Province Tables Balanced Budget
Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 14:33
Saskatchewan’s finance minister says his budget is balanced and unlike most others tabled across the country.
Ken Krawetz says while most provinces will have deficits, Saskatchewan will post a surplus.
He says the budget reduces taxes by about $200 million, pays down the provincial debt by $325 million with a surplus of $115 million.
The province’s budget earmarks $167.2 million for First Nations and Metis programming, which it says is an increase of $13.1 million.
That money is spread out through various ministries such as Health, Education, First Nations & Metis Relations, as well as Social Services.
There is more than $48 million to provide direct support to Aboriginal education institutions including Adult Basic Education and the provincial training allowance.
Additionally, the province says there is a $7.8 million increase in K-12 investments including new program and capital funding for Pre-K, as well as funding to increase high school completion.
There is also money through Social services: $2.7 million focused in the areas of First Nations Case Management, Family Finder and First Nations Group Homes, and $350,000 has also been earmarked to engage First Nations and Metis in the Children and Youth Agenda.
But, the Opposition’s First Nations & Metis Relations critic, Warren McCall, says politicians should be judged on what they do over four years, not just in one budget leading up to an election, and says the past three years have been “brutal” for Aboriginal people in this province.
He says this budget does nothing to address the severe lack of housing, tumbling employment numbers and an increase in Social Assistance caseloads.
Meanwhile, the mayor of La Ronge says he likes the hike in PST revenue for communities in this year’s provincial budget.
Mayor Thomas Sierzycki is also happy about an increase to wild-fire management.
At the same time, he worries about a 5.6 percent cut to highways spending.
However, the chief of the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations is happy with this budget.
Chief Guy Lonechild says it shows support that they will put new money into the child welfare system and build capacity for ministries to collaborate on how to serve First Nations people better.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Services says the government is embarking on a multi-faceted approach to child welfare.
June Draude explains last year’s child welfare review indicated more workers were needed to help children in the province’s care.
She says 30 new child welfare workers will be hired to improve the situation.
She adds child and family service agencies on reserve will get some of that relief.