CALVERT CONGRATULATES INCOMING PRIME MINISTER AND OUTLINES PROVINCE'S PRIORITIES

Premier Lorne Calvert today outlined Saskatchewan's priorities with the federal government and extended congratulations to Stephen Harper as the incoming Prime Minister of Canada as this province enters its second century.

"I have written to the Prime Minister designate indicating Saskatchewan looks forward to working with his government on the key issues that affect this province," Calvert said. "We also acknowledge the contributions of outgoing Prime Minister Paul Martin, Finance Minister Ralph Goodale and the efforts of many hard-working candidates over the last number of months."

Calvert said, in the days ahead, Saskatchewan will focus on outstanding agreements with the federal government, in specific within three key priority areas: equalization, agriculture and issues related to our aboriginal peoples.

"Our file one, the first priority is addressing equalization reform. Successful conclusion of this effort means a huge fiscal and economic opportunity for our province," Calvert said, noting the Conservative party is on record as supporting the full exclusion of non-renewable natural resource revenues in a timely fashion.

"We welcome that alignment with our key priority," the Premier added.

Calvert outlined another key priority as achieving a more effective farm income stabilization and disaster relief program that includes a strengthened federal financial commitment; and support for the achievement of an improved social and economic environment for our Aboriginal and First Nations residents, to achieve the targets identified by the federal government in Kelowna.

"We have numerous other agenda items requiring attention including environment, child care, learning, justice, health care funding, taxation and other federal-provincial areas of interest also deserve special consideration," Calvert stressed.

He has written to request a meeting with the incoming Prime Minister and anticipates quick action.

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