Nykole King
Regina Leader-Post
Federal Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne made a stop in Regina on Thursday to discuss investment priorities with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA).
The visit came just a few days after the approval of the federal budget. Titled Canada Strong, the 2025 budget is “very well tailored” to invest in Saskatchewan’s major industries, Champagne said during an armchair discussion hosted by SUMA president Randy Goulden.
“We are very encouraged … to be recognized for the role that we play in the national building projects that are coming forward or just in growing our country,” Goulden said after the discussion.
Some of the projects getting funding in the budget include the Lac La Ronge Indian Band’s Kitsaki Hall in La Ronge, announced on Nov. 8, and the Foran Mining Corporation’s McIlvenna Bay copper and zinc project near Denare Beach.
Funding has also been earmarked for programming, operations and upgrades to the RCMP Heritage Centre in Regina, which was promised earlier this year.
“The federal budget is a key piece in order to make Saskatchewan, the Prairies, and I would say even in particular Regina, at the centre of the growth that we want to see in the country,” said Champagne.
The federal government also plans to strengthen trade corridors to grow non-U. S. exports of canola, lentils and peas, which are all grown in Saskatchewan.
It is also looking to grow critical mineral and nuclear industries, both of which are being expanded or explored in Saskatchewan.
nyking@postmedia.com
