Skip to content

Weyburn Chamber of Commerce grades provincial budget

The Weyburn & District Chamber of Commerce has reviewed the 2014 Budget as delivered by the Government of Saskatchewan on March 19.

The Weyburn & District Chamber of Commerce has reviewed the 2014 Budget as delivered by the Government of Saskatchewan on March 19. The Chamber grades the budget on a number of benchmarks that have been selected to help ensure that all Governments are making sound financial decisions based on growing and securing a prosperous economy.

"Much like last month's Federal Budget, this budget is somewhat uneventful, and that's generally a good thing in strong economic times," said Chamber Manager Jeff Richards. "Most importantly there were no tax increases and no new taxes," added Richards, "which is very critical to the overall climate for business. This is a balanced budget and the Chamber most certainly supports that mandate at all levels of Government."

Although the Chamber was disappointed to hear that for the second straight year the Government is not implementing the two per cent corporate tax cut it does recognize that controlled spending is equally as critical.

"The Weyburn Chamber, along with Chambers around the province, have been steadfast in our message to the Provincial Government regarding property taxes," said Richards, "and although we're pleased that they heard the message about not increasing education property tax, we still believe there is work to be done on the property tax file in terms of assessment cycles and residential - non-residential rate caps."

The Chamber is very excited to hear that the Government is increasing its commitment to the twinning of Highway 39, and will be looking for more information on that project as it becomes available. The economic and safety impact of creating a twinned trade corridor from the US is immense and the Chamber fully applauds the Governments reaction to this issue.

"This is a good and balanced budget and the Chamber gives it a rating of 8.9 out of 10," Richards said.