2004 –2005 Saskatchewan Mid-Year Report

The Hon. Harry Van Mulligen Budget Update Minister of Finance Table of Contents

Economic Overview ...... 2 Financial Overview ...... 7 Borrowing and Debt ...... 11 Financial Tables ...... 14

SUMMARY STATEMENT UPDATE Summary Statement of Surplus ...... 20 Summary Statement of Debt ...... 22

Appendix 1 – Equalization Reforms Since the Budget ...... 23 Appendix 2 – Oil Revenue ...... 26 Appendix 3 – Fiscal Stabilization Fund ...... 28

PERFORMANCE PLAN SUMMARY 2004-05 Performance Plan Summary ...... 30 A Green and Prosperous Economy ...... 31 Strong and Vibrant Communities ...... 36 Healthy and Self-reliant Families ...... 41 2 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update natural gasandpotash. and higher-than-expected pricesforoil, more becauseofstrongerexportdemand importantly, theprovinceisexporting on average,belowassumedlevels.More and thevalueofCanadiandollarare, Despite therecentincreases,interestrates is stronger. Consequently, theCanadianeconomy and othercountriesinAsiaareflourishing. U.S. isfirmlyestablishedandChina,Japan the restofCanada.Economicgrowthin exports gotomarketsintheU.S.,Asiaand More than90percentofSaskatchewan’s higher thanprojectedinthe2004-05Budget. indicators suggestactualgrowthwillbe and provincialcropproduction.Economic the Canadiandollar, commodityprices export markets,interestrates,thevalueof growth inCanada,theUnitedStatesandother of reasonableassumptionsabouteconomic 2004-05 Budgetwasdevelopedonthebasis The economicforecastpresentedwiththe INTRODUCTION Econ oil pricesonU.S.economic growth. reflects theimpactofhigher-than-expected of 4.9percentand4.3 cent,respectively, revision fromthe2004-05 Budgetassumptions and 3.6percentin2005.Theslightdownward at annualratesof4.8percentin2004 The U.S.economyisexpectedtoexpand INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS omic Overview quarter and3.0percent in thesecondquarter. economy grewby1.7per centinthefirst On ayear-over-year basis,theCanadian to improve3.5percent in2005. Canadian economicgrowthisexpected at anannualrateof2.8percentthisyear. Canada’s realGDPisprojectedtoincrease C in thesecondquarter. quarter and9.6percentyear-over-year 9.8 percentyear-over-year inthefirst quarter. InChina,realGDPincreasedby 4.2 percentyear-over-year inthesecond year-over-year inthefirstquarterand Japan’s realGDPgrewby5.0percent and 2005,respectively. rates of8.8percentand7.5in2004 2005. Chinaisexpectedtoexpandatannual of 4.5percentthisyearand2.5in in general.Japanisexpectedtopostgrowth have strengthenedAsia’s economicprospects in JapanalongsidetherobustgrowthChina The much-improvedeconomicconditions quarter and3.7percentinthethirdquarter. in thefirstquarter, 3.3percentinthesecond Product (realGDP)increasedby4.5percent quarter growth,U.S.realGrossDomestic In termsofannualized,quarter-over-previous- 3.9 percentinthethirdquarterof2004. 4.8 percentinthesecondquarterand grew by5.0percentinthefirstquarter, On ayear-over-year basis,theU.S.economy ANADIAN MACROECONOMIC SITUATION Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 3 Assumption Mid-Year Mid-Year 2004 Period 3.3/4.8* 2nd Q 3.7/3.9* 3rd Q 4.3/3.0* 2nd Q MMODITY PRICES CROP PRODUCTION AND CO Agriculture Saskatchewan In September, 24.9 million and Food estimated a harvest of tonnes, down from the August estimate than the of 26.9 million tonnes and lower million 2004-05 Budget assumption of 25.3 tonnes. This estimate was based on only about 75 per cent completion of the harvest about to that point, whereas, last year, 99 per cent of the crop had been harvested by then. Through the first week in November, the harvest was still only 93 per cent frost and snow complete. While wet weather, slow the crop harvest, they also hasten its deterioration in terms of both quality and Final estimates of the harvest will quantity. be below average in terms of both quality and quantity. Prices for wheat, barley and canola for the 2004-05 crop year are currently estimated to be lower than the 2004-05 Budget assumptions due to the expected poor quality 2004 2005 YTD Covered 2004 2005 Budget Assumption te (%) te (%) adian Dollar 78.40 80.2 75.38 Jan-Sept 74.90 76.00 adian CPI 0.9 0.8 1.7 Jan-Sept 1.7 1.2 adian Growth 2.8 3.1 3.0/1.7* 1st Q 2.8 3.5 adian Short-termadian Long-term 2.3 6.3 2.5 6.5 2.1 Jan-Sept 6.1 2.1 Jan-Sept 6.5 2.9 7.0 nnualized, ago. period a year from the same rate quarterly rate/growth growth Can RaInterest Can RaInterest Can (U.S. cents) *A Can U.S. Growth 4.9 4.3 4.5/5.0* 1st Q 4.8 3.6 Can CANADIAN AND U.S. CONDITIONS ECONOMIC Noted Otherwise) Change Unless cent (Per In terms of annualized, quarter-over-previous- quarter growth, the Canadian economy grew by 3.0 per cent in the first quarter and 4.3 per cent in the second quarter. an average Short-term interest rates posted of 2.1 per cent in the first nine months average of of 2004, lower than last year’s 2.9 per cent and lower than the 2004-05 Budget assumption of 2.3 per cent. Short-term interest rates are projected to increase to 2.9 per cent in 2005. Long-term interest rates have also come average of 6.5 per cent down from last year’s to 6.1 per cent in the first nine months. Long-term interest rates are projected to increase to 7.0 per cent in 2005. The value of the Canadian dollar averaged 75.38 US cents in the first nine months of 2004 and is projected to average around 75.00 US cents in 2004 and 76.00 US cents in 2005, based on the external forecasts available. 4 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update price ofnatural gasiscurrentlyprojected to average price of$5.98perGJin2003. The months of2004,whichis slightlyabovethe averaged $6.00perGJin thefirstnine assumed levels.Theprice ofnaturalgas Natural gaspricesarealso wellabove first ninemonthsof2004. of abarrelWTIoilwasUS$39.10inthe and US$33.75nextyear. Theaverage price estimated toaverageUS$39.84thisyear The priceofabarrelWTIoiliscurrently for 2004andUS$25.00perbarrel2005. barrel ofWest Texas Intermediate(WTI)oil estimated anaveragepriceofUS$26.50per strong demand.The2004-05Budget of littlesparecapacityandexceptionally over supplydisruptionsinanenvironment Record highoilpricesareduetoconcerns tonne and$293.39pertonne,respectively. canola areexpectedtodip$87.74per of $150.00pertonne.Pricesforbarleyand $116.18 fromthe2004-05Budgetassumption a tonneofwheatisestimatedtodecrease of thecropin2004.Theaveragepricefor CO MMODITY PRICES MMODITY ha*100 5.9NANA161 133.86 116.18 N/A N/A 154.79 150.00 Wheat* aua a .042 .0JnSp .05.00 6.00 Jan-Sept 6.00 115.26 87.74 4.25 N/A 4.70 N/A 102.64 *Crop year(C$/tonne) 105.00 Po (C$/GJ) Natural Gas (US $/barrel) WTI Oil (C$/tonne) Ca (C$/tonne) Barley* (C$/tonne) ah182 8.8230 a-u 1.0214.00 212.00 Jan-Aug 213.00 185.88 188.28 tash oa 4.0266 / / 9.9286.79 293.39 N/A N/A 266.60 340.00 nola* N/A - No t available Budget Assumption 65 50 91 a-et3.433.75 39.84 Jan-Sept 39.10 25.00 26.50 0420 T oee 042005 2004 Covered YTD 2005 2004 and 2.0per cent, respectively. 2004-05 Budgetforecasts of0.1percent 1.1 percentnextyearcompared tothe to expandby7.8percent thisyearand dollars, theprovincialeconomy isset and 1.7percent,respectively. Innominal the 2004-05Budgetforecastsof2.6percent 2004 and2.7percentin2005comparedto projected toincreaseby2.8percentin Saskatchewan’s real GDPiscurrently SASKATCHEWAN’S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK to $214.00pertonnenextyear. prices areexpectedtoincreasefurther assumption of$188.28pertonne.Potash 2004 comparedtothe2004-05Budget projected toreach$212.00pertonnein in 2004.Average potashpricesarecurrently pushed potashpricessignificantlyhigher Stronger-than-expected marketdemandhas assumption of$4.70and$4.25,respectively. GJ in2005comparedtothe2004-05Budget average $6.00perGJin2004and$5.00 04Period 2004 Mid-Year Assumption Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 5 hange Period Per cent Covered C Private forecasters are slightly more optimistic Private forecasters are slightly more economic performance about Saskatchewan’s private in 2004 and 2005. On average, these GDP real forecasters project the province’s and to increase by 3.1 per cent in 2004 2.8 per cent in 2005. projects employment Report The Mid-Year 4,600 to increase by 2,500 this year and see 3,500 Private forecasters next year. Total more jobs in 2004 and 5,600 in 2005. in the first employment increased by 2,500 ten months of 2004. Budget Forecast Projection Mid-Year 2004 2005 2004 2005 ional Exports Jan-Aug 21.4 tash Production Jan-Aug 13.4 nufacturing Shipments Jan-Aug 22.1 ilding Permits Jan-Aug -5.5 Oil Production Jan-Jul 1.3 Natural Gas Production Jan-Jul 6.5 Unemployment (%)Unemployment 5.7 5.6 5.5 5.4 Real GDPNominal GDPCPI (000s)Employment 0.1 2.6 3.8 2.0 1.7 1.8 5.1 7.8 1.5 2.8 2.5 1.1 2.7 1.9 4.6 1.9 Value of Bu Total Internat ExportsInternational Products of Agriculture ExportsInternational Products of Energy ExportsInternational of Industrial Goods ExportsInternational of Other GoodsValue of Ma DrilledWells Number of Oil and Natural Gas Volume of Volume of Jan-Aug Jan-Aug Jan-Aug 28.6 Jan-Aug Jan-Aug 17.1 13.7 -16.1 34.0 Volume of Po Retail TradeWholesale Trade SalesNew Vehicle Housing Starts Jan-Aug Jan-Aug Jan-Aug Jan-Jun -4.5 4.0 -6.3 5.8 2004 SASKATCHEWAN ECONOMIC INDICATORS ECONOMIC 2004 SASKATCHEWAN The stronger growth projected is the result The stronger growth projected is spurred on of a sharp turnaround in exports, significantly by either strong demand and/or of higher prices. In the first eight months and 2004, for example, exports of agriculture per cent energy products increased by 28.6 Exports of and 17.1 per cent, respectively. cent during industrial goods went up 13.7 per the same period. The available data also show a dramatic increase in the value of manufacturing in shipments and continued improvements natural gas production, potash production, retail trade and housing starts. MID-YEAR ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS FOR SASKATCHEWAN MID-YEAR ECONOMIC Otherwise) Increase Unless Noted cent (Per 6 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update A harvest isworsethancurrentlyestimated. the growthrateprojectedfor2004if Saskatchewan’s economycouldunder-perform growth projections. however, uncertaintysurroundingthese oil, naturalgasandpotash.Thereis, economic recoveryandhigherpricesfor to strongerexports,reflectingtheglobal 2004-05 Budgetfor2004and2005due growth thanoriginallyforecastinthe Current projectionsareforslightlyhigher CONCLU verage interestratesandtheaveragevalue SION growth oftheprovince. gas andpotashwouldaddtotheeconomic with relativelystrongpricesforoil,natural value oftheCanadiandollarcombined decrease, particularlynextyear. Alower cause thevalueofCanadiandollarto faster thanCanadianinterestratesand However, U.S.interestratescouldrise reduce growth,particularlyin2005. rates andvalueoftheCanadiandollarcould coming months.Significantlyhigherinterest expected iftheycontinuetoincreasein of theCanadiandollarcouldbehigherthan Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 7 +2.3 +22.3 +139.1 ncial Overviewncial The most significant factor in the revised The most significant world oil prices. The forecast is higher Intermediate Texas West average price of is now projected (WTI) oil for 2004-05 to be US$40.05 per barrel, an increase of US$15.05 from the Budget forecast of US$25.00 per barrel. Potash revenue is projected to be $82.9 million higher than the Budget prices. estimate primarily due to higher Natural gas revenue is now projected to be $80.8 million above the Budget estimate reflecting higher natural gas prices. Fina • • Equalization payments are expected Budget. to increase by $139.1 million from In the past, any substantial increases have in non-renewable resources would Recent decreased Equalization payments. changes to the Equalization program 2004-05. positively impact the Province in The First Ministers’ Meeting on Health Care resulted in an additional $66.0 million for health care. As a result of the increase, is expected to the Canada Health Transfer increase by $50.5 million and other federal transfers will increase by $15.5 million. il revenue is now projected to be tal Revenue Forecast Changes Forecast tal Revenue +870.0 $469.8 million above the Budget estimate. Other Changes Other To (Millions of Dollars) Non-Renewable ResourcesNet Equalization Gain +640.3 New Health Deal FundingTax Revenue +66.0 REVENUE FORECAST CHANGES REVENUE – FORECAST CHANGES Provincial government revenue is forecast to be $870.0 million above the Budget estimate. Non-renewable resource revenue has increased due to several factors. •O The 2004-05 Budget presented in March The 2004-05 Budget Revenue Fund (GRF) estimated a General surplus of $0.1 million. financial Since Budget, the Government’s million. position has improved by $899.2 the The current year improvement in finances is extraordinary Province’s and is related to one-time circumstances. allocated As a result, the “windfall” will be that will primarily to one-time initiatives year and impact the current 2004-05 fiscal forecast the next three years. In this overview, by changes will be discussed first, followed a summary of new initiatives. Forecast then be changes and new initiatives will forecast. combined to produce the mid-year FINANCIAL OVERVIEW 8 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update • • • to changesinthefollowingdepartments. $5.2 millionbelowBudgetduemainly Operating expenseisprojectedtobe Budget estimate. to be$29.2millionlowerthanthe Provincial governmentexpenseisforecast CHANGES –FORECAST EXPENSE auto sales. in salestaxrevenue,theresultoflower revenue werepartiallyoffsetbyadecrease Increases inindividualandcorporatetax T EXPENSE FORECASTCHANGES ax revenueincreasedby$22.3million. prtn xes oeatCags-5.2 Operating ExpenseForecast Changes Total Exp Total Interest Changes ofDollars) (Millions Highways Health an Culture,Youth Environment Ot childhood immunizationprograms. for extendedhealthbenefitsandexpanded above Budgetduetoanincreaseinfunding Health isprojectedtobe$4.3million and promoteCanada’s historicplaces. the federallyfundedinitiativetopreserve operational support,primarilydirectedat in 2005andtoprovideincreased to celebrateSaskatchewan’s Centennial funding requiredtosupportactivities to be$9.5millionaboveBudgetdue Culture, Youth andRecreationisprojected management program. mainly tosavingsintheforestfire $24.0 millionbelowBudgetdue Environment isexpectedtobe e prtn xes hne 3.4 her OperatingExpenseChanges neFrcs hne -29.2 ense Forecast Changes erain9.5 d Recreation overall borrowingrequirements. versus theUnitedStatesdollarandlower the improvementinCanadiandollar reflecting ratesavingsonnewdebtissues, $24.0 millionbelowtheBudgetestimate, Interest costsareprojectedtobe • • • commitments areasfollows: year andthenextthreeyears.The that willimpactthecurrent2004-05fiscal allocated primarilytoone-timeinitiatives The currentyearimprovementwillbe NEW INITIATIVES asset amortization. for year-end aggregateinventoryand amortization asaresultofadjustments Budget duetoincreasedcapitalasset expected tobe$1.6millionabove Highways andTransportation is tax relief; for fundingtoaddresseducationproperty of 2004-05and2005-06,willbeallocated $110.1 million,$55.05millionineach funds utilityrebates; to offsetareducedCICdividendthat $54.1 millionwillbeallocatedin2004-05 -24.0 -24.0 1.6 4.3 Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 9 – – – – – – ...... 13.6 40.0 66.0 54.1 179.3 – – – – – . . . . . 75.0 75.0 75.0 80.0 80.0 80.0 171.1 171.1 171.1 2005-06 toYear 4 Out Funded $13.6 million allocation in 2004-05 $13.6 million allocation

