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End of Session builds on Province’s future, says Weekes million from the property education tax. So, since Making good on their 2007 our government has reduced the promises, Biggar amount people pay MLA Randy in education tax by We e k e s s a y s $103 million -- that’s the end of the the largest education Spring sitting of property tax cut the Legislature, in Saskatchewan May 19, sees history. And, of Saskatchewan in course, this is our a strong position nationally and Randy Weekes fourth consecutive balanced budget.” internationally. Other things passed Going into an election this coming November 7, Weekes in the Session were the added the government has reduction of the provincial reduced taxes and improved debt by $25 million, government services to the freeing up more money for health care, highways, et province’s residents. “The highlights of the cetera, implementing the session were, not only did STARS (Shock Trauma Air we pass our budget, and the Rescue Society) helicopter ‘Saskatchewan Advantage’ ambulance program, and budget included a number of providing one full point of tax measures: increasing the the PST to municipalities basic spousal exemption by on revenue sharing “That’s long-term, stable a $1,000, and for dependent children, increases by $500 funding,” he added. Also, highways have seen for each dependent child. These changes will save increases. “This year has been a very a family of four earning $50,000 this year by almost bad year because of the $2,500 in income tax. We excessive moisture, but also incorporated cuts to small because of the way the way business tax rate from 4.5 the spring was thawing, per cent to two per cent this freezing, excess moisture in year, and in every economy cracks, it’s been a problem in the Western world, the right across the province,” small business is the driving Weekes says of the $556.2 force as far as employment million in the Highways budget, $400 million going and economic growth. “We cut another $55.6 for capital spending and by Kevin Brautigam of The Independent
Landmark celebrations . . . Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Gordon Barnhart, left, shares a laugh with Ray Souillet at the Biggar Community Hall, May 20. The event was a Century Celebration, recognizing
Biggar and area residents 90-plus years young, and Lt. Gov. Barnhart was in town to share the excitement.
maintenance. The NDP insist on increasing potash royalties, however. “It would potentially harm
per cent even if it drove potash companies out of the province. And then he went on to say if the potash companies did leave, the
province would just take over in what effectively amounts to nationalization by taxation.” …see Weekes, page 3
Lingenfelter says government must do more for taxpayers by Kevin Brautigam of The Independent
New Democrat leader Dwain
Dead trees replaced . . . A Lakeshore Nursery employee pulls away some of the growth as a hole is made to replace one of several trees at the Sandra Schmirler Olympic Gold Park. Lakeshore donated their time and effort for the endeavour, but donations are still needed to help offset costs associated with the loss of the 14 trees. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
investment in the province if that actually took place,” Weekes said. “[Lingenfelter] said he would hike potash royalties by 50 to 80
(Independent Photo by Daryl Hasein)
Lingenfelter says he was pleased with his opposition party’s performance during the last sitting of the Legislature. Calling last Tuesday from Colorado, Lingenfelter saw two major issues come to the fore, issues the NDP took the government to task. “What we’re proposing is a massive affordable housing program along with rent caontrol whereby rents would be capped at a certain amount,” Lingenfelter said. “Right now, some people are getting notices of 60 per cent increases and major gouging in some areas, and we’re calling for rent control. And the other is in the area of potash. We’re calling for, and would implement, a review of the royalty structure because the people of Saskatchewan are getting a nickel on
each dollar of profit the and the waiting lists in corporations make, and some of the health regions that’s simply way lower than have gone up significantly. most resource economies When you combine these two issues, health care get for the people.” certainly remains Historically on the number one issue potash if you go in the province.” back 10 years, Recruitment Lingenfelter and retention has explained, the been shifted from province received the Department 30 per cent, of Health and probably an the provincial average around the Duane government to local world for resource Lingenfelter health authorities, countries. and that simply “But a nickel on a isn’t working, Lingenfelter dollar is just unheard of.” Health care continues accused. “Retention and to be the number one issue, especially in rural recruitment have to be part of Medicare and part Saskatchewan, he added. “This whole issue of of the responsibility of the rural doctors and doctor provincial government. vacancies, which have We have a crazy situation actually increased from right now where one doctor about 83 vacancies when in one area will recruit a the Wall government was doctor from South Africa, elected. That’s now at 113, …See Lingenfelter, pg 20