Released on March 30, 2001
The Province of Saskatchewan today announced it will invest in several keyrural revitalization initiatives to build on our foundation and connect to
the future by renewing the province's infrastructure, enabling its
residents to pursue new opportunities in a wide range of careers and
helping rural businesses to compete in the digital economy.
"We must ensure rural Saskatchewan remains economically strong in the
future," Rural Revitalization Minister Pat Atkinson said. "Our pioneers
established a community network second to none. To continue to be an
excellent place to live, we must help to put in place the infrastructure
necessary for rural areas to participate in the marketplace."
Saskatchewan roads will be the largest benefactor, with $140.4 million
earmarked for major highway improvements. Approximately 950 km of highways
will be improved in the coming year. As well, twinning the TransCanada
Highway west will be accelerated through a $25.6 million allocation,
reducing the time frame by four years to 2004 from 2008.
Education will also be a high priority. For 2001, school operating funding
will be increased by $33.7 million to $460.1 million for the K-12 system.
Funding for post-secondary Technology Enhanced Learning will also increase
by $2.5 million to $4.2 million, with priority placed on the development of
a virtual Campus Saskatchewan intended to increase the use of technology
for learning. The Farm Land Property Tax Rebate program provides a rebate
of 25 per cent of the current school tax levy on farmland, with the
exception of the home quarter. This is the second year of a two-year, $50
million commitment by the Government of Saskatchewan.
To help at the farm gate, the province will increase spending on
agricultural programming by 35 per cent, including emergency assistance and
safety net programs. Moving forward, the province will continue to work
with farmers and farm groups to persuade the federal government to provide
additional support for the industry until the playing field can be levelled
through international trade negotiations.
As interim measures, the province has earmarked $95 million for farm income
support in 2001-02. As well, the province has allocated $6 million for the
Farm Family Opportunities Initiative, to help farmers adapt to the changing
conditions in the agricultural sector. A new $5 million Saskatchewan
Conservation Cover Program will assist in seeding annual cropland to
perennial forage cover. An increase of $2 million in agricultural research
funding will ensure the Saskatchewan agricultural community continues to
have access to state-of-the-art technology.
Beyond roads, schools and farms, rural Saskatchewan will be provided with
significant funding for infrastructure enhancement projects. For example,
CommunityNet will connect government offices, educational institutions and
health facilities to high-speed Internet service in 366 Saskatchewan
communities.
"Rural citizens are among the most productive and efficient in the world,"
Atkinson said. "As we embrace the 21st century, our government is committed
to providing rural people with the tools necessary to succeed in the
future. Today's budget is a positive step forward."
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For more information contact:
James Millar
Media Services
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-6349