Released on May 14, 2009
Lower Taxes, Infrastructure Spending and Balanced Budget Highlight Spring Session
As the spring session of the Legislative Assembly ended today, Premier Brad Wall highlighted actions his government has taken to keep Saskatchewan's economy strong and steady.
"This spring, we delivered the largest property tax cut in Saskatchewan history," Wall said. "That's on top of the largest income tax cut in Saskatchewan history last fall. Altogether, these reductions will mean more than $700 million in tax savings for Saskatchewan people this year.
"We also delivered our ‘economic booster shot' - $1.5 billion in new infrastructure spending for much-needed projects like schools, nursing homes, highways and a new Children's Hospital in Saskatoon.
"And most importantly, while most other provinces were plunging into deficits, our government delivered a balanced budget."
Wall said Saskatchewan's economy continues to outperform every other province in Canada, pointing to recent job numbers that show Saskatchewan is the only province with more people working over the past year.
"Saskatchewan is not immune from the global recession, but compared to most other places, we are weathering the storm pretty well," Wall said. "Our diversified economy, together with tax reductions and record infrastructure spending by our government, are helping to keep Saskatchewan on track."
Wall said his government has completed almost all of its election commitments in its first 18 months in office.
"We're ahead of schedule, and it's now time to take the next step," Wall said. "Over the summer, I will be asking our MLAs to meet with their constituents and get their ideas on actions our government should be taking to keep Saskatchewan moving forward.
"Our government will continue our growth agenda, so Saskatchewan people can continue to enjoy all the benefits that come from a growing province - more opportunities, better health care and education, safer highways, lower taxes and greater ability to help the most vulnerable people in our province."
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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