As our government continues working hard throughout the summer months, I am excited to continue in my role as the MLA representing the interest of Moose Jaw North. Premier Brad Wall recently made changes to the provincial cabinet and MLA duties which positions our government to continue a growth agenda. This new cabinet is a strong team that will keep Saskatchewan moving forward and address the challenges of a growing, vibrant province.
As our government takes action to build Saskatchewan for the future, the Opposition NDP continue to impede such positive growth as demonstrated in Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Deb Higgins’ last column.
Our government has been very open about the financial picture of Saskatchewan and we are controlling spending. The General Revenue Fund (GRF) statements show a balanced budget and a spending reduction of $146.6 million relative to the 2009 -10 budget. Throughout the course of 2009-10, our government constrained spending through a government-wide belt-tightening exercise targeting savings from vacancy management, travel restrictions and other cost-cutting measures. Plus, the 2008 tax cut implemented by the Sask Party Government, removed 80,000 low income earners from the provincial tax rolls and saved Saskatchewan taxpayers $300 million annually. The education property tax reduction introduced in the 2009-10 budget continues as a saving to Moose Jaw property owners.
Since 2007-08, the provincial debt has been reduced by $2.68 billion – a reduction of almost 40%. The interest savings on paying down the General Revenue Fund debt is estimated at $600 million over the next 5 years. The current debt of $4.1 billion is forecast to remain unchanged. Increases in Crown Corporation debt are self-sustaining debt and are necessary to replace aging infrastructure and to prepare for a growing economy.
Long-term care homes announced for many rural communities and the Children's Hospital in Saskatoon have not been cancelled, as Ms. Higgins suggests. Our government has committed $143 million towards the construction of 13 new long term care facilities to replace 13 outdated facilities throughout Saskatchewan. More than 540 long-term care residents will benefit from this investment. The funding will also help fix aging infrastructure that was neglected in the past.
As for the Saskatoon Children’s Hospital, our government is proud to support this project that is proceeding as planned. We have already committed $200 million in project funding and architects and a project manager have been hired. A site has already been selected by the Children’s Hospital Foundation. Most importantly, the funding has been set aside and will be there when needed.