for the Province’s share of the northern share for the Province’s and uranium mine clean-up for the transformation funding Office; Information Technology be set aside over $75.0 million will in 2005-06 to protect three years starting due to short-term the spending base as a result of the revenue reductions ban; province-wide smoking $171.1 million will be retained in the Fiscal Stabilization Fund; and, $179.3 million is allocated for permanent debt reduction. • • • the The following table illustrates how in additional resources will be allocated three the current year and over the next will be years and the commitments that funded through the FSF. •a – – – . . . 2004-05 2007-08 Costs the FSF of anent Debt Reduction 179.3 tal 411.6 487.6 899.2 381.2 rm ility Rebate 54.1 operty Tax opertyRelief Tax 55.05 55.05 110.1 55.05 dditional 2004-05 spending 13.6 $80.0 million will be set aside over $80.0 million will three years for third-party capital will be and infrastructure, $43.0 million and allocated to municipal infrastructure capital; the remainder towards Learning $40.0 million to fund the Province’s Bovine share of the national strategy for Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE); $110.0 million will be allocated in over four years to address issues government-owned capital, including Regina replacing the 1913 section of the lab jail, replacement of the provincial building and beginning forest fire fighting fleet renewal; $66.0 million in 2004-05 as a result $66.0 million in the First Ministers’ of funding from meeting that will be September 2004 equipment and used for capital as well as infrastructure replacement surgical backlogs, initiatives to reduce retain health capacity, expand diagnostic implement health care providers and system quality improvements; Smoking Ban Impact Stabilization Fund Retained in the Fiscal A Third-party capital capitalGovernment-owned 3.5 106.5 110.0 BSE program 40.0 Pr Health Care 66.0 To Ut Pe (Millions of Dollars) NEW INITIATIVES • • • • 10 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update initiatives onthe2004-05expenseforecast. The tableattop,right,liststheimpactofnew initiatives onthe2004-05revenueforecast. The followingtableliststheimpactofnew will impactbothrevenueandexpense. initiatives announcedbytheGovernment a $29.2decreaseinexpense.Thenew $870.0 millionincreaseinrevenueand financial position,asaresultofan $899.2 millionimprovementintheProvince’s The mid-yearforecastindicatesa FUND FORECAST REVENUE 2004-05 MID-YEARGENERAL REVENUE FORECASTCHANGE REVENUE 2004-05 GENERAL REVENUE FUNDFORECAST REVENUE 2004-05 GENERAL eeu oeatCag +870.0 Revenue Forecast Change ofDollars) (Millions 2004-05 Mid-year upu . . 8. 8. 289.2 289.2 -310.7 289.3 -24.0 -381.2 0.1 575.9 -24.0 -210.1 736.7 160.8 646.4 590.0 $ 0.1 100.6 815.9 169.5 $ 1,089.4 614.0 171.1 7,406.4 $ 6,317.0 513.5 614.0 6,669.7 $ Pe 6,156.2 443.0 Ca 6,590.5 $ Surplus 6,147.5 FSF Transfer Pr Interest Costs Operating Surplus Operating Expense Revenue ofDollars) (Millions eeu hne+815.9 Revenue Change Ut -S aac 110-0. 9. 7. 599.9 670.4 499.4 -100.5 -171.0 e-FSF Balance rm ia custos0000100100110.0 110.0 110.0 0.0 0.0 pital Acquisitions lt eae-54.1 Rebate ility nn etRdcin0101193192179.2 179.2 179.3 0.1 0.1 Reduction anent Debt 040 s ure i-erCag rmChange from Change from Mid-Year 1stQuarter 2004-05 ugtPoeto rjcinBde 1stQuarter Budget Projection Projection Budget $179.3 millionforpermanentdebtreduction. this surplusinthefutureyears,leaving totaling $110.0million,willbefundedfrom the 2004-05fiscalyear. Capitalacquisitions, surplus of$289.3millionattheend to theFSFisnowexpected,leavinga A transferof$210.1millionfromtheGRF on theFSFcanbefoundinAppendix3). in theFSF2004-05(furtherinformation There isa$381.2millionimprovement EXPENSE FORECASTCHANGE 2004-05 Mid-year Total xes oeatCag -29.2 Expense Forecast Change ofDollars) (Millions Note: An additional$3.5millionisincludedin An Note: S rga +40.0 +66.0 BSE program Pr Health Care xes hne+145.5 Expense Change A dtoa pnig+13.6 dditional spending pryTxRle +55.05 TaxRelief operty 2004-05 capital appropriation. Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 11 Mid-Year 7,641.1 (715.8) 8290.1 higher surplusdeposit to the FiscalStabilization Fund $ 381.2 million lower working $ 289.2 million capital requirements lower value of U.S.dollar denominated debt (76.31 cents to 79.12 cents) $ 30.6 million $ 14.8 million Crown corporations are responsible for Crown corporations interest payments on their the principal and debt is incurred in debt. Crown corporation of business, primarily for the normal course business investment in infrastructure and development initiatives which provide revenue streams to service the debt. to Crown corporation debt is forecast be $63.0 million higher than estimated in the Budget. is Government debt at March 31, 2005 lower currently forecast to be $715.8 million decrease than estimated in the Budget. This is due to: • • • • Borrowing and Debt and Borrowing Budget 1st Quarter Mid-Year from Change Estimate Projection Projection Budget ross Debt – the amount of money ross Debt – the amount of money tal Debt $ 11,803.6 $ 11,777.5 $ 11,150.8 $ (652.8) Sinking Funds – the amount of money which has been set aside for the repayment of debt. Guaranteed Debt – the debt of Crown Province corporations and others that the unable has promised to repay if they are to do so. owed to lenders; less Crown Corporation Debt Corporation Crown $ 3,446.7 $ 3,487.4 $ 3,509.7 $ 63.0 To (Millions of Dollars) DebtGovernment 8,356.9 8,290.1 SUMMARY OF DEBT AS AT MARCH 31, AS AT OF DEBT SUMMARY 2005 • by most Debt plus guaranteed debt is used when members of the financial community as forecast analyzing creditworthiness. Debt debt. in this Report includes guaranteed • at the debt of the GRF As shown below, March 31, 2005 is currently projected to be $652.8 million less than estimated in the Budget. The GRF borrows for government and The GRF borrows Crown corporations. financial Debt as reported in the Province’s statements is comprised of: •G GENERAL REVENUE FUND DEBT 12 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update corporation requirements. $124.4 millionincreaseinCrown ($607.6 million),partiallyoffsetbya requirements forgovernmentpurposes than estimatedintheBudgetduetolower $966.5 million,$483.2millionlower requirements areprojectedtobe The Province’s 2004-05 borrowing Saskatchewan residents. through thesaleofsavingsbondsto of securitiesincapitalmarketsand The Provinceborrowsthroughthesale BORROWING ETB UPS SA AC 1 2005 DEBT BYPURPOSEASAT 31, MARCH Tota Government Debt Total SaskEnergy Incorporated WateSaskatchewan TelecommunicationsSaskatchewan Corporation Management Property Saskatchewan PowerSaskatchewan Corporation Opportun Saskatchewan HousingCorporation Saskatchewan De Saskatchewan Crop InsuranceCorporation Saskatchewan Municipal Financing Corporation ofSaskatchewan Investment Inc. Saskatchewan Corporation ofSaskatchewan Information Services In Education Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan Crown Corporation Debt ofDollars) (Millions l Debt Crown Corporation Debt frastructure Financingfrastructure Corporation velo r Corporation pment Fund ities Corporation $ $ $3 1836$1,7. 1108$(652.8) $ 11,150.8 $ 11,777.5 $ 11,803.6 siaePoeto rjcinBudget Projection Projection Estimate ugt1tQatrMdYa Change from Mid-Year 1stQuarter Budget ,5. 8,290.1 136.1 8,356.9 2,032.5 1,973.4 1,896.4 467$3474$3597$63.0 $ 3,509.7 $ 3,487.4 $ ,446.7 6. 6. 1. 51.0 216.0 165.0 165.0 3. 3. 8. (50.5) (33.5) 684.9 353.6 730.1 360.7 735.4 387.1 listing bothGRFdebtandotherdebt. calculates thedebtofgovernmententitiesby The SummaryStatementofDebtonpage22 GRF isnotresponsibleforthisotherdebt. or byguaranteeingthedebtofothers.The to otherentities,eitherbyborrowingdirectly and otherorganizationshaveobligations corporations. SomeCrowncorporations purposes ortheofcertainCrown guaranteed bytheGRFforeithergovernment GRF debtincludesallborrowedor SUMMARY STATEMENT OF DEBT 927. 79.2 (0.8) 14.9 79.2 15.0 51.9 14.9 79.2 15.0 51.9 14.9 15.0 52.7 085. 80(2.8) 58.0 59.5 60.8 28$32.8 $ 32.8 . . . (0.3) 0.4 0.6 0.7 3.4 . . 3.3 3.3 3.3 . –1.0 . – 201. 8290.1 829 8290.1 $ ,4. (715.8) 7,641.1 . . –$( – –(3. Mid-Year 32.8) . . . . . 4) – – – – – Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 13 Mid-Year Budget Mid-Year Change from Estimate Projection Budget her Debt 396.3 426.3 30.0 GRF Debt for Crown Corporations Crown GRF Debt for $ 3,446.7 $ 3,509.7 $ 63.0 Ot Summary of Debt Statement $ 12,199.9 $ 11,577.1 $ (622.8) (Millions of Dollars) GovernmentGRF Debt for GRF Debt 8,356.9 7,641.1 11,803.6 (715.8) 11,150.8 (652.8) SUMMARY STATEMENT OF DEBT AS AT MARCH 31, AS AT OF DEBT 2005 STATEMENT SUMMARY 14 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update ae...... ,1,0 ,1,0 9,0 2,0)(25,000) 18,100 (25,000) 18,100 991,700 1,310,300 1,016,700 1,292,200 1,016,700 To 1,292,200 Sales...... Individual Income...... Fu Co Co Statement ofRevenue General Revenue Fund Saskatchewan of Province 2004-05 Mid-Year Report Fina eeu ,9,0 ,6,0 ,0,0 1,0 736,700 $ 815,900 $ 7,406,400 $ 6,669,700 $ 0 6,590,500 $ 0 0 449,000 0 139,100 120,000 461,600 46,700 120,000 12,600 Revenue 46,700 fr Transfers 120,000 (2,600) Ot 322,500 46,700 ...... Payment Equalization One-Time Equalization Payments...... (2,600) Health Reform Transfer...... Ca Ca 45,000 O Ot 285,000 47,600 $ Ot 640,300 (62,000) Tr $ $ Sa 47,600 1,347,700 (57,000) $ Ot 261,800 1,062,700 $ Mo $ ... andExchange Discount Premium, Interest, 193,000 707,400 (7,700) 469,800 $ Fi $ 255,000 $ Tr 80,800 $ 870,600 Ot 250,000 $ Authority LiquorandGaming Saskatchewan $ 219,200 Crown Investments Corporation...... 608,800 $ Non-Renewable Resources 226,900 Ot 400,800 $ Po 138,400 Oil...... $ Natural Gas...... Ta Ot e,Fret n eate...... $1,0 170$1,0 150 (1,500) $ (1,500) $ 10,200 $ 11,700 $ 11,700 $ Forfeits andPenalties...... nes, nSuc eeu ,6,0 ,3,0 ,5,0 9,0 221,200 $ 593,600 $ 5,858,400 $ 5,637,200 $ 5,264,800 $ wn-Source Revenue nfr rmOhrGvrmns...... 1,0 5701,0 0 700 700 16,400 15,700 15,700 Governments...... ansfers fromOther nfr rmConEtte 6,0 6,0 8,0 7,0)$(84,700) $ (79,700) $ 584,400 $ 669,100 $ 664,100 $ ansfers from Crown Entities xe e,Srie n evc es...... 4508,0 550100(1,500) 1,000 85,500 87,000 84,500 Fees...... andService Services les, ac ...... 8,0 8,0 8,0 0 0 184,200 184,200 184,200 ...... bacco l...... 33103310331000 0 363,100 363,100 363,100 el...... e ...... 1780120018003,0 16,000 30,200 188,000 4,600 172,000 4,600 157,800 ...... her 22,600 18,000 18,000 3,600 ...... her 6,800 2,000 49,800 2,000 46,200 82,600 43,000 ...... her 80,600 80,600 ...... her e iecsadPris...... 4804,0 6401,0 7,000 11,600 300 56,400 300 49,400 49,000 44,800 her LicencesandPermits...... 48,700 48,700 her Enterprises andFunds...... ah...... 2,0 8,0 0,0 29027,300 82,900 208,100 180,800 125,200 tash...... aaSca rnfr...... 5,0 6,0 6,0 ,0 0 2,500 261,800 261,800 259,300 nada Social Transfer...... aaHat rnfr...... $4940$4940$4990$5,0 50,500 $ 50,500 $ 469,900 $ 419,400 $ 419,400 $ nada Health Transfer...... e eeu 4,0 5,0 6,0 070$3,600 $ 10,700 $ 360,100 $ 356,500 $ 349,400 $ her Revenue rp rp o eil es...... 2,0 2,0 2,0 310 (3,100) (3,100) 124,000 127,100 127,100 ...... tor VehicleFees s$ rto noe...... 2980298027001,0 17,200 5,000 17,200 $ 10,000 267,000 $ 367,300 249,800 $ 362,300 249,800 $ 357,300 oration Income...... $ oration Capital...... ncial Tables om theGovernment ofCanada . 6,0 6,0 4,0 2,0)(23,000) (23,000) 342,400 365,400 365,400 ... $1 ,4,0 ,4,0 ,6,0 230$17,300 $ 22,300 $ 3,566,200 $ 3,548,900 $ 3,543,900 3570$10250$15800$2230$515,500 $ 222,300 $ 1,548,000 $ 1,032,500 $ ,325,700 040 s ure i-erCag rmChange from Change from Mid-Year 1stQuarter 2004-05 ugtPoeto rjcinBde 1stQuarter Budget Projection Projection Budget (thousands ofdollars) i-erMid-Year Mid-Year Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 15 Statement of Expense General Revenue Fund Revenue General Mid-Year Mid-Year 2004-05 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 Mid-Year Province of Saskatchewan ncial Tables ncial ment of First Nations and Metis Relations. Nations of First ment (thousands of dollars) Fina jection Projection Budget 1st Quarter Pro 1 Budget 1st Quarter Mid-Year from Change from Change Estimate ... 195,108 195,108 195,108 – – 2 incial Auditor...... 5,755 5,755 5,755 – – icing Government Debticing Government ...... 614,000 614,000 590,000 (24,000) (24,000) slative Branch of Government Branch slative ections Safety and Public ...... 118,887 118,887 119,883 996 996 riculture, and Rural Revitalization.... Food $ 264,349 $ 264,349 $ 304,649 $ 40,300 $ 40,300 lture,Youth and Recreation...... 42,161 47,161 51,688 9,527 4,527 nflict Commissioner of Interest ...... 122 122 122 – – mmunity Resources and Employment ..... 602,766 602,766 602,766 – – rr blic Service Commission...... 8,351 8,351 8,351 – – rv sk. Property Management Corporation..... 16,808 16,808 17,278 470 470 skatchewan Research Council ...... 7,779 7,779 7,779 – – gislative Assembly...... gislative 18,772 18,772 18,831 59 59 arning...... 1,097,140 1,097,140 1,152,190 55,050 55,050 ov nance...... 37,393 37,393 37,393 – – As a result of the Further Estimates,$13.0As a result for Health. original Budget Estimate the added to million was and the Depart Relations funding for the Department of Government reflects approved Affairs and Aboriginal Relations Government Cu Environment...... Council...... Executive Fi 161,671 Service and Benefits...... – Public Pensions 7,362 164,371 204,263 137,697 7,362 204,263 (23,974) 204,263 7,362 (26,674) – – – – Executive Branch of Government Branch Executive Ag Co Co Operating Expense...... Operating $ 6,147,533 $ 6,156,219Expense ...... $ $ 6,317,024 6,761,5331 $ $2 6,770,219 169,491 $ 6,907,024 $ $ 160,805 145,491 $ 136,805 Pr Se Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Government Information and Privacy Commissioner and Privacy Information ...... Le AdvocateOmbudsman and Children’s ...... 387 2,731 387 2,731 387 2,731 – – – – Chief Electoral Officer...... Co 761 761 761 – – Legi Sa Health ...... Transportation and Highways ...... 2,700,416Industry and Resources...... Office Technology Information ...... 252,285 2,701,402Justice...... 61,194Labour ...... 2,770,716 252,285Le 2,609 199,907Teachers’– and Benefits...... Pensions 61,194 14,201Northern Affairs ...... 253,885 70,300 199,907Pu 119,123 2,609Sa 73,194 14,201 5,232 200,992 69,314 1,600 119,123 4,324 12,000 14,201 119,123 5,232 1,085 1,600 12,000 1,715 5,595 1,085 – – 1,715 363 – – 363 16 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update Statement ofBorrowing Requirements General Revenue Fund Saskatchewan of Province 2004-05 Mid-Year Report Fina orwn o rw oprtos$2560$3070$3000$124,400 $ 380,000 $ 300,700 $ 255,600 (18,100) $ 50,000 62,800 To Borrowing f 68,100 Borrowing for Crown Corporations SaskEnergy Incorporated...... akthwnTlcmuiain odn oprto..3,0 ,0 (30,400) – – 4,000 (32,800) 10,000 $ – 30,400 10,000 Sa $ Saskatchewan Telecommunications HoldingCorporation... Sa 32,800 10,000 Sa $ Sa 32,800 Municipal Financing Corporation ofSaskatchewan...... $ Ed Crown Investments Corporation ofSaskatchewan...... Borrowing for Cr kthwnOpruiisCroain...... –100–– (2,900) 50,000 – 5,900 50,000 162,500 7,500 – 264,100 1,000 8,800 182,600 – – 101,600 ...... WaterCorporation skatchewan ...... Powerskatchewan Corporation ...... Corporation Opportunities skatchewan ...... CropInsuranceCorporation skatchewan a orwn eurmns$,4,3 14823$9654$(483,222) $ 966,514 $ $1,418,283 $1,449,736 tal Borrowing Requirements cto nrsrcueFnnigCroain...... 390––(3,900) – – 3,900 Financingucation Infrastructure Corporation...... ncial Tables or Government own Corp own orations ...... ,9,3 ,1,8 8,1 (607,622) 586,514 1,117,583 1,194,136 ...... siaePoeto rjcinBudget Projection Projection Estimate ugt1tQatrMdYa Change from Mid-Year 1stQuarter Budget (thousands ofdollars) Mid-Year Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 17 Mid-Year –– Statement of Debt General Revenue Fund Revenue General 2004-05 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 Mid-Year Province of Saskatchewan ncial Tables ncial (thousands of dollars) Fina Budget 1st Quarter Mid-Year from Change 386,980 360,636 353,492 (33,488) ,441,656 $ 3,486,682 $ 3,509,206 $ 67,550 ,285,865 $ 8,213,360 $ 7,571,224 $ (714,641) Estimate Projection Projection Budget $3 $8 ...... 7,571,224 8,285,865 8,213,360 (714,641) ...... 76,123 77,478 70,386 (5,737) ment Guaranteed Debt...... ment Guaranteed 70,991 76,742 69,854 (1,137) ment Gross Debt...... ment Gross $ 9,009,922 $ 8,936,459 $ 8,276,300 $ (733,622) rn rn ve ve ucation Infrastructure Financing Corporationucation Infrastructure Financing ...... 3,386 – – (3,386) skatchewan Insurance Corporation...... Crop skatchewan Housing Corporation ...... skatchewan Opportunities Corporation...... Corporation...... skatchewan Power 165,000skatchewan Property Management Corporation ...... 79,167 1,892,154 165,000 1,973,343 – 79,167 3,326 216,000 2,032,472 79,234 1,000 51,000 3,326 140,318 3,331 67 5 Debt plus Guaranteed DebtDebt plus Guaranteed $ 11,803,644 $ 11,777,520 $ 11,150,816 $ (652,828) Government SinkingGovernment Funds...... Go (724,057) Debt Debt plus Guaranteed Government (723,099) (705,076) $ 18,981 8,356,856 $ 8,290,102 $ 7,641,078 $ (715,778) Debt plus Guaranteed DebtDebt plus Guaranteed Debt Gross Corporation Crown ...... Sinking Corporation Crown Funds ...... $ 3,687,635 $ Debt...... Guaranteed Corporation Crown 3,731,935 (245,979) $ Debt Debt plus Guaranteed Corporation Crown 3,748,270 $ (245,253)Go 5,132 60,635 $ (239,064) $ 3,446,788 11,803,644 $ $ 11,777,520 3,487,418 $ 11,150,816 $ $ 3,509,738 736 6,915 $ (652,828) 62,950 532 (4,600) Government Debt Government Debt Debt Guaranteed $ 11,727,521 $ 11,700,042 $ 11,080,430 $ (647,091) Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation Telecommunications Saskatchewan IncorporatedSaskEnergy ...... Debt Corporation Crown 735,456 730,131 684,908 (50,548) $ 3,441,656 $ 3,486,682 $ 3,509,206 $ 67,550 Saskatchewan Water SaskatchewanCorporation...... Water 60,772 59,464 57,954 (2,818) Crown Corporation Debt Corporation Crown of Saskatchewan...... Corporation Investments Crown Ed $ ServicesInformation of Saskatchewan Corporation ...... Saskatchewan Inc...... Investment 32,800 of Saskatchewan Corporation Municipal Financing ...... $Sa Sa 32,800 52,680 $ 14,988Sa Sa 14,947Sa 51,880 14,988 – 14,947 $ 51,880 (32,800) 14,988 14,947 (800) – – 18 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update The NewGr The T Statement ofGuaranteed Debt General Revenue Fund Saskatchewan of Province 2004-05 Mid-Year Report Fina To Borrowing f (4,600) T $ 532 $ an Housing The 736 $ 5,132 $ Th Ot forGuaranteed Debt Crown Corporations T T Corp Power The Guaranteed Debtfor Crown Corporations he Industry andCommerce Development Act he Industry eSuetAssac n tdn i udAt ...... 5 0 0 49 100 100 51 ...... he StudentAssistanceandAidFund Act he Saskatchewan Development Fundhe Saskatchewan Act he Saskatchewan he Saskatchewan Telecommunications Act Te eGaeEeg n...... 3,3 1823,0 (530) 30,700 31,832 31,230 NewGrade Energy Inc...... nacdFee onGaate ...... 150150–(1,500) – 1,500 4,000 1,500 1,099 Sa 5,000 $ 1,500 Se 20,000 $ 2,500 F 20,000 ...... Enhanced Feeder Loan Guarantees $ F Individual Feedlot Loan Guarantees...... 18,901 Ag $ F ...... Breeder AssociationsLoan Guarantees urnedIvsmns...... 8 0 0 (280) 400 (4,263) $ – 600 $ 680 – $ Guaranteed Investments...... 4,263 $ PowerSaskatchewan Savings Bonds Scotiabank...... a urnedDb 613$7,7 036$(5,737) $ 70,386 $ 77,478 $ 76,123 $ tal Guaranteed Debt e Farm Financial Act Stability her Guaranteed Debt eltEut onGaate...... ,0 ,0 ,0 – – 1,000 2,000 (219) 1,000 2,000 12,000 1,000 2,000 13,000 Loaneedlot Equity Guarantees...... 12,219 Loaneedlot Construction Guarantees...... eeder AssociationsLoan Guarantees Se eod mtrd ...... 141010(54) 100 100 154 ...... (matured) leBonds kec rdcsIc ...... 1502260(1,540) 0 2,256 1,540 ...... skferco Products Inc. irCtznsHuig...... 3 83 – 38 38 38 nior Citizen’s Housing...... iutrlIcm iatrAssac rga...... 1 61 4 16 16 12 ricultural IncomeDisasterAssistanceProgram...... isIt eisVI(aue)...... 3 63 (3) 32 36 35 ...... ries ItoSeries VII (matured) d nryIc Act ade Energy Inc. ncial Tables or Government d SpecialCare HomesAct oration Act $ siaePoeto rjcinBudget Projection Projection Estimate ugt1tQatrMdYa Change from Mid-Year 1stQuarter Budget 091$7,4 984$(1,137) $ 69,854 $ 76,742 $ 70,991 (thousands ofdollars) Mid-Year 2004 –2005 Saskatchewan Mid-Year Report

