PREMIER SAYS SASKATCHEWAN PEOPLE BETTER OFF FOLLOWING FALL SITTING

Released on December 4, 2008

Premier Brad Wall said the measures announced by the government during the fall sitting of the Legislative Assembly will result in a stronger Saskatchewan and a better life for Saskatchewan people. The seven-week legislative sitting ended today.

Wall said the highlight of the session was the announcement of the largest income tax reduction, the largest debt reduction and the largest investment in infrastructure in Saskatchewan history.

"Our government was able to share the benefits of our growing economy with every single person in Saskatchewan through lower taxes and remove 80,000 low-income people from the tax rolls altogether," Wall said. "At the same time, we were also able to cut the provincial debt by $2.6 billion, or nearly 40 per cent. That will benefit our province in the long run - saving Saskatchewan taxpayers nearly $900 million in interest costs over the next five years."

Wall noted his government is paying down the provincial debt at a rate of $7 million a day.

"That means since this session started on October 22, the debt has been reduced by $300 million," Wall said.

Other highlights of the fall session included:

• increased assistance for persons with disabilities;
• a huge increase to the Seniors Income Plan - the first increase in 16 years;
• improvements to the Graduate Retention Program;
• $10 million to enhance information technology in schools, public libraries and regional colleges;
• $100 million in improvements to health facilities throughout the province;
• a "Patient First" review of the health care system;
• a new "Saskatchewan First" policy to limit out-of-province investments by Crown Corporations;
• a new five-year program to sell agricultural Crown land to producers;
• a massive expansion of high-speed Internet and cellular phone coverage by SaskTel;
• the introduction of specialty wine stores in Saskatchewan;
• new legislation to assist renters;
• new legislation to fight crime and gang activity;
• new democratic reform legislation;
• a ban on smoking in Saskatchewan workplaces; and
• a new five-year plan for highway construction.

"Our government had a very busy session and was able to introduce a number of new initiatives to help low-income people, seniors, renters and persons with disabilities," Wall said. "We are also continuing to build a strong economy through our ‘Saskatchewan First' Crown investment policy, expansion of high speed Internet and cellular coverage throughout Saskatchewan, and our five-year plan for Saskatchewan highways."

Saskatchewan continues to lead the country in economic growth, employment growth, and several other economic indicators. Wall said the good news in Saskatchewan is a sharp contrast to the economic downturn in the rest of the country.

"Saskatchewan's economy continues to be strong, and we are sharing the benefits of our growing economy with Saskatchewan people," Wall said. "As a result, I think you see a much more positive outlook among Saskatchewan people than just about anywhere else in the country."

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927