Released on November 10, 2010
The Government of Saskatchewan has introduced an amendment to The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies Act that will provide the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) with exemption from school and municipal taxes on property it owns, used for education purposes.
"I would like to commend SIIT for the excellent work it is doing to educate Saskatchewan learners," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "Enhancing programming and training opportunities for First Nations and Métis people in our province remains a priority and this legislative amendment will help SIIT use its funding to maximize student opportunities."
The amendment will bring SIIT's legislation in line with that of other public post-secondary education institutions.
Norris added that over the next five years, Saskatchewan will likely need almost 80,000 skilled people in the workforce and the First Nations and Métis students will provide the province with a competitive advantage to meet that need.
"SIIT is very pleased with the great working relationship we have had with the province and AEEI," SIIT President and CEO Randell Morris said. "Following on the success of the SIIT Act, we have seen great opportunities in the past few years and this is another example of reaching our milestones."
The FSIN and the SIIT Board of Governors initiated the request for tax exemption on SIIT-owned property.
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For more information, contact:
Marieka Barrie
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170