REPORT FROM THE LEGISLATURE
Saskatchewan is growing at a pace not seen in more than 100 years, recently reaching an all-time population record of 1.21 million. With this rapid growth, we now have over 189,000 students in Kindergarten through Grade 12 schools in the province, the most we have seen in over 20 years.
Growth that works for everyone means every student receives the best possible education. That’s why our government made significant investments in education in the provincial 2023-24 Budget, totaling a record $4 billion.
This year’s budget includes a record $3.1 billion for the Ministry of Education to fund schools, early learning and childcare, and libraries. Saskatchewan’s school divisions will get a record $2 billion in operation funding. Funding will maintain the over 200 Educational Assistants hired since September 2021 and allow them to continue providing student support in our classrooms.
The Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation (Sask DLC) will receive $23 million for startup and operational costs. Sask DLC will offer unique learning opportunities for students by offering over 180 courses for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students, including several unique high school electives. Grade 12 completion and electives are available to adult learners as well. Registration is now open for the 2023-24 school year at SaskDLC.ca.
Several capital projects are being funded this year, including a new school to replace and consolidate the elementary and high school in Carlyle. A new K-12 Francophone school will replace École Valois in Prince Albert, and a new Francophone elementary school will be built in Saskatoon. Several schools across the province will also be renovated and a site has been chosen for the new Harbour Landing school.
These new capital education projects are in addition to 15 new school builds and seven renovations already underway across the province. Investments in schools ensure our facilities are prepared for continued growth and can provide quality learning opportunities for students into the future.
Our government will invest $382.4 million in early learning and childcare this year to support young families. This funding, through a partnership with the federal government, reduces parent fees for regulated childcare to $10 per day as of April 1, three years ahead of schedule. Funding will also support continued efforts to add more childcare spaces and programs for early childhood educators.
Public libraries will receive $11.6 million to support the services they provide to communities across the province. This includes an increase in grants to public libraries for resource-sharing services. A new investment of $200,000 will refresh the province’s collection of multi-lingual materials and add more materials in Indigenous languages. These investments in public libraries continue to support learning opportunities in our growing and diverse province.
Post-secondary education funding has increased by 3.3 per cent in this year’s budget for a total of $764.8 million. This includes a 90 per cent increase for infrastructure projects. Funding will go towards planning and design for Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s campus renewal project in Saskatoon. Investments will also allow for renovations to the University of Saskatchewan’s dental clinic, as well as equipment and renovations for expanded health programs across the province.
Our government will expand training programs for key health professionals with a $25.2 million investment. Beginning this fall, 550 new seats will be added to 18 high-priority health training programs. Funding will also support the continuation of a 150-seat expansion in nursing programs to further address needs in the health sector. These expansions will increase educational opportunities for Saskatchewan students while generating interest in the health sector in our province.
Post-secondary students will benefit from $47 million in student supports. This year, the Student Aid Fund and Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship will increase, and an investment of $50,000 will provide new Indigenous Language Scholarships. The Graduate Retention Program will continue to support students who remain in the province to work with up to $20,000 in tax credits. Our government’s post-secondary investments contribute to further growth by supporting students as they put down roots in Saskatchewan communities.
Investments in education are investments in our province’s continued growth. Ensuring students at all levels have access to learning opportunities is growth that works for everyone. To learn more about the 2023/24 Provincial Budget visit Saskatchewan.ca.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SASKATOON WILLOWGROVE CONSTITUENT, BRAD SYLVESTER WHO WAS A 2022 RECIPIENT OF THE SASKATCHEWAN VOLUNTEER MEDAL
Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty announced the names of the 11 recipients of the 2022 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. Recipients will be presented with this prestigious medal on April 18, 2023, at a ceremony held in their honour at Government House in Regina during National Volunteer Week.
"The 2022 recipients of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal do exceptional work to help make life better for others by giving their time and effort to organizations and communities across the province," Mirasty said. "This honour is well-deserved and is an expression of thanks from the people of Saskatchewan."
The Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal was established in 1995 to recognize the extraordinary work done by volunteers across the province. Since its creation, the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal has been awarded to 249 deserving individuals.
For more information about the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/honoursawards.
SASKATCHEWAN'S 2023 MERCHANDISE EXPORTS LEAD THE NATION
Saskatchewan’s economy remains one of the strongest in the nation. From February 2022 compared to February 2023, Saskatchewan's merchandise exports saw an increase of 31.9 per cent. In the first two months of 2023 merchandise exports increased by 43.7 per cent, compared to the same period in 2022. Saskatchewan ranks first among the provinces in percentage change.
Total merchandise exports for February 2023 were valued at more than $4.2 billion.
“Saskatchewan continues to provide the food, fuel and fertilizer that a growing population needs,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Our government is committed to supporting growth that works for everyone, because growing our exports abroad creates jobs for those here at home.” Saskatchewan’s 2023 Merchandise Exports Lead the Nation | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan
