Released on May 31, 2006
Saskatchewan Finance Minister Andrew Thomson will call for exclusion of natural resource revenues from the federal Equalization program when he appears before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance in Ottawa today.Thomson will appear before the committee on Bill C-13, the Budget Implementation Act, at 4:30 EST to offer Saskatchewan's opinion of the federal budget.
"We are encouraged by recent comments by the federal Finance Minister that indicate the Federal Government is inclined to make good on its election promise to exclude non-renewable, natural resource revenue from the Equalization formula.
"Full exclusion will ensure the revenue generated by Saskatchewan's natural resources can be reinvested at home in building and transforming Saskatchewan's economy through increased tax reductions, debt reduction and improved social programs that will benefit Saskatchewan people."
The Minister will ask the Committee to support the federal government in changing agricultural support programs to assist Saskatchewan farmers through the development of a dependable, long-term national plan.
As well, he will ask that commitments for Aboriginal people in the Kelowna Accord be upheld and that the childcare agreements entered into by the previous government be honoured and renewed.
Thomson said the appearance before the Committee allows for Saskatchewan's voice to be heard directly and should help to build understanding of the need and opportunity to build on the economic momentum of Saskatchewan.
"We are interested in working with all parties in the Parliament to help make Saskatchewan an even better place to live, work and raise a family," Thomson said.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Lorri Thacyk Finance Regina Phone: (306) 787-6605 Email: lthacyk@finance.gov.sk.ca |