Tax incentives to boost job creation: Saskatchewan throne speech

Oct. 24, 2014 – The Saskatchewan government is planning to introduce a tax incentive to double exports by 2020 and boost job creation in the manufacturing and corporate sectors.

The promise was made in Wednesday’s throne speech, which was delivered under tight security at the provincial legislature, after a soldier was shot and killed near Parliament Hill in Ottawa earlier in the day.

The ceremony before the speech was moved inside due to concern for military personnel and international diplomats who attended the event. Police officers swept the building beforehand for any security threats.

The throne speech, read by Lt.-Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield, outlined in broad terms the Saskatchewan Party government’s plan for the next legislature session.

There were no specifics on what the tax incentive will involve.

In September, the premier heralded a report released by the Saskatchewan-Asia Advisory Council, which made 45 suggestions that included more Asian language studies in schools and increased recruitment of international post-secondary students from that continent.

The throne speech highlighted that.

“To further support our exporters, my government will maintain its emphasis on international engagement, particularly in Asia, the fastest-growing region in the world,” Schofield said. “Our efforts to strengthen trade ties in Asia will be guided by these recommendations.”

The speech championed the importance of free trade, more efficient agricultural transportation and SaskTel’s expansion of high-speed Internet to rural communities.

It also promised improved access to adult education and a strategy for fighting mental health and addiction issues.