Released on March 31, 2000
Economic and social development in northern Saskatchewan received a major boostfrom this week's provincial budget.
Northern Affairs Minister Keith Goulet said the budget significantly increases
provincial government support for the Northern Strategy – a development plan
adopted by the Province and northern leaders in 1998.
"New measures for economic development, increased funding for northern
infrastructure, new training initiatives, and strengthened environmental
protection measures will all benefit," Goulet said.
Infrastructure
The 2000-2001 budget provides $33 million in provincial funding for capital
projects in the Northern Administration District. Highway upgrading will
total almost $17 million; $9 million is provided for new health centres at La
Loche and Stony Rapids; $1.3 million is in place to begin construction of a new
school at Pinehouse Lake; $3 million is allocated for water and sewer projects;
and $3 million is provided for northern housing.
The Province will also administer federal funding for northern airport
improvements at La Ronge, Wollaston Lake and Fond du Lac.
In addition to individual northern projects funded by the new budget, a minimum
of $5 million from the newly established Centenary Capital Fund will be
reserved for northern development initiatives in each of the next four years.
"This commitment to northern Saskatchewan is a direct response to the Northern
Strategy partnership we have developed with northerners and the federal
government," Goulet said. "In the coming weeks, we hope to complete a formal
Northern Development Accord with Canada, northern First Nations, the Métis
Nation of Saskatchewan, and northern municipalities. The Accord will help
achieve additional infrastructure improvements, capacity building by northern
people, and investment to further develop and diversify our northern economy."
Northern forest industry will benefit from an initial $1 million to establish a
forestry training program. The industry will also be strengthened by increased
reforestation, improved forest management services, and upgrading of northern
highways,
"One of the major benefits of sustainable forestry is that can help create long-
term jobs and economic opportunities for northerners," Environment and Resource
Management Minister Buckley Belanger said. "This training ensures that they
can take advantage of these new job opportunities."
Two new occupational health officers will ensure safety education and
enforcement in the forestry sector. As well, Saskatchewan Northern Affairs
will assign an employee to work fulltime with northern communities, assisting
northern residents to take advantage of training, employment and business
development opportunities associated with the forest industry.
Education and Health
Operating funds for northern school divisions have been increased by $1.2
million to more than $31 million for 2000-2001. Part of the increase will be
used to strengthen the northern community schools program.
The budget also includes an additional $1 million for northern health
districts. Provincial funding for health services in the Northern
Administration District now exceeds $28 million.
Taxation
Goulet said northerners would benefit from changes to the provincial tax
system.
"Income taxes will be reduced, a new Child Tax Credit will be introduced and a
fully refundable Sales Tax Credit will be provided to low income families. A
family of four earning $25,000 per year will see total income taxes and sales
taxes reduced by more than 50 per cent."
"The budget represents a significant investment in the future well being of
northern Saskatchewan. As a result, northern living conditions will continue
to improve and northern development will increasingly contribute to the
diversification of Saskatchewan's economy," Goulet said.
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For further information, contact:
Brian Cousins
Saskatchewan Northern Affairs
Phone: (306) 425-7303 or 425-4200