BUDGET DAY SET FOR MARCH 31ST, 2004

Saskatchewan's 2004-05 provincial budget will be released Wednesday, March 31st.

"Preparing the upcoming budget was a difficult task," Finance Minister Harry Van Mulligen said. "We met with numerous stakeholders ranging from business groups to trade unions to hear their opinions and obtain their recommendations."

"Finding the balance to maintain a strong, publicly-funded health care program for all Saskatchewan residents was our main challenge," Van Mulligen said.

Van Mulligen added that the provincial government will continue to press the federal government to stop clawing back Saskatchewan's oil and gas revenues through the Equalization program.

"Fair treatment from Ottawa would give us millions of additional dollars in annual revenue to put toward important programs like health and education."

Following the address budget documents will be available on-line at www.gov.sk.ca/finance. This includes the Performance Plan and Budget Summary Book, Estimates, Supplementary Estimates, Highlights Card (English & French) and related news releases. The address will also be available in both official languages.

The 2004-05 Budget Address will occur at approximately 2:30 p.m. on March 31st.

Many Saskatchewan communities will be able to view the address televised on their local cable channels. Please check your local listings.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debbie Clark Finance Regina Phone: (306) 787-6605