As Minister of Highways and Infrastructure, it is my pleasure to present our Plan for 2011-12.  This document is in alignment with the Government's Direction for 2011-12: The Saskatchewan Advantage.

Saskatchewan's growing economy and increased population is placing high demands and challenges on the province's infrastructure system.  The efficient movement of goods and people is reliant on a transportation system that meets the needs of industries and the Saskatchewan people to get products and people to local, national and international destinations.  Transportation planning is critical to the economic and social prosperity of Saskatchewan.  Enhancing the traffic flow through municipalities and delivering projects through the Ministry's Transportation for Growth strategy will ensure that the transportation system is safe and sustainable for the Province.

With a budget of $556 million, the Ministry is committed to assisting in the growth of industry, local communities, and in providing a safe place for families who are confident about their future.  The Ministry will continue to develop successful partnerships with industry, transportation stakeholders and the people of Saskatchewan. We‘re committed to consulting with our stakeholders to improve our transportation system. We are also working collaboratively with other provinces in the newly formed New West Partnership.  In alignment with Government's vision, this document presents the Ministry's strategy to guide development of the transportation system - Transportation for Growth.

In 2011-12, the Ministry's investments will be focussed on the most efficient way to support the economic development, enhanced motorist safety, and delivery of the promises made by this Government. Contributions to the province's economic growth through an integrated and strategic highway system will include enhancing the primary weight system through the planned completion of 160 kilometres of rural highways and repaving of 400 kilometres on the provincial highway network.  The Ministry continues to invest in multi-year capital projects including road construction supporting the Global Transportation Hub, construction on Highway 1 and Lewvan Drive, the acceleration of twinning Highway 11, replacement of the St. Louis Bridge and the commencement of a new interchange at Pinkie Road and Highway 1. 

I believe the 2011-12 Plan will position our province to capture the opportunities and benefits of a booming economy for the betterment of Saskatchewan families.  I am committed to reporting on the progress made toward this Plan and on the commitments made by the Government in the Minister's 2010 Mandate Letter, within the financial parameters provided to my Ministry, in the 2011-12 Annual Report.

Response to Government Direction

Government's plan for the upcoming year is described in the Government Direction for 2011-12: The Saskatchewan Advantage. The 2011-12 Budget supports this plan by maintaining and improving our quality of life through enhanced public services and creating more opportunities for all Saskatchewan citizens. Responsible fiscal management means finding the right balance between: debt reduction; tax relief; investing in short term capital infrastructure projects; and matching program spending to long-term, sustainable revenues.

Meanwhile, Government continues to promote effectiveness and efficiency throughout the public service; is continuing with its four year plan to reduce government's footprint; and has adopted a "Lean" culture of continuous improvement in the delivery of programs and services.

Ministry Plans for 2011-12 support the fulfillment of Government's vision for a secure and prosperous Saskatchewan, leading the country in economic and population growth, while providing opportunity for a high quality of life for all. Government's goals and priorities for the upcoming year are described in the Government Direction document, as well as in each ministry plan.

The Plan for 2011-12 communicates a high-level framework for the Ministry's key activities in the upcoming year. All ministries and agencies will report on results achieved, or not yet achieved, in their annual reports, to honour Government's commitment to keep its promises, and to ensure greater transparency and accountability to Saskatchewan people.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is to optimize the role of transportation as it relates to the economic and social development of Saskatchewan.

Strategies and Actions

The following pages provide an outline of key activities to be undertaken in the upcoming year. For more information on the Ministry's activities and programs, click on the web-links provided. For the full Ministry Plan, including performance measures and a financial summary, see Related Links below.