Released on March 30, 2001
The Province of Saskatchewan today introduced a $1.1 billion investment ineducation and skills training, the largest in this province's history.
"We strongly believe investing in education is one of the best ways to
connect Saskatchewan students to the future," Education Minister Jim
Melenchuk said. "Funding from this year's budget supports thousands of
students in need of extra help and provides the resources necessary to
equip graduates for future success."
Support for the K-12 school system this year includes $460 million to
school boards, $33.7 million more than last year. This budget provides for
a 90 per cent increase in the number of pre-kindergarten spaces and a
doubling of the number of Community Schools in Saskatchewan. A further
$8.7 million will be used to upgrade infrastructure, provide Internet
access and develop on-line learning resources.
Post-secondary education will receive $511.5 million, a $17.4 million
increase for 2001-02. This funding includes:
$232.5 million for the university sector to pursue academic and
research excellence, an increase of $9.2 million, including $1.25
million for expansion in the area of computer science;
$78.4 million to support the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied
Science and Technology SIAST), an increase of $2 million;
$13.6 million for regional colleges to deliver programs and
services in rural and northern Saskatchewan, an increase of $1.9
million; and
$7 million for Aboriginal institutions to prepare students for the
workforce, an increase of $330,000.
In addition, $83.5 million will be allocated to education and skills
training for Saskatchewan residents. Adult basic education will be
supported by a further $13.4 million to SIAST, regional colleges, the
Dumont Technical Institute and some community-based literacy organizations.
This investment to build a strong and prosperous workforce will be used to
provide almost 25,000 training and employment opportunities across the
province.
"This budget is excellent news for students throughout our province – urban
and rural, north and south, young and old," Post-Secondary Education and
Skills Training Minister Glenn Hagel said. "Today, we invested in our
future by announcing several strategic initiatives to sustain and build the
education system in a manner that helps our people discover rewarding
careers after graduation."
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For more information, contact:
Jacquie McLean Bill Derby
Education Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training
Regina Regina
Phone: (306) 787-5609 Phone: (306) 787-5883