INK Online at the Leg - Budget Day 2010
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- Category: Sask Budget 2010
- Created on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 13:49
Well, it was a hectic day at the Leg for all of us journalists. Packed like sardines in scrums, Blackberrys, tweets, suits and the oppressive heat of the Rotunda. All in all it was fun and a fantastic learning experience.Here's some photos I took throughout the day.
Public service sector set to take a hit
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- Category: Sask Budget 2010
- Created on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 13:35
It was neither surprising, nor climactic, but it was announced right off the bat in today’s budget address: the public service sector will receive cutbacks.
The Saskatchewan government is striving for a “smaller, more efficient public service,” said Rob Gantefoer in his budget speech this afternoon. The Wall
government wants to achieve efficiency by reducing the public service by 4 per cent in the coming year. The reduction comes as part of a four-year plan to eventually reduce the size of the public service by 15 per cent.
SFL president Larry Hubich and SGEU president Bob Bymoen. Photo by: Leila Beaudoin.
No mention of FNUniv in today's budget
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- Category: Sask Budget 2010
- Created on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 12:23
Students hoping to hear mention of First Nation’s University funding in today’s budget were disappointed. The budget was presented at 2:30 p.m. today but surprisingly contained no mention of the FNUniv and a proposed partnership with the U of R.
“It’s not official in my mind yet, so to not have it said at the legislature makes me think it’s still a little shaky. If they know what’s right for their own economy and if they want to cut costs for the future, then they will invest money into FNUniv today,” said Cadmus Delorme, vice-president of communications for the FNUniv Student Association.
Photo by: Sean Dunham
No new money for going green
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- Category: Sask Budget 2010
- Created on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 12:12
The budget announced today included reorganization of environmental spending. Climate change is now more clearly recognized in the budget, although not with new funds. Roughly the same amount has been allocated to climate change initiatives as last year, but this year, it is divided into several line items.
In last year’s budget, $15 million was allocated to Green Initiatives, a section under the ministry’s Corporate Policy and Planning line item. Now, the same initiative is found under Climate Change.
Photo: Bryn Levy
Big drop in agriculture spending
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- Category: Sask Budget 2010
- Created on Wednesday, 24 March 2010 12:42
Everyone has a different opinion on the provincial budget’s agriculture portfolio.
Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture saw funding increase $155.7 to $483.4 million. Now, there is only $390 million set aside.
The difference of $93 million is the largest drop in the entire budget. The government maintains this isn't a cut, but rather reflects projected good times on the farm, meaning less money will be needed for income stabilization. Meanwhile the opposition says money is being "yanked" during a downturn.
Saskatchewan Ag Minister Bob Bjornerud. Photo courtesy of www.saskparty.com