PROVINCE DELIVERS STUDENT TAX CREDIT

Nearly 11,000 post-secondary graduates in Saskatchewan will be getting their

certificates for the provincial Graduate Tax Credit by the end of February.

This credit is a one-time provincial income tax credit of $350 for qualifying

graduates who obtain employment in Saskatchewan. All students who have

graduated since January 1, 2000 are eligible for the credit.



"All of Saskatchewan benefits from the success of its graduates," Post-

Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Glenn Hagel said. "This is

one way we can say thank you for your hard work and for applying your skills

and knowledge in Saskatchewan."



The Graduate Tax Credit also goes to graduates from outside Saskatchewan who

are working in the province. A recent national study shows more post-secondary

graduates moving to Saskatchewan than away from it.



The tax credit should be filed with the graduate's Saskatchewan Income Tax

return in the year of graduation. Any unused portion will be automatically

carried forward up to four taxation years.



Saskatchewan's universities, SIAST, the Apprenticeship and Trade Certification

Commission and some other post-secondary educational institutions in

Saskatchewan will apply on behalf of their graduates to the Government of

Saskatchewan so that certificates can be automatically issued. These

institutions will be listed on the program web site. Graduates of institutions

not on the list, including out-of-province schools, can apply directly to the

province to receive the certificate.



Eligible post-secondary programs must be six months or more of full-time study,

result in recognized certificates, diplomas or degrees, and be approved for

Canada/Saskatchewan Student Loans.



"This unique credit rewards our students for putting their education to work

in Saskatchewan, and acts on concerns expressed in the public consultations on

financial access to post-secondary education held across the province last

January," Hagel said.



The Graduate Tax Credit is expected to benefit between 8,500 and 11,000

graduates each year.



Application forms are available from:

Post-Secondary Graduate Tax Credit Office

B21, 3085 Albert Street

Regina SK S4P 3V7

Phone (306) 787-5620

Or from www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/P/graduatetaxcredit



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For more information, contact:



Neil Yeates

Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-5586