Released on October 18, 2000
Premier Roy Romanow says today's mini-budget announced by Federal FinanaceMinister Paul Martin mirrors Saskatchewan's 2000-2001 budget.
"What Mr. Martin has done today, in effect, is taken a leaf out of the notebook
that we have followed in Saskatchewan. He has announced significant individual
tax relief for Canadians and that is to be welcomed. He has applied $10
billion to debt reduction nationally just like we've done in proportionate
terms, that's to be commended, while preserving things like education and the
child tax benefit."
Romanow says when you look at the thrust of the mini-budget, the country is
headed in the right direction and that's positive for the people of
Saskatchewan.
"I think it's better for the average Canadian family and individuals, it's more
of a people oriented budget," Romanow said. "The reality is it's a break for
Canadian families. And with a big surplus like that, since the Canadian
families have given them the surplus, why not give it back to Canadian
families."
The premier did express concern the transfer of federal health money to the
provinces could have happened sooner and he was hoping to see some support for
Saskatchewan farmers, but overall, Romanow says the mini-budget will mean more
money in the pockets of Saskatchewan residents.
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