GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN CONTINUES TO WORK WITH FIRST NATIONS AND MÉTIS IN 2012-13 BUDGET

Released on March 21, 2012

The 2012-13 Budget continues to support First Nations and Métis, by providing $172.4 million for important initiatives across government, an increase of more than $4.7 million or 2.8 per cent.

"This budget demonstrates our government's commitment to working with First Nations and Métis to ensure all Saskatchewan residents have the opportunity to fully participate in our growing economy," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "It is essential we continue to work together to identify ways to eliminate barriers which may limit this participation."

Some of the budget highlights for 2012-13 include:

• An increase of $2.5 million ($67.6 million total) for grants that support First Nation and Métis community economic and social programs under provincial gaming agreements. The Ministry of First Nations and Métis Relations also provides continued funding for Treaty Land Entitlements, and the First Nations and Métis Consultation Participation Fund;
• Education funding of $9.4 million which includes an increase of 38.5 per cent to pre-kindergarten programs; capital targeted to high needs areas, summer literacy camps, continued support for the First Nations and Métis Education Initiatives Fund, the High School Completion Initiatives Fund and Aboriginal Individual Achievement Grants;
• More than $1.5 million for First Nations Forestry Agreements;
• Continued support for year two of the Northern Action Plan to improve the well-being of at-risk individuals in northern Saskatchewan;
• An increase of $324,000 for initiatives in the Ministry of Social Services including First Nations Group Homes, First Nations Case Management Payments Programs, the Family Finders Program, Saskatchewan First Nations Family and Community Institute and the First Nations Response Model Group Home;
• Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport's support in 2012-13 of $1 million for the North American Indigenous Games, as well as support for Wanuskewin Heritage Park and Urban Aboriginal Community Grants; and
• Continued support for First Nations and Métis engagement related to the Children and Youth Agenda.

"The commitment of this government to work with First Nations and Métis continues with the support provided in this budget for 2012-13 to ensure all citizens are full participants in the Saskatchewan Advantage," Cheveldayoff said.

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For more information, contact:

Cathe Offet
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5701
Email: cathe.offet@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-541-7018