently student fees cover just above half of allexpense related to the provision of credit and non-credit instruction. With theinclusion of student services, students pay approximately 46% of all service render

directly to them.

It is also questionable whether the current system can be considered equitable forthe people of Saskatchewan both at the horizontal and vertical levels. At thehorizontal equity level individuals receiving services redder should be paying thesame based on their ability to pay. However, under the current system all studentsare indirectly subsidized to the same degree through reduced tuition fees. Resultingin those that can pay more paying less. Based on vertical equity, that is theredistribution of wealth, those within the middle and lower tax brackets aresubsidizing the education of those in the high income brackets based on theirmarginal effective taxes (Poschmann 2008) and the level to which their childrenaccess universities (Cartwright et al 2001).

Implementation

The government will change the current structure of university financing throughthe following policy initiatives:

• Removal of provincial wide tuition freeze;

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• The removal of $14million in funds provided to universities for the purpose of administrative capacity and program implementation in 2010-2011 with atotal reduction of $20million by 2013-2014;

• The increasing of direct student financial assistance for students inidentifiable financial need by $10million for each year;

• The conversion of 55% (or $135million) of all transfers to universities into

restricted financial grants for research, student financial assistance, andphysical capital purposes; and

• $1million for the creation of an independent evaluation body that willexamining each universities programming and operations.

In order to provide universities adequate time to adjust to these changes, thesepolicies will not become effective until the 2010-2011 academic year. Eachuniversity will have to allow the evaluation body access to all required informationand will have to adhere to its recommendations as stipulated by the newlyconverted restricted financial transfers.

Outcomes and Implications

By reducing the funding in which universities receive from the provincialgovernment, it is hoped that these institutions will do three things:

1. raise overall student tuition fees to those that are comparable to other jurisdictions;

2. begin efficiency and effectiveness evaluations to reduce operational costs;and

3. Begin to focus their resources towards areas of study and research in whichthey have an established competitive advantage.

From this, each university will become an international centre of excellence in those

areas that they have an advantage over the other school, i.e. public policy at theUniversity of Regina and computer sciences at the University of Saskatchewan. Thiswill establish our universities as shining beacons of innovation and will assist theprovinces in its economic development goals. In the end, this will make universitiesmore sustainable while improving the quality of services provided.

B. Amendments to the Trade Union Act

Policy Issue

Labour regulations in the province heavily favour trade unions and employeesresulting in less than optimal market conditions for improving productivity andprosperity. The current composition is a contributing factor to less than desiredlevels of direct investment within the province.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the government amend the Trade Union Act, 1978, in orderto establish a more investment friendly climate in attempts to increase theproductive capacities and overall economic wellbeing of the province.

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Policy Analysis

Though there is widespread support for the continued existence of unions withinSaskatchewan for collective bargaining purposes, the economic impact of unionsbears heavily on the need for policy facilitation. Many academics and policy

analysts believe that the level and extent of unionization within an economy canheavily influence its productive capacities (Clemens et al 2007 and Aidt and

Tzannatos 2002). Graph 2 highlights the possible relationship between the level of unionization within provinces and the extent to which they receive private sectorinvestment.

Though the level of unionization amongst the labour force is an important indicatorof the economic effects of unionization, the composition and regulations thatsupport unions will hold significant influence. Many have noted that Saskatchewancurrently has some of the most stringent labour force laws in North America(Clemens et al 2007). This is exemplified by clause 43 of the Trade Union Act, 1978,

which limits the extent to which companies operating within the province canimplement new technologies and innovative process.

Implementation

The following amendments to the Trade Union Act, 1978, are outlined in AppendixE. With the implementation of these amendments, Saskatchewan will be positioningitself to become a global economic leader in manufacturing, production anddistribution.


This will further assist the province in its efforts towards economic diversification byaiding to the governments current framework for the establishment of aninnovative, green, and knowledge based economy. These amendments are to betabled once the legislature resumes in the fall. This will create a new and stableinvestment environment for both current operators and future investors inSaskatchewan’s economy.

