Legislative Report (25 September 2008)

Broad-Based Tax Relief for Saskatchewan Families

A tax cut for Saskatchewan families looks increasingly probable. Tax reductions are being considered as one possible use for the unbudgeted $3 billion surplus the province currently has due to higher-than-anticipated resource revenues. Over the summer, Saskatchewan Party MLAs asked people what they thought was the best way to use the surplus. Debt reduction, infrastructure and tax cuts were identified among the highest priorities. Our government has already paid down a third of the debt and invested $1 billion in infrastructure. A broad-based tax cut is being considered as another way to ensure all Saskatchewan people benefit from our new-found prosperity.

ADDRESSING THE LABOUR SHORTAGE

Recognizing the need for skilled tradespeople in a growing economy, our government is providing an additional $3.5 million to the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. Over the last three years, the number of apprentices in the province has increased by 2,800. This new funding creates an additional 900 training seats, bringing the total number of training seats to 4,700. By ensuring tradespeople receive the training they need, our government accomplishes two things: addressing the labour shortage ignored for too long by the NDP and honouring our commitment to sustain the unprecedented growth Saskatchewan is experiencing.

ANOTHER PROMISE KEPT

In the nine months since the November 2007 election, Saskatchewan has experienced record population growth. As the fastest growing province in Canada, it is important our government take the necessary steps to ensure we can accommodate that growth. We are doing so by keeping another campaign promise through the announcement of the first payments under the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Growth Initiative (SIGI). The $75 million in interest-free loans will help municipalities across the province deal with the demand for more residential lots and infrastructure. Local governments will save millions of dollars in interest fees and help them build the infrastructure needed to sustain the current economic momentum.

PROVINCIAL PARKS MORE POPULAR THAN EVER

There were more than 3 million visits to provincial parks this summer, an 11 per cent increase over 2007, and the highest number of visits since parks moved to electronically counting the number of visitors, 18 years ago. There were more out-of-province visitors, but many Saskatchewan residents are choosing to spend their vacations closer to home, which is why our government has committed to a $20 million, 4-year project to upgrade provincial parks. A survey of park visitors is currently underway, through which we hope to get more input on how to spend that money. We have already committed to adding 1,000 more electrified campsites, some of which will be available for use next spring.

Past Legislative Reports