EX-99.D 42 currentdescription.htm ANNUAL REPORT

Exhibit d

Province of Saskatchewan

Current Description

December 2008


















[MAP]













TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
Province of Saskatchewan   1  
Overview of the Economy   3  
Finances of the Government   17  
General Revenue Fund Supplementary Financial Information   33  
Detail of General Revenue Fund Debt   53  
Crown Corporations   57  
Government of Saskatchewan Summary Financial Statements (Volume 1 of the Public Accounts)   Exhibit E
Sources of Information   66  

        In this document, unless otherwise specified or the context otherwise requires, all dollar amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars. On November 10, 2008, the noon buying rate in New York City for Canadian dollars ($), as reported by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was $1.1942 = 1.00 United States dollar (U.S. $).

        Tonnes as used in this document refers to metric tons. One tonne is equivalent to 1.102311 short tons.

        In this document, the financial transactions of the general fund of the Government are recorded under the General Revenue Fund. (Refer to page 17 for further information.)

        The Government uses accrual accounting. The accrual accounting method recognizes financial transactions at the time they occur, regardless of whether any cash is received or paid. This method of accounting provides a complete picture of the total financial obligations resulting from decisions made during the year. The General Revenue Fund follows the accrual method except for defined benefit pension plan costs. During 2004-05 the Government adopted new standards of accounting for non-financial assets recommended by the Public Sector Accounting Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. Under the new recommendations, tangible capital assets, inventories for consumption and prepaid expenses are recorded as non-financial assets and the cost of the use of these assets is recorded as an expense. Prior to 2004-05, expenditures included the cost of tangible capital assets and inventories received during the year.

        This document contains forward-looking statements which may be identified by their use of words like “plans,” “expected,” “will,” “project,” “estimated,” “forecast” or other words of similar meaning. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events. It cannot be guaranteed that these assumptions and expectations are accurate or will be realized.

The Canadian Dollar

        Canada maintains a floating exchange rate for the Canadian dollar to permit the rate to be determined by market forces without intervention except as required to maintain orderly conditions.

        Recent high and low exchange rates for the Canadian dollar in terms of United States cents are as follows:

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008*
High 77.38 84.93 86.90 90.99 109.05 102.89
Low
63.50 71.59 78.72 85.28 84.37 77.26

Source: Bank of Canada – noon rate.
* First ten months only.



i


PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Summary Economic and Financial Statistics

        The following information is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information contained in this document. See also “General Revenue Fund Supplementary Financial Information — Government of the Province of Saskatchewan, General Revenue Fund Statement of Financial Position” commencing on page 34 for a discussion of the Provincial Auditor’s report accompanying the General Revenue Fund’s financial statements as at March 31, 2008, and for the year then ended.

      Calendar Year Ended December 31   Compound
Annual
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     Growth Rate
2003-2007
      (Millions)
     
Economy                                        
Gross Domestic Product at Current                                        
  Market Prices     $ 36,838   $ 40,048   $ 43,629   $ 45,954   $ 50,961     8.5 %
Farm Cash Receipts     $ 5,813   $ 5,941   $ 6,221   $ 6,644   $ 7,606     7.0  
Mineral Sales     $ 8,897   $ 10,400   $ 12,453   $ 12,740   $ 14,251     12.5  
Manufacturing Shipments     $ 7,853   $ 9,203   $ 9,841   $ 10,499   $ 10,682     8.0  
Exports     $ 24,423   $ 27,157   $ 30,127   $ 32,221   $ 35,839     10.1  
Personal Income     $ 25,427   $ 27,149   $ 27,782   $ 28,824   $ 31,589     5.6  
Population at July 1 (Thousands)       996     997     994     992     1,000     0.1  
Unemployment Rate       5.6%     5.4%     5.1%     4.7%     4.2%     n.a.  
Change in Consumer Price Index 1       2.3%     2.2%     2.2%     2.0%     2.9%     n.a.  
1 2002 = (100)                                        
n.a. = not applicable                                        


      Fiscal Year Ended March 31    
        2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     Estimate
2009
      (Millions)
     
Government Finances - General Revenue Fund 1                                        
Budgetary surplus (deficit) 2     $   $ 383    $ 400    $ 293    $ 641    $ 250   
Add (deduct) non-cash items                                        
   Amortization of foreign exchange gains and losses                           (1)  
   Amortization of Capital Assets           104      135      152      148      151   
   Loss on loans and investments       80                       
   Net change in non-cash operating activities       104      231          (17)     228      (40)  
   Earnings retained in sinking funds       (47)     (43)     (63)     (46)     (46)     (46)  
   Adjustment to accumulated deficit       (46)     (6)     11               
Capital Activities                                        
 Cash (used for) Acquisition of capital assets           (150)     (218)     (248)     (282)     (365)  
Investing Activities                                        
   Cash provided by (used for) investing activities       (220)     (167)     (102)     (29)     78      (207)  
Cash Provided (Required)     $ (124)   $ 356    $ 173    $ 109    $ 778    $ (256)  
                                         
1 Effective April 1, 2004, Budget estimates are provided on an expense basis. Actuals for prior years are provided on an expenditure basis and have not been restated to conform to the current year presentation. Refer to page 17 for an explanation of the change to the expense basis of presentation.
2 For information concerning the adverse effect on the reported budgetary surplus (deficit) of certain adjustments that are required in the opinion of the Provincial Auditor, see Notes 1-7 to the Government of the Province of Saskatchewan, General Revenue Fund Statement of Financial Position for the five years ended March 31, 2008, under “General Revenue Fund Supplementary Financial Information,” commencing on page 34.



ii



Fiscal Year Ended March 31
  2004   2005   2006   2007   2008
(Millions)

Debt - General Revenue Fund                                  
   Gross Debt     $ 12,591    $ 12,073    $ 11,933    $ 12,057    $ 11,578   
   Less: Equity in Sinking Funds       (947)     (944)     (1,105)     (1,255)     (1,359)  
   Guaranteed Debt       113      56      46      34      25   
Total General Revenue Fund Debt     $ 11,757    $ 11,185    $ 10,874    $ 10,836    $ 10,244   

        In this document statistics for the economy of the Province are set forth on a calendar year basis at current market prices, except as otherwise indicated. Economic statistics for recent years frequently are preliminary estimates, which are subject to adjustment. Financial statistics and information for the Government’s General Revenue Fund are set forth on a fiscal year basis of April 1 to March 31 of the following year, unless otherwise noted. Financial statistics and information for provincial Crown corporations are set forth on a fiscal year basis of January 1 to December 31 of the same year, unless otherwise noted. In this document, compound annual growth rates assume the first year as the base and are computed by distributing the aggregate amounts of growth during the period.



iii


PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN

Introduction

        The Province of Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan or the Province) was established as a province of Canada in 1905. Saskatchewan is centrally located in Western Canada and is bordered by the provinces of Manitoba to the east and Alberta to the west. The Province shares its 650 kilometre southern border with the American states of North Dakota and Montana and its 450 kilometre northern border with the Northwest Territories of Canada. With a 1,250 kilometre distance from north to south, Saskatchewan covers an area of 652,330 square kilometres.

