The Saskatchewan Advantage: The Importance of Fiscal Responsibility

One of the key components of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth is our government’s commitment to balanced budgets. Our record in this area is strong – we’ve had balanced budgets every year since 2007. Last week's release of the 2012-2013 Third Quarter Financial Report shows that we are on track to do the same thing this year, despite falling resource revenues. Those declines are being offset in large part by the benefits of growth, including a growing tax base thanks to higher employment and record population growth.

The Third Quarter Financial Report projects that we will finish the 2012-13 fiscal year with an $8.8 million pre-transfer surplus. That’s down from what was in the budget, mainly due to increases such as:

º $50 million for highway improvements;
º $40 million for the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program; up $110 million in total over budget;
º $47 million for AgriStability, AgriInvest and Crop Insurance;
º $10 million for snow removal and ice control on provincial highways;
º $4 million for increased usage of the Graduate Retention Program.

Not only does the budget continue to be balanced, we are doing this against a backdrop of no increase in government debt and with a healthy balance of more than $660 million in the Growth and Financial Security Fund.

Fiscal responsibility is an important element of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth. Without it, achieving the plan’s ambition goals will be even more of a challenge. If we want to grow our province to 1.2 million people by 2020, double our exports and continue to invest in programs and services important to you and your family, we must be prudent.

Riderville

Riders Have Options Heading into Tuesday CFL Draft

19m ago

Weekend hockey

PAGC set to host largest Senator's Cup tournament to date

47m ago

VAISAKHI MELA

Hundreds flocking to P.A. for Vaisakhi Mela celebration

1h ago

In the coming weeks, MLAs will return to the legislature for the spring session. Shortly thereafter, we will announce our next budget. Not only will it be balanced, it will further reflect our government’s commitment to ensuring the benefits of growth are used to improve the quality of life for all Saskatchewan people.

Together we will maintain the Saskatchewan Advantage and continue to move our province forward.

SPECIAL INTEREST ITEMS

SASKATCHEWAN RESIDENTS CAN UPDATE AND SUBMIT HEALTH CARD INFORMATION ONLINE

Saskatchewan residents now have the option to update and submit their health card registration information directly online at any time that is convenient to them.

SASKATCHEWAN FORESTS ARE HEALTHY

Saskatchewan’s forests are healthy according to the Ministry of Environment’s 2012 Report on Saskatchewan Forests, now available on the ministry’s website.

SASKATCHEWAN HOME TO FASTEST GROWING, YOUNGEST CITIES IN CANADA

Saskatoon and Regina were the fastest growing and youngest cities among census metropolitan areas (CMAs) between July 1, 2011 and July 1, 2012, according to a report released by Statistics Canada.

SASKATCHEWAN FORESTS ARE HEALTHY

Saskatchewan’s forests are healthy according to the Ministry of Environment’s 2012 Report on Saskatchewan Forests, now available on the ministry’s website.

RHONDA MEAKIN INDUCTED INTO P.A. COUNCIL OF WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME

Sincere congratulations goes out to Sgt. Rhonda Meakin, as she was recently announced as the newest inductee into the P.A. Council of Women’s Hall of Fame. She was accepted because of her many accomplishments and volunteering efforts. The ceremony will take place at the Travelodge on March 2 at 2 p.m.

METIS ELDER JULIE PITZEL AWARDED QUEEN ELIZABETH II DIAMOND JUBILEE MEDAL

Warm congratulations to Julie Pitzel as she was recognized for her volunteer work in the community of Prince Albert. This award is well deserved. Once again, congratulations!

P.A. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DEADLINE FOR GRANT PROPOSALS IS MARCH 7, 2013

PACF grants are used to fund projects that benefit the community in the areas of children and youth, family and community, arts and culture, health and welfare, sports and recreation, and research and education.

Application packages can be picked up at the City Clerk’s office at either of the Conexus Credit Union locations or by phoning 764.9108 for an electronic/fax form.