Government of Saskatchewan Western Red Lilies
Executive Council - Media Services
Legislative Building - Regina, Canada S4S 0B3 - (306) 787-6281

News Release


May 19, 2006

Finance - 405

TAX LEGISLATION FORMALIZES MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE JOB GROWTH

Amendments to Saskatchewan's capital tax and income tax legislation were
officially passed in the Legislature today, formalizing significant tax
changes to encourage business investment and job growth.

"Planned tax reductions scheduled for July 2006, July 2007 and July 2008 are
now all fully legislated, providing certainty for businesses planning on
making new investments in Saskatchewan," Finance Minister Andrew Thomson said.

This four-year, $620 million cut to business taxes was announced with the
April 6th provincial Budget.

"We have now legislated the most significant and business-friendly business
tax changes in Saskatchewan history, which will help our province attract
investment and create jobs, especially for our youth," Thomson said.

Details of the business tax reforms are as follows:

• Eliminate the general Corporate Capital Tax (CCT) on existing capital
investments by July 1st, 2008, except for provincial Crown corporations;

• Eliminate the general CCT on new capital investments in Saskatchewan on July
1st, 2006;

• Reduce CCT Resource Surcharge rates beginning July 1st, 2006;

• Reduce the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate from 17 to 12 per cent by July
1st, 2008;

• Increase the small business threshold from $300,000 to $500,000 by July 1st,
2008; and

• Immediately convert the non-refundable Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for
Manufacturing and Processing into a refundable tax credit and extend the
carry-forward for unused ITCs previously earned to 10 years.

"These changes are just another way our Government is helping ensure
Saskatchewan is the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family,"
Thomson said.

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For More Information, Contact:
Mike Woods
Finance
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-6578
Email: mwoods@finance.gov.sk.ca


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