Saskatchewan Scholarship Gives Students the Advantage

More than 4,500 students benefitted from the new Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship in 2012-13, the first year of the program. More than $2.2 million in scholarships were awarded to assist students with their post-secondary education.

The Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship reduces tuition up to $500 per year to a lifetime maximum of $2,000 for new Saskatchewan Grade 12 graduates who enroll at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution. Students have up to 10 years from graduation to access the scholarship.

The percentage breakdown by institution is:
University of Saskatchewan: 44 per cent
University of Regina: 30 per cent
SIAST: 13 per cent
Regional Colleges: eight per cent
Private Vocational Schools: five per cent

While the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship is reducing tuition fees for students, those same students can also get all of their tuition back, up to $20,000, if they stay and work in Saskatchewan after they finish their post-secondary education.

Updated information on the scholarship is posted on the Ministry of Advanced Education’s website at www.aeei.gov.sk.ca/scholarship-sas.

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Promoting Our Heritage
The RCMP Heritage Center in Regina has recently been allocated a one-time grant of $100,000 by the Government of Saskatchewan. The funding, along with a matching $100,000 in financial support and tax abatement by the City of Regina, will help the centre maintain and enhance its core operations while working to establish sustainable funding.

Conditions of the agreement aim to increase access to the RCMP Heritage Centre for school-aged children and groups, build capacity within the centre and expand outreach to include guided tours of the RCMP Academy “Depot” Division. The one-time funding agreement will assist with operating costs in the 2013-14 fiscal year.

As Saskatchewan’s population grows, we believe this showcase of our national police force’s history can play an increasingly important role in both education and tourism for the province. The Heritage Center was recently featured on a popular television series in August.

A fundraiser gala in Prince Albert also promoted its’ heritage this summer. Hosted by Prince Albert Tourism, it focused on the history and legacy of the three Canadian Prime Ministers from this city. Proceeds are for the restoration of one of our museums.

Provincial Economy Still On Track
The province’s economy is resilient and continues to perform well in 2013, with stronger-than-expected employment growth and higher oil prices. Saskatchewan remains on track to balance its books in 2013-14, with a pre-transfer surplus of $33.0 million forecast for the General Revenue Fund (GRF). The First Quarter Financial Report shows revenue is up $11.8 million (0.1 per cent) from budget, primarily due to higher oil revenue.

Our potash revenue forecast has been revised by $21.3 million, largely to reflect uncertainty stemming from recent global potash market developments. Expense is up $43.6 million (0.4 per cent) from budget primarily for the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program. Flooding expense has reduced the projected GRF surplus somewhat, but overall spending continues to be managed effectively.

Seniors Ride for $10
Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) will once again offer seniors the opportunity to explore Saskatchewan at a great price. Wi-Fi and other great amenities including power outlets, increased leg room, and wheel chair access, make travel by bus convenient and comfortable. Throughout the month of September, seniors 60+ will be able to ride anywhere along STC’s network for only $10 one-way. This program has been extremely popular and is a great way to keep Saskatchewan families and friends connected.

In 2012, STC reported a 93 per cent customer satisfaction rating from customers that rated the company’s service as “good” or “excellent”. In 2012, more than 30,000 seniors took advantage of seat sale months.

Saskatchewan constituents have taken time to provide Saskatchewan Party MLAs with their perspective and priorities this summer. That information has been assimilated and reviewed at our caucus retreat and will be used to chart our government’s course into this fall’s legislative session and beyond. By working together, we will continue to move Saskatchewan forward.

Prince Albert Northcote constituents are always welcome to contact my office by calling 306-922-4220. You may also visit my website at http://mlajurgens.ca or email mlajurgens@sasktel.net. Our office is located at 5A 598 15th St East across from Superstore.