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CHRISTINE
TELL MLA – Provincial Update – July 7, 2011 Have A Safe Summer
Another glorious Saskatchewan summer is upon us and I encourage everyone to take the time to enjoy the many amazing vacation spots right here at home. I will be spending a little time at our family cottage and knocking on doors in our constituency. A little exercise and conversing is exciting for me. Have a great and safe summer!
SASKATCHEWAN’S POPULATION HITS NEW ALL-TIME HIGH
Saskatchewan's
population has hit a new all-time record of 1,053,960 as of April 1, 2011,
according to the latest estimate released by Statistics Canada.
The
continued population growth is a sign of a strong and vibrant economy. We
continue to be a province of opportunity both for those who have lived
here for years and for newcomers and will keep working to ensure those
opportunities continue and Saskatchewan keeps on growing strong. Saskatchewan grew by 1,910 people in the first quarter of 2011 (January 1, 2011 to April 1, 2011) and by 13,225 people over the past year (April 1, 2010 to April 1, 2011). Saskatchewan's annual growth rate of 1.27 per cent is the fourth highest among the provinces and ahead of the national average growth rate of 1.06 per cent.
NEW STUDENT LOAN YEAR UNDERWAY FOR THE STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The
launch of the second year of the student financial assistance marketing
campaign includes 10 face-to-face community events across the province,
online advertising and a redesigned website with an emphasis on improved
navigation to access information on student financial assistance. The
campaign encourages students to “Go Further. Faster” by accessing the
financial supports available through Student Financial Assistance. The Student Financial Assistance Branch is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 loan year for academic programs beginning on or after August 1, 2011. More
information on Saskatchewan Student Financial Assistance can be found at www.student-loans.sk.ca
or call 1-800-597-8278.
VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDS ATTRACT MILLIONS FROM SASKATCHEWAN INVESTORS
Saskatchewan’s
highly successful provincial Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations
(LSVCC) proved to be increasingly popular with investors, who purchased
more than $76 million in funds this year – a 27 per cent increase from
the previous year. LSVCC
shares can be purchased through the two leading funds, Golden
Opportunities Fund Inc. and SaskWorks Venture Fund Inc. This capital is in
turn invested into small- and medium-sized Saskatchewan businesses to
encourage growth and job creation. The
LSVCC funds and the legislation fall under the Invest in Saskatchewan
Program, which provides a tax incentive to promote and encourage
investment in registered pool and employee funds. On the first $5,000
invested, investors are eligible to receive federal and provincial tax
credits that total 35 per cent. The Employee Investment Program also
provides the opportunity for employees to invest in the company they work
for and receive the same tax credits.
SASKATCHEWAN
RETAIL SALES NEARLY DOUBLE NATIONAL AVERAGE
People
in Saskatchewan are feeling increasingly confident when they look at their
family budgets and that optimism is showing as Statistics Canada today
reported that the province’s retail sales increased by 7.0 per cent over
last year. Our
economy is the best in Canada right now and that translates into good news
for retailers across the province.
Retail
sales figures for April 2011 were released by Statistics Canada
According to the report, Saskatchewan’s retail sales were up 7.0 per
cent in April 2011 over April 2010, the second highest percentage increase
among the provinces, almost double the 3.6 per cent recorded on a national
basis (seasonally adjusted). Between
March 2011 and April 2011 retail sales were up 0.1 per cent in
Saskatchewan, the fifth highest percentage rate among the provinces. CELEBRATING
SASKATCHEWAN PARKS WEEK July
10 to July 16 has been proclaimed Saskatchewan Parks Week. Saskatchewan
Parks Week celebrates the natural, cultural and historical landscape of
our province. It also raises awareness of park programs and facilitates
and promotes Saskatchewan's parks as a place to visit for fun and
recreation. Saskatchewan Parks Week has been celebrated for 29 years _______________________________________________________________________________ Staying
in Touch I
appreciate the many opportunities to make a positive difference in our
constituency. Your phone calls, letters and emails make a big difference
in keeping me informed on the issues that matter to you. If
you would like to recognize anyone or have your event mentioned in this
newsletter, please don’t hesitate to contact me. _______________________________________________________________________________ This
newsletter is produced with the assistance of the Saskatchewan Party Caucus
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