        The sparsely populated northern third of the Province is part of Canada’s Precambrian Shield and consists of forests, rivers and thousands of fresh water lakes. A sizeable commercial forest region is located across the entire central part of Saskatchewan. The southern half of the Province is part of the great continental plain of North America, consisting of a mixed agricultural and parkland area merging southward into open plains, a grain-growing region where the majority of the Province’s population resides. About one-half of all of Canada’s cultivated farm land is located in Saskatchewan.

        The population of Saskatchewan was approximately 1,015,985 on July 1, 2008, compared with approximately 999,697 on July 1, 2007 and 1,018,067 on July 1, 1997. The Province’s two largest urban areas are the cities of Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan, with a population of approximately 201,514 on July 1, 2007, and Saskatoon, with a population of approximately 241,439 as of the same date.

        The climate of Saskatchewan is generally dry with temperatures varying markedly between very distinct seasons. The following table sets forth statistics on Saskatchewan’s population, area and climate.

Saskatchewan Statistics

Population Area
   1,015,985 (July 1, 2008)    Land:
    •  570,700 square kilometres
Major Urban Centres         (220,350 square miles)
   Regina    Fresh Water:
   •   Capital of Saskatchewan     •   81,630 square kilometres
   •   201,514 (July 1, 2007)*       (31,520 square miles)
   Saskatoon    Total:
   •   Centre for Saskatchewan's    •   652,330 square kilometres
      resource-based and advanced        (251,870 square miles)
      technology industries    Farm Land:
   •   241,439 (July 1, 2007)*    •   268,655 square kilometres
        (103,730 square miles)
Population Density    Cultivated Farm Land:
   1 person per 0.66 square    •  202,470 square kilometres 
   kilometre (0.25 per square mile)       (78,170 square miles)
     Commercial Forests:
Mean Temperatures Range (Regina)    •   126,300 square kilometres
   January                    -11 to -22 degrees Celsius        (48,760 square miles)
   July                           26 to 12 degrees Celsius
Mean Precipitation (Regina)  
   January                    15 millimetres  
   July                          59 millimetres  
   Year                       364 millimetres


* Post-census adjusted data for 2008 for Regina and Saskatoon are not yet available.
Sources: Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics, Statistics Canada.



1


Constitutional Framework of Canada

        Canada consists of a federation of ten provinces with a constitutional division of powers between the federal and provincial governments. Canada was established by the Constitution Act, 1867, an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, and by later enactments including the Constitution Act, 1982, which transferred jurisdiction over the Constitution of Canada (the Constitution) from the United Kingdom to Canada.

        Various constitutional issues have been under discussion in Canada for a number of years. On August 20, 1998, in response to a reference from the Federal government, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that under the Constitution of Canada and international law, Quebec may not secede unilaterally from Canada, but that if the people of Quebec voted to secede by a clear majority vote on a clear question, the other provinces and the Federal Government would be obliged to enter negotiations with Quebec with respect to secession, such negotiations to be guided by constitutional principles, including federalism, democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law, and the protection of minorities.

        Under the Constitution, each provincial Legislature has exclusive authority to borrow money on the sole credit of that province and the authority to raise revenue for provincial purposes through direct taxation within its territorial limits. Legislatures can also raise revenue through taxation in respect of non-renewable natural resources, forestry resources and sites and facilities for electricity production and generation. Each province owns minerals and other resources on its provincial Crown lands and may own sub-surface resources on its other lands. Each province has the right to levy royalties on all lands and minerals which it owns. Each province has the legislative authority to regulate the exploration for and development, conservation and management of non-renewable natural resources, forestry resources and electricity generation. Each province also has legislative authority in the areas of education, health, social services, property and civil rights, natural resources, municipal institutions and generally all matters of a purely local or private nature.

        The Parliament of Canada is empowered to borrow money and to raise revenue by any mode or system of taxation. Parliament has legislative authority over, among other things, the federal public debt and federal property, the regulation of trade and commerce, currency and coinage, banks and banking, bankruptcy and insolvency, navigation and shipping, foreign affairs, defence, postal service and unemployment insurance. It also has authority over matters not assigned to the provincial legislatures.

Provincial Government

        The executive power in the Province of Saskatchewan is vested in the Lieutenant Governor acting upon the advice of the Executive Council, which is responsible to the Legislative Assembly. The Lieutenant Governor is appointed by the Governor General of Canada in Council and the Governor General in turn is appointed by a commission under the Great Seal of Canada. The Executive Council, which includes the Premier and the Ministers of Departments of the Provincial Government, is appointed by the Lieutenant Governor on the nomination of the leader of the political party which forms the Government. Members of the Executive Council hold seats in the Legislative Assembly.

        Saskatchewan’s Legislative Assembly has 58 seats and is elected for a term of five years, subject to earlier dissolution by the Lieutenant Governor acting in accordance with constitutional principles. The Legislative Assembly is usually dissolved by the Lieutenant Governor on the recommendation of the Premier. The most recent Provincial election was held on November 7, 2007, and resulted in a majority for the Saskatchewan Party as the Government of Saskatchewan. The representation in the Legislative Assembly at October 28, 2008 was as follows: Saskatchewan Party, 38 seats; and, New Democratic Party, 20 seats.



2


OVERVIEW OF THE ECONOMY

Introduction

        Saskatchewan has a modern, open and diversified economy. Approximately two-thirds of the total value of all goods and services produced in the Province are exported. Major exports include grains, oilseeds, crude oil, potash, natural gas, uranium and manufactured goods. While many of the goods and service producing industries are directly or indirectly related to agriculture and natural resources, the Provincial economy continues to diversify into information age activities such as high technology, bio-technology and financial and other services. The Province’s abundance of renewable and non-renewable resources has made it the largest producer of wheat, second largest producer of crude oil and third largest natural gas producer in Canada. Saskatchewan is also one of the world’s leading suppliers of potash and uranium.

        Saskatchewan’s economy grew at an annual real rate of 3.0 percent in 2007 largely due to a strong rebound in potash production, personal consumption and business investments. Canada’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 2.7 per cent in the same year.

