Sask. economy sets records, attracts investment in 2011
Hard to believe it’s winter . . . This pair of deer aren’t quite in the alarm posture, but they are checking out the intrusion of their domain south of Biggar last week. With
Saskatchewan’s economy had a banner year in 2011 and the New Year is projected to be even better. The province set records for investment and population growth in 2011 and two independent forecasters are predicting that Saskatchewan will continue to lead Canada and set records in 2012. “The statistics are good, but even better is the fact that people and investors recognize the real growth yet to come and know that Saskatchewan is becoming the leading place to do business in Canada,” Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said December 29. “This year we have had many new businesses start in the province, businesses move from other locations and existing businesses expanding in all corners of the province.” Two major forecasters, RBC and the Conference Board of Canada have predicted that Saskatchewan will lead economic growth this year at 4.5 per cent and 5.1
per cent respectively. An average of seven forecasters predict Saskatchewan will have the second fastest growing economy in Canada in 2011. And while other jurisdictions are seeing their credit ratings slide, Saskatchewan received a boost to AAA by the international credit rating firm of Standard and Poor’s. “The progress we have made this year is great, but what is more important is the potential for future investment capital, with about $50 billion in the next 20 years in the works for the mining industry,” Harrison said. “There are many long term projects, most of them in potash, that look particularly bright.” Private and public investment is expected to reach $17 billion in 2011, an all-time record for the province. Population levels are growing at rates the province has not experienced for decades and hit record levels in 2011, with 1,063,535 people now living in Saskatchewan.
students into those schools with a goal of providing educational excellence,” said Wotherspoon. Other jurisdictions offer solutions for building diversity and diverse values into the public system. For example, Toronto’s school board offers after-
school classes for minority language instruction. “The Sask Party plan will be fragmenting, piecemealing and eroding education instead of providing a vision, plan and resources to ensure delivery of high quality education to all Saskatchewan students.”
The NDP is also concerned that such a fundamental change to education in Saskatchewan wasn’t discussed with the people of the province during the recent election campaign and was made without consulting the education sector.
Municipality on reaching this milestone. Keith Aldridge was recognized for his 38 years of service as Councillor for Division 2 and received an engraved plaque from the RM and a Public Service award from SARM. Joy Aldridge was given a bouquet of roses for her support of Keith over the past many years on council. They both ably responded with some humorous stories about Keith’s years both as an employee of the RM and later a council member. Then Keith and Joy unveiled a large wall plaque in the shape of the Municipality, which he had made. On it are engraved
plates with the names of all the past members of council and administrative staff from 1911 to present day. This beautiful piece of woodwork will be displayed in the Municipal office in Kelfield. Councillor Jeffrey Hoogeveen gave a tribute to the many families throughout the municipality that had been awarded the Century Farm Award and outlined the process by which the award is presented. Congratulatory messages from the Honourable Gerry Ritz and MLA Randy Weekes were read by Reeve Sally Germsheid and throughout the
evening she shared “Did you know?” moments and noteworthy resolutions passed over the last 100 years. Richard Burton, Aubrey Wood, Jeffrey Wheaton and Larry Toner addressed the gathering and spoke of the respect and pride they felt for the people, some family members, who were instrumental in forming the municipality. The evening concluded with visiting and discussions around the many displays of historical memorabilia including a1923 engineer’s rendering of the roads in the RM on a hand-written wall map.
little to zero snow on the ground, the days seem more like fall. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Two dead in Grandora collision On January 2, at approximately 8 p.m. Warman RCMP, RCMP collision analyst and Saskatoon Fire department responded to a two vehicle motor vehicle
collision on Highway 14 west of Saskatoon near Grandora. A pick up travelling westbound bound collided with a car travelling
eastbound. The driver and passenger of the car were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pick up was transported to a Saskatoon hospital
to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. The collision is still under investigation. Deceased are Brenda and Julie Scarfe.
Cost too steep for Sask Party’s independent school funding: The Sask Party’s plan to divert funding to independent faithbased schools will erode education, according to NDP education critic Trent Wotherspoon. Wotherspoon used the early days of the new year to consult with stakeholders
impacted by the decision. “Diverting already-thin dollars away from students will move Saskatchewan backwards,” said Wotherspoon, January 5. He consulted with leadership in the education sector, the Saskatchewan School Boards Association and the
Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, as well as with parents after hearing the government’s plan to begin funding private, faithbased schools classified as independent. “We should aim to improve the existing education system and welcome all
Over 90 people attended the 100th Anniversary Dinner and Program of
the Rural Municipality of Grandview No. 349 on Saturday, December 10,
one day short of the actual anniversary date. Earlier in the day an open house was held at the office and shop where many items of interest from the past were displayed. The evening attendees were first treated to a delicious meal served by Cando Caterers in the Kelfield Community Hall which was beautifully decorated in a Christmas and Golden anniversary theme. David Marit, President of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities and Darryl Senecal SARM Director for Division 6 attended and personally congratulated the
RM of Grandview celebrates 100 years
Daryl Senecal, Reeve Sally Germsheid, David Marit (left to right) hold the framed memento recognizing the rural municipality for 100 years. Keith Aldridge, Dave Marit – Public Service Award (inset picture). Submitted Photos)