Legislative Report
(19 August 2009)

Budget Remains Balanced

Despite changes in potash revenues to the province, your Saskatchewan Party government remains committed to keeping its promise of a balanced budget.

First, it’s important to note that not only will the budget remain balanced, the Saskatchewan Party government has paid down the provincial debt by nearly 40 per cent since being elected in November 2007 and our most important priorities are intact.

The Saskatoon Children’s Hospital will be built, and the money will be there when the shovels hit the ground. Also, important measures such as doubling Seniors Income Plan benefits and taking 80,000 people off the tax rolls won’t change.

We will take a $185 million Special Dividend from the Crown Investments Corporation in order to continue making key infrastructure investments that will help grow the province. This amount is equivalent to the dividend the province did not take last year.

We will defer $132.3 million in capital projects – largely reflecting a decision to manage the cash flows for these projects more in line with the expected construction needs. None of these projects have been cancelled, just postponed until the money is needed for construction.

We will cut $49.2 million from internal government operations. This will begin with vacancy management and reduced travel, as well as administrative savings.

The goal of the 2009 budget was to keep Saskatchewan's economy strong and steady. It has done that. We remain the only jurisdiction in the country to have more jobs this year than last and we have the lowest unemployment rate in Canada. These are positive signs and proof our budget is working for the people of Saskatchewan.

SASKATCHEWAN LEADS AT MIDWEST LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

Nine members of your Saskatchewan Party government recently travelled to Kansas for the Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) to promote fair and open trade. With the aid of American legislators, SaskParty MLAs helped draft this resolution opposed to the “Buy American Clause” contained in President Obama’s economic stimulus package.

By achieving the support of U.S. legislators in these uncertain economic times, our government is taking every opportunity to help keep the Saskatchewan economy strong and steady.

The MLC conference is an annual meeting between Provincial and State Legislatures from 11 mid-west American states. In 2000, Saskatchewan became the first ‘international affiliate' member, followed by Ontario and Manitoba. The goal is to foster regional intergovernmental cooperation through the sharing of knowledge and experience.

NEW CHILD CARE SPACES

Your Saskatchewan Party government continues to invest in one of our most precious resources: our children. We recently announced $1.24 million for 370 new child care spaces in 10 communities across the province. That brings to 1,500 the number of new licensed child care spaces our government has created in just two years. Demand for child care spaces has increased as parents return to work or go back to school. Our government is taking action to meet that important need. These 370 spaces are part of our government’s commitment to fund 11,400 licensed child care spaces in Saskatchewan by the end of March 2010.

WEEKLY HIGHWAYS UPDATE

Your Saskatchewan Party government’s record investment in highways continues. This year our government is investing an historic $630 million for roads, highways and bridges to address years of neglect under the NDP. This includes the largest amount ever in capital construction: $358 million. Work that has started recently includes surfacing on highway 13 from Assiniboia west through Lafleche and onto Woodrow. With significant construction occurring throughout Saskatchewan, take time to plan the safest, most efficient route to reach your destination. For further details regarding the 2009 construction season, check road conditions.

Past Legislative Reports