        Mining is the largest sector among Saskatchewan’s goods-producing industries. The dominant mineral products of the Province include crude oil, potash, natural gas and uranium. The number of oil wells drilled decreased by 1.9 per cent and the value of oil sales increased by 6.1 per cent in 2007 because of stronger oil prices. The value of natural gas sales decreased by 12.5 per cent as a result of lower natural gas prices in 2007 while the number of gas wells drilled declined by 23.6 per cent in 2007. Potash sales rose by 38.4 per cent in 2007 primarily reflecting the unusual dip in potash sales in 2006 due to stalled contract negotiations with customers in offshore markets.

        Manufacturing is the second largest sector of Saskatchewan’s goods-producing industries. In 2007, Saskatchewan’s manufacturing shipments increased by 1.7 per cent.

        Agriculture is the third largest sector among Saskatchewan’s goods-producing industries. Saskatchewan farmers harvested 23.8 million tones of the major grains and oilseeds in 2007, about 0.8 per cent less than the harvest in 2006.

        Saskatchewan farm cash receipts amounted to $7.6 billion in 2007, up 11.5 per cent from 2006. Realized net farm income, which is the income left with farmers after deducting operating expenses and depreciation costs from farm cash receipts, amounted to $697 million reflecting higher crop receipts.

        Retail sales increased by 12.9 per cent in 2007 while wholesale trade increased 19.6 per cent in the same year. New vehicle sales went up by 14.1 per cent in 2007.

        Saskatchewan’s employment level increased by 2.0 per cent or 10,200 jobs in 2007. In Canada, employment increased by 2.6 per cent or 434,300 jobs in the same year.

        Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate averaged 4.2 per cent in 2007. The national unemployment rate averaged 6.0 per cent in the same year.

        The inflation rate of the Province, as measured by the rate of increase in the Consumer Price Index, was 2.9 per cent in 2007 compared to Canada’s inflation rate of 2.1 per cent.



3


        The following table sets forth a summary of economic indicators for Saskatchewan and for Canada for the five years ended December 31, 2007.

Summary of Economic Indicators

      Calendar Year Ended December 31 Compound
Annual
Growth Rate
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007   2003-2007
Gross Domestic Product - Saskatchewan                                        
Current Market Prices (Millions)     $ 36,838   $ 40,048   $ 43,629   $ 45,954   $ 50,961     8.5  %  
   Annual Rate of Change       6.3%     8.7%     8.9%     5.3%     10.9%     n.a.     
   Per Capita     $ 36,968   $ 40,151   $ 43,911   $ 46,319   $ 50,976     8.4  %  
Chained 2002 Dollars (Millions)     $ 36,230   $ 37,490   $ 39,039   $ 39,156   $ 40,340     2.7  %  
   Annual Rate of Change       4.5%     3.5%     4.1%     0.3%     3.0%     n.a.     
   Per Capita     $ 36,358   $ 37,586   $ 39,291   $ 39,467   $ 40,352     2.6  %  
Gross Domestic Product - Canada                                        
Current Market Prices (Millions)     $ 1,213,175   $ 1,290,906   $ 1,372,626   $ 1,450,490   $ 1,535,646     6.1  %  
   Annual Rate of Change       5.2%     6.4%     6.3%     5.7%     5.9%     n.a.     
   Per Capita     $ 38,343   $ 40,416   $ 42,568   $ 44,526   $ 46,637     5.0  %  
Chained 2002 Dollars (Millions)     $ 1,174,592   $ 1,211,239   $ 1,246,064   $ 1,284,819   $ 1,319,680     3.0  %  
   Annual Rate of Change       1.9%     3.1%     2.9%     3.1%     2.7%     n.a.     
   Per Capita     $ 37,124   $ 37,922   $ 38,643   $ 39,441   $ 40,079     1.9  %  
Consumer Price Index1                                        
   (Annual Percentage Change)                                        
      Saskatchewan       2.3%     2.2%     2.2%     2.0%     2.9%     n.a.     
      Canada       2.8%     1.8%     2.2%     2.0%     2.1%     n.a.     
Population (July 1)(Thousands)                                        
      Saskatchewan       996     997     994     992     1,000     (0.1)%  
      Canada       31,640     31,941     32,245     36,576     32,927     1.0  %  
Unemployment Rate                                        
      Saskatchewan     5.6%   5.4%   5.1%   4.7%   4.2%  

n.a.   

      Canada       7.6%     7.2%     6.8%     6.3%     6.0%     n.a.     
1 2002 = (100)                                        
n.a. = not applicable                                        
Sources:  Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics, Statistics Canada


4


Gross Domestic Product

        Saskatchewan’s real GDP measured in chained 2002 dollars increased at a compound average annual rate of 2.7 per cent in the period from 2003 to 2007. Measured in current market prices, Saskatchewan’s GDP grew at a compound average annual rate of 8.5 per cent in the same period. In 2007, Saskatchewan’s real GDP increased by 3.0 per cent.

        The following table sets forth the composition of the Province’s GDP both at current market prices and in chained 2002 dollars for the five years ended December 31, 2007.

Gross Domestic Product

      Year Ended December 31 Compound
Annual
Growth Rate
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007   2003-2007
      (Millions)
 
Gross Domestic Product                                        
   Current Market Prices                                        
   Personal Expenditure on Goods                                        
      and Services     $ 20,295    $ 20,965    $ 21,976    $ 23,202    $ 25,164      5.5  %  
   Government Expenditure on Goods                                        
      and Services       7,831      8,049      8,429      8,938      9,440      4.8  %  
   Gross Fixed Capital Formation       7,476      7,677      9,099      10,001      10,637      9.2  %  
   Value of Physical Change in Inventories:                                        
      Non-Farm       441      360      403      807      632      n.a.      
      Farm Inventories and Grain in                                        
         Commercial Channels       589      733      855      (726)     (438)     n.a.      
   Exports of Goods and Services       24,423      27,157      30,127      32,221      35,839      10.1  %  
      Less: Imports of Goods and Services       24,012      25,242      27,365      28,492      30,562      6.2  %  
   Residual Error and Adjustment       (204)     349      106          249      n.a.      
Total     $ 36,838    $ 40,048    $ 43,629    $ 45,954    $ 50,961      8.5  %  
Gross Domestic Product                                        
   Chained 2002 Dollars                                        
   Personal Expenditure on Goods                                        
      and Services     $ 19,886    $ 20,244    $ 20,864    $ 21,672    $ 23,051      3.8  %  
   Government Expenditure on Goods                                        
      and Services       7,634      7,639      7,838      8,076      8,258      2.0  %  
   Gross Fixed Capital Formation       7,587      7,703      8,980      9,851      9,996      7.1  %  
   Value of Physical Change in Inventories:                                        
      Non-Farm       405      434      488      690      641      n.a.      
      Farm Inventories and Grain in                                        
         Commercial Channels       1,145      937      1,391      (355)     (200)     n.a.      
   Exports of Goods and Services       24,429      25,938      26,630      27,545      27,973      3.4  %  
      Less: Imports of Goods and Services       24,498      25,620      26,947      28,720      29,964      5.2  %  
   Residual Error and Adjustment       (204)     331      95          199      n.a.     
Total     $ 36,230    $ 37,490    $ 39,039    $ 39,156    $ 40,340      2.7  %  
n.a. = not applicable
Note:      Components may not add due to use of chained fisher dollar methodology.
Source:  Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics


5


Capital Expenditure

        Gross fixed capital formation increased at a compound average annual rate of 9.2 per cent over the period from 2003 to 2007. Investment in public administration increased by 21.5 per cent; finance and insurance, 15.8 per cent; information and cultural services, 15.4 per cent; and, transportation and warehousing, 13.3 per cent.

