Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010 

Premier Wall pledges to fully implement revenue sharing agreement in 2011-2012. the formula will provide money equal to one full point of the PST, but there will be no increase in revenue sharing this year.

"Saskatchewan is expected to lead the nation in economic growth this year and next. Saskatchewan people are earning more than ever before and Saskatchewan also has the strongest job creation record and the lowest unemployment rate in Canada," said Premier Wall.

SUMA delegates stood up and applauded Premier Brad Wall moments after he finished his keynote address. His message: a continuing commitment to revenue sharing, Saskatchewan's economic strength and reduction in the size of government.

The Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) is a lobby group focused on forging partnerships that are mutually beneficial to cities and the provinces. The conference runs Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 at the Queensbury Convention Centre.

Premier Wall highlighted some of the municipal projects the province has supported above and beyond the revenue sharing agreement. They include:

-$15 million for recreational infrastructure funding

-$113 million to the Building Canada Fund - "Communities Component"

-$22.5 million under the Building Canada Fund "Infrastructure Component"

"We made a commitment in the last election to implement a new revenue sharing formula by the end of our first term in government. We will keep that promise and I am confirming today that this promise will be kept before our term of government is expired," Premier Wall said.

For more information about the SUMA convention, click here. Read the premier's speech here. 

 Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010

Premier Brad Wall is urging all Saskatchewan people to lend their support to local fundraising efforts in support of earthquake victims in Haiti.

"This week, five Saskatchewan radio chains are spending all or part of their entire programming day encouraging people to give generously to those helping Haitians recover from this devastating natural catastrophe," Wall said. "Many other media outlets are doing their part during news casts and programs, by highlighting the plight of those living in this very poor country and identifying the groups rendering assistance."

"I encourage everyone in Saskatchewan to do what they have always done---search their hearts, find their cheque books and support a reputable aid agency," Wall said.

"We have donated as a province with a $250,000 contribution from the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, and now we must each act individually in support of this worthy cause."

Wall said there are many well-managed organizations registered as charities under Canadian law, that are helping the Haitian people. The list includes but is not limited to:

-The Red Cross:www.redcross.ca/helpnow 1-800-418-1111

-Salvation Army: www.salvationarmy.ca/haiti

-World Vision: www.worldvision.ca/Pages/Home.aspx

"I'm proud of the many people who are making individual donations, organizing special fund raising suppers, and those with special skills who are already volunteering to spend time in Haiti over the next few months," Wall said.

"Despite the tragedy these disasters produce, they can also remind us of what is truly important in life, and the obligation we have to assist those who are suffering."

Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010

The Saskatchewan government wants to reduce red tape for businesses across the province. Premier Brad Wall wielded a pair of scissors and cut through a pile of red tape stacked on a table in his office, a welcome gesture to kick-off Red Tape Awareness Week.

Saskatchewan has reduced the amount of money businesses spend on regulatory costs by more than $200 million dollars, according to the red tape report  by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

In 2008, the report estimates Saskatchewan businesses spent $836 million in regulatory costs, down from $1.04 billion in 2005. It's a statistic the government can be proud of.

"We want Saskatchewan to be one of the most competitive places to conduct business, not only in Canada but in the entire world, and we can achieve this goal by taking action on regulatory reform," said Premier Brad Wall.

The Premier met with representatives from the CFIB to discuss the report and its recommendations. Previously, the government established the Regulatory Modernization Council (RMC) to give the province advice to reduce regulation and make Saskatchewan a more desirable place to do business.

"CFIB is pleased Premier Wall is committed to reducing red tape for Saskatchewan business owners," said Marilyn Braun-Pollon, Vice President, Saskatchewan and Agri-business of the CFIB.

By removing unnecessary red tape and streamlining services processing businesses will be able to focus on delivering products to their customers.

"Reducing the burden imposed by regulations will help grow our economy and give Saskatchewan businesses the ability to focus on growing their businesses," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said.

The Red Tape Reduction Update can be found here.