A strong 2012 economically, and the expectation of that continuing into 2013 are highlights Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit pointed to in this year's year-end interview with Yorkton This Week.
Ottenbreit said after laying out a vision for the province in the election of 2011, and the ensuing Throne Speech after the Saskatchewan Party was returned for a second term, the government into its budget, which he noted was again balanced.
"The surplus is quite a bit thinner," he said, but they have managed a balanced document when other provinces have not. "It is still the only one in Canada."
Ottenbreit said the balanced budget was accomplished against a backdrop of "challenges in the resource sector." While noting revenues from the oil and gas and potash sectors may not have been as large as expected but the overall budget remained positive.
Generally Saskatchewan's economy performed well in 2012, said Ottenbreit.
The economic strength covers most of the major economic factor, he added.
Saskatchewan ranks either first or second in Canada in terms of economic growth, employment growth, low unemployment rate, average weekly earnings, value of international exports, manufacturing sales, retail sales, value of building permits, number of housing starts and investment in both residential and non-residential construction, said Ottenbreit.
The vibrant economy has allowed Saskatchewan to have one of the lowest deficits in Canada, sitting at (a Saskatchewan forecasting of a $22.5 million surplus on the Summary Financial and/or $51 million on the General Revenue Fund Statement(s)).
By comparison Canada's forecast at mid-year was a deficit of $26 billion, Ontario's forecast at mid-year was a deficit of $14.371 billion, Quebec's forecast at mid-year was a deficit of $1.5 billion, New Brunswick forecast at mid-year was a deficit at $357 million, Alberta's forecast at mid-year was a deficit of $2.3 - $3 billion and B.C.'s forecast at mid-year was a deficit of $1.5 billion.
Going hand-in-hand with a strong economy is a growing population - now more than one million -which means more people working and contributing to the economy.
Having a strong economy is important because that is what helps fund programs to ensure "a better quality of live for Saskatchewan people," said Ottenbreit.
And Ottenbreit said the government has invested in key areas to ensure that quality of life, in particular in terms of infrastructure with highways and roads, health care and education.
Looking ahead to the new year, Ottenbreit said the government has already unveiled the key elements of its vision for the years ahead with the release of the its Saskatchewan Plan For Growth, 2012 and Beyond paper.
In consort with the most recent Throne Speech "it sets out our plan for the next seven years," he said.
The document lays out six core growth activities the Government of Saskatchewan can undertake to foster economic growth;
Investing in the infrastructure required for growth.
Educating, training and developing a skilled workforce.
Ensuring the ongoing competitiveness of Saskatchewan's economy.
Supporting increased trade, investment and exports through international engagement.
Advancing Saskatchewan's natural resource strengths, particularly through innovation, to build the next economy.
Ensuring fiscal responsibility through balanced budgets, lower debt and smaller, more effective government.
Ottenbreit said with a plan in place and an economy already working well, the government will work "to keep us at the top of the economic chain in Canada," in 2013 and beyond.
