GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

Today's provincial budget invests $27 million in capital projects and new initiatives that will improve the economy and quality of life for residents of northern Saskatchewan.

"Promoting the social and economic development of Saskatchewan's north is the purpose of the government's Northern Strategy," Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger said. "Our focus in northern Saskatchewan continues to build on developing strong vibrant communities, healthy self-reliant families, and on creating opportunities for our young people," Belanger said.

Highlights of 2003-2004 provincial initiatives in the north include:

- 15.4 per cent increase in Northern Revenue Sharing grants to northern municipalities, from $5.2 million to almost $6 million;

- $500,000 to northern health authorities for implementation of a northern health strategy, primary health care and prevention initiatives as well as improved water quality monitoring of public water supplies;

- $2.1 million for 600 training spaces provided under the Northern Skills Training program;

- $466,000 increase for 40 additional training spaces provided under the Northern Health Access Program, designed to strengthen students' skills in science, math and English in preparation for the northern nursing degree program and other health-related programs;

- $129,000 increase in funding for the Northern Development Fund program assisting northern economic development (and the loan capital available to northern businesses under this program increases from $2 million to $2.5 million); and

- over a three per cent increase in the operating grant provided to Northlands Regional College for a total of $3.6 million.

Two of Saskatchewan's leading industries, forestry and mining, are contributing to increased economic development in the North. The forest industry has created more than 6,700 direct and indirect jobs while the mining industry provides direct employment for 1,500 people in northern Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation will invest more than $31 million to preserve, operate and maintain northern highways, roads, bridges and airports with almost $10 million used for major northern highway improvements.

Under the Northern Water and Sewer Program, there will be 24 projects undertaken in 18 northern communities at a cost of $4.9 million.

As part of the Centenary Affordable Housing Program, $1.1 million will be used to help build up to 92 new housing units in northern communities.

As well, provincial funding will be allocated to assess abandoned uranium sites in the north, while encouraging federal commitment to fund clean-up efforts.

"We are listening closely to northerners, to help them build for their future," Belanger said. "We are addressing the needs of the north to advance this region's opportunities for even greater prosperity."

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For More Information, Contact:

John Charlton Northern Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-5061