Summary Statement Update 20 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update neaec conigAjsmns...... (.)(.)– (3.4) (3.4) 17.6 1.7 Accounting Adjustments...... Interagency Ot (23.0) Sa Sa 9.7 Sa 1.5 Sa Sa 342.4 Sa Sa (7.9) Sa (0.2) Sa 365.4 Sa Sa ...... Regional HealthAuthorities Regional Colleges...... Authority...... Liquor andGaming Ed Co Ag Ag Genera Boar Treasury Summary StatementofSurplus Summary Government of eandSrlso rw aaeetBadOgnztos$5. 16$25.1 57.0 $ 81.6 (193.0) $ 56.5 5.4 (2.3) (250.0) $ Su Retained Surplus ofCrown Management Board Organizations 698.2 (37.4) Dividends included inGRFsurplus...... 29.1 6.9 $ Ot $ 362.6 Sa 22.0 (43.2) Sa Sa $ 31.4 Sa 1.5 (335.6) $ Sa (5.8) Sa (382.5) $ Sa ...... Investment Inc. Saskatchewan $ Corporation...... Information Services Crown Investments Corporation (non-consolidated)...... (404.5) Crown Organizations ManagementBoard Surplus (Deficit)of Treasury Board Organizations Dividends includedinGRFsurplus...... Ad Fi scal Stabilization Fund kthwnSuetAdFn...... – 1.9 0.1 – 3.8 – (1.0) 0.5 17.6 0.3 0.6 2.0 – 3.8 (0.1) (2.9) 1.6 (0.7) 0.5 15.4 0.2 0.2 2.0 (0.1) – 39.1 ...... WatershedAuthority skatchewan (0.7) (2.6) Student AidFund...... skatchewan (2.2) ResearchCouncil...... skatchewan (0.4) Corporation...... Management Property skatchewan 39.1 – ...... InstituteofAppliedScienceand skatchewan Technology HousingCorporation...... skatchewan (4.2) ...... HealthInformation Network skatchewan Grain Car Corporation...... skatchewan Corporation...... Gaming skatchewan Communications Corporation...... Network skatchewan Cancer Foundation...... skatchewan kthwnWtrCroain...... (.)(.)– 0.5 39.8 4.1 (44.6) (1.4) 15.8 (0.3) 80.8 5.8 67.4 (1.4) 39.9 (0.8) 41.0 112.0 1.7 WaterCorporation...... skatchewan 24.1 Corporation...... Transportationskatchewan ...... skatchewan Telecommunications HoldingCompany Powerskatchewan Corporation...... Corporation Opportunities skatchewan Government Insurance...... skatchewan knryIcroae...... 1198. (12.5) 89.4 101.9 skEnergy Incorporated...... e ...... 0.9 ...... her e raiain...... 1.)(.)3.6 (7.0) (10.6) her Organizations...... cto nrsrcueFnnigCroain...... 06–(0.6) – 0.6 Financingucation Infrastructure Corporation...... rp mnt ntaie ud...... (.)(.)– (2.1) (2.1) ...... Initiatives Fund mmunity iutrlCei oprto fSsacea ...... (0.1) (0.3) (2.2) 3.6 (1.9) 3.7 ri-Food Innovation Fund...... ricultural CreditCorporation ofSaskatchewan utett con o eso ot na cra ai..... 151 137 (18.6) (153.7) (135.1) justment toaccountfor pensioncostsonanaccrualbasis...... lu s l Revenue Fund (GRF) (D ef ic it) d Organizations