C. Destination Saskatchewan

Policy Issue

Current policies of the government that focus on the development of skilled tradesare not meeting the objective of the government. This is largely based on the lowcompletion rates of those enrolled in these programs.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the government implement the Destination Saskatchewaninitiative, to deal with both the short- and long-term skilled labour issues that arecurrently facing the province. Through Destination Saskatchewan, the government

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• $2million for Housing Service in the development of affordable housing inSaskatchewan.

Destination Saskatchewan is an integrated program involving AEEL, EnterpriseSaskatchewan, and Housing Service in the delivery of an all-encompassing strategyto increase the economic benefits of inward migrants while attempting to minimize

the social and economic negatives that are associated with an influx of newresidents. As this initiative does not require new legislation, this policy will beimplemented directly after the passing of the budget.


Destination Saskatchewan will assist the government to overcome the provincesskilled labour shortage while establishing a more dynamic labour market within theprovince. Through this initiative, the government will be working towards its goalsof stable employment. The success of this program will be contingent on the extentto which the province meets its labour needs and the composition of the labourmarket on a year-to-year basis.

D. The Graduate Retention Program (GRP)

Policy Issue

There is a lack of a defined policy purpose for this program and rationale as to howthe GRP benefits the province.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the government immediately cancel the Graduate RetentionProgram with these funds allocated for expansion of low-income and out of province

student assistance.

Policy Analysis

This policy does not solve a particular policy problem, as $1,000 per year for sevenyears does not provide a significant incentive to retain undergraduates to live in theprovince. Its intended policy purpose is also undercut by the fact that The GRP isnot accessible to graduate level students.

Implementation

This will reduce the overall expenditures of AEEL by $2million per year while

providing $10million in additional assistance to those students that can provefinancial need.


The elimination of the GRP will assist the government in its objectives of stablesocial responsibility and sustainable fiscal performance.

E. Department Renewal

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Policy Issue

Due to the significant change in policy direction of the ministry, the currentadministrative structure is not adequate for development and implementation.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the government approve the creation of a departmentalrestructuring taskforce to evaluate the current structure of AEEL, asses it againstcurrent objectives, and provide design recommendations to the Minister.

Policy Analysis

Currently AEEL has 16 branches with 31 dub-divisions. Due to the complexity of thecurrent administrative structure, there is a significant amount of overlap in regardsto program delivery. For example, Programs, Training Institutions, and AdultEducation administer and financially support skills training initiatives on behalf of

the government.

Implementation

In order to maximize administrative efficiencies and improve program delivery AEELwill create a taskforce to evaluate the current structure and providerecommendations to the minister on the future structure of the ministry. Thoughthis will focus on the entirety of AEEL, the taskforce is to provide specific attentionto:

• the possible elimination of the Work and Family Unit under Can-Sask Careerand Employment Services;

• the elimination of International Education under Immigration Services;• the emaligmantion of Programs, Trainging, and Abult Education for the

delivery of training programs; and• The creation of the Status of Minorities and Women’s Office.

This will be one of two major restructuring intitiavtive to be undertaken by thegovernment during 2009-2010. The designated taskforce will provided its finalsubmission to the ministry in the fall so that its recommendations can be added toAEEL’s estimates for the following year. It is estmated that it will cost the minisry$500thousand for the operation of this taskforce and will be approxamatly $2millionfor the restructuring in 2010-2011.


This initative will lay the foundation for further government wide administrativeevaluations that are to be undertaken as part of the governments initiatives toachieve a stable and sustainable Saskatchewan.

COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY

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Though each policy action recommended above is focused towards thegovernment’s objectives of a stable and sustainable Saskatchewan, the complexityand differences of each action warrant their own communications strategy. Thesestrategies are outlined in Appendix F.

CONCLUSION

Based on the recommendations provided the department will be well positioned toachieve its objectives of stability and sustainability. Through this Saskatchewan willbe placing itself as a world leader in the development and diffusion of technologyand innovation. The total costs/cost savings of these initiatives are provided in

Table 6.

Table 6: Consolidated AEEL Program Expenditures2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

2012-13

Total

University funding renewal 1 -4 -6 -8 -17Amendments to the TradeUnion Act - - - - 0Destination Saskatchewan 0 0 0 0 0Graduate Retention Program -12 -2 -2 -2 -18Department Renewal 0.5 5 - - 4.5Communications 5 5 - - 10

Total

-6 4 -8 -10

-20.

