Jobs, growth and prosperity goals of budget: Block Conservative Member of $1.1 billion in significant investments for Parliament, Kelly research and Block welcomed development, $500 the March 29 million for venture federal budget capital, support whose focus was for increased on creating jobs, public and growth and longprivate research term prosperity. collaboration. Keeping taxes Improve low and returning Kelly Block • conditions for Canada to balanced budgets over business investments the medium term is good with responsible resource news for Saskatchewan, development streamlined for ‘one project, one review’; she said. “In Economic Action Plan expanding trade to open 2012, our Conservative new markets; keeping government is squarely taxes low. focused on what matters • Invest in training, to Canadians - jobs i n f r a s t r u c t u r e a n d and economic growth,” opportunity for Canadians explained Block, MP for by extending the Hiring S a s k a t o o n - R o s e t o w n - Credit for Small Business; Biggar. “While Canada investing in programs to has created over 610,000 help youth, Canadians net new jobs since July w i t h d i s a b i l i t i e s , 2009, the global economy aboriginals, and workers remains fragile and too o v e r 5 0 g e t i n t o t h e many Canadians are workforce; reforming still looking for work. the EI system to better That’s why we’re moving promote job creation and forward with a positive remove disincentives to plan to bolster the long- work; investing millions in term economic growth of renewing local community Saskatchewan and all of infrastructure. • Help families and Canada.” Economic Action Plan communities by increasing 2012 takes significant food safety monitoring; better protecting species steps to: • E n c o u r a g e at risk; assisting victims e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p , of crime, improving innovation, and world- water quality for First class research with over
Nations communities; helping Canadians with disabilities save for their future. • Ensure vital social programs and services will be there for Canadians over the next generation by making gradual, responsible adjustments to Old Age Security; bringing pension plans for public sector employees and Parliamentarians in line with those Canadians working in the private sector; closing tax loopholes. Economic Action Plan 2012 also demonstrates the Conservative government’s strong support for Saskatchewan through record federal transfer support for hospitals, schools, and other critical services, Block explained. Totalling nearly $1.3 billion in 201213, the transfer support represents an increase of $190 million (or 17 per cent) from the former Liberal government, she reminds. “While the Liberals gutted transfers for health care and education when in power, our Conservative government is protecting and growing them to help support the services that Saskatchewan’s families
Return to sender . . . Mitch Lehnert makes the return during junior exhibition play, Tuesday. Athletes used the day to sharpen their skills. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
need,” concluded Block.
Eternal Flame . . . BCS student, Ella Genaille watches closely as a kistka is heated up, ready to put wax on to an egg, Wednesday. Kids at the school were decorating eggs, a la Ukrainian style, thoughts of chocolate and candy treats running through their day dreams, all in preparation for Easter. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
NWT posts opening months financial results North West Terminal (NWT) are very pleased with the first three months of operations in 2011-12 after announced a positive financial showing. For the period beginning November 1, 2011 a n d e n d i n g Ja n u a r y 31, 2012, NWT posted net revenues from consolidated operations of $34.5 million, and an Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) of $3,182,454 (unaudited). This resulted in a net profit of $1,606,292, or 49 cents per share. “The Board of Directors is very pleased with the
company’s performance in the first quarter,” says NWT’s president, Jason Skinner. “These are interesting times with the changes currently taking place in the agriculture industry; the elimination of the CWB’s monopoly, and the takeover of Viterra. NWT is well positioned as a locally owned company to continue providing superior service and marketing options to its customers going forward.” Skinner farms near Wilkie. Skinner added that the financial performance of the company is ahead of
the same period last year when it posted revenues from operations of $25.2 million, an EBITDA of $1,892,815 and a net profit of $890,511, or 27 cents per share. Management reported that earnings were up from the previous year primarily because of increased shipments from both its grain and biofuels operations. NWT is an independent farmer/shareholder owned company headquartered in Unity. NWT owns and operates an inland grain terminal and a biofuels production facility at its Unity location.