Released on April 7, 2000
The government has renewed its commitment to quality, post-secondary educationin Saskatchewan through increased funding.
"Maintaining the quality of the post-secondary system is key to future
development of the province," Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training
Minister Glenn Hagel said. "This investment will support the programs and
services that keep our students competitive in a changing economy."
Saskatchewan's universities, federated and affiliated colleges and SIAST
received a four per cent operating increase, worth $10.3 million. This
includes $7.5 million for Saskatchewan's universities, federated and affiliated
colleges, $2.2 million for SIAST, $400,000 for Regional Colleges and $200,000
for Aboriginal Institutions.
The budget includes $8 million in new capital spending for post-secondary
institutions. $1 million is for the University of Regina for work on its
cooling system and $7 million for the University of Saskatchewan for work on
the Thorvaldson and Kinesiology Buildings.
There is $3.35 million more for training, including $2.85 million to expand the
Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan. Post-Secondary Education and Skills
Training is also funding a $1 million forestry training initiative being
jointly developed by the department and SIAST, in partnership with industry,
aboriginal organizations and regional colleges.
The budget introduces a $350 Graduate Tax Credit that will be provided to any
graduate of a post-secondary institution who chooses to live and work in
Saskatchewan. The government expects to spend $3 million a year on the tax
credit, which can be claimed within four years of graduation.
The budget also contains an additional $2.4 million to support improved access
to education and training opportunities. This includes $1 million being added
to the Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities (EAPD) program.
An additional $1.4 million is being provided to support Technology Enhanced
Learning across the province.
Post-secondary institutions will also benefit from the new Centenary Fund,
which is separate from the Department budget. That fund will provide $5
million a year for four years for post-secondary projects that will be reviewed
in the coming months.
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For more information, call:
Neil Yeates
Deputy Minister
Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5586