GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT OUTCOMES BY WORKING WITH FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS PEOPLE

The 2013–14 Budget demonstrates the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to working with First Nations and Métis people and the priority of improving education and employment outcomes.

The budget provides $184.8 million, an increase of $10.8 million or 6.2 per cent from the 2012-13 Budget, for targeted program funding to exclusively or primarily for First Nations and Métis organizations or individuals.  This funding excludes provincial expenditures that may be accessed by the general population, which also provides benefit to First Nations and Métis people.

Some of the highlights of the 2013-14 Budget for First Nations and Métis people are:

• funding of $3.0 million for initiatives to respond to the Joint Task Force on Improving Education and Employment Outcomes for First Nations and Métis people (Education);
• a $3.1 million increase to $29.8 million (11.6 per cent increase) in funding targeted to First Nations and Métis initiatives and institutions, including increases of $1.5 million to work toward the elimination of on-reserve Adult Basic Education waitlists and $1.5 million to accelerate essential skills training and increase First Nations and Métis employment opportunities through partnerships like Northern Career Quest (Economy);
• a $0.6 million (16.7 per cent) increase to Pre-kindergarten programs targeted in high-needs areas (Education);
• increased gaming agreement transfers to First Nations and Métis organizations of $73.6 million (a 9.0 per cent increase) as a result of higher casino profit forecasts (Government Relations); and
• $1.0 million toward the provincial commitment of $3.5 million for the 2014 North American Indigenous Games being hosted in Regina in 2014 (Economy).

“Improving the education and employment outcomes of First Nations and Métis people is a key part of our government’s Growth Plan,” Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs Jim Reiter said.  “I am pleased that this budget reflects these priorities.”

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For more information, contact:

Cathe Offet
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5701
Email: cathe.offet@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-541-9018