Prince Albert, SK — Despite the deficit situation, Elise Hildebrandt, CEO of the Prince Albert & District Chamber of Commerce, believes the provincial budget announced Tuesday April 6th, was a positive one.
“I am pleased to see the government has indicated that they will continue to support businesses as necessary during the pandemic and support will be available where needed,” said Hildebrandt. “We have been able to help many businesses navigate the programs as they were introduced over the last year, and we will continue to be a resource to them in the months ahead.”
“We also appreciate that previously announced initiatives to assist in the post-pandemic recovery were included, such as the reduced Small Business Corporate Income Tax Rate, the Home Renovations Tax Credit and the SaskPower/ SGI rebates. These will help keep the economy moving.”
Hildebrandt believes that the continuation of the Saskatchewan Technology Start up Incentive (STSI) could be an extraordinary opportunity for the Prince Albert region. The program provides for a non-refundable 45 per cent income tax credit for individual, corporate or venture capital corporation investments in Eligible Start-up Businesses (ESBs) that are developing new technologies.
“The industry is not location specific,” said Hildebrandt. “It could be the incentive for entrepreneurs to establish that industry here. I hope that we can attract Tech companies to this area of the Province where they can enjoy the benefit of living near lake country.”
Asked for comment about taxation of vape shop products, Hildebrandt indicated that she will be discussing it with the local business owners that are affected. “We are very interested to understand how it will impact them.”
Hildebrandt also said she is thankful for the highway twinning projects that were announced and that the planned Victoria Hospital projects are still on track.
“These are critical infrastructure elements that will allow us to offer improved health care services and address long standing travel safety issues. We are very glad to see all of these things moving forward.”
The budget can be reviewed here: 2021-22 Budget