KEEPING THE SASKATCHEWAN ADVANTAGE

The last few years have been transformational for Saskatchewan. We have gone from being a have-not province to being a driver of the Canadian economy. Our population is at an all-time record high of 1,065,000. Thousands of people including both those who moved away and newcomers are choosing Saskatchewan as the place they want to live, work and raise their families. The credit for the work that’s made all that possible belongs to you, the people of Saskatchewan. You are responsible for creating the Saskatchewan Advantage.

It is our government’s job to take action on your behalf to ensure we keep that advantage. We enjoy a quality of life rarely seen in these uncertain economic times, and it is our responsibility to ensure everyone shares in the benefits of the historic growth this province has seen.

The 2012-2013 budget is balanced. It ensures spending on government services remains affordable and sustainable. This budget takes measures to ensure Saskatchewan families enjoy a high quality of life, by keeping the promises we made during the recent provincial election while providing sound fiscal management and sustainable spending. In short, it keeps our economy strong and growing.

A strong and growing economy is one in which a government lives within its means. In the 2012-2013 budget, overall government spending is up less than 5 per cent, which keeps a key promise we made during the election. Even when you take into account the Crown corporations, there is a $15 million surplus and a further commitment to the Growth and Financial Security Fund of $70 million; money which can be used to deal with emergencies and unforeseen expenses, such as natural disasters.

Our government recognizes that to keep our strong advantage, we need to ensure our spending is sustainable. We are calling on third parties such as health authorities, post-secondary institutions and school divisions to look for efficiencies that do not impact the services provided. As well, the Film Employment Tax Credit will be wound down, eventually saving taxpayers $8 million a year, and we will no longer fund Enterprise Regions. We also looked at what is charged to Saskatchewan people under programs such as the Seniors’ and Children’s Drug Plan to ensure such programs are sustainable.

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