Report from the Legislature – October 4, 2018

Saskatchewan’s motto: Multis e gentibus vires: from many peoples, strength is as true today as it has been at any time in our province’s history.

Saskatchewan’s population continues to grow, reaching 1,162,062 people as of July 1, 2018, according to the latest figures from Statistics Canada. This is an increase of 3,226 people in the past quarter and 11,280 people in the past year.

Saskatchewan’s population has grown for more than 49 consecutive quarters with newcomers to Saskatchewan adding to the strength of our province through their contributions to our communities and our growing provincial economy.

The province’s growing technology sector will receive an additional boost through Innovation Saskatchewan’s new tax incentive program.

The Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive is a non-refundable 45 per cent tax credit for individual, corporate, or venture capital corporations investing in eligible startup businesses on a first-come-first-serve-basis.

This pilot program is designed to encourage investment in early-stage technology startups. Technology startups within the program will not only bring new products and services to market, but they will also create jobs within Saskatchewan.

The technology sector is flourishing here, and our government is committed to helping entrepreneurs and startup companies thrive. This is an excellent way to attract investment to this growing sector and Innovation Saskatchewan is excited to see the investor interest and economic growth that will be generated.

Applications to the program are now being accepted. Technology startups and interested investors can find program information and apply online at www.innovationsask.ca/technology/stsi.

The Government of Saskatchewan is also accepting applications for the Saskatchewan Value-Added Agriculture Incentive. Aimed at improving investment attraction and retention outcomes in the value-added agriculture sector, this incentive offers a non-refundable, non-transferable 15 per cent tax credit on capital costs for newly-constructed or expanded value-added agriculture facilities.

There is an increasing global demand for food, fertilizer and fuel, and Saskatchewan is well-positioned to be a global export leader in those sectors. This initiative supports rural growth, provides outlets for locally-produced crops, and creates more opportunities to attract entrepreneurial talent and foreign investment.

To learn more and apply, visit www.saskatchewan.ca/Business/Investment-and-Economic-Development/Business-Incentives-and-Tax-Credits/Saskatchewan-Value-Added-Agriculture-Incentive.

On a recent trade mission to China, a Saskatchewan delegation met with current and potential investors in our value-added agriculture sector to encourage investment and thank them for investments that have been made.

The trade mission included meetings with Chinese government entities that focused on identifying opportunities to advance mutual interests in sustainable mineral and agricultural development, and environmental protection.

A number of key steps were made in sharing Saskatchewan’s technical innovation, including supporting the signing of an MOU between the CCS Knowledge Centre and the China Petroleum University to advance our shared interest in using CCS for enhanced oil recovery.

The Saskatchewan delegation was also joined by more than 20 Saskatchewan companies at the STEP – Canada China Business Council Showcase focused on promoting Saskatchewan’s exports to China.

Over the past decade, China has been one of Saskatchewan’s most important export markets. With the growing uncertainty in world trade, the Chinese market is becoming increasingly important to Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan made important connections with government and industry leaders to communicate that we have the food, fuel, and fertilizer that China needs.

A large-scale wind energy project was recently approved in our province. The Blue Hill Wind Energy Project is the first large-scale wind energy project approved under The Environmental Assessment Act and demonstrates our government’s commitment to renewable energy and greenhouse gas emission reductions, both clear goals in our comprehensive provincial climate change strategy.

Located south of Herbert, the wind energy project will be developed and operated by Algonquin Power Co. (a subsidiary of Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp.) and is expected to add 177 megawatts of wind energy for SaskPower customers – enough energy to power more than 70,000 average Saskatchewan homes.

With snowfall and cool, wet conditions Saskatchewan seems to be transitioning from an active construction season to winter earlier than expected. In spite of often unpredictable Saskatchewan weather, we continue to break ground and celebrate the completion of a variety of important infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan.This includes new and innovative housing projects, a new K-12 school in Rosthern, and the new Chief Mistawasis Bridge in Saskatoon.

Your Saskatchewan Party government remains focused on standing up for Saskatchewan and providing Saskatchewan people with the programs, services and supports individuals and families in our province have come to expect.

If you require assistance with any Government of Saskatchewan programs or services, please contact my constituency office or visit Saskatchewan.ca.