        The following table sets forth information on Saskatchewan’s gross fixed capital formation for the five years ended December 31, 2007.

Gross Fixed Capital Formation

      Year Ended December 31 Compound
Annual
Growth Rate
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007   2003-2007
      (Millions)
 
Agriculture 1     $ 707    $ 680    $ 723    $ 712    $ 728      0.7  %  
Mining 2       2,057      2,354      3,174      3,386      2,775      7.8       
Construction       73      70      85      91      103      9.0       
Manufacturing       717      251      293      457      595      (4.6)      
Transportation & Warehousing       282      376      395      447      464      13.3       
Information and Cultural Services       172      205      239      384      305      15.4       
Utilities       405      374      632      416      636      11.9       
Retail and Wholesale Trade       322      333      353      409      411      6.3       
Finance and Insurance 3       1,720      1,936      2,089      2,342      3,096      15.8       
Commercial Services       234      184      185      199      204      (3.4)      
Institutions       347      307      305      304      360      0.9       
Public Administration       441      606      626      854      962      21.5       
Total     $ 7,477    $ 7,676    $ 9,099    $ 10,001    $ 10,639      9.2  %  
1    Includes forestry, fishing, trapping and hunting.
2    Includes oil and natural gas extraction, potash, uranium and other minerals.
3    Includes real estate and other services not shown above.
Components will not add to total.
Source: Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics


6


Exports and Imports

        Crude oil, manufactured goods, grains and potash are Saskatchewan’s principal exports, accounting for 24.6 per cent, 14.0 per cent, 13.6 per cent and 8.5 per cent, respectively, of total exports in 2007. For the five years ended December 31, 2007, total exports increased by an average of 10.1 per cent per year while imports increased by an average of 6.2 per cent per year.

        The following table sets forth details of Saskatchewan’s exports and imports at current market prices for the five years ended December 31, 2007.

Trade with the Rest of Canada and Abroad

      Year Ended December 31 Compound
Annual
Growth Rate
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007   2003-2007
      (Millions)
 
Exports                                        
   Grain     $ 2,718    $ 2,903    $ 2,640    $ 3,479    $ 4,865      15.7%  
   Crude Oil       4,967      5,718      7,144      8,347      8,809      15.4      
   Potash       1,629      2,167      2,697      2,209      3,057      17.0      
   Manufactured Goods       3,845      4,141      4,525      4,942      5,026      6.9      
   Other       11,265      12,227      13,121      13,243      14,082      5.7      
Total Exports     $ 24,423    $ 27,157    $ 30,127    $ 32,221    $ 35,839      10.1%  
Imports                                        
   Crude Oil     $ 815    $ 1,042    $ 1,095    $ 1,227    $ 1,187      9.9%  
   Manufactured Goods       5,971      5,964      6,322      6,594      6,800      3.3      
   Other       17,226      18,236      19,948      20,671      22,575      7.0      
Total Imports     $ 24,012    $ 25,242    $ 27,365    $ 28,492    $ 30,562      6.2%  
Source: Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics 


7


Labour Force and Employment

        Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate remained well below the national unemployment rate in 2007. The national unemployment rate stood at 6.0 per cent in 2007, while Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate was 4.2 per cent in the same year.

        In the first eight months of 2008, Saskatchewan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has averaged 4.2 per cent, compared to the national average unemployment rate of 6.0 per cent over the same period. Thus far, total employment in the Province has increased by 8,000 compared with the same period last year.

        The following table sets forth selected labour force statistics for Saskatchewan and Canada for the five years ended December 31, 2007.

Labour Force Statistics

      Year Ended December 31 Compound
Annual
Growth Rate
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007   2003-2007
      (Thousands, Except Percentages)
 
Labour Force                                        
   Saskatchewan       504      507      509      516      524      1.0 %  
   Canada       16,959      17,182      17,343      17,593      17,946      1.4 %  
Employed    
   Saskatchewan       476      480      483      492      502      1.3 %  
   Canada       15,672      15,947      16,170      16,432      16,866      1.9 %  
Unemployed    
   Saskatchewan       28      27      26      24      22      (5.9)%  
  Canada       1,286      1,235      1,173      1,161      1,079      (4.3)%  
Unemployment Rate    
   Saskatchewan       5.6%     5.4%     5.1%     4.7%     4.2%     n.a.    
   Canada       7.6%     7.2%     6.8%     6.3%     6.0%     n.a.    
Participation Rate    
   Saskatchewan       67.8%     67.9%     68.1%     69.1%     69.7%     n.a.    
   Canada       67.5%     67.5%     67.2%     67.2%     67.6%     n.a.    
n.a. = not applicable    
Source: Statistics Canada.    


8


        Approximately 26,000 net new jobs were created in the Province in the period from 2003 to 2007. Construction, mining and manufacturing were the leaders in terms of job creation during the period in review.

        The following table sets forth selected statistics of employment by industry for the Province.


Employment by Industry

      Year Ended December 31 Compound
Annual
Growth Rate
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007   2003-2007
      (Thousands)
 
Goods-Producing Industries                                         
   Agriculture       47      47      47      48      44      (1.6) %
   Mining       17      19      19      22      22      6.6    
   Construction       23      24      26      30      32      8.3    
   Manufacturing       27      29      30      29      31      3.2    
Subtotal       114      118      122      128      129      3.0    
Service Industries                                        
   Transportation, Communication,                                        
      Utilities and Storage       26      28      30      30      29      2.4    
   Wholesale and Retail Trade       78      77      78      79      83      1.6    
   Finance, Insurance and Real Estate       28      27      26      26      27      (1.4)  
   Business and Community Services       204      204      201      201      208      0.4    
   Public Administration       26      26      27      28      28      1.3    
Subtotal       362      361      362      363      373      0.8    
Total       476      480      483      492      502      1.3   %
Note:     Components may not add due to rounding.
Source:  Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics


9


Personal Income

        Saskatchewan personal income increased at a compound average annual rate of 5.6 per cent over the period from 2003 to 2007. The following table sets forth personal income for Saskatchewan for the five years ended December 31, 2007.