Pr i or to

No ...... t-f or ...... -P ro f it In su ra Saskat nc e Or ga ni za tio ns chewan $( $0 $ $ siae Forecast Estimated 040 040 Change 2004-05 2004-05 111 1. 381.2 210.1 (171.1) 7.)$442$723.3 $ 444.2 $ 279.1) 0. 7. (31.9) $ 274.6 $ 306.5 89$751$676.2 $ 745.1 $ 68.9 1$293$289.2 $ 289.3 $ .1 (millions ofdollars) . (0.7) 0.2 Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 21 chewan (millions of dollars) Summary Statement of Surplus Saskat

279.1) $ 444.2 $ 723.3 2004-05 2004-05 Change Estimated Forecast $( ns tio za ni ga Or e nc ra su In it f Government of Government ro -P or t-f No

to or i Pr

it) ic ef (D s ers’ Board Compensation ...... (10.3) 87.1 97.4 lu rk rp skatchewan Fund...... Auto skatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation $ ...... (19.8) $ – 115.0 $ 134.8 – – Not-for-Profit Insurance Organizations Insurance Not-for-Profit Sa Sa of Saskatchewan...... Crop Reinsurance Fund Surplus (Deficit) 12.4 (61.1) (73.5) $ (296.8) $ 585.2 $ 882.0 Wo Organizations Insurance Surplus (Deficit) Not-for-Profit $ (17.7) $ 141.0 $ 158.7 Su 22 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update Treasury Boar Treasury Summary StatementofDebt Summary Government of rw oprto et$3830$3597$463$3960$93.0 $ 3,936.0 $ 188.7 (715.8) 36.3 426.3 $ $ 7,641.1 $ 118.3 3,509.7 $ 3,416.7 – 3,843.0 70.4 $ 220.8 $ 7,641.1 $ 186.5 3,195.9 8,356.9 $ De 3,380.4 Crown Corporation Debt Organizations.... Crown Board Management Ot Government Purpose Debt De Guaranteed Debt Debt ofCrown Management Ot 51.0 2.4 216.0 124.1 – 124.1 $ – 216.0 7,571.2 De $ 8,285.9 Property Saskatchewan $ 165.0 121.7 Sa Sa Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation...... Regional HealthAuthorities Municipal Financing Corporation In Education Government Purpose et$1,1. 1004$380$11,388.4 $ 308.0 $ 11,080.4 $ 12,013.4 $ Debt akthwnTlcmuiain 9. 5. 30365(26.1) – 366.5 153.7 13.0 15.0 2,155.2 353.5 – 122.7 392.6 15.0 2,032.5 Sa 2,001.5 Sa 15.0 Telecommunications Saskatchewan PowerSaskatchewan Corporation...... Sa ...... Investment Inc. Saskatchewan Corporation Information Services Crown Investments Corporation Crown Organizations ManagementBoard skatchewan Gaming Corporation ...... 28.6 – 28.6 28.6 – – – 28.6 94.0 28.6 14.8 – 79.2 94.0 28.6 HousingCorporation...... skatchewan ...... Corporation Gaming skatchewan kthwnWtrCroain...... 085. 80(2.8) 58.0 – 58.0 60.8 WaterCorporation...... skatchewan Corporation.... Opportunities skatchewan knryIcroae ...... 4. 8. . 8. (50.5) 689.7 4.8 684.9 740.2 ...... skEnergy Incorporated e rauyBadOgnztos...... 42633825559356.7 519.3 205.5 313.8 462.6 Organizations...... Board her Treasury e M raiain ...... 10–––(1.0) – – – 1.0 ...... her CMBOrganizations bt bt bt fSsacea...... 275. 19(0.8) 51.9 – 51.9 52.7 of Saskatchewan...... fSsacea ...... 491. 49– 14.9 – 14.9 14.9 ...... of Saskatchewan Bo Ma fSsacea ...... 28$–$–$–$(32.8) $ – $ – $ – $ 32.8 $ ...... of Saskatchewan

of pl pl r raiain ,9. ,9. 4. ,3. 39.7 $ 3,336.3 $ 140.5 $ 3,195.8 $ 3,296.6 $ ard Organizations aeetCroain...... – 3.3 – 3.3 3.3 nagement Corporation......

us us Ot

he G G rsrcueFnnigCroain.34–––(3.4) – – – 3.4 Financingfrastructure Corporation.. uar uar r Tr d Organizations an an ea t t su eed eed ry

