Mr. Speaker, yesterday's budget, “Economic Action Plan 2012: Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity”, was great news for Saskatchewan. Our provincial finance minister welcomed the budget. He said that the changes to the employment insurance system would benefit our province and help deal with the skilled labour shortage. Additionally, the best 14 weeks pilot project will continue to apply in the EI region of northern Saskatchewan.
The future is bright for Saskatchewan and Canada. Our efforts to improve responsible resource development and our investments in training and infrastructure are reducing the barriers to entering the workforce.
More opportunities for aboriginal people to fully participate in the economy have expanded with investments in first nations education and school upgrades. In cities, the urban aboriginal strategy will continue to improve opportunities for aboriginal Canadians.
The year 2012 looks to be a bright one for Saskatchewan. I commend the Minister of Finance and I look forward to working with him as we increase the long-term prosperity for Canada.