Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade & Export Development, spent some time Wednesday afternoon with business groups identifying key economic points of the 2022-23 Provincial Budget.

Areas of interest that Harrison spoke to include:

— Creative Saskatchewan’s budget increasing from $2 million to $10 million with the goal of attracting production for streaming spaces.

— In an effort to address the labour market shortage, an initiative will be created to make Saskatchewan the easiest jurisdiction in Canada to relocate to, from both within Canada and internationally, and have job skills and credentials recognized. The focus will be on those working in the health field and those with trades skills.

— Tourism Saskatchewan getting a budget increase to $5 million to target both international and Canadian tourists.

— The Innovation Agency will merge with Saskatchewan Opportunities Commission (SOCO). As part of the merger, the cap of the Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive will be increased.

— The Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation will receive an investment of $75 million with the intention of providing loan guarantees to support Indigenous organizations taking equity positions and resource development projects.

“The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce is optimistic about today’s budget announcement,” said Tony Playter, interim CEO of the Regina & District Chamber of Commerce.

“Our optimism is partly based upon the recent positive performance in the potash and oil sectors. These factors will provide the provincial government with additional tools to foster business growth and opportunity in Regina and throughout the provincial. The Chamber is looking forward to working with the provincial government on delivering future initiatives to our members.”