BUDGET COMMITS TO NORTHERN INVESTMENT

The Government of Saskatchewan is in vesting in this year's budget to improved the quality of life in the North.

“This budget follows through on this government’s commitment to create opportunities for northern residents,” Northern Affairs Minister Joan Beatty said.  “By improving northern services and infrastructure, and by investing in the future of our growing young population, we will help them make the North an even better place to live and work.”

The provincial government will introduce $6.43 million in new initiatives in this budget.  This includes funds for education and training, new justice initiatives and increased revenue sharing with northern municipalities, and funding for water and sewer infrastructure.  In addition, funding has increased for health care and K-12 education.

“The North is sharing in the province’s strong economy,” Beatty said.  “Northern Affairs will help Northerners make the most of their economic opportunities and build a prosperous future.  In this way, Northerners can create healthier, safer communities for their families now and for generations to come.”

The budget for the Northern Affairs department will increase by 5.6 per cent, or $322,000, to a total of $6.038 million.  This money will maintain key programs, including the Northern Development Fund (loans and grants), the Commercial Fish Transportation Subsidy, the Regional Development Corporations and the federal-provincial Northern Development Agreement.  The increase will enable Northern Affairs to better serve the needs of its northern clients.

“With a mandate for business and employment development, Northern Affairs will continue to help Northerners set their own goals and realize their own dreams,” Beatty said.  “Our programs and services are here to help them develop and expand businesses and create additional employment opportunities for northern residents.”

Some of the highlights for the North this year:

• Government Relations will provide $10.2 million in revenue sharing to northern municipalities, an increase of $2.4 million.  An additional $3.7 million is allocated to northern water and sewer programs and further water and sewer funding will be provided through the Northern Revenue Sharing Trust Account.  
• Advanced Education and Employment will devote $2.2 million for the Northern Health Access Program and $2.4 million for Northern Skills Training as part of the 600 previously-announced training spots. 
• Highways and Transportation will provide $23.1 million to continue work on the five-year, $65.5 million Roads to Prosperity program.  This is in addition to more than $18 million in maintenance work in the North.
• This budget sets aside the $7 million the government promised as a contribution to a natural gas pipeline along Highway 2 from Montreal Lake to Weyakwin and La Ronge, a project confirmed on March 8.  
• The aerial fire-fighting fleet will receive another $10.6 million through Environment to replace aging aircraft, and that department will spend another $3.2 million this year to reforest certain harvested areas. 
• Approximately $2 million in new money is set aside for the North as part of the government's commitment toward joint community facilities for recreation and culture.
• Saskatchewan Labour will establish a Labour Standards Office in La Ronge to enhance education and public awareness of workplace regulations.
• $2 million in new funding is budgeted to help consult with Aboriginal people on government actions that might affect Treaty rights on traditional lands, and to assist Aboriginal people in gaining benefits from development activities.
• Industry and Resources will provide $1 million to the Saskatchewan Forest Centre to make up for federal government budget cuts.
• The Forestry Secretariat will be set up as a unit separate from Saskatchewan Environment, and will receive $2 million in operating funds, an increase of $650,000.

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For more information, contact:

Scott Boyes
Northern Affairs
La Ronge
Phone: 306-425-6669
Email: sboyes@sna.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-425-8869