GOVERNMENT MAKES EDUCATION AND TRAINING A PRIORITY

Today's budget increases education funding by $45 million to a record investment of $1.2 billion. This represents a 3.8 per cent increase over last year. This budget reinforces the Government's commitment to provide students with high-quality education and training opportunities connecting them to careers in Saskatchewan.

"We are making good on our commitment to make Saskatchewan a place of choice for our youth, by making education and training a priority for our government," Learning Minister Andrew Thomson said.

"Keeping our graduates in the province is a goal of the Government's new CareerStart program. The Graduate Tax Credit will be increased from $350 to $500 this year, increasing to $1000 by 2007. This provides a further incentive for students to build their careers here at home," Thomson added.

In an effort to offset property tax increases, operating grants to school divisions will increase by $18 million to $527.9 million. This will address teacher salary increases from the current collective agreement on a province-wide basis.

The Government is providing $50.5 million in capital funding to education partners to construct, upgrade and maintain K-12 schools and post-secondary facilities across the province. Included in this is additional funding for advancing work on four news schools in Saskatoon and constructing a new school at Ile a la Crosse.

"To meet the labour market needs of our expanding economy, we are increasing the budgets for SIAST, regional colleges and the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission by $2.6 million. University operating grants will increase by $5.7 million plus an additional $3.1 million to address accreditation issues at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine for a total provincial contribution to post-secondary education and student supports of more than $496.7 million. A new on-line credit transfer initiative will also be implemented to support student mobility within Saskatchewan."

"Additionally, as part of the Health Action Plan, we are continuing to provide funding for the 100 new nursing seat expansion announced last July," Thomson added.

"To support research at both universities, the Innovation and Science Fund will be increased by $1.8 million to $9.8 million. Our universities are doing a tremendous job of attracting research dollars. We are pleased to be able to do our part to support research as we recognize the long-term economic benefits for Saskatchewan people," Thomson said. The fund has been transferred from the Department of Industry and Resources to Learning.

The Government's early childhood development initiative, including KidsFirst, will receive a $1.5 million increase to support healthy babies and encourage healthy development of our children, from birth to five years of age. This will allow current KidsFirst program providers to increase capacity and support a further 500 families in targeted KidsFirst communities across the province.

Thomson also said Saskatchewan's innovative SchoolPlus initiative will be advanced in schools across the province. "Almost one-half of our school divisions will be involved in a SchoolPlus initiative to improve learning outcomes. As well, school boards will work with other community service providers to link services to schools so that every child and young person has the supports they need to succeed in school and in life."

"We have also added $1 million to CommunityNet to enhance the provision of high-speed Internet access for K-12 students and teachers in remote schools. In addition, a renewed emphasis on youth transitions to work or post-secondary education for high school students helps connect them to a future in Saskatchewan," Thomson said.

Public libraries will receive an increase to support their efforts to provide universal access to library services and enhance resource sharing between the libraries in the provincial system. "With two years of consecutive budget increases, the Government is demonstrating its continued support for our libraries and their important contributions to our cultural fabric and opportunities for lifelong learning."

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306) 787-5609