Budget Invests in Opportunities for First Nations and Metis People

The 2014-15 Provincial Budget continues the Saskatchewan government’s strong support of programs and partnership initiatives that improve the quality of life for First Nations and Métis people.

The Budget allocates $189.2 million for program funding targeted primarily for First Nations and Métis organizations and individuals.  That’s an increase of $4.4 million or 2.4 per cent from the funding in last year’s budget.  This funding is in addition to provincial programs accessible to the general population – services that also benefit First Nations and Métis people.

“First Nations and Métis people are a key part of our growing economy and we must ensure they have the education and training they need to take full advantage of the opportunities that exist in Saskatchewan today,” Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter said.

Budget highlights include:

• $6.0 million to double the funding for initiatives in response to the Joint Task Force on Improving Education and Employment Outcomes for First Nations and Métis People (Ministry of Education);
• $5.4 million (an increase of $1.2 million, or 28.6 per cent) for new pre-Kindergarten programs targeted in high-needs areas (Ministry of Education); and
• $76.6 million in gaming agreement transfers (an increase of $3 million, or 4.1 per cent) to First Nations and Métis organizations (Ministry of Government Relations).

The government, through the Ministry of the Economy, is also providing $1.0 million as part of its continuing commitment to the North American Indigenous Games, a major sporting and cultural event to be held July 20-27 in Regina.

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For more information, contact:

Cathe Offet
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5701
Email: cathe.offet@gov.sk.ca