Bo De De ar bt bt d Or ga ni za tio ns

Saskat $ $ $ siaeGFDb te etDb Budget Debt Debt Other GRF Debt Estimate 2199$1,5. 2. 1571$(622.8) $ 11,577.1 $ 426.3 $ 11,150.8 $ (622.8) 12,199.9 $ 11,577.1 $ 426.3 $ 11,150.8 $ 12,199.9 ugtMdYa Changefrom Mid-Year Budget 3. 1. 6. 8. 50.0 $ 480.9 $ 167.5 $ 313.4 $ 430.9 ––––– chewan (millions ofdollars) – $7 512$(714.7) $ ,571.2 $( Mid-year 625.0) 2.2 Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 23 367.0 Forecast $ gross Federal October Appendix 1 – 1 Appendix benefit to Saskatchewan’s General benefit to Saskatchewan’s net Revenue Fund from the federal 2004-05 as arrangement is limited to $367 million, federal heath there is a related adjustment to due to and social transfers for Saskatchewan Equalization the manner in which Associated Associated is determined. An explanation of Equalization is included. The incremental funding associated with the 2004-05 federal equalization arrangement concerns with the addresses Saskatchewan’s excessive tax-back rates on natural resources in prior years. 2004-05 ENTITLEMENTS guaranteed an equalization Saskatchewan is million for 2004-05, entitlement of $452.4 for while existing program entitlements at Saskatchewan are currently estimated $62 million, an improvement of about adjustments, $390 million. Negative prior year are also currently estimated at $200 million, forgiven as part of the federal 2004-05 equalization arrangement. Total are equalization benefits to Saskatchewan estimated to be $590.0 million. The Equalization Reforms Since the Budget the Budget Since Reforms Equalization Estimated Associated Equalization Impact Associated Estimated Net Benefit (223.0) (Millions of Dollars) Equalization – Current Year BenefitYear Equalization – Current BenefitYear Equalization – Prior BenefitTotal – Equalization $ 390.0 200.0 590.0 2004-05 NET SASKATCHEWAN BENEFIT 2004-05 NET SASKATCHEWAN Federal estimates released in October 2004 Federal estimates is a ‘have’ confirmed that Saskatchewan As well, province for 2002-03 and 2003-04. resource the recent strengthening in natural also revenues will result in Saskatchewan being a ‘have’ province in 2004-05. new The Prime Minister announced a subject framework in October 2004 that, to approval by Parliament, will introduce significant changes to the equalization program. This framework establishes provincial entitlements for 2004-05 and 2005-06 and launches an independent make panel to review the program and of a recommendation on the future equalization beginning in 2006-07. CONTEXT 24 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update higher CHT, CSTandCHST. equalization butiscompensatedthrough equalization, itlosesthebenefitofassociated when aprovincelikeSaskatchewanmovesoff program oranotherbutnotboth.Asaresult, provinces receivethisfundingunderone The federalgovernmentmakessurethat ‘associated’ withthetaxpointtransfer. because itistheequalizationamount tax pointsiscalledassociatedequalization– The annualamountpaidtoequalizethese through theCHT, CSTandCHSTtransfers. equalization, thissupportisdelivereddirectly equalization program.Forprovincesoutside federal supportisdeliveredthroughthe For equalizationprovinces,thisadditional on anon-goingbasis. government agreedtoequalizethetaxpoints in someprovincesthanothers,thefederal Since incometaxpointsareworthmore of itshealthandsocialfundingcommitment. 1 pointofcorporateincometaxaspart 13.5 pointsofpersonalincometaxand In 1977,thefederalgovernmenttransferred ASSOCIATED EQUALIZATION 2005-06 PROVINCIAL ENTITLEMENTS 2005-06 PROVINCIAL ENTITLEMENTS nilmns$6 27$,4 138$,9 161$2$590 $82 $1,601 $4,798 $1,348 $1,344 $277 Entitlements $861 e etSae7 Share Cent Per ofDollars) (Millions FD ...NS ..QE A.SS.B.C. SASK. MAN. QUE. N.B. N.S. P.E.I. NFLD. 9 .%1.%1.%4.%1.%08 5.4% 0.8% 14.7% 44.0% 12.4% 12.3% 2.5% .9% provincial revenuevolatility. is permittedunderthefederalrulesforin-year if resourcerevenuesdecline,asnorecognition under thefederalequalizationarrangement Saskatchewan’s fiscalsituationfor2005-06 government hasacknowledgedtheriskto natural resourcerevenues.Thefederal amount duetotherecentstrengthofour $82 millionin2005-06,ahistoricallylow Saskatchewan willreceiveafixedsumof allocate incrementalequalizationbenefits. of equalizationentitlementsareusedto 50 percentweightingontheprovincialshare weighting onthepercapitaallocationand on October2004estimates.A50percent past threeyears(2002-03to2004-05)based provinces isbasedontheaverageof 2005-06 at$10.9billion.Theallocationamong establishes totalprovincialentitlementsfor The newfederalequalizationframework 2005-06 ENTITLEMENTS Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 25 Budget Mid-Year examining the treatment of natural examining the treatment in the equalization resource revenues program; and, the Government of advising whether a permanent Canada should establish to advise it on independent body equalization. MID-YEAR EQUALIZATION FORECAST MID-YEAR EQUALIZATION For 2004-05, it is projected that million, Equalization transfers will be $461.6 payment in addition to the one-time federal tax-back of $120.0 million respecting high in rates applied to Crown Lease revenues the past. In total, equalization-related an increase of payments equal $581.6 million, $139.1 million over the Budget Estimate. • • of Canada will retain full The Government for all accountability and responsibility and decisions and will consult with provinces report by the territories. The expert panel will on end of 2005, in time to provide advice years. equalization for 2006-07 and future tal Receipts $ 442.5 $ 581.6 ior Year Adjustmentsior Year (39.1) 0.0 $11.3 billion in 2006-07; $11.7 billion in 2007-08; $12.1 billion in 2008-09; and, $12.5 billion in 2009-10. for evaluating the current practices measuring fiscal disparities among provinces and territories; such as examining alternative approaches, those based on aggregate macroeconomic disposable income) or indicators (e.g. GDP, expenditure needs; reviewing the evolution of fiscal disparities among provinces to help governments and citizens evaluate the overall level of support for equalization; To Crown Lease Adjustment Lease Crown 120.0 120.0 (Millions of Dollars) 2004-05 EntitlementPr 2004 Budget Adjustment ReceiptsEqualization $ 361.6 $ 0.0 452.4 322.5 9.2 461.6 2004-05 EQUALIZATION FORECAST 2004-05 EQUALIZATION FUTURE YEAR REFORM framework escalates The new equalization entitlement by the national equalization through 2009-10. 3.5 per cent annually are guaranteed at National entitlements the following levels: • • • • The federal government will be establishing the future an independent panel to advise on the the equalization program. Specifically, panel will be: • • • 26 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update and, consequently, verydifficulttoforecast. December 1998.Oilpricesareveryvolatile 2004 toalowofUS$11.28perbarrelin a highofUS$45.94perbarrelinSeptember US$22.12 perbarrel,butrangedfrom the monthlyWTIoilpriceaveraged From January1987toSeptember2004, American oil. is acommonbenchmarkforpricingNorth sweet crudeoilprice(fobCushing,Oklahoma) The West Texas Intermediate–WTI light are, inturn,sensitivetopricefluctuations. and productionlevels.Productionlevels revenue sourcesaresensitivetooilprice sales andotherrevenue.Allofthese freehold oilproductiontaxes,landlease production ofoilintheformroyalties, Saskatchewan receivesrevenuefromthe Appendix 2–OilRevenue HISTORICAL OILPRICES WTI 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 oil inventoriesreturningtonormallevels. of increasingoilexportsfromIraqandcrude prices areprojectedtodeclineasaresult demand andsupplyconcerns.World oil and thecombinationofincreasedglobal United StatesasaresultofHurricaneIvan, instability inIraq,supplydisruptionsthe world oilpricesrisingasaresultofcontinued from theBudgetestimatemainlydueto price forecastincreasedUS$15.05perbarrel WTI oilpriceofUS$40.05perbarrel.The oil revenueassumesafiscalyearaverage The 2004-05Mid-Year Reportforecastof have actuallyaveragedUS$41.10perbarrel. From AprilthroughSeptember, WTIoilprices WTI oilpriceofUS$25.00perbarrel. of oilrevenueassumedafiscalyearaverage The Saskatchewan2004-05Budgetestimate Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 27 Budget Mid-Year 2004-05 2004-05 Oil revenue in 2004-05, based on actual Oil revenue in 2004-05, and an updated well- performance to date for the remainder of the head price forecast million is expected to be $469.8 fiscal year, Budget estimate. higher than the 2004-05 revenue is due primarily The increase in oil prices, which resulted to higher crude oil Crown royalty and in increased provincial tax revenue. freehold production I (US$/BBL) 25.00 40.05 tal Oil Revenue 400.8 870.6 Bonus Bid RevenueTo WT 90.0 76.7 (Millions of Dollars) Oil Revenue $ 310.8 $ 793.9 OIL REVENUE FORECASTS Provincial oil revenue is not perfectly Provincial oil revenue oil revenue rather, correlated with WTI, prices paid for reflects the actual The actual price paid Saskatchewan oil. on the basis of quality, can vary from WTI rates and transportation foreign exchange per cent of Saskatchewan factors. Over 50 quality which is a much lower oil is heavy, light sweet crude oil. At than the typical crude the well-head, the price of raw heavy oil oil (unblended) is lower than light in Saskatchewan. 28 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update improvement intheFSFtransferatmid-year. significantly leadingtoa$381.2million 2004-05 financialpicturehaschanged transfer in2003-04thanplanned.The bottom linewhichresultedinalowerFSF $64.4 millionimprovementintheProvince’s The 2003-04PublicAccountsrevealeda GRF, leavinganFSFbalanceof$130.5million. $171.1 milliontransferfromtheFSFto The 2004-05Budgetestimateda long-term objectives. and tofacilitatetheaccomplishmentof position oftheProvincefromyear-to-year created in2000-01tostabilizethefiscal The FiscalStabilizationFund(FSF)was Appendix 3–Fiscal StabilizationFund FISCAL STABILIZATION FUND TRANSFERS aac eann n20-8$64.4 $ Balance Remaining in2007-08 Pl Tr Future Mid-year Closing Balance ofDollars) (Millions Tr eandi h iclSaiiainFn 171.1 Retained intheFiscal StabilizationFund 2004-05 Improvement 040 ugtCoigBlne$130.5 $ BanImpact Smoking Capital Third-Party Property 2003-04 Improvement 2004-05 BudgetClosingBalance anned 2005-06 Transfer nfr 20-6t 070)381.2 ansfers (2005-06to2007-08) ansfers totheGRF: Tax Re Tax lief will remainattheendof2007-08. 2005-06 Budget,abalanceof$64.4million planned transferof$130.5millionforthe in theFiscalStabilizationFund.After ban impactand$171.1milliontoberetained party capital,$75.0millionforthesmoking property taxrelief,$80.0millionforthird The allocationsinclude:$55.05millionfor the FSFhasbeenallocatedforfutureuse. A portionofthebalanceremainingin end ofthefiscalyear. a $576.1millionbalanceintheFundat the GRFtoFSFof$210.1million,leaving The currentprojectionisforatransferfrom 2004-05 130.5 576.1 381.2 75.0 80.0 55.05 64.4 2004 –2005 Saskatchewan Mid-Year Report

Performance Plan Summary 30 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update on tracktomeetitskeybudgetcommitments. Six monthsintothefiscalyear, Governmentis • • •A three overridingthemes: for thisyearinsupportofGovernment’s strategies andimportantinitiativesplanned This year’s Mid-Year Pr 2004-05 Performance PlanSummary: The document, tabledwiththe2004-05Budget. Government’s an updateoncommitmentsmadeinthe Specifically, thepagesthatfollowprovide commitments inthe2004-05Budget. the publicwithaprogressreportonkey Healthy andSelf-reliantFamilies Strong andVibrant Communities Performance PlanSummary

Green andProsperousEconomy ogress Report Mid-Year Report Performance PlanSummary again provides outlined Annual Reports. will bereportedin2004-05department were alsoreleasedwiththebudget– department PerformancePlans,which Summary commitments madeinthe Results forthefullfiscalyearall focused onfulfillingthesecommitments. yet available;however, Governmentremains update becauseinformationordataisnot it isstilltooearlytoprovideaprogress For someinitiativesintheoriginaldocument, responsible departmentoragency. at theendofeachupdateindicates otherwise indicated;thebracketedreference April 1,2004toSeptember30,2004,unless Progress isreportedforthesix-monthperiod – aswellthoseinindividual Performance Plan Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 31 eyburn, Outlook and Swift Current. The agri-business development specialists located at these Centres provide specialized agriculture-based business expertise and technical support for the agricultural industry Beginning operation of a new in Agriculture Knowledge Centre (AKC) Centre Moose Jaw on April 1, 2004. The serves as the first point of contact with producers who have technical and general inquiries. It is staffed with resource agents and specialists who are knowledgeable about the agriculture industry and can provide information and technical assistance on a broad range of agricultural topics. The AKC also links producers with specialists and programs across the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization the period of feeder loans due to the period of feeder the impact of BSE Business Centres Opening Agriculture Prince Albert, in North Battleford, Regina, Yorkton, Saskatoon, Tisdale, W ~ Saskatchewan is in the second year of participation in the Agricultural Policy Framework (APF) Agreement, which represents a commitment to invest $1 billion in the agricultural sector over five years. In 2004-05, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization expects to have net expenditures of $191.8 million for business risk management programming In addition, the Department under the APF. is delivering programming in respect the to food safety and food quality, environment, renewal and science and innovation in support of these four chapters of the Agreement. ~ , of the Livestock A Green and Prosperous Economy and Prosperous A Green The Cattle Feeder ommitting $900,000 over three years to the Western Beef Development to the Western Centre through the Agri-Food Innovation Fund. The Government will also assign two research chairs and provide technical support to the Centre until the end of March 2008; the funding for the research chairs represents a commitment of over $1.3 million this period. The Centre focuses on the management and economics of cow-calf production, preparation of animals for feedlots (backgrounding), grazing and forage management and sustainable cow-calf systems Amending Association Loan Guarantee Regulations, 1989 Loan Guarantee Program to extend Committing $40 million to support livestock industry Saskatchewan’s as part of the National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Relief Program and participation in the Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) special cash up advance program, which will make to to $150 million available this fall of producers of cattle and other types livestock that have been negatively affected by the U.S. border closure ~C ~ The Province’s agriculture sector is agriculture The Province’s to face recovering, but continues affect challenges that directly and economy. people Saskatchewan’s The Government remains committed the to supporting our producers and agriculture and agri-food industry. Initiatives to date include: ~ • PROGRESS TO DATE IN 2004-05 DATE PROGRESS TO 32 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update • • •T Highways and Transportation has: routes. Thisyear, theDepartment of commercial andruralgrain transportation pavement resurfacing,twinning andkey as aresultofstrategicinvestments in The roadnetworkcontinues toimprove [Northern Affairs] ~ ~ ~ ~ for $2.87million,including: applications andapprovedsevenprojects Corporation, hasreviewedproject and theNorthernDevelopmentBoard federal andprovincialgovernments consisting ofrepresentativesfromthe of theNorthernDevelopmentAgreement, The Tripartite ManagementCommittee [Investment Saskatchewan] end oftheGovernment’s fiscalyear. of $20millionwillbeinvestedbythe Saskatchewan estimatesthatatotal under considerationandInvestment investments. Newproposalsarecurrently in add-onfinancingtoexisting Incorporated hasinvested$5.1million Food andRuralRevitalization] estimated at$412million.[Agriculture, two yearsofthefive-yearagreementare and expectedexpendituresforthefirst management programsin2003-04,actual $204 millionforAPFbusinessrisk financial commitmentsofapproximately than $208million.Whencombinedwith 2004-05, foratotalexpenditureofmore $16.6 millionontheseAPFareasin Saskatchewan expectstospend o date,InvestmentSaskatchewan renovations NORTEP universityapartment training programs and twoFirstNationschildcare training fornorthernadministrators Nursing certificate,computer Four trainingprograms:Practical Forestry CareerCentre Northern BroadbandNetwork • ~ ~ international trade: Program andpoliciesthatsupport regulations, theTrucking Partnership more efficientthroughprogressiveweight The transportationsystemisbeingmade [Highways andTransportation] ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ a lengthof597km on 34sectionsofTMShighways with municipalities torestrict weights agreements with43different and ongoingtruckroute management Administered andestablishednew enforcement programs as partofruralroadweight vehicle weightblitzesat11locations V Conducted over7,000Commercial and industrypartnerships northern communityaccessroads through otherinitiatives,including Improved 52kmofTMSroads provincial PrairieGrainRoadsProgram corridors aspartofthefederal- standard onstrategicgrainhaul Surface (TMS)roadstoapaved Improved 113kmofThinMembrane the border north-south corridorfromReginato the U.S.bordernorth,completing Surfaced 16.2kmofHighway6from highway system Resurfaced 290kmofthe construction untilnextyear early snowfallhasshutdown was plannedtoopen,however, an of surfacingworkonHighway16west September –anadditional13km on Highway1easttomotoristsin to open40kmofnewtwinning Canada StrategicInfrastructureFund Infrastructure Programandthe through theStrategicHighway Partnered withthefederalgovernment ehicle SafetyAllianceInspectionsand Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 33 wenty-eight Neighbourhood Home Ownership Program homes have been acquired that are candidates for a $1,500 energy efficiency grant; these homes are currently under consideration for funding Construction has started on 200 Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP) units that will be built to a level that is at least 25 per cent higher than the Model National Energy Code for Buildings SHC has completed energy efficient lighting retrofits in approximately of 70 multi-unit buildings. By the end 2004-05, SHC anticipates completing lighting upgrades in approximately 95 multi-unit buildings, for estimated annual energy savings of $150,000. From the implementation of the ECOplan in 2003 to the end of 2004-05, SHC will have completed approximately 250 lighting upgrades in seniors multi-unit buildings. This will result in annual energy savings of approximately $425,000 – almost halfway to the $1 million target. The average payback period for these upgrades is under three years date this year:

