Released on March 22, 2017
The 2017-18 Provincial Budget maintains the Saskatchewan government’s major investments in programs and partnership initiatives that help create opportunities for First Nations and Métis people.The Budget provides $210 million in program funding targeted primarily for First Nations and Métis organizations and individuals. That’s a decrease of 0.9 per cent from the funding in the 2016-17 Budget and is largely due to a drop in forecasted casino profits and adjustments to several employment and governance development programs.
The 2017-18 funding is on top of expenditures on programs that can be accessed by the general population – programs that also benefit First Nations and Métis people.
“The budget process was definitely challenging across government this year, but we were able to stay the course on our core commitments to First Nations and Métis people,” Government Relations Minister Donna Harpauer said. “Our key programs and services remain in place, allowing students, entrepreneurs, and families to realize their education and employment opportunities and fully participate in the Saskatchewan economy.”
Budget highlights include:
- $27.8 million in funding for targeted activities on- and off-reserve, such as training for jobs and on-reserve Adult Basic Education (Ministry of the Economy);
- $76.7 million in gaming agreement transfers to First Nations and Métis organizations (Ministry of Government Relations);
- $15.2 million toward First Nations on-reserve policing and enhanced policing (Ministry of Justice); and
- $5.1 million in ongoing funding for programs and services connected to the Joint Task Force on Improving Education and Employment Outcomes for First Nations and Métis People (Ministry of Education).
For more information, contact:
Michael Harrison
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6156
Email: michael.harrison@gov.sk.ca