Personal Income

      Year Ended December 31 Compound
Annual
Growth Rate
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007   2003-2007
      (Millions)
 
Wages, Salaries and Supplementary                                         
   Labour Income     $ 15,726    $ 16,494    $ 17,485    $ 18,689    $ 20,144      6.4%   
Net Income Received by Farm Operators                                        
   from Farm Production       293      860      353      (187)     241      n.a.     
Net Income of Non-Farm Unincorporated                                        
   Business 1       2,067      2,113      2,175      2,263      2,387      3.7     
Interest, Dividends and Miscellaneous                                        
   Investment Income       2,775      2,887      2,983      3,173      3,479      5.8     
Others       4,566      4,795      4,786      4,886      5,338      4.0     
Total     $ 25,427    $ 27,149    $ 27,782    $ 28,824    $ 31,589      5.6%  
1  Includes rent.
n.a. = not applicable
Source: Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics.


10


Economic Structure

        The following table sets forth Saskatchewan's real GDP at basic prices by industry for the five years ended December 31, 2007.

Gross Domestic Product at Basic Prices by Industry in Millions of Chained 2002 Dollars

      Year Ended December 31   Per Cent     Compound
Annual
 
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007     of 2007
Total
  Growth Rate
2003-2007
      (Millions)
           
Goods-Producing Industries                                              
   Agriculture, forestry, fishing                                              
      and hunting     $ 3,158    $ 3,833    $ 4,181    $ 3,983    $ 3,876      10.3  %     5.3  %  
   Mining 1       6,066      5,893      5,975      5,371      5,602      14.9  %     (2.0)%  
   Utilities       890      873      889      905      954      2.5  %     1.8  %  
   Manufacturing       2,299      2,622      2,735      2,779      2,689      7.2  %     4.0  %  
   Construction       1,666     1,726     2,005     2,096     2,090     5.6  %     5.8  %  
Subtotal     $ 14,080   $ 14,948   $ 15,784   $ 15,134   $ 15,211     40.6  %     2.0  %  
Services Industries                                              
   Transportation and Warehousing     $ 2,152   $ 2,259   $ 2,323   $ 2,396   $ 2,383     6.4  %     2.6  %  
   Finance, Insurance and                                              
      Real Estate       5,195     5,299     5,366     5,513     5,766     15.4  %     2.6  %  
   Wholesale and Retail Trade       3,393     3,529     3,649     3,860     4,225     11.3  %     5.6  %  
   Information & Cultural Industries       867     877     897     915     931     2.5  %     1.8  %  
   Services       6,715     6,819     6,932     7,117     7,289     19.4  %     2.1  %  
   Public Administration       1,804     1,843     1,855     1,903     1,905     5.1  %     1.4  %  
Subtotal     $ 20,127   $ 20,626   $ 21,021   $ 21,703   $ 22,499     60.0  %     2.8  %  
Gross Domestic Product at                                              
   Basic Prices     $ 34,215   $ 35,521   $ 36,695   $ 36,573   $ 37,501     100.0  %     2.3  %  
1 Includes oil, potash, uranium, natural gas and other minerals.
Note:      Components may not add due to use of chained fisher dollar methodology. GDP at basic prices and GDP at market prices differ by                   the amount of "indirect taxes net of subsidies on products."
Source:  Statistics Canada.


11


Agriculture

        Based on the 2006 Census of Agriculture, Saskatchewan has 44,329 farms with an average size of 1,449 acres. With slightly less than half of the total land area of the Province utilized for farming, the Province has approximately half of the cultivated farm land in all of Canada.

        Historically, wheat has been Saskatchewan’s largest single grain crop in terms of volume and value. Between 1998 and 2007, wheat accounted for 32.5 per cent of all crops grown in the Province and represented over half of all the wheat grown in Canada. In 2007, wheat’s share accounted for 27.0 per cent of the total Saskatchewan crop harvest. Other major grains and oilseeds such as durum, barley and canola accounted for 45.8 per cent of total crop production in 2007. Specialty crops such as mustard, lentils and peas accounted for 13.6 per cent of the total harvest in 2007.

Crop Production

    Calendar Year Ended December 31 1998 to 2007
10 year
    1998   1999   2000   2001   2002   2003   2004   2005   2006   2007   Average  
    (Millions of Tonnes)
   
Wheat   7.9   10.4 8.8   7.6   4.6   7.1   7.9   8.2   8.7   6.4   7.8  
Durum   4.7   3.4   4.8   2.5   2.9   3.2   3.8   4.9   2.7   3.0   3.6  
Barley   4.3   4.9   5.3   3.7   2.5   4.4   4.7   5.0   3.4   3.9   4.2  
Canola   3.2   4.0   3.4   2.2   1.8   2.7   2.9   4.5   3.7   3.9   3.2  
Specialty Crops 1   2.5   2.8   3.3   2.1   1.5   2.2   3.7   3.8   2.7   3.2   2.8  
Other 2   2.7   2.6   2.3   2.0   1.7   1.7   1.9   2.6   2.8   3.2   2.4  
Total   25.3   28.2   28.0   20.0   15.0   21.2   24.9   29.0   24.0   23.8   23.9  
1     Includes mustard, sunflowers, lentils, field peas and canary seed.
2     Includes oats, fall rye, spring rye, flax and mixed grain.
Source:   Statistics Canada.
Note:   Components may not add due to rounding.

        Livestock production is also important in Saskatchewan. Approximately one-quarter of the total Canadian beef cattle herd is located in the Province. Other livestock raised in Saskatchewan include hogs, sheep, lambs, poultry and dairy cattle.

        Farm cash receipts from crop production totalled $5.1 billion in 2007, with wheat, durum and canola accounting for $3.5 billion, or 68.1 per cent, of the year’s total cash receipts from crop sales. Farm cash receipts from the sale of livestock and livestock products amounted to $1.6 billion in 2007, with cattle and calves accounting for $989 million, or 60.6 per cent, of the year’s total cash receipts from livestock sales.



12


        The following table sets forth Saskatchewan’s farm cash receipts for the five years ended December 31, 2007.