Saskatchewan. ATCO Power has withdrawn Power Saskatchewan. ATCO SaskPower will look from the project; adding a partner to at the option of The timing has the project in future. and completion is now been accelerated rather than 2006 scheduled for 2005, [SaskPower] as originally planned. Housing Corporation’s The Saskatchewan Opportunities (SHC) Energy Conservation committed to achieving plan (ECOplan) is a 10 per cent reduction in energy consumption in its seniors subsidized housing portfolio by 2007, thereby reducing operating costs by $1 million. To ~ [Community Resources and Employment] ~ ~T • ork is underway to finalize an Completed the consultation process for Completed the consultation process the development of a policy framework for extending primary weights to improve transportation efficiency and facilitate partnership agreements on truck route management Negotiated 43 new trucking Negotiated 43 new transportation agreements with contribute to a companies that will $1.5 million in targeted incremental by allowing freight savings annually to haul overweight these companies loads. A and/or over dimension realized is paid portion of the savings Partnerships to the Transportation for highway Fund and is used improvement projects Canada agreement with Transport on the Border Infrastructure Fund program, which will fund projects to improve the efficiency of transport at border crossings. Although the km agreement is not yet finalized, 18.2 the of surfacing on Highway 39 from U.S. border was completed this year ~ ~W project The Canadian Light Source (CLS) 2004. officially opened on October 22, The facility received its operating license from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in July 2004, issued its first call for research proposals in September, and expects the first experiments to take place early in 2005. Currently one beamline is in operation; CLS anticipates that the remaining six will be on stream by the end of 2004-05. The CLS is only synchrotron facility Canada’s and its development indicates the level of co-operation and commitment demonstrated by governments, the academic community and the private [Industry and Resources] sector. SaskPower is proceeding with plans to increase wind power generation in the Rush Lake area in southwest ~ [Highways and Transportation] • • 34 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update • •T • ~A initiatives, including: and thelabourmarketthroughvarious Aboriginal peopleineducation,training increase theparticipationandsuccessof The DepartmentofLearningisworkingto [Community ResourcesandEmployment] ~ ~ have beenenhanced: people fromsocialassistancetojobs [Community ResourcesandEmployment] 400 personyearsofemployment. renovation activityandapproximately $38 millionofnewconstructionand 288 CAHPunits,generatingapproximately Construction hasstartedthisyearon wo programsthatsuccessfullymove population coverage has preventedfurtherdeclinein that adjustingtheincomethresholds available, earlyindicationssuggest Although onlytwomonthsofdataare due to‘bracketcreep’since1998. to reinstatepopulationcoveragelost Health benefitsincreasedinorder at whichfamiliesqualifyforFamily In August2004,theincomethresholds have increasedbyeightpercent 2003-04 level,andaveragebenefits increase of50familiesfromthe June 2004,therehasbeenamodest purchasing powerofbenefits.Since of ‘bracketcreep’,andrestorethe participation lostduetotheeffects are intendedtorecoverprogram rates asincomesrise.Thesechanges levels andadecreaseintax-back for benefits,anincreaseinbenefit thresholds atwhichfamiliesqualify including anincreasetotheincome Supplement (SES)wereimplemented the SaskatchewanEmployment In June2004,changesto education, training andemployment Aboriginal people inpost-secondary improve theaccessandsuccess of developed withsectorpartners, to Education andTraining ActionPlan,

multi-year Post-Secondary Aboriginal • ~ ~ AEDP accomplishmentstodateinclude: population numbersintheProvince. occupational levelsinproportiontotheir where theyhaverepresentationatall based onskillsandqualifications, Aboriginal peoplecompeteforjobs a workforceinSaskatchewanwhere Program (AEDP)strivestobuild The AboriginalEmploymentDevelopment [Learning] ~ ~ ~ has tooffer career opportunitiesSaskatchewan them toprepareforthe many for Aboriginalyouth,enabling Launching aCareerResource Kit Saskatoon PublicSchools) and NorthernAffairsCanada Chamber ofCommerce,Indian agreements (withtheSaskatchewan Signing threenewpartnership Basic Educationprograms Aboriginal learnersenrolledin order tostrengthensupport as aseconddialectstrategiesin SIAST hasimplementedEnglish in scienceandhealthprograms success ratesofAboriginalstudents aimed atincreasingtheenrolmentand Authorities, willlaunchapilotproject partnership withRegionalHealth Science andTechnology (SIAST),in The SaskatchewanInstituteofApplied to 567in2002-03and8172003-04 has increasedfrom479in2001-02, number ofAboriginalapprentices workforce. With thisfunding,the representative apprenticeship and practicesthatsupporta Equity Committeetopromotepolicies the ATCC Boardhasestablishedan people inapprenticeship.Inaddition, participation andsuccessofAboriginal Commission (ATCC) toincreasethe Apprenticeship andTrade Certification An annual$400,000granttothe Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 35 ork is underway to develop ork is underway ork is underway, in partnership with ork is underway, Citizenship and Immigration Canada and stakeholders, to develop enhanced language training services. A new initiative is also under development to address challenges related to foreign credential recognition strategies for cost-sharing enhanced strategies for cost-sharing services under language training and to develop a federal initiative to Human and submit a proposal Development Resources and Skills foreign credential Canada to facilitate improved labour recognition and of immigrants market integration credit rating upgrade from A+ to AA- credit rating upgrade from A+ to

