Vol. 105 No. 27
THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2014
Box 40, 122 Main Street, Biggar, Saskatchewan S0K 0M0
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20 pages
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Seniors beneÀts increase July 1 S
askatchewan seniors with low incomes will soon see increases to the benefits they receive through two programs: the Personal Care Home Benefit and Seniors Income Plan. These increases came into effect on July 1, 2014. Increases to the Personal Care Home Benefit (PCHB) will help approximately 800 Saskatchewan seniors with the costs of living in a licensed personal care home. The maximum monthly income for inclusion in the program or “threshold” will increase by $75, from $1,875 to $1,950, on July 1. Those eligible for the program receive a monthly supplement that provides the difference between their monthly income and the maximum monthly income amount. This is the second increase to the threshold since the program’s implementation in July 2012. The Government o f S a s k a t ch e wa n h a s committed to increasing the monthly threshold again in 2015. “Government is fulfilling its commitment to improve the quality of life for Saskatchewan seniors with low income, as outlined in the Seniors Affordability Plan,” Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. “This increase will make it more affordable for seniors who reside in a private personal care home, and do not qualify for subsidized long-term care.” I n a d d i t i o n , approximately 15,000 senior citizens who require financial assistance under the Seniors Income Plan (SIP) will also receive an increase to their benefits.
Gimme’ Shelter . . . Calm waters south of Biggar, and a sky that doesn’t threaten rain - perhaps summer has finally arrived. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Maximum monthly benefits will increase from $250 to $260 for single individuals and from $215 to $225 for each member
of a couple household. Since 2007, government has nearly tripled the maximum benefits under the SIP program from $90
to $260 for singles and from $72.50 to $225 for each member of a couple household. “Our government is
proud to provide financial assistance to help Saskatchewan seniors meet their basic needs,” Harpauer said. “In addition
to the income support, seniors receiving SIP also receive additional health benefits that help improve quality of life.”
Record crop year and strong investment returns contribute to large surplus in 2013-14 S
askatchewan finished the 2013-14 fiscal year with a $589 million surplus in its Summary Financial Statements (SFS), according to the province’s year-end financial results released Thursday in Volume 1 of the 2013-14 Public Accounts. The summary surplus was $439 million higher than the $150 million forecast in the 2013-14 Budget. “The higher surplus is largely attributable to the insurance sector where investment returns were greater than expected and agricultural claims were lower than budgeted due to record crop production in 2013,” Finance Minister Ken Krawetz said. “While this is very good news, it is important to remember these were unusual circumstances and we can’t count on these kinds of financial windfalls every year.” To t a l r e v e n u e w a s $14.42 billion, up $239 million or 1.7 per cent
from budget. The increase Provincial Auditor’s report, public sector accounting to manage the province’s is largely due to higher the financial statements standards. finances carefully and than expected investment fairly present the financial “Despite volatility in keep Saskatchewan on income experienced by the position of the Government oil and potash, 2013-14 the path of steady growth Workers’ Compensation of Saskatchewan and the was another good year for in 2014-15.” Board and Saskatchewan results of its operations, in Saskatchewan,” Krawetz Auto Fund as well as accordance with Canadian said. “We will continue higher than budgeted f e d e r a l transfers and other own-source revenue. Total expense was $13.83 billion in 2013-14, $200 million lower than budget. Much of the decrease is attributable to record crop production which resulted in considerably lower claims made for AgriStability and Crop Insurance Oh, happy, happy day! . . . Sierra Larlham shares a laugh with pals and classmates, Sabrina programs. A c c o r d i n g Yurchak and Mallory McCarty. The annual rite of passage for Biggar Central School graduates to the Acting was held June 27. See page 9 for more. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)