Farm Cash Receipts

      Year Ended December 31 Compound
Annual
Growth Rate
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007   2003-2007
      (Millions)
 
Crops                                        
   Wheat and Durum     $ 1,083   $ 1,294   $ 1,084   $ 1,329   $ 2,049     17.3   %
   Canola       704     734     702     1,117     1,426     19.3  
   Barley       169     283     252     230     372     21.8  
   Other Crops 1       883     957     1,069     973     1,256     9.2  
Subtotal     $ 2,839   $ 3,268   $ 3,107   $ 3,647   $ 5,104     15.8  
Livestock & Livestock Products                                        
   Cattle & Calves     $ 782   $ 824   $ 1,145   $ 1,092   $ 989     6.1  
   Hogs       266     333     321     313     302     3.2  
   Other Livestock and Livestock Products 2      326     326     325     324     341     1.1  
Subtotal     $ 1,374   $ 1,483   $ 1,791   $ 1,729   $ 1,632     4.4  
Supplementary, Deficiency, Stablization,                                       
   Insurance and Other Payments     $ 1,600   $ 1,190   $ 1,323   $ 1,267   $ 871     (14.1 )
Total Farm Cash Receipts     $ 5,813   $ 5,941   $ 6,221   $ 6,644   $ 7,606     7.0   %
1    Includes net deferments.
2    Includes sheep, lambs, dairy products, poultry, eggs and other livestock products.
Note:      Components may not add due to rounding.
Source:   Statistics Canada.

        Total farm revenue is made up of three components: crop receipts, livestock receipts and government program payments. Crop receipts amounted to $5.1 billion in 2007, up 40.0 per cent from 2006 due to improved crop quality and higher prices. Farm cash receipts from livestock sales amounted to $1.6 billion in the same year, down 5.6 per cent from 2006. Government payments in 2007 amounted to $871 million, down 31.3 per cent from the amount provided by both the federal and provincial governments to farmers in 2006.

        Saskatchewan’s 2007 realized net farm income amounted to $697 million, compared with $331 million in 2006 reflecting higher crop sales. Realized net farm income is the result of deducting farm operating expenses and depreciation cost from farm cash receipts.



13


Mining and Petroleum/Natural Gas

        In 2007, the total value of mineral sales amounted to $14.3 billion, an increase of 11.9 per cent from the prior year. Crude oil, natural gas and potash accounted for 90.2 per cent of the total value of mineral sales in 2007.

        In the first six months of 2008, the value of oil sales increased by 85.2 per cent while the value of natural gas sales rose by 6.8 per cent. Potash production went up by 68.0 per cent for the first two months of 2008.

        The following table sets forth Saskatchewan’s value and volume of mineral sales for the five years ended December 31, 2007.

Mineral Sales

      Year Ended December 31 Compound
Annual
Growth Rate
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007   2003-2007
      (Millions of Dollars Unless Otherwise Indicated)
 
Value of Mineral Sales                                        
   Oil     $ 4,813   $ 5,640   $ 6,679   $ 7,869   $ 8,346     14.8   %
   Natural Gas       1,555     1,646     2,103     1,659     1,451     (1.7 )%
   Potash       1,632     2,168     2,697     2,209     3,057     17.0   %
   Other 1       898     946     975     1,003     1,397     11.7   %
Total     $ 8,897   $ 10,400   $ 12,453   $ 12,740   $ 14,251     12.5   %
Volume of Mineral Sales                                        
   Oil (millions of barrels)       153     155     153     156     156     0.4   %
   Natural Gas (millions of cubic metres)       6,996     7,283     7,220     7,098     6,392     (2.2 )%
   Potash (thousands of tonnes)       8,791     9,998     9,539     8,210     10,661     4.9   %
1   Other includes Uranium, Gold, Sodium Sulphate, Salt, Coal, and Base Metals and Bentonite.
Note:      Components may not add due to rounding.
Source:   Saskatchewan Bureau of Statistics and Saskatchewan Industry and Resources.

        Oil.  Saskatchewan is the second largest crude oil producing province in Canada. Subject to change due to price fluctuations and technology improvements, remaining economically recoverable reserves in the Province are estimated to be 1.2 billion barrels of crude oil.

        The volume of Saskatchewan oil sales increased at a compound annual rate of 0.4 per cent from 2003 to 2007 while the value of oil sales increased by 14.8 per cent in the same period.

        Saskatchewan crude oil production is of light, medium and heavy gravity. Approximately 15 to 20 per cent of Saskatchewan’s crude is sold within the Province (primarily to the NewGrade Upgrader, Husky Upgrader and Moose Jaw Asphalt plant) while 10 to 15 per cent is sold to refineries in Eastern Canada. The major market for Saskatchewan’s oil is the upper Midwest of the United States (approximately 65 to 75 per cent.)

        Both the NewGrade and Husky Upgraders are designed to produce an output of light synthetic crude oil from a feedstock of blended heavy crude oil. The NewGrade Upgrader has an operating capacity of approximately 60,000 barrels per day while the Husky Upgrader has the capacity to upgrade approximately 82,000 barrels per day.

        In addition to local companies, a large number of multinational oil and gas companies are actively involved in exploration and development in the Province. The oil industry has experienced success with deep drilling discoveries and is adopting technological improvements. For example, horizontal drilling and screw pump technology can significantly improve recovery rates and lower operating costs for many reservoirs in Saskatchewan. The oil industry in the Province invested approximately $10.32 billion in the period from 2003 to 2007 exploring for and developing oil reserves. From 2003 to the end of 2007, 10,259 oil wells were drilled in Saskatchewan. In 2007, 2,295 oil wells were drilled in the Province.



14


        Natural Gas.  The volume of Saskatchewan natural gas sales decreased at a compound average annual rate of 2.2 per cent from 2003 to 2007, while the value of natural gas sales declined by 1.7 per cent in the same period. The natural gas industry in the Province invested approximately $1.54 billion in the period from 2003 to 2007 exploring for and developing natural gas reserves. During this period, 8,721 natural gas wells were drilled. In 2007, 1,156 gas wells were drilled in the Province.

        Potash.   Saskatchewan has ten potash mines that produce potash from massive reserves located in southern Saskatchewan. By conservative estimates, Saskatchewan could supply world demand at current levels for several hundred years. Potash production in Saskatchewan is highly mechanized and relatively low-cost because of the regularity and thickness of deposits and the predictability of ore grades.

        In recent years, Saskatchewan potash production has accounted for about 30 per cent of the world’s output. Approximately 45 per cent of Saskatchewan’s potash production is exported to the United States. The value of Saskatchewan potash sales in 2007 increased by 38.3 per cent to $3.1 billion. The Saskatchewan government implemented changes in 2005 to the potash tax system to promote sales and investment by the potash industry. As a result of the tax changes and strong demand growth, the industry is expected to spend $8.5 billion by 2020 to increase potash production capacity by about 85 per cent.

