Webpaper 13

Page 1

Vol. 105 No. 13

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

24 pages

$1.25

Bringing news to Biggar and area for 105 years! Box 40, 122 Main Street, Biggar, Saskatchewan S0K 0M0

email: tip@sasktel.net

Phone: hone: 306-948-33 306-948-3344 33 344 4

www w www.biggarindependent.ca ww.bi big bi igga igg gariindependent.ca d

Balanced budget keeps Saskatchewan on the path of steady growth F inance

Minister Ken Krawetz last week tabled a balanced budget aimed at keeping Saskatchewan on the path of steady growth. This year’s budget avoids tax increases by controlling government spending. “Our government’s preference will always be to balance the budget by controlling spending rather than by raising taxes,” Krawetz said. “We were able to achieve that once again this year, while still making targeted investments in infrastructure, employment and job training, seniors, students, people with disabilities, children and families.” This year’s budget also sees the government moving to a summary focus as recommended by the Provincial Auditor. “Steady growth is the big picture, a vision for the long term and a full view of what’s happening in Saskatchewan,” Krawetz said. “So beginning today, the focus of our budget and our financial statements will be a summary focus, which includes all aspects of government revenue and spending.” The Provincial Auditor supports the new budget presentation. “Our office strongly supports these changes,” Acting Provincial Auditor Judy Ferguson said. ”They will eliminate confusion and help legislators and the public better understand the government’s finances.” A budget surplus of $71 million is forecast, taking into account all Government Business Enterprises including commercial Crown corporations, and Government Service Organizations which include ministries, boards of education and health regions, among others. Revenue for 2014-15 is projected at $14.07 billion, down 0.7 per cent from last year, while expense

is estimated to be $14.0 billion, down 0.2 per cent from last year. This year’s budget invests in infrastructure and people, aligning with the goals and priorities of the Saskatchewan Plan for

Growth. Saskatchewan’s commercial Crown corporations, including SaskPower, SaskTel and SaskEnergy are projected to spend $2.0 billion on capital projects in 2014-15,

up $100 million or 5.3 per cent from last year. In addition to Crown capital investments, $886.9 million will be spent on a range of government infrastructure projects this year, an increase of $39.4

million or 4.7 per cent. The capital budget includes key investments in schools, health care facilities including hospitals and long-term care facilities, post secondary institutions, r o a d s, h i g h wa y s a n d

municipal infrastructure. “Our government continues to build and upgrade infrastructure right across the province, meeting the challenges of growth and planning …see Budget pg 20

Concert to support Family Centre Shrek plays today! . . . Guitarist John MacIntyre sits in silhouette, tuning up for New Creation Community Players production of ‘Shrek, The Musical!’ prior to a dress rehearsal this past Sunday. A lot of hard

work has gone into the musical, and it will be evident in all four shows this Thursday to Sunday, with a wildly funny and entertaining production. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)

Concert to support Family Centre P ALS (Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans in Service) are pleased and excited to present a unique concert and fund raiser in support of the Family

Centre at the Majestic Theatre, Saturday, April 5. Kevin and Michele Ackerman will present a musical evening of a wide

Kevin and Michele Ackerman will be in Biggar this Saturday, April 5 for a concert to support the Biggar Family Centre. (Submitted Photo)

range of genres with a guitar and flute duo. Kevin has completed his Bachelor of Arts (music major with distinction, 2012) principle instrument the guitar, and has a wide variety of experience in composition, music history, and theological education. He is a registered music teacher in the province and president of the Watrous Music Festival. Michele has a degree in microbiology and her Doctor of Medical Dentistry from the University of Saskatchewan. She is busy with a dental practice in Humboldt and Watrous. Michele is a past president of the Watrous Music Festival and accompanies

the Watrous Jubilee Choir and other choirs throughout Saskatchewan. She and Kevin have performed in very diverse situations from a Convocation to a Sunday afternoon in a park. They promise to deliver an entertaining and varied performance. T h e Fa m i l y C e n t r e focuses on supporting parents of young children from 0 to 5 years of age through parenting classes, clothing exchange, summer preschool programs and other activities. Much of their funding has been from grants over the years and as government funding gets harder to access, the Family Centre needs to support their

activities with local funding. PALS were happy to take up the Ackermans’ offer of doing a concert and playing at our Sunday service. Admission to the concert will be by donation. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Consider the good work that the Family Centre does and the opportunity that this talented duo has given our community to show our appreciation of their generosity. Please come out and enjoy their show, and join us Sunday morning at Redeemer to further appreciate their talents in accompanying our worship.


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