from Standard and Poor’s in June, as well from Standard and Poor’s as an upgrade from A-stable to A-positive in July. by Dominion Bond Rating Service These upgrades are attributable to an economy that is performing well and sound fiscal management. [Finance] Establishment of the Department of First Nations and Métis Relations on October 1, 2004 to focus the provincial work with First Nations government’s and Métis people, with particular emphasis on education and participation in the economy. [First Nations and Métis Relations] Ninety-three nominations were made Ninety-three nominations were made by in the first six months of the year; the total is projected fiscal year-end, to be between 250 and 300. [Government Relations] ~W ~W • In addition to progress made on planned In addition to progress made on this actions, other key accomplishments year include: •A and other ork is underway to eliminate Launching a role model poster Launching a role on Aboriginal campaign focused achieved success people who have in their careers the skill shortage list that previously limited the skilled occupations that were eligible under the SINP, resulting in a larger pool of potential applicants Introduced a new Foreign Student category to allow foreign post- secondary students who graduate in Saskatchewan and obtain employment in their field to apply for nomination The health professions covered under SINP will be expanded (currently designated health professions include only nurses and doctors) The pilot program with the Association Saskatchewan Trucking aimed at attracting long-haul truckers to address trucking sector labour needs will be expanded to include additional trucking firms Open Up Saskatchewan! In order to remain responsive to the skill In order to remain the Department of needs of industry, through the SIAST Learning has approved, addition or expansion business plan, the as well SIAST this year, of 10 programs at other as the deletion or reduction of two and programs as a result of labour market employer demands. [Learning] Based on recommendations contained in ~ Métis Relations] [First Nations and ~ ~ ~ pressures and opportunities, a number pressures and opportunities, a number of changes to the Saskatchewan are Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) underway that are aimed at increasing as well responsiveness to employer needs, barriers as initiatives to break down the that can impede the ability of immigrants potential: to contribute to their maximum ~W • • 36 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update • • TOPROGRESS DATE IN2004-05 Strong and Communities Vibrant as apotentialareaforfish over-wintering. area deepenedto7.5metres thatserves aeration systemsanda325-square-metre Discovery Islandintheeast lake,several include alargerWascana Hill,thenew the newPineIsland.Otherenhancements east andwestsectionsofthepark, underpass atBroadStreetthatlinksthe and southshorepathways,apedestrian Albert StreetBridgethatlinksthenorth promenade deckrunningparalleltothe the park,includinganewpedwayand as wellanumberofenhancementsto delivered adeeper, healthierlakesystem, complete byMarch31,2004.Theproject The excavationofWascana Lakewas [Government Relations] ~ ~ Of the$10millionincrease: revenue sharingto$85million. total forurban,ruralandnorthern (a 13percentincrease),bringingthe were increasedbyafurther$10million Revenue sharinggrantstomunicipalities south received that urbanmunicipalitiesinthe equivalent tothepercapitaincreases was forunconditionalgrantincreases water andsewerprojects.Thebalance of which$822,000wasallocatedfor municipalities (38.7percentincrease), $1 millionwenttonorthern that existedpriorto1998 in therelativesizesoftwopools this allocationrestorestherelationship municipalities (1.9percentincrease)– and $1.6millionwenttorural municipalities (25.6percentincrease) $7.4 millionwenttourban • • • the environment: been balancedwithprotection of infrastructure andservices have Improvements totransportation [Highways andTransportation] partnership agreements. on roadimprovementsthroughindustry an estimated$4.23millionwillbespent and constructionpartnerships.Byyear-end, route management,jurisdictionaltransfers 633 kmoflowvolumehighways,including municipalities tomanagetrafficonover and ongoingpartnershipswith59different T the DepartmentofHighwaysand infrastructure. To datethisyear, and strengtheningourtransportation management oftrafficonruralhighways the privatesectorarekeytoimproving Partnerships withmunicipalitiesand [Highways andTransportation] and Transportation. for theDepartmentofHighways completed workvaluedat$2.3million Northern contractors/communities the NorthernDevelopmentAgreement. on theAthabascaSeasonalRoadunder and reducingthegradesofthreehills under theWeyerhaeuser Agreement, Dillon, Timber BayandMontrealLake northern communityaccessroadsto this yearincludeupgrading7.5kmof transportation infrastructurecompleted Improvements totheNorthern Corporation] [Saskatchewan PropertyManagement later thisfall,weatherpermitting. September andisscheduledforcompletion lighting andgravelpathways–beganin The finishingwork–includinglandscaping, ransportation hasadministered33new Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 37 ssuing 401 new waterworks permits that include the regulatory requirement to maintain and review monthly records and establish a written quality assurance and quality control policy Conducting inspections at 333 works waterworks and 276 wastewater 82.5 per cent of waterworks supplying water for human consumption now have a written quality assurance and quality control policy in place Approximately 515 operator certification exams were written with a 75 per cent pass rate Increasing the number of certified operators by 98, for a total of 680 The Department of Environment has The Department environmental established a specialized to focus prevention and enforcement unit on areas of greatest enforcement activities sustainable resource risk to public health, [Environment] use and the environment. Strategy is a Water The Safe Drinking initiative aimed at key cross-government of Saskatchewan’s improving the quality is the key mechanism drinking water and for addressing the recommendations of the North Battleford Commission of the 28 Twenty-one of Inquiry. at the recommendations were directed finite Province of Saskatchewan (11 were the and 10 were on-going in nature); were remaining seven recommendations directed at the City of North Battleford. finite At the start of 2004-05, all of the Province recommendations directed at the had been completed and the foundational requirements to address the on-going Key recommendations were in place. of accomplishments in 2004-05 in support the on-going recommendations include: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~I • • Caring , a comprehensive, strategic ransportation and Environment reparing a draft road salt reparing a draft Committee, which co-ordinates provincial and federal environmental agencies and provides a forum to resolve environmental issues associated with transportation projects Continuing to comply with Continuing to comply Fisheries and Environment Canada, Saskatchewan Oceans Canada and aimed at Environment regulations plant and animal protecting sensitive fish and fish habitat, species, streams, in the and conserving wetlands design, construction and operation of the transportation system Co-chairing the Saskatchewan T management plan to meet management plan guidelines Environment Canada ork is underway to expand product n May 2004, Government released n May 2004, Government released stewardship recycling in the areas of paint and home electronics. Public consultations held in the spring were generally positive and supportive of province-wide recycling programs. Additional work on these initiatives will occur in the second half of the year. [Environment] document guiding government activities aimed at the conservation of biodiversity Key and the supporting ecosystems. accomplishments this year include adding an additional 35,000 hectares Representative Areas to the Province’s Network and leading development Disease of a national Chronic Wasting Management Strategy. [Environment] for Natural Environments: A Biodiversity Future Action Plan for Saskatchewan’s 2004-09 [Highways and Transportation] ~ ~ ~P •W •I 38 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update • ~W specific communities: local concerns aboutcrimeratesin reduction initiativesunderway toaddress Currently therearefiveunique crime Relations; SaskWater] W [Environment; Health;Saskatchewan ~W ~T ~P ~ year include: Other keyaccomplishmentssofarthis atershed Authority;Government in theProvince is nowunderwayinsevenwatersheds Saskatchewan Watershed Authority now accredited by SaskatchewanEnvironmentare analysis forwaterworksregulated all sixlabsconductingdrinkingwater water analysishavebeenaccredited; to northerncommunities operating andmaintenanceadvice provide waterandsewerengineering, $280,000 hasbeensignedto and acontractforapproximately water andseweremergencyrepairs provided tocommunitiesfornorthern An additional$63,000wasalso Northern Water andSewerProgram. 28 communitiesthroughthe multi-year projects) and foursewerprojects(includes had beenspenton11watersupply Program; atmid-year, $2.3million Saskatchewan Infrastructure funding undertheCanada- $16 millioninfederalandprovincial projects totallingmorethan Approving 58waterandsewer water qualitytestingresults regulatory requirementsanddrinking information aboutcompliancewith database, aimedatimproving Environmental ManagementSystem and wastewatermodulesforthe roviding $3.4millionto wo morelabsprovidingdrinking orking onadditionaldrinkingwater atershed planningbythe [Justice; Corrections andPublicSafety] ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ the Meadow Lake area Comprehensive ActionProgramfor initiated aSeriousHabitual Offender Corrections andPublicSafety have prosecutor andDepartment of Meadow Lake-TheRCMP, Crown reliance onthejusticesystem the needsofat-riskyouthandreduce be usedtodevelopaproposalmeet analysis oflocalcrimedatathatwill an inter-sectoral workinggroupledan Prince Albert-Duringthesummer, will beginlaterinthisfiscalyear offenders throughAdultCorrections to target20chronicadultrepeat have beenimplemented.Aprogram through Young Offenderprograms target 20chronic,repeatoffenders T youth deliveredthroughtheSaskatoon an earlyinterventionprogramfor adults involvedinbreakandenters, and trackingprocessforallyouth break andenteroffences.Ascreening youth andadultoffendersinvolvedin fully implemented,itwillfocuson inter-sectoral workinggroup.When Strategy isbeingdevelopedbyan The SaskatoonCrimeReduction criminal behaviour of 12whoareinvolvedin program forchildrenundertheage low-risk offendersandawrap-around offenders, earlyinterventionfor provides supervisionofrepeat Strategy –PromotingYouth Success The BattlefordsCrimeReduction the sameninemonthperiodin2003 2001 andfivepercenthigherthan of theftswas25percentlessthanin and September30,2004,thenumber vehicles. BetweenJanuary1,2004 case managementforyouthwhosteal programming andintegrated,intensive co-ordinated supervision,rehabilitative delivers education,earlyintervention, The ReginaAutoTheftStrategy ribal Council,andaprogramto Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 39 ork is underway to increase the size of the primary protected area size of the primary protected area to more than 140 square miles and to place these areas under Crown Mineral Reserve New legislation is being considered that would provide additional protection for the area Placed a two-year moratorium on areas outside the protected area for which mineral rights have not been sold (approximately 110 square miles) Started discussions with local rural municipalities to explore options to ensure local and provincial involvement in future land use plans and to ensure access to technical support in local land use decisions The Provincial Initiatives The Provincial Initiatives First Nations program supports in sport, and Métis initiatives that are culture and recreation of provincial significance Council Co-ordinator The Tribal by lottery program (funded full-time proceeds) supports Council each Tribal co-ordinators in deliver sport, in the Province who culture and recreation programs in First Nations communities ~ ~ ~ [Environment] ~ ~ Recreation] and [Culture, Youth Government has accepted in principle Great all of the recommendations of the Sand Hills Land Use Strategy Review to Committee. Some of the work underway include: respond to the recommendations ~W In addition to progress made on planned In addition to progress made on this actions, other key accomplishments year include: • the Traditional Arts Grant Program is the Traditional Indigenous supporting 17 practicing traditional cultural artists working in beading, dancing, mediums such as drumming storytelling, and has the Bridging Arts Grant Program by increased access and participation 11 Indigenous artists and increased public access to their work The Northern Community School Co-ordinator Program funds 16 trained, full-time positions in (complementing the existing six on-reserve co-ordinators) to facilitate community sport, culture and recreation opportunities using schools as the hub of community programming The Urban Aboriginal Participation program distributes funding to non-profit community organizations serving First Nations and Métis people in 14 urban centres with high Aboriginal populations to support community sport, culture, recreation and leadership programs Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert also receive additional funding to hire Aboriginal sport, culture and recreation co-ordinators - examples include the Central Urban Métis Inc. efforts in cultural training and social skills development for youth in Saskatoon, and the First Nations University of Canada Aboriginal youth leadership development program funding increase of $1 million this year funding increase number of specific initiatives are

has allowed the Saskatchewan Arts Board has allowed the for artists and arts to increase its support and to establish organizations generally, two new programs: ~ ~ Recreation] and [Culture, Youth underway to increase the leadership and participation of Aboriginal people in culture, recreation and sports: ~ ~ ~ •A •A 40 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update • [Culture, Youth andRecreation] ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ introduced sofarthisyearinclude: and theme:100Years ofHeart.Initiatives officially launcheditsCentennialactivities On September23,2004,Saskatchewan for SaskatchewanCentennial2005 towns encouragingthemtomakeplans Communicated withallSaskatchewan and advertisingcampaign A Saskatchewan CentennialLeadership contest, ahomecomingprogram,the September 23,includingasong Launched severalprojectson local groups provincial organizationsand relationships withAboriginal strategy andstrengthenedworking Established aCentennialAboriginal youth organizations with DirectorsofEducationandmany developed aworkingrelationship Centennial youthstrategyand Established andimplementeda related programs of theCentennialmessageand Saskatchewan, regardingthedelivery existing partners,includingTourism Strengthened relationshipswith September 4,2005 planned forJanuary1and with afocusonCentennialinitiatives with 15Saskatchewancommunities Established aworkingrelationship ward andaprovince-widemarketing Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 41 Increasing the number of surgeries Increasing the number of surgeries on to maximum possible levels based facility and human resources capacity. The goal is to complete an additional 800 to 1,000 of the long-waiting day surgeries (e.g. biopsies, cataract end surgeries, arthroscopies) by the of 2004-05 Operating Room Scheduling System – modern, computerized systems for monitoring, scheduling and managing surgeries will assist in achieving target timeframes for surgery by improving operating room scheduling and utilization and providing improved management information Equipment for surgical suites – replace/upgrade/acquire equipment (e.g., monitors, anaesthetic equipment, operating room tables) for operating room suites and recovery rooms Homecare – increased post-surgery home support for patients of 18 months for necessary but non-life of 18 months for they have identified threatening surgeries; that they plan to 225 of these cases The Regina year. schedule this fiscal Qu’Appelle Health Authority is continuing Authority work on its plan; at this time, the in January expects to begin implementation 2005, or earlier if staffing permits. an On November 3, 2004, as part of in overall investment of $66 million new federal funding, the Government of Saskatchewan announced an additional $9.3 million to assist in shortening surgical wait times: ~ ~ ~ ~ [Health] are performance Healthy and Self-reliant Families Healthy get Time Frames for get Time r Ta get Time Frames get Time r , a system to help patients receive , a system to help Ta ancer surgeries – reflecting their urgency, the goal will be to complete the goal urgency, 95 per cent of cancer surgeries within three weeks Patients who have been waiting the be longest for surgery – the goal will to have all surgeries completed within 18 months In March 2004, the Government In March 2004, the announced surgical care according to their level of surgical care according to their level need. goals for all surgical specialties and procedures that will allow the surgical track care system to better monitor and receive patients and help to ensure they care according their level of need. The Department of Health is currently working with health regions to focus on two key areas: ~C ~ Patients are placed within one of six priority levels through the new Patient Assessment Process. The intent is for physicians to assess patients using a common set of questions; patients are then assigned a score based on their condition and the type of surgery they require (for example, 95 per cent of patients scoring priority one should have their surgery within 24 hours). In the 2004-05 Budget, the Government invested an additional $2.5 million to help achieve the performance goals for the two aforementioned areas. The Saskatoon Health Authority has started its implementation plan for handling high priority surgeries, including those patients who have been waiting in excess Surgery • PROGRESS TO DATE IN 2004-05 DATE PROGRESS TO 42 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update • ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ to improvediagnosticservices: committed anadditional$20.7million the GovernmentofSaskatchewan announcement ofnewfederalfunding, As partoftheNovember3,2004 Moose JawandYorkton. of newfixedscannersinSwiftCurrent, an additional2,700CTscansasaresult operation inReginaandSaskatoon, MRI scansbyexpandingthehoursof including approximately4,000additional to expanddiagnostictestingcapacity, invested anadditional$1.8million In the2004-05Budget,Government surgical wait listregistry wait listregistry, similar tothe Development ofadiagnostic imaging and equipment the schedulingofstaff,patients, departments bystreamlining efficiency atlargerradiology Information Systemthatwillincrease Development ofaRadiology equipment basedongreatestneed and otherdiagnosticimaging throughput andoperatingefficiency, and PrinceAlberttoimprove upgrading CTs inRegina,Saskatoon catheterization labinSaskatoon, including upgradingthecardiac diagnostic imagingequipment Begin replacementofaging Saskatoon CancerCentre Saskatchewan CancerAgency’s New LinearAcceleratorforthe CT scannerinLloydminster the possibilityofcost-sharinganew discussions withAlbertaregarding scanner forNorthBattlefordand Expanded CTservices–anew existing machines 2004-05 byexpandinghoursat and 5,000to6,000CTscansin an additional500to600MRIscans Increased MRIandCTscans– • •I of care.Inthelastyear, people indeterminingtheirbestcourse advice andinformationlinethatsupports province-wide, 24-hourtelephonehealth HealthLine first yearofoperationinOctober2004; In addition, in eachRegionalHealthAuthority. facilitators havebeentrainedandfunded development intheProvince;team implemented tosupportoverallteam T for atotalof33teams.Aprovincial additional primaryhealthcareteams, 2004-05, theplanistoestablishnine services throughouttheprovince.In offer afullrangeofeverydayhealth primary healthcarenetworksthatwill move forwardwiththedevelopmentof The DepartmentofHealthcontinuesto [Health] ~ [Health] Health AuthoritiesacrosstheProvince. managed over65,000callsfromRegional since 1998.[Health; Learning] nursing training seatsinSaskatchewan these 16positionsdoubles thepractical 2004-05 academicyear;the additionof academic year, followed byeightinthe phased inasfollows:eight inthe2003-04 The practicalnursingseats havebeen and Saskatoon,with50seatsineachcity. will beevenlydividedbetweenRegina 18 inSeptember2005;thenewcapacity in September2004,50May2005and seats arebeingphasedinasfollows:32 The additional100registerednursing to keepandattracthealthprofessionals. 16 positions,aspartofitscommitment in thepracticalnursingprogramof program by100positionsandanincrease registered psychiatricnurseeducation expansion oftheregisterednurse/ n July2003,theGovernmentannounced eam DevelopmentStrategyhasbeen in the2004-05Budget the newMRI,whichwasannounced Regina tofast-trackacquisitionof Finalize paymentofthenewMRIin is aconvenient,toll-free, HealthLine completed its HealthLine has Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 43 , , in motion , providing a , a four-year in motion in motion in motion workplaces is currently 135 educating employees about the benefits of physical activity and encouraging them to increase their physical activity; the total number of in motion minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity every day for every child; the total number of schools is now 204 An additional 44 workplaces have declared themselves An additional 73 schools have declared themselves n June 2004, the Government passed n June 2004, the ~ physical activity promotion program the launched in April 2003, is part of on overall plan to get Saskatchewan the move. So far this year: ~ which prohibits smoking in all public which prohibits restaurants, bars, bingo places including alleys and private halls, casinos, bowling 1, 2005. Other clubs, effective January Act include giving amendments in the jurisdiction to enact municipalities the smoking in outdoor bylaws to restrict sport events and places such as open-air well entrances to public buildings, as as a ban on the sale of tobacco products such in youth-frequented establishments arcades. as amusement parks, theatres and [Health] The Department of Culture, Youth plan and Recreation has developed a together with community partners levels to increase the physical activity of Saskatchewan people by 10 percentage rate points by 2010, from the current cent of 48 per cent for adults, 32 per for youth and 25 per cent for children. Saskatchewan The Tobacco Control Amendment Act, 2004 Control Amendment The Tobacco • •I Equipment supporting safer workplaces – such as additional patient lifts for bedside caregivers and replacing old beds in nursing homes and hospitals with electric beds to ease the burden of lifting and transferring bed-ridden, heavy- care residents and patients, to reduce staff injury and lost hours of work – Continuing education and training clinical education, program skills, professional development, mentorship programs, management training and tools Physician recruitment – the College of Physicians and Surgeons and Department of Health will co-manage an International Medical Graduate (IMG) fund to evaluate and provide support for IMGs and to help recruit and license IMGs. This means the credentials of more foreign-trained physicians will be assessed, resulting in more physicians licensed to practice in Saskatchewan Northern recruitment and retention initiatives – recruitment of health professionals in northern and remote communities is especially challenging; initiatives may include upgrading housing to help attract and retain these professionals Quality Workplace Initiative – Quality Workplace worker morale, initiatives to improve turnover rates, job satisfaction, and injury rates absenteeism, illness ~ ~ ~ ~ [Health] The new federal funding for health, The new federal 3, 2004, announced on November to help retain health includes $11 million higher providing safer, professionals by continuing education quality workplaces, and training: ~ • 44 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update • • • ~ [Community Resourcesand Employment] over lastyear. an increaseofapproximately157spaces centres andfamilychildcarehomes, 8,067 licensedspacesinchildcare The Provincecurrentlysupports [Community ResourcesandEmployment] neighbourhoods andtheNorth. locations, suchasinnercity target clientgroupsandgeographic allow theprogramtobetterserve some minoradjustmentsthatwill three years.Thenewagreementincludes will assist1,500familiesandseniorsover approved; itisestimatedthattheprogram 384 RRAPcommitmentshavebeen Assistance Program(RRAP).Thisyear, delivery oftheResidentialRehabilitation cost-sharing andresponsibilityforthe the federalgovernmenttoparticipatein negotiated arenewedagreementwith In thespringof2004,Saskatchewan [Community ResourcesandEmployment] program whenitconcludesin2008. be committedunderthefive-year of 2,000affordablehousingunitswill underway onanother288units.Atotal have beencompletedandconstructionis their children.To date,331CAHPunits independence andprovidestabilityfor ownership toenablefamiliesachieve Program (CAHP)programfocusesonhome The CentenaryAffordableHousing [Culture, Youth andRecreation] declared themselves An additional63communitieshave communities isnow89 the totalnumberof increase physicalactivityofresidents; sectoral committeeandstrategyto program, puttinginplaceamulti- identifying alocalchampionforthe in motion in motion , •E • ~A ~ following initiativesarebeingsupported: to deliverchildwelfareservices.The Child andFamilyServices(FNCFS)agencies to supportthecapacityofFirstNations The 2004-05Budgetallocated$1million [Community ResourcesandEmployment] are intheworkforce. additional singleparentfamilieswho been providedtomorethan10,000 parents onsocialassistance,hasnow which previouslywentonlytosingle Saskatchewan ChildBenefit.Thisbenefit, families receiveda$35increaseintheir [Community Resourcesand Employment] ~ ~ ~ ffective July1,2004,singleparent Nations Trainers and FNCFSagenciesthreeFirst Resources andEmployment(DCRE) Department ofCommunity to leadjointinitiativesbetweenthe Hiring aFirstNationsProgramManager of FNCFSagencyemployees training orprofessional development and toallowcollaboration tooccuron best interestofFirstNationsfamilies, policy andproceduresthatareinthe participation inthedevelopmentof of familiesresidingoff-reserve, Nations involvementincaseplanning Administrative coststoensureFirst case planning to improvecommunicationand between DCREandFNCFSagencies information technologysystems Implementation ofcommon Service Agreements reporting requirementsonthe all agenciestoreviewthe On-site visitshaveoccurredwith has beendeveloped requirements onServiceAgreements process regardingreporting

