STRONG AND SUSTAINABLE FUNDING FOR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND LABOUR FORCE DEVELOPMENT

Released on March 21, 2012

The 2012-13 Budget continues to show strong support for post-secondary education and the development, recruitment and retention of skilled workers. The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration will receive $890.6 million, an increase of 4.1 per cent over last year.

"We have now invested a record $3.5 billion in post-secondary education and skills training in the past five years, with significant support for First Nations and Métis students," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "This budget builds on our record in a fiscally responsible and sustainable way including strategic investments focused on students, accessibility, affordability and excellence."

The budget provides over $107 million in support for students through programs such as student loans, bursaries, Provincial Training Allowance, Apprentice Training Allowance, Skills Training Benefit, the Graduate Retention Program and scholarships.

New initiatives have been introduced and fulfill government's election promises:

• A new Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship offering $500 a year to Grade 12 graduates who attend a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution to a maximum of $2,000, bringing the total investment in scholarships to almost $10 million; 
• Forgiving Saskatchewan student loans of up to $120,000 for new doctors and up to $20,000 for new nurses and nurse practitioners that practice in under-served rural and remote communities for five years; and
• The new Saskatchewan Advantage Grant for Education Savings will come into effect in January 2013, providing a 10 per cent matching grant to Registered Education Saving Plan (RESP) contributions, to a maximum of $250 per child per year.

The budget provides a $12 million increase, on average 2.0 per cent, to support operating costs at post-secondary institutions. The government has signed agreements with both University Presidents to help ensure accessibility for students. Government expects tuition increases to be held to 4.0 per cent for key direct entry programs.

Other initiatives include:

• $109 million for skills training and labour force development - building on our commitment to meet the province's talent challenge;
• $47 million to continue supporting post-secondary education and skills training for First Nations and Métis people;
• $13 million to continue delivering the successful Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program and providing settlement and integration services and supports for newcomers;
• $17 million for science and innovation initiatives, including increases to the International Vaccine Centre, Canadian Light Source and Water Research Chair;
• $1 million to support planning for a new student residence, child care facilities and a parkade at the University of Regina;
• $1 million for the continued construction of the new Southeast Regional College; and 
• $13.5 million to fulfill our commitment to train 300 additional nurses and 100 additional physicians a year, and to start on our commitment to increase the number of nurse practitioner seats by 20, with an initial five seats.

"The growth and development of Saskatchewan's labour force is a priority for our government, and this is demonstrated by our continuing and sustainable investments," Norris said. "This is continuing the Saskatchewan Advantage."

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For more information, contact:

Bill Stovin
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926
Email: Bill.stovin@gov.sk.ca