Released on June 27, 2005
The provincial government is amending the lottery agreement to reduce the lottery licence fee this year.Lottery funding helps more than 12,000 voluntary organizations in Saskatchewan deliver sport, culture and recreation programs.
"The volunteers and organizations that provide sport, culture and recreation programs for people across Saskatchewan are vital to our quality of life," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "These organizations have told us they are facing challenges as a result of reduced lottery proceeds. We've heard these concerns and are reducing government's share of lottery proceeds to ensure protection of these valuable programs."
The government is amending the lottery agreement to reduce the lottery licence fee from 9.5 per cent to 5 per cent of gross sales in 2005-06.
"We are delighted that the government really understands the importance of sport, culture and recreation," Sask Sport President George Rathwell said. "These activities build the skills of success in our youth, contributing directly to the future of our province."
Over the last four years, lottery proceeds available to fund sport, culture and recreation have declined from $30 million in 2000-01 to an anticipated $23 million in 2005-06. During this period, programs have been sustained by drawing down the financial reserves of the lottery system.
The provincial government's lower share of lottery proceeds will help the lottery system to avoid imposing substantial cuts to local, regional and provincial organizations.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967 |