tracking andcommunication Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 45 Plus for Leadership Plus Leadership Research Plus School

publication in November 2004 Consortium consisting of the Consortium consisting research four educational Province’s with units has collaborated to conduct Saskatchewan Learning is producing a field research and Guide to School Community Teacher Engagement Fund Engagement Community Teacher 10 projects received grants of 10 projects received the School $10,000 each under [Learning] Unleashed Opportunities The new Youth loans, (YOU) initiative, which provides training and mentorship to young of 18 entrepreneurs between the ages To and 30, was announced in June 2004. – date, 18 new loans have been approved new loan over half of these loans were to clients. [Industry and Resources] The Small Business Loans Association (SBLA) program encourages diversification of the Saskatchewan economy and supports community economic available, development by making funding through community-run organizations, In June to non-traditional entrepreneurs. to allow 2004, the program was enhanced of up SBLAs to apply for a line of credit to $200,000 (up from $100,000) and to increase the individual loan limit to $15,000 (up from $10,000). The total amount of available non-budgetary loan capital is now $7.5 million. more than 240 SBLAs are Currently, active throughout the Province. [Industry and Resources] In October 2003, CIC and Saskatchewan Crown corporations committed to invest $20 million over five years to create opportunities for youth and Aboriginal participation in the workforce. The following initiatives are underway in 2004: ~A ~ • • • home also funds: KidsFirst families School and Division KidsFirst Plus KidsFirst include: is a cross-departmental initiative Plus 21 mental health and addictions services workers who provide direct services to 247 child day care spaces (an increase of 17 spaces during the first six months of the year) 160 early learning spaces Improvement Initiative, bringing the total number of participating divisions to 40. Other advances related to School KidsFirst that provides services to vulnerable their children, prenatal to age five, and families in nine targeted communities across the Province. The In the spring, the Crown Investments In the spring, the established a Corporation (CIC) determining the basic methodology for for Saskatchewan utility bundle cost by the accounting families. A report Penny confirmed firm of Meyers Norris utilized by CIC in the methodology bundle components. establishing the commitment has been The Government’s of a rebate kept with the announcement having program that achieves the goal of the lowest-cost bundle of basic utility services in Canada. In 2004-05, rebates. $54.1 million will be allocated for [Crown Investments Corporation] visiting programs in these targeted communities connect families to appropriate services, including prenatal and care, education and training programs housing supports. ~ ~ an additional 130 So far this year, pregnant women have been admitted to the program for a total of 249 pre-natal program participants, and 411 new post- natal families have entered the program for a total of 989 post-natal families. [Learning; Health; Community Resources and Employment] Another 18 school divisions have joined the School ~ • • • 46 Mid-Year Report 2004-05 | Budget Update ~ ~A ~C ~ employees pursuingfurther education support AboriginalCrown corporation and graduatestudentbursaries to 50 Aboriginalstudentseach year and ScienceTransition Programfor Saskatchewan, includingaMath stage withtheUniversityof Initiatives arealsointhediscussion of theseinitiatives. to determinethefeasibility W - Centre forManagementand Leadership - Undergraduate - Student SuccessInitiative a numberofinitiatives,including: and CICinOctober2003outlined between theUniversityofRegina the five-yearperiod approximately 165studentsover that theprogramwillbenefit for thefallsemester;itisexpected T involvement incommunityactivities. with demonstratedleadership based onfinancialneedcombined undergraduate Aboriginalstudents to establishabursaryprogramfor Canada andtheUniversityofRegina with FirstNationsUniversityof the program and continuingforthebalanceof be achievedbeginningin2005 the targetedplacementlevelwill been placed,butitisexpectedthat To for periodsofsix,nineor12months. corporations orassociatedentities 50 internsperyearwithinCrown program isdesignedtoplace The CareerEdge/GradWorks Internship wenty-six bursarieswereawarded Leadership Development Development IC hasenteredintoanagreement

ork teamsareproceeding Memorandum ofUnderstanding

date, lessthan20internshave • ~ ~ Aboriginal youth: and employmentopportunitiesfor initiatives tosupportskillsdevelopment is leadingandpartneringonseveral Plan, thePublicServiceCommission(PSC) Through theCorporateHumanResource [Crown InvestmentsCorporation] targeted leveloverthefive-yearperiod. in futureyearsareexpectedtomeetthe at approximately$945,000.Expenditures T ~ otal programcostsin2004areestimated Government EmployeesNetwork the PSCandAboriginal This isajointpartnership between in theSaskatchewanpublic service. and thetypesofcareers available the importanceofstaying inschool Albert. Thepresentationfocuseson in Regina,SaskatoonandPrince Grades 7to9havebeenconducted to approximately250studentsin September 2004,14presentations to Aboriginalyouth.Asof information andinspiration their communitiesandproviding to becomingrolemodelsfor provincial publicsectordedicated volunteers fromSaskatchewan’s (Pikiskwewak) isagroupofAboriginal Employees NetworkSpeaker’s Bureau The AboriginalGovernment September 2004 began theirfirstassignmentin assignment inMay2004andfive their second(ofthree)eight-month currently has11interns–sixbegan Professional InternshipProgram The AboriginalManagementand regional collegesfortrainingprograms the consortium,suchasSIASTand partnered directlywithmembersof individual Crowncorporationshave labour marketorganizations;aswell, education andtrainingproviders from apartnershipofnon-university CIC isalsoconsideringaproposal Budget Update | Mid-Year Report 2004-05 47 was amended to ask Force has consulted with school The three-member, Education Equity The three-member, T divisions and stakeholders and will with report to the Minister of Learning map a new school division boundary by November 15, 2004 The Foundation Operating Grant Reference Committee was re-established to oversee the examination of provincial funding to school divisions and develop a new system of school operating and fairer, grants that is simpler, more transparent The Ministers of Learning and Government Relations have formed Committee on an external Working Relief Education Property Tax age Board to review the minimum wage age Board to review the minimum ax Credit has increased from $350 to ax Credit has increased For the 2004 tax year, the Graduate year, For the 2004 tax T to increase over $500 and will continue until a maximum the next three years in 2007. of $1,000 is reached [Learning; Finance] Act The Labour Standards ensure job protection for those employees who qualify for the federal government’s Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefit and to require the Minimum W at least every two years. [Labour] on Follow-up on the Boughen Commission Financing K-12 Education is continuing, focusing on recommendations regarding school division boundaries, allocation of school operating grants and property tax relief: ~ ~ ~ [Learning] • made on planned In addition to progress accomplishments this year actions, other key include: • • Green Green funding grants were provided Green Team survey respondents reported In partnership with the University In partnership with First Nations of Regina and the the PSC is University of Canada, for 50 per cent of providing funding up to 10 Aboriginal the co-op fee for secure a work students when they government. term with executive 2004, one Aboriginal As of September on a work term with co-op student is The First executive government. Nations University of Canada Co-op Program is new and continues to be promoted to senior executives, managers and supervisors outh and Recreation and the Department eam. Green Team eam n April 2004, the Department of Culture, n April 2004, the Department of Y of Environment entered into a partnership with the Saskatchewan Environment Industry and Managers Association (SEIMA) to implement the inaugural T T to organizations that provided a good to organizations that provided a developmental opportunity to students in predominately full-time jobs related to environmental activities or studies. developed their 103 youth This year, skills and expertise while contributing to Saskatchewan's green economy. Students worked in a variety of environmental positions related to conservation, research, environmental education, pollution control, recycling, and land management. Both employers and students reported a high level of satisfaction with their experience. Over 90 per cent of ~ [Public Service Commission] their job allowed them to gain more environmental skills and knowledge; employers overwhelmingly (97 per cent) confirmed that allowed them to provide a better development experience. and Recreation] [Culture, Youth •I 2004 –2005 Saskatchewan Mid-Year Report

The Hon. Harry Van Mulligen Budget Update Minister of Finance