Released on November 17, 2008
Premier Brad Wall and other Canadian Premiers today received a briefing via conference call from Prime Minister Harper on the recent G20 economic summit of world leaders.
Wall said he appreciated the briefing and is pleased to hear Canada is prepared to play its part in dealing with the global economic situation.
"The Prime Minister said that all countries are now looking at economic stimulus measures to bolster domestic demand," Wall said. "No decisions have been made yet as to what form this will take here in Canada, but the Prime Minister did point to China's recent decision to spend $600 billion U.S. on new infrastructure projects.
"Saskatchewan is already on the right track by spending $1 billion on infrastructure this year and $1.5 billion next year."
Wall said the significant tax cuts recently announced by the Saskatchewan government will also help stimulate the economy.
"Between infrastructure spending and tax cuts, Saskatchewan has already introduced our own economic stimulus package," Wall said. "We are putting over $300 million a year back in the hands of Saskatchewan people, and that money will go back into our economy through the spending choices Saskatchewan people make."
Wall said he expects there will be a clear direction on what fiscal measures the federal government has planned by the time the Premiers meet with the Prime Minister in January.
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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