GOVERNMENT CUTS TRAVEL AND COMMUNICATIONS COSTS

Public Accounts documents released today show the Wall government has spent less on communications and government travel than the previous administration.

In the 2008-09 fiscal year (the Wall government's first full year in office), the government spent $12.2 million on communications, which was $3.6 million or 23 per cent less than in 2006-07 (the previous government's last full year in office).

Overall government travel costs were down $1.3 million or 3.1 per cent in 2008-09 compared to 2006-07, while ministerial travel costs were down $237,000 or 24 per cent.

Finance Minister Rod Gantefoer said the Public Accounts figures show while the government is spending more on priorities like health, education, highways and debt reduction, it is tightening its own belt by cutting things like travel and advertising.

"I think this shows a government that has its priorities straight - putting money back in Saskatchewan people's pockets through lower taxes while reducing spending on itself," Gantefoer said.

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For more information, contact:

Randy Burton
Finance
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6578
Email: randy.burton@sk.gov.ca
Cell: 306-530-2049