BUDGET SHOWS GOVERNMENT MAKING LIFE MORE AFFORDABLE

Saskatoon ranks as one of the most affordable cities in Canada to live, according to an intercity comparison included with the Saskatchewan 2009-10 Budget.

The comparative survey uses 2008 and 2009 data and shows Saskatoon individuals and families pay among the lowest combined taxes, utilities and housing costs of the 10 cities surveyed for each of the representative families. The survey compares a single person earning $25,000 and two-income families earning $50,000 and $75,000 respectively.

"When provincial taxes are combined with utilities, Saskatoon people pay the least of all the cities surveyed in Canada," Premier Brad Wall said. "The significant tax changes our government has introduced will ensure that Saskatchewan continues to be an affordable place to live."

In October 2008, Premier Wall announced the largest single-year income tax cut in Saskatchewan history. When combined with a significant enhancement to Saskatchewan's refundable low-income tax credit and the indexation of the personal income tax system to the national rate of inflation, the Government has lowered personal income taxes by over $320 million annually.

Wall reminded Saskatchewan taxpayers that the income tax reductions were retroactive to the start of 2008.

"That means everyone should try to get their tax return done as soon as possible because there's a good chance you will be getting a bigger refund than you might have been expecting," Wall said.

Wall noted that total provincial taxes and utilities in this year's survey were significantly lower than in the 2008 survey for Saskatoon:

• A single person earning $25,000 will pay $3,049, or $572 less;
• A two-income family earning $50,000 will pay $4,674, or $1,817 less; and
• A two-income family earning $75,000 will pay $7,948, or $1,508 less.

In the 2009-10 provincial budget released last Wednesday, the government also reduced education property taxes by $103 million - the largest education property tax cut ever in Saskatchewan.

"Overall, we are putting over $700 million back into the hands of Saskatchewan people this year," Wall said. "These significant tax reductions are an important part of our plan to keep Saskatchewan's economy strong and steady, and make life more affordable for all Saskatchewan people."

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina, Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kyoung@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927