STRONGER ECONOMY, BALANCED BUDGET HIGHLIGHT SPRING SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE

Deputy Premier Ken Krawetz said a balanced budget and improving economy were the highlights of the spring legislative session which wrapped up today.

"The stronger economy and reduced government spending resulted in our government delivering a balanced budget that focused on important government services like health, education and infrastructure," Krawetz said. "After a bit of a slowdown in 2009, there are now clear signs that Saskatchewan's economy is headed in the right direction. Our population hit an all-time high during the spring session, employment is up by nearly 9,000 and housing starts are up over 200 per cent.

"Saskatchewan is moving forward."

Krawetz said the government also moved forward with a number of new initiatives during the spring session, including a plan to shorten surgical wait times, a pilot project that will see 100 new long care spaces created in Saskatoon and the New West Partnership between Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia which creates an economic powerhouse of nine million people with a combined economy of over $550 billion.

"We also announced six new school projects, 235 additional childcare spaces and 18 prekindergarten programs in several communities throughout the province," Krawetz said. "SaskTel announced high speed Internet service in 79 more communities and the Ministry of Highways announced more than 2,000 kilometres of highway upgrades and maintenance work.

"Saskatchewan is growing and our government is taking action to be ready for that growth."

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927