$500 MILLION INFRASTRUCTURE BOOST FELT ACROSS SASKATCHEWAN

138 specific projects in 73 communities, plus per capita funding province-wide

From Abbey to Zenon Park, people across Saskatchewan will benefit from the government's recent $500 million infrastructure boost, Premier Brad Wall said today.

"Over the past 10 days, our government has announced funding for 138 specific projects in 73 different communities," Wall said. "Every day, these facilities serve thousands of Saskatchewan people - students, seniors, people with disabilities and others.

"Plus, $100 million in per capita funding to municipalities will result in infrastructure projects in virtually every community in Saskatchewan. It is an economic booster shot that will be felt in every part of the province."

Wall said the recent announcements are only the start of the government's ambitious 2009 infrastructure plan, with another $1 billion worth of projects expected in next month's budget.

In October 2008, government announced a commitment of $1.5 billion for infrastructure in the 2009-10 Budget as part of its Ready for Growth initiative. However, due to global economic concerns - and potential Saskatchewan impacts - $500 million of that amount has been committed now to ensure Saskatchewan's economy remains strong.

The income tax reductions announced by the Premier in October will also boost the economy by putting over $600 million back in the hands of Saskatchewan people this year.

The latest employment figures released last week showed there were 16,600 more people working in Saskatchewan compared to a year ago, in sharp contrast to the 126,000 jobs lost in the rest of Canada in the same 12-month period.

"Saskatchewan's economy is still strong, but we are not immune to the economic impacts being felt across the globe," Wall said. "With this $500 million booster shot and the income tax reductions announced last October, we have taken steps to ensure Saskatchewan stays on a strong course through 2009 and into the years ahead."

Please see the attached backgrounder for a list of communities and projects.

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Media Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca