Legislative Report (12 February 2009)

An Economic Booster Shot

Your Saskatchewan Party government continues to take steps to ensure the province’s economy remains strong despite the global recession. Over the last two weeks, our government has announced $500 million in accelerated infrastructure spending. This “economic booster shot” is part of the $1.5 billion in infrastructure spending for 2009-2010 announced last fall. By moving this funding into the current fiscal year, our government is providing greater funding certainty for municipalities, school boards, health regions and other organizations. It will also allow those organizations to get important infrastructure projects underway much sooner in 2009.

So what does this mean for the constituency of Indian Head-Milestone?

• Over $1.8 million in per capita funding for infrastructure;
• The relocation of 2 portable classrooms to Vibank Regional school; and
• Renovations to the school in Rouleau.

Our government’s $500 million accelerated infrastructure plan responds to the needs of communities across our province that are trying to overcome significant infrastructure deficits. $100 million in per capita funding will be available to municipalities to fund projects such as water and wastewater systems, roads and bridges, and community building initiatives.

Through this announcement, our government has also renewed its commitment to providing seniors with the type of compassionate care they deserve. $152.8 million of the $500 million in accelerated infrastructure spending is being used to replace long-term care facilities across Saskatchewan. The “economic booster shot” also addresses the issue of housing affordability, through a $29.9 million investment that will help address the housing needs of low-income families and individuals. Through initiatives such as 2 new student residences at the University of Saskatchewan or the $12 million renovation of a low-income apartment complex in Regina’s inner city, our government continues to take measures to address the challenge of affordable housing.

Your Saskatchewan Party government understands that in order to secure the future of our province we need to give our children the education facilities they require to succeed. Our accelerated infrastructure plan responds to this need by providing $142 million in funding for replacements and renovations to 102 schools in 63 communities across Saskatchewan. By moving ahead quickly on these much-needed projects, we are helping both our children and our economy.

In order to assist our residents in pursuing their career aspirations while remaining in our province, $26.4 million of the accelerated infrastructure funding is being invested in our post-secondary institutions. This funding will allow for initiatives such as the expansion of the nursing program at the SIAST campus in Regina as well as an improved trades apprenticeship training program. These institutions are important to our economy as they train thousands of people in a range of occupations.

Your Saskatchewan Party government understands that maintaining our highway infrastructure is important to achieving and sustaining growth. That is why we have committed more than $17 million of the accelerated infrastructure spending to projects such as the construction of the Global Transportation Hub just outside Regina. Developments like this will ensure Saskatchewan remains competitive both nationally and internationally.

Saskatchewan's economy is still strong, but we are not immune to effects of the global recession. With this $500 million booster shot and the income tax reductions announced last October, our government has taken steps to ensure Saskatchewan stays on a strong course through 2009 and into the years ahead.

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