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The Saskatchewan Advantage: Ensuring Everyone Benefits

Jan 31, 2013 | 2:31 PM

Saskatchewan’s economic and population growth have provided us with the resources to improve services, invest in our communities and provide sound fiscal management. This growth however does come with challenges. If you own property, chances are the value of that property has increased greatly over the past few years. The flip side of this is good news is that it may translate into higher property taxes. Over the past four years the value of property in Saskatchewan has increased 67 per cent, moving from $58 billion in 2009 to $97 billion in the 2013 revaluation year. Since the education property tax is levied on the assessment of property, our government will need to take a close look at the potential impact of the increase in property assessments on taxpayers. In 2009, the provincial government delivered the largest education property tax cut in Saskatchewan history, reducing education property taxes by more than 80 per cent on farmland and nearly 30 per cent on residential properties. Our government is taking a thoughtful approach during our budgeting process to mitigate increased property taxes.

One part of ensuring everyone benefits from growth is providing recreational spaces for families. It was with that in mind that our government recently announced the keeping of a campaign promise to support community rinks. Through the Community Rink Affordability Grant, our government has invested more than $1.6 million in 554 facilities in 387 communities to maintain indoor ice surfaces. This grant was open until December 21st which allowed communities, non-profits, schools, rink boards and First Nations to register their indoor rink for the $2,500 grant. This is another way your Saskatchewan Party government is making Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to raise a family.

As mentioned, one of the benefits of growth is the ability to provide improved services and programs that produce real changes in our communities. One such program is the Targeted Police Initiative, which supports effective and relevant enforcement services. Every community has specific issues around crime; this funding allows municipal police services to focus on these issues. This approach has led to reduced crime, resulting in safer communities. In 2011, Saskatchewan crime rate dropped three per cent and our youth crime-rate was four per cent lower than ten years ago. The Targeted Police Initiative is already at work in Estevan, Moose Jaw and North Battleford for an investment of $1,300,000 and more will be announced in the near future. In 2007, we promised to provide 120 additional police offers throughout the province. We kept that promise in our four years in government and continue to move forward this program as the next step in our commitment to make Saskatchewan a safe place to live.

SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS

GOVERNMENTS INVESTS MORE THAN $1.6 MILLION IN LOCAL RINKS THROUGH COMMUNITY RINK AFFORDABILITY GRANT

Community rinks across the province are benefitting from the Community Rink Affordability Grant launched in September.

NOVEMBER WAGES RISE FOR SASKATCHEWAN WORKERS

Saskatchewan workers had more money in their pockets during the month of November, according to the latest numbers released by Statistics Canada.

CHANGES COMING FOR CHARITABLE GAMING

Groups and organizations that raise money through charitable gaming may soon be using electronic technology to conduct bingos and raffles.

RECORD OIL PRODUCTION IN 2012

Oil production in Saskatchewan hit a new record in 2012 according to statistics released by the Ministry of the Economy.

P.A. A&W BEARS SWEEP NOTRE DAME

The Prince Albert A&W Bears made Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey history as they swept the Notre Dame Hounds in a season series. Notre Dame claimed five of the six previous titles. The Bears are presently 2nd place overall, 6 points behind the Regina Rebels.