FAMILIES AND YOUNG PEOPLE BENEFIT FROM GOVERNMENT VISION AND ACTION

The Calvert government acted on its vision during the fall sitting of the legislature to make life better for Saskatchewan families and to build an even stronger future here for young people.

"This session we have focused our work on turning our economic momentum into tangible benefits for young people and families in our province," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Saskatchewan's economy is re-energized. We have more people working than ever before, and our quality of life is second to none."

Family Day, an annual statutory holiday every February beginning in 2007, was announced in the Throne Speech by Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon Barnhart to open the third session of the 25th Legislature. During the fall sitting, the government passed legislation for the holiday, established to promote a healthy balance between work and family life.

A provincial sales tax cut, from seven to a 20-year low of five per cent, was implemented by the government, allowing families to benefit directly from the province's strong economy. The reduction represents approximately $325 million annually in savings for Saskatchewan businesses and residents.

During the fall sitting the government announced $52.6 million for the education and training of Saskatchewan's young people, creating 2,584 training opportunities at technical institutions and regional colleges. Delivery of training to First Nations and Métis students is emphasized and includes capital funding for institutions and two mobile training labs. Also, the province dedicated $25 million over the next three years to recruiting and retaining health care workers.

Key pieces of legislation introduced in the fall sitting included:

• Legislation to end mandatory retirement, giving older citizens the ability to choose whether to retire or to continue to work beyond the age of 65; and

• Legislation to enable the province to sue tobacco companies to recover health care costs of tobacco-related illness and disease.

During the fall sitting, the province posted the 2006-2007 Mid-Year Financial Report, which forecast a $402.3 million improvement to the province's bottom line, largely due to higher tax revenue reflecting the surging Saskatchewan economy.

In the report the province outlined plans to direct money to priorities, which improve the lives of Saskatchewan families and build a better future here for our young people. Highlights include:

• $100 million for the Building Communities program, part of the multi-year Saskatchewan Infrastructure fund;

• $54.6 million for emergency road repairs, preparation for next year's road construction season and for special highway and transportation projects; and

• $22.5 million for major upgrades to pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 schools.

"Saskatchewan people are clearly the architects of the success of our province," Calvert said. "The progress we've made as this sitting is significant and reflects the key cornerstones of our government's agenda.

"We're working to make Saskatchewan the best place for young people to live, work and build strong futures. We're strengthening our leadership in public health care, we're protecting our environment and we're ensuring Saskatchewan families benefit from the province's strong, prosperous economy."

The fall sitting was the start of the third session of the 25th Legislature. The session will resume in spring, 2007.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jay Branch Executive Council Regina Phone: 306-787-6349 Email: jay.branch@gov.sk.ca Cell: 306-539-3994