Premier Brad Wall said the "Saskatchewan Advantage" budget was the highlight of a productive legislative session which ends today.
"Saskatchewan's economy is moving forward and that has allowed our government to lower taxes, reduce debt and keep making important investments in people and in infrastructure," Wall said. "Lower taxes, less debt and the strongest economy in Canada - that's the Saskatchewan Advantage.
"During this session, we also saw the re-opening of the Prince Albert pulp mill, with no direct investment of taxpayers' money. This is a huge step forward for the City of Prince Albert and the forestry industry in the surrounding area."
Wall said another highlight was the introduction of the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society (STARS) program, which will provide medical helicopter emergency services throughout the province.
"This was Rod Gantefoer's last session as an MLA," Wall said. "Rod was instrumental in bringing STARS to Saskatchewan and I can't think of a better legacy than introducing a program that will save lives in the years ahead."
Wall said over the summer, he plans to visit at least 20 rural and northern constituencies throughout the province in addition to spending time in the larger centres - Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw. This will start with Wall touring the northern constituencies of Cumberland and Athabasca on May 30 and 31, then attending the Weyburn Oil and Gas Show on June 1 and visiting Cannington constituency on June 2.
The following week, Wall will visit The Battlefords and Melville-Saltcoats constituencies.
"While the session is important, it does require me to spend the majority of my time in Regina," Wall said. "Now that session is over, I am able to get to different parts of the province and discuss the concerns of people in those areas.
"Our government has worked hard to represent both rural and urban Saskatchewan, and we are working hard to make sure all of Saskatchewan keeps moving forward."