        Uranium.   Saskatchewan is the world’s largest producer of uranium and contains high grade, low cost uranium resources. In 2007, uranium was produced at three facilities (Key Lake-McArthur River, Rabbit Lake and McClean Lake) located in northern Saskatchewan.

        Current and planned expansion of the Province’s uranium supply capability includes the McClean Lake, McArthur River and Rabbit Lake mines and the Midwest and Cigar Lake projects.

        McClean Lake, the Province’s newest facility, commenced production in 1999. In 2007, McClean Lake continued production from the Sue E and Sue A deposits, started mining the Sue B and after ore is depleted will move to the Caribou and McClean North deposits.

        The McArthur River project began production in 1999 with the ore being processed at the Key Lake mill. Mining operations were temporarily suspended for three months in 2003 to correct a water inflow problem and production has remained at full capacity since 2004. An application to expand production capacity at Key Lake and McArthur River is under regulatory review.

        The Rabbit Lake mine returned to production in 2002 following a two-year shutdown. With the identification of additional reserves, production will gradually decrease from current levels by 2011 as the mill converts to the processing of Cigar Lake ore. The Cluff Lake mine ceased production in December 2002 and is finalizing decommissioning.

        Of the future mine expansion projects, Cigar Lake and Midwest received initial environmental assessment approval in March 1998 but did not proceed due to market conditions. Cigar Lake was granted a full construction license to proceed in December 2004. In 2006, Cigar Lake experienced two water inflows and the mine was allowed to flood. The initial forecast production date of 2007 is expected to be delayed until 2011 as remediation activities continue. In June 2006, it was announced that the Midwest project would proceed. In October 2007, AREVA Resources Canada Inc. submitted the new Midwest Project Environmental Impact Statement to regulators; the project is now forecast to begin production in 2011.



15


Manufacturing

        The value of Saskatchewan’s manufacturing shipments reached $10.7 billion in 2007, up 1.7 per cent from 2006.

        Manufacturing activity has been traditionally based on agriculture. Food processing is the largest component of the manufacturing sector, accounting for about 22.9 per cent of total manufacturing activity in 2007. Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector also produces farm machinery and chemical products. The further processing of primary products such as grain, livestock, forest products and oil is a growing component of Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector.

        Saskatchewan’s high technology industry is centred in Saskatoon. Satellite control technology, telecommunications, data communications and agricultural biotechnology products are produced in the Province for domestic and international sale.

Value of Manufacturing Shipments

      Year Ended December 31 Compound
Annual
Growth Rate
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007   2003-2007
      (Millions)
 
Food Processing     $ 2,045   $ 2,149   $ 2,049   $ 2,351   $ 2,450     4.6   %
Wood       412     680     789     544     297     (7.9 )%
Metal Fabrication       407     499     534     675     701     14.6   %
Machinery       697     736     783     796     1,006     9.6   %
Non-Metallic Minerals       n.a.     n.a.     104     160     142     n.a.  
Other       4,292     5,139     5,582     5,973     6,086     9.1   %
Total     $ 7,853   $ 9,203   $ 9,841   $ 10,499   $ 10,682     8.0   %
Note:       Components may not add due to rounding.
Source:    Statistics Canada. Data for chemicals and chemical products, electrical and electronic products are not available from
                Statistics Canada. These data are now included in Other.

Service Industries

        The service industries form the largest component of the Province’s economy. Services contribute a substantial part of the Province’s economic growth and create the vast majority of jobs. Services accounted for approximately 74.4 per cent of total employment in the Province in 2006.

        This sector is comprised of six industries, namely: business, personal and community services; finance, insurance and real estate; wholesale and retail trade; transportation; communication and utilities; and, public administration.

        Of these, the biggest sector in terms of output share and employment is business, personal and community services. Output from the business, personal and community services sector accounts for one-fifth of the entire economy and approximately four out of ten jobs in the Province. This segment of the industry consists of:  education and related services; heath care institutions, including hospitals, nursing homes and welfare services; religious organizations; amusement and recreation services; business services such as management and business consultants and computer services; personal services; and, accommodation and food.

        Finance, insurance and real estate, which constitute a large component of the service-producing industries, represented 15.4 per cent of the entire Saskatchewan economy in 2007. This segment includes banks and other institutions delivering financial services, insurance carriers and agencies and real estate companies.



16


FINANCES OF THE GOVERNMENT

Introduction

        The Saskatchewan Government (Government) has general authority for the administration of provincial activities and functions within the Province. Responsibility for a variety of such activities and functions has been ceded to local government bodies and agencies under authority of a number of provincial statutes. Responsibilities of the Government not ceded to local government bodies are carried out directly by the Government and through a number of funds and provincial Crown corporations.

Funds

        The General Revenue Fund financial statements have been designed primarily to provide an accounting of the financial resources appropriated by the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly. The General Revenue Fund is the general fund of the Government to which all public monies received are credited except where the Legislative Assembly has directed otherwise. Substantially all of the debt of the Government is incurred pursuant to The Financial Administration Act, 1993 and is repayable from the General Revenue Fund.

        The General Revenue Fund financial statements are not intended to be summary financial statements that provide a full accounting of the financial affairs and resources of all the entities for which the Government is responsible. Only those transactions pertaining to the receipt of money from or payment of money to the General Revenue Fund are reflected in these statements. The financial transactions of other Crown entities, such as provincial Crown corporations, agencies, boards, and commissions, are reported separately from the financial transactions of the General Revenue Fund. See the “Government of Saskatchewan Summary Financial Statements” contained within Exhibit (e) Volume 1 of the Public Accounts.

        A variety of special purpose and other funds are administered by the Government. Included within these funds are pension plans, funds held in trust for third parties under various arrangements and special purpose funds. The assets, liabilities and residual balances of these funds are maintained and reported separately from those of the General Revenue Fund.

        The General Revenue Fund’s fiscal year begins on April 1 and ends on March 31. Revenue and expenses are recorded on an accrual basis except for defined benefit pension plan costs.

        During 2004-05 the Government adopted new standards of accounting for non-financial assets recommended by the Public Sector Accounting Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. Under the new recommendations, tangible capital assets, inventories held for consumption and prepaid expenses are recorded as non-financial assets and the cost of the use of these assets is recorded as an expense. Prior to 2004-05, expenditures included the cost of tangible capital assets and inventories received during the year.

        Each year the Minister of Finance presents a budget to the Legislative Assembly that provides estimates of the Government’s planned activities during the fiscal year for the General Revenue Fund. The estimates of expenses in each fiscal year are voted by the Legislative Assembly, with the exception of those expenses for which provision has been made previously by legislation, such as amounts required to service the debt of the Government.

