Seniors, Disabled, Benefit from Budget

Seniors, the disabled, and families at risk in Prince Albert are among those who may benefit from key government programs outlined in the 2012-13 provincial budget.

Of particular interest to Prince Albert Northcote, is our Government’s commitment of $450,000 to the Community Mobilization Initiative. This multi-agency intervention approach is pro-active in addressing crime and social dysfunction issues.

The program resulted in measurable results in its first year. Statistics released last fall by the Prince Albert Police Service showed crimes against person were down 9.7 per cent, crimes against property were down 12.7 per cent, and other crimes were down 14.4 per cent.

But what those numbers reveal is that real families and individuals are being guided to successful outcomes in their life journey. It is rewarding to see our government support programs that move our city and our province forward.

This is also evidenced by the $17.8 million allocated to enhance the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program for people with significant and enduring disabilities.

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

17h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

20h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

Apr 19, 2024

A new assessment process means more people with disabilities who live independently could become eligible for SAID.

Benefits will increase over the next four years, with the largest increase in June 2012. Couples living independently will receive a $230 per month increase, single individuals living independently will see a $200 per month increase, and people in residential care will get a $40 per month increase.

Our Saskatchewan Party Government has also fulfilled our commitment to improve the Seniors Income Plan (SIP) for low-income seniors. Maximum monthly benefits provided through SIP will increase effective July 2012 by $50 per month. The benefit will increase by $10 per month in each of the next three years.

The Seniors Income Plan benefit was doubled in our government’s first term of office, and it will triple by the end of our second term. We are committed to making life more affordable for low-income seniors.

The Saskatchewan Advantage budget keeps our campaign promises. It includes a tax credit for first time homebuyers, a high school graduate scholarship, and expansions to the both the PST exemption on children’s clothing and the active families benefit.

Compared to other provinces and countries, our finances remain strong. To make sure it stays that way, we are providing balanced and sustainable government programming. We are working to limit overall government spending increases to under five per cent.

A clear difference was seen during the last election, between the spending spree with taxpayers’ dollars the NDP wanted, and the cautious spending the SaskParty promised.  Through careful planning, we will keep that promise and we will also keep the Saskatchewan Advantage.