Released on February 4, 2008
Premier Brad Wall today addressed the annual convention of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA).
Wall told municipal leaders that Saskatchewan's economy is now number one in the country in many important areas, including:
- wholesale trade growth;
- retail sales growth;
- new vehicle sales growth;
- income growth;
- new home construction growth;
- overall construction growth; and
- population growth.
"Saskatchewan is on a roll," Wall said. "We will keep the momentum going and we will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from our nation-leading economy in the new Saskatchewan."
Wall said the stunning growth in residential construction - 76 per cent in the past year - is clear evidence that Saskatchewan families are benefiting from the strong economy.
"More families are building new homes," Wall said. "That's great news, but it has also created a challenge for municipal governments to keep up with the demand for new lots."
Wall said these numbers make the promise made before the recent election campaign on interest free loans for municipalities even more important.
"Our government promised $300 million in five-year interest free loans to assist in the development of residential and commercial lots, or the infrastructure to support new lot development," Wall said.
"Right now, consultations are being led by Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Hutchinson with a number of different organizations to make sure the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Growth Initiative is well designed and works effectively."
Wall also repeated his commitment to resolve a new revenue sharing agreement with municipalities based on the province's own-source revenue. The Premier also committed to working with municipalities to deal with increasing pressures on local recycling initiatives. That's in addition to the pledge to dedicate $140 million from the sale of the province's portion of the New Grade Upgrader for transportation infrastructure projects needed to sustain and facilitate economic growth.
"Economic growth is crucial, but it's not an end in itself," Wall said. "We must make sure the quality of life for Saskatchewan families is second to none, whether we're talking about housing or health care.
"That way, we can keep the young families we have in our province, and attract more."
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Bonny Braden
Media Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0906
Email: bonny.braden@gov.sk.ca
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