Vol. 103 No. 33
MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2012
Biggar, Saskatchewan
www.biggarindependent.ca
20 pages
$
1.25 tax included
Province remains on track with balanced budget The First Quarter Financial Report released August 3 by Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Ken Krawetz shows that Saskatchewan remains on track to have the only provincial balanced budget in Canada in 2012-13. A weak global economic recovery has fuelled volatility in commodity markets, reducing nonrenewable resource revenue. Overall, revenue is forecast to be down $113.2 million from budget, largely due to reduced revenue projections from oil and Crown land sales. “While resource revenue can fluctuate over the course of an entire year, the overall strength of our economy coupled with our government’s commitment to sound fiscal management will ensure a balanced budget for the
people of Saskatchewan,” Krawetz said. To offset reduced revenues, the pre-transfer surplus will be reduced to $11.8 million and ministries will manage their expenditures to ensure efficiencies and savings are captured. The government is looking to reduce spending by about $55 million - or about one-half of one per cent of overall government expenditures - through efficiencies and expense management within ministries. “Our economy remains the envy of many other jurisdictions,” Krawetz said. “Maintaining a balanced budget is a big part of the Saskatchewan Advantage, and we’re committed to keeping our province on solid financial ground throughout 201213 and beyond.”
Turn and burn . . . Kayla Domashovitz rounds the three barrel at the Biggar Rec Valley during a Saskatchewan Barrel Racing Association (SBRA) competition, Tuesday. Hosted by the Rec Valley, the racers have been coming to Biggar every Tuesday for the jackpot event, and will
run until the end of September. Biggar will host a SBRA finals this September 8, with top riders coming in from all over the province. More pictures will be posted this Wednesday at biggarindependent.ca. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
First human case of West Nile Virus detected in Saskatchewan The first human case of West Nile Virus infection this season has been reported in Saskatchewan. The case occurred in an individual from Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region who experienced no symptoms. The infection was detected by Canadian Blood Services when the individual was donating blood. The recent hot, humid conditions throughout much of Saskatchewan have created the ideal conditions for the
development of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, the carrier of West Nile Virus. “Surveillance results show that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are increasing slightly in some traps in southern Saskatchewan,” Provincial West Nile Virus Coordinator Phil Curry said. “We caution the public that these mosquitoes will continue to be active over the next few weeks and some could potentially be infected with the virus.” People are encouraged to take the necessary
precautions to protect themselves against mosquitoes bites, especially at dusk and dawn when Culex tarsalis mosquitoes are most active. “If you’re bitten by a West Nile Virus-infected mosquito, there is a small risk of serious neurological illness like inflammation of the brain and, in rare cases, death,” Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab said. “People who develop severe symptoms such as unusually severe headaches or persistent
high fever or confusion, need to seek medical attention immediately.” Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus will experience either no symptoms or only mild illness such as fever, headaches and body aches. To reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile Virus, the following precautions are recommended: • using insect repellent containing DEET; • wearing protective clothing;
• reducing time outdoors between dusk and dawn; • regularly cleaning and emptying containers that can collect water such as bird baths and eavestroughs; • clearing yards of old tires and other items that can collect water; • ensuring rain barrels are covered with mosquito screening or are tightly sealed around the downspout; • keeping screens on windows and doors in good repair; and
• keeping bushes, shrubs and lawns clear of overgrowth and debris. Updated Surveillance Results, Risk Maps and Weekly West Nile and Culex Reports are posted every Friday on the Ministry of Health’s Web site at health.gov.sk.ca/ west-nile-virus. Additional information on protective measures and the West Nile Virus (symptoms, when to seek help) are available at Healthline Online health.gov.sk.ca/ healthline-online.
Saskatchewan export sales continue climb
‘Moo’ving along . . . Bovine meat on the hoof trundles along last Tuesday with Biggar in the background. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Saskatchewan export sales continue to rise according to a new report from Statistics Canada. Saskatchewan posted a 3.6 per cent increase in June compared to numbers of June 2011. January to June export totals show that Saskatchewan sold $16 billion worth of exports - a 16.2 per cent increase over 2011, placing the province second in increases nationally, and more than doubling the national average in the first half of the year. “ We a r e s e e i n g t h e
resurgence of some of our export industries such a s f o r e s t r y p r o d u c t s, which have experienced challenges in the last few years,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said, Thursday. “The overall exports picture shows that Saskatchewan products continue to be competitive, of high quality and in high demand.” International exports of forestry products saw the largest increase of 85.8 per cent over June last year, with sales totalling $36.6 million. Energy and industrial
goods exports maintained their lead with sales of $961 million and $920 million respectively in June. Agricultural products also increased to $595 million. Consumer goods and machinery equipment posted a 75 per cent and 24.9 per cent increase respectively. “Saskatchewan businesses continue to prove that despite the challenging global economy, our products continue to be in demand around the globe,” Boyd said.