        The accounts and financial statements of the Province are examined by the Provincial Auditor who is responsible to the Legislative Assembly and is required to make a report to the Legislative Assembly with respect to each fiscal year.



17


General Revenue Fund Statement of Cash Requirements and Financing

        The following table summarizes cash requirements and financing of the General Revenue Fund for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, and the Budget Estimate for fiscal year 2009.

General Revenue Fund Statement of Cash Requirements and Financing

      Year Ended December 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

  Estimated
2009
      (Millions)
Cash Requirements                                        
Operating Activities                                        
   Revenue     $ 6,558    $ 7,792    $ 8,217    $ 8,643    $ 9,847    $ 9,366   
   Expenditures       6,768      7,027      7,678      8,245      8,564      9,106   
   Transfers (to) from Fiscal Stabilization Fund       211      (382)     (139)         642       
   Transfers (to) from Saskatchewan Infrastructure Fund                (105)          
   Transfers (to) from Growth and Financial Security Fund   --      --      --      --      --      10   
Budgetary Surplus (Deficit) 1           383      400      293      641      250   
Add (deduct) Non-Cash Items                                        
   Amortization of Foreign Exchange Gains and Losses                        (1)  
   Amortization of Capital Assets           104      135      152      148      151   
   Loss on Loans and Investments       80                       
   Net Change in Non-Cash Operating Activities       104      231          (17)     228      (40)  
   Earnings Retained in Sinking Funds       (47)     (43)     (63)     (46)     (46)     (46)  
   Adjustment to Accumulated Deficit       (46)     (6)     11               
Cash provided by (used for) Operating Activities       96      673      493      386      341      66   
Capital Activities                                        
   Acquisition of Capital Assets           (150)     (218)     (248)     (282)     (365)  
Investing Activities                                        
   Receipts       363      450      465      270      585      486   
   Disbursements       583      617      567      299      507      693   
Cash (required for) provided by                                        
   Investing Activities       (220)     (167)     (102)     (29)     78      (207)  
Cash provided (required)     $ (124)   $ 356    $ 173    $ 109    $ 778    $ (256)  
Financing Activities                                        
Proceeds from Debt     $ 1,124    $ 986    $ 829    $ 1,421    $ 626    $ 911   
Repayment of Debt       (642)     (1,395)     (1,014)     (1,293)     (1,071)     (733)  
Proceeds from (repayment of) Debt       482      (409)     (185)     128      445      178   
Increase (decrease) in Deposits Held       (209)     411      179      (850)     (74)      
Decrease (increase) in Cash & Temporary Investments       (149)     (358)     (167)     613      414      (78)  
Total Financing     $ 124    $ (356)   $ (173)   $ (109)   $ 821    $ 743   
1  See Notes 1-7 commencing on page 34.


18


Fiscal Year 2008 Results

        On June 27, 2008, the Minister of Finance released the financial results for the General Revenue Fund (GRF) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008.

        Total General Revenue Fund (GRF) revenue of $9,847.1 million for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008 increased by $1,204.1 million, or 13.9 per cent, from the previous fiscal year. The increase in revenue is due primarily to increased non-renewable resource revenue, higher tax revenue and an increase in federal transfers, primarily an increase in Equalization. General Revenue Fund expense (operating expenses plus debt servicing expenses) of $8,564.3 million increased by $319.0 million, or 3.9 per cent, over the previous year primarily due to spending increases in Health, Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport, Highways and Infrastructure, Enterprise and Innovation and Finance. The General Revenue Fund recorded a surplus of $641.4 million for fiscal year 2008 (after a transfer from the GRF to the Fiscal Stabilization Fund (FSF) of $641.4 million), compared to a GRF surplus of $292.7 million for fiscal year 2007. Net cash provided by operations and investments in fiscal year 2008 was $777.5 million, compared to net cash provided by operations and investments of $109.5 million in the previous year.

Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Estimate

        On March 19, 2008, the Minister of Finance tabled the Budget Address and Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009. The Budget Estimates (including Further Estimates) for the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2009 (the Budget) project total revenue of $9,366.5 million, total expenses of $9,116.9 million, a net transfer from the newly created Growth and Financial Security Fund (GFSF) to the GRF of $0.4 million, and a budgetary surplus of $250.0 million. This is estimated to be the fifteenth consecutive balanced budget for the Province since fiscal year 1995. Net cash required for operations and investments for fiscal year 2009 is estimated to be $255.7 million.

        Operating expense in the 2008-09 Budget is estimated to be up by $792.2 million, or 10.2 per cent, from the 2007-08 Budget. This increase was applied generally across most government ministries with significant increases in the areas of: Education and Advanced Education, Employment and Labour ($317.0 million); Health ($300.1 million); Corrections, Public Safety and Policing ($30.0 million); and, Highways and Infrastructure ($24.8 million).

        Revenue in the 2008-09 Budget is estimated to be up $1,497.2 million, or 19.0 per cent, from the 2007-08 Budget. The increase is expected to be generated primarily from increased: corporation income, individual income and sales taxes; oil revenues; and, a $365 million Special Dividend from the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan (CIC). These increases are partially offset by an estimated reduction in natural gas revenue.

        2008-09 interest expense (or debt servicing costs) of $535.0 million is $25.0 million, or 4.5 per cent, lower than the 2007-08 Budget primarily due to reduced in-year borrowing requirements.

        2008-09 borrowing requirements are estimated at $910.9 million; $376.0 million for government requirements, primarily refinancing maturing debt, and $534.9 million for Crown corporations. Debt retirement is estimated at $732.9 million, resulting in an increase in gross debt of $178.0 million.

        The 2009 Budget estimates total debt (gross debt plus guaranteed debt less equity in sinking funds) at March 31, 2009 to be $10,491.3 million compared to $10,385.3 million forecast at March 31, 2008, an increase of $106.0 million, or 1.0 per cent. Government total debt is estimated to be $6,664.7 million at March 31, 2009 compared with $6,871.9 million forecast at March 31, 2008, a decrease of $207.2 million. The decrease in estimated government total debt is primarily due to the operating surplus. Crown corporation total debt is estimated to be $3,826.6 million at March 31, 2009 compared with $3,513.4 million forecast at March 31, 2008, an increase of $313.2 million.



19


        During the period April 1, 2008 to October 31, 2008, the Government issued and sold debentures and bonds totalling $277.0 million. On April 2, 2008, the Government issued $250 million 4.75 per cent debentures in the Canadian public market due June 1, 2040. On July 3, 2008, the Government issued $23.684 million 4.705 per cent debentures to the Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) due July 11, 2038. On July 15, 2008, the Government issued $3.32 million 5 year, 2.5 per cent Series 17 Saskatchewan Savings Bonds and redeemed $26.