Vol. 104 No. 33
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013
Box 40, 102 3rd Ave West, Biggar, Saskatchewan S0K 0M0
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20 pages
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www.biggarindependent.ca
Government’s First Quarter report doesn’t add up: Wotherspoon The government’s First Quarter financial update is a manipulated, invalid report that doesn’t explain why debt is going up while the government is making cuts in a strong economy, say the NDP The government withholds all summary financial information in its report, showing only a sliver of the provincial books, called the General Revenue Fund (GRF), they further claim. This is a practice the independent provincial auditor has called “wrong” and “misleading,” and the NDP has long called on the government to stop its tactic of using two sets of books. “This government’s First Quarter Report is not worth the paper it’s printed on,” said Trent Wotherspoon, NDP deputy leader and finance critic. “This govern-
ment is misleading the public by hiding the summary finances, and this report certainly doesn’t explain why the government is making cuts and failing to deliver on things families count on. “Hospitals are physically crumbling. Classrooms are overcrowded and teachers are being laid off. The government has put the seniors-care system into crisis. People and businesses are doing their part to deliver on a strong economy – this government is not holding up its end. “All of us in Saskatchewan are concerned that this government is struggling with these things in such a strong economy.” Although Wotherspoon dismisses the selective and manipulated GRF numbers, he noted that the report
gives us a peek at further ballooning debt – a serious cause for concern. “If there’s one number in this report we should take seriously, it’s the fact that this government has already had to raise the amount of debt it plans to add this year by over $100 million.” The hiked debt projection means that this year alone the government will add more than $1 billion of public debt, excluding the ballooning pension debt number the government continues to hide, Wotherspoon and the NDP claim. “Saskatchewan people deserve better. They deserve the straight goods – the true, full state of our finances, and a responsible financial plan. This update provides none of that.”
RCMP search for Saskatoon crook in Biggar On the evening of August 8, Biggar RCMP assisted Saskatoon Police Services with the apprehension of a suspect involved in multiple offences in the City of Saskatoon. The male adult suspect was in possession of a stolen vehicle. He fled while being pursued. Saskatoon Police Air Services tracked the suspect to Biggar where RCMP and Sas-
katoon Police Dog Services attempted to apprehend the suspect. The stolen vehicle was recovered. It is believed the suspect fled the community in the early morning hours. The suspect is not from Biggar and area but may have had an acquaintance in the community. The suspect faces a number of charges in Saskatoon.
Museum (and barbecue) supporter . . . Lily Westman hands her money to Biggar Museum and Gallery backer Cathy Donahue during the centre’s barbecue fund raiser, Friday. Little Lily was in from Olds, Alberta, visiting with Gramma Vera McNeil, and decided to a spot of lunch was in order. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Taking the plunge . . . With life jackets on, one swimmer jumps into the arms of an awaiting swim lesson instructor while the other eagerly waits her turn, Friday at the Biggar Aquatic Centre. With swimming lessons well underway, the pool is the best place to be, and with the weather finally turning to warmer, more agreeable temperatures, the Biggar recreation facility will be the place to be until school begins. (Independent Photo by Kevin Brautigam)
Province shows surplus at First Quarter Saskatchewan remains on track to balance its books in 2013-14, with a pretransfer surplus of $33.0 million forecast for the General Revenue Fund (GRF). The First Quarter Financial Report, released August 8 by Finance Minister Ken Krawetz, shows revenue is up $11.8 million (0.1 per cent) from budget, primarily due to higher oil revenue. “Saskatchewan’s economy is resilient and continues to perform well in 2013, with stronger-than-expected employment growth and higher oil prices,” Krawetz said. “Through the first
quarter, Saskatchewan’s economy and finances remain on track. And while it is too soon to know the specific impact, we have reduced our potash revenue forecast by $21.3 million, largely to reflect uncertainty stemming from recent global potash market developments.” Expense is up $43.6 million (0.4 per cent) from budget primarily for the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program. “Flooding expense has reduced the projected GRF surplus somewhat, but overall spending continues to be managed effectively,” Krawetz said.
Saskatchewan’s 3.9 per cent employment growth through the first half of 2013 leads the nation, and the province’s unemployment rate has averaged 4.0 per cent over the same period - the lowest in Canada. The number of people working in Saskatchewan is up over 20,000, year-overyear, through the first six months of 2013. Through the first five months of 2013, Saskatchewan also leads national growth in average employment weekly earnings, value of manufacturing sales, and value of wholesale trade.