5

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References:

Aidt, Toke and Zafiris Tzannatos. 2002. Unions and Collective Bargaining: EconomicEffects in a Global Environment. Washington, D.C.: The World Bank.

Calcagnini, Giorgio and Germana Giobini. 2006. How does Employment ProtectionLegislation Affect Firm Investment? The European Case. Bonn, Germany: Institutefor the Study of Labour.

Cartwright, Fernando, Sandrine Prasil, Kristina Shimmons, and Lynn Barr-Telford.2001. Access, persistence and financing: First results from the Postsecondary Education Participation Survey (PEPS). Ottawa: Statistics Canada.

Clemens, Jason, Keith Godin, Milagros Palacios, and Niels Velhuis. 2007. MeasuringLabour Markets in Canada and the United States: 2007 Edition. Vancouver: TheFraser Institute.

Poschmann, Finn. 2008. Still High: Marginal Effective Tax Rates on Low-IncomeFamilies. Toronto: C.D. Howe Institute.

Saskatchewan. 2008a. 07-08 Annual Report: Ministry of Advanced Education,Employment and Labour. Regina: of Advanced Education, Employment andLabour.

Saskatchewan. 2008b. Saskatchewan Provincial Budget 2008-2009: Ready forGrowth – Supplementary Estimates. Regina: Ministry of Finance.

Saskatchewan. 2009. 09-10 Performance Plan: Ministry of Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour. Regina: of Advanced Education, Employmentand Labour.

University of Regina. 2008. 2007-2008 Annual Report . Regina: University of Regina.

University of Saskatchewan. 2008. 2007-2008 Annual Report . Saskatoon: Universityof Saskatchewan.

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APPENDIXES

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APPENDIX A: AEEL Departmental Structure

Table 2: Major Branches of AEELCan-Sask Career and Employment Services

– The provision of infomration and advice to emlpoyees and employers throughvarious regional offices across the province.

– provides mechanism to mediate the connection between potential emmployeesand employers through various programs, such as SaskJobs.

Immigration Services– Opperates the Saskatchewan Immigration Nominee Program and provides

financial and administrative assitance for immigrate intergration and settlementthrough its Community Partnerships and Settlement Unit.

International Education– works within an administrative capacity for the implmentation of variaous

strategies that are focused on increasing the profile of Saskatchewan’suniversities both within and outside of Canada, while facilitating the transfer of students both to and from Saskatchewan advanced education institutions

Programs– is responsible for the development and implemnetation of various programs that

focus on the training and provision of basic education for adult learners,employeers and employees

Student Financial Assistance– administers both federal and provincial reyable and non-reyable financial

assistance to Saskatchewan students studeying both within and outside of theprovince.

Training Institutions– works with various private and public entities to provide cooperation and

collaboration among the various pst-secondary inititutions in the province whileproviding financial assistance.

Universities and Adult Education– works with post-secondary institutions to fulfill the objectives of AEEL through the

providing of research grants, enhancing technology used in edcautional activitiesand the recognition of prior learning.

Labour Relations and Mediation– provides information, training, mediation and bargining assistance to labour and

mangement in unionized work places across the province. Most this divisionsactivities are focused on interest based negotiation.

Occupational Health and Safety Division

– ensures that both emmployees and employers are working constatly towardsimprovement in the saefty conditions within the workplaces of Saskatchewan. This

is largely facilitated through work with the various work place health committeeswithin the province.

Office of the Worker’s Advocate– assists workers that have been injured in the work place that have not recieved

proper compensation. It also works with unions and advocay groups to providesevrives to injured workers.

Status of Women

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– develops and implements programing that is focused on achieving social, political,and economic equity from women.

Source: Saskatchewan,< http://www.aeel.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=83c5de0f-997e-4ac0-b61d-a9ae048e6a62 >(accessed on: March 19, 2009)

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http://www.aeel.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=83c5de0f-997e-4ac0-b61d-a9ae048e6a62%20





Appenbix B: Mian Financials

Table 3: 2008-2009 Estimated AEEL Expenditures

(thousands of dollars)Estimat

es

Percenta

ges

Administrative 25892 3.4%

Central Management and Services 25892 3.4%

Advanced Education63486

1 83.4%

Student support Programs 55984 7.4%

Post-Secondary Education 566877 74.5%

Graduate Retention Program 12000 1.6%

Employment and Training 75211 9.9%

Training Programs 37976 5.0%

Career and Employment Services 37235 4.9%

Labour 15526 2.0%

Workers Advocate 633 0.1%

Occupational Health and Safety 7653 1.0%

Labour Relations Board 964 0.1%

Labour Relations and Mediation 673 0.1%

Labour Standards 2403 0.3%

Status of Women Office 3200 0.4%

Immigration 9914 1.3%

Immigration 9914 1.3%

Total Expenditures76140

4 100%

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APPENDIX C: AEEL Network Analysis

AEEL Network Composition

The level of influence and the direction of the relationship between AEEL and eachentity are identified by each connection arrow. This highlights those entities thatare influential in the policy directives of the ministry and those entities to which theministry is able to influence to s significant degree. The level of influence is largelybased on the financial, judicial, and public relation implications of each generalrelationship. For example, AEEL will have weakened influence in areas dealing with

First Nations and aboriginal peoples due to issues surrounding duty-to-consult.Conversely, many aboriginal groups are very vocal and effective in transmittingtheir messages within the public sphere.

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AEEL

Adv. Ed. & TrainingLabour and Employment

Immigration

FSIN

CBOs

Citizenship and Immigration CanadaForeign Government

CBOs

International Adv. Ed. Institutions

Private Labour Unions

Public Labour Unions

Private Companies

Universities

Trade Schools and College

Private NGOs

Provincial Courts



APPENDIX D: Environmental Scan

AEEL Environmental Scan Trends

– The costs of maintaining quality in the operations andprovison of services at the advanced eduactional institutionin the provice continue to raise.

– While registrations within within jourenymen apprentorshipscontniue to expanded attanment rates continue to be low,most notably among aboriginals.

– The level of immigrates entering Saskatchewa contniues togrowth quite significantly.

– Sasktachewancontniues to be one of the most heavilyunionise economies in North America.

– Saskatchewan contniues to have one of the highestaccedent and saverity of accsedent rates within Canada

– The movement towards knowledge-based economies withinthe developed markets.

Events

– The migration of workers and their families to Saskatchewanfrom regions heavily affected by the recission.

– Saskatchewan’s employment rates are starting to slow asthe international demand for its products begins todecrease.

– The recent ammendment of the Trade Union Act increasethe level of democracy in unionized work environments.

Relationships

– As the influx of immigrates into Saskatchewan contniues togrowth, the government;s relationship with ethnic

community based organizations as policy drivers andprogram implemnters becomes more important.– Unions within the province hold considerable political wieght

within the province .– Due to the duty to consult, the government needs to instill a

higher level of engagement with aboriginal organizations inthe creation of public policy

– that with hold affect on their membership.

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Table 4: AEEL Opportunities and ThreatsOpportunities

– Surplus skilled labour in other provinces.– Change in public opinion towards unionized work

environments.– Relative economic strangth of the province.

Threats

– Possiblity of aboriginal being leftbehind by current economicdevelopment.

– Increased advanced education enrolment due to aneconomic downturn.

– Rising immigration levels will put significant strain on thesocial structures.

– A contniuing contraction of international and nationaleconomies.

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APPENDIX E: Consolidated University Financial Statements

Consolidated University Expenses

(thousands of dollars)Gener

al

Restrict

ed Total

Percenta

ge

Revenues6135

1018465

67981

66 100%

Government of Saskatchewan33326

2 620563953

18 50%

Other Government 21320 881651094

85 14%

Private Contributions 8587 191972778

4 3%

Sales of services and products10054

5 22151027

60 13%

Student tuition and fees

12754

4 11

1275

55 16%

Investments 12984 122032518

7 3%

Other 9268 8091007

7 1%

Expenses5806

5020538

77860

37 100%

Salaries38005

5 515124315

67 55%

Employee benefits 48017 44865250

3 7%

operational supplies and expenses 63773 310849485

7 12%

travel 12704 75062021

0 3%

costs of goods sold 21140 162115

6 3%

Maintenance and renovations 15130 36421877

2 2%

Utilities 26723 852680

8 3%

Debt amortization 474 713427181

6 9%

Interest 2518 5355 7873 1%

Student Assistance 8767 300913885

8 5%

Others 1349 268 1617 0%

Net Balance3286

0 -207311212

9Source: University of Regina and Saskatchewan Annual Reports 2007-2008

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APPENDIX F: Amendments to the Trade Union Act, 1978

Table 8: Amendments to the Trade Union Act, 1978Part/Clause

Original Alteration

Amendments

6(1.1) &6(2)(a)

45% of the employees in theappropriate unit support theapplication for unionizationand action

60% of the employees in the appropriateunit support the application forunionization and action

11(g) Unfair labour practice tointerfere in the selection of atrade union

Unfair labour practice to interfere in theselection of a trade union if unionizationwill not significantly damage thecompetitiveness of the firm

11(i) and11(j)

To threaten the movement of facilities and business or thereduction in wages, hours,conditions of employment,

benefits or privileges.

To threaten the movement of facilitiesand business or the reduction in wages,hours, conditions of employment,benefits or privileges; unless such

actions would significantly damage thecompetitiveness of the firm.

43(2) An employer must give theminister and the union 90days before a technologicalchange is to come into effect.

An employer must give the minister andthe union 60 days before a technologicalchange is to come into effect.

Removals/Rep

lacements

11(m) Where no collectivebargaining agreement is held,the employer may not changepay, hours of work, orbenefits without entering intocollective bargaining.

43(8.2)(a)

Consideration of alternativeto the proposed technologicalchanges.

Additions

3(c) The tabling of documents by unions tothe Minister of Labour shall include allfinancial statements for that fiscal year.

43 No union may strike based on theproposed implementation of technological change within a firm.

43 Collective bargaining between a firm anda union shall take no longer then 60days for the drafting of a workplaceadjustment plan.

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APPENDIX G: Communications Strategy

AEEL Communications StrategyUniversity Funding Renewal

Lead – Office of the PremierMajor Audience – Universities, student unions, teachers unions, administrative staff

unions, and Saskatchewan tax payers

Key Messages – The government is focused on ensuring that Saskatchewan’suniversities have the ability to provide the highest quality of education in light of continuously increasing costs by providingthem greater freedom to generate revenue.

– The government is ensuring the highest level of access to advancededucation for all Saskatchewanians by providing effectiveassistance to those that are truly in need.

Mediums – Mass media campaign– Informational strategy

Amendments to the Trade Union Act

Lead – Office of the PremierMajor Audience – Employers, investors, trade unions, social activist organizations,and business organizations

Key Messages – The government undertaking one of its largest cooperativeinitiatives to establish Saskatchewan as a world leader in thedevelopment and implementation of new technologies andinnovative processes.

– The government is mending the union regulations to ensure thatSaskatchewan businesses are among the most innovative in theworld.

Mediums – Mass media campaign

Destination Saskatchewan

Lead – Ministry of AEELMajor Audience – Training institution and organizations, and trade unionsKey Messages – The government is committed to facing the provinces skilled labour

shortage by promoting Saskatchewan to other Canadians andimmigrants as the best place to be employed.

Mediums – Televised announcements– Press releases

Graduate Retention ProgramLead – Ministry of FinanceMajor Audience – Student unions and social activist groupsKey Messages – The government is focused on improving the economic and social

conditions of Saskatchewan to provide the competitive edge itneeds to attract and retain the best and the brightest in thecountry.

Mediums – Press releaseDepartment Renewal

Lead – Ministry of AEELMajor Audience – Public servant unions and effected interest groups

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Key Messages – In order to ensure that the AEEL is proving the best servicespossible to its clients, it will be restructured in a manner that ismore conducive with the priorities of the government based onrecommendations provided by a non-partisan taskforce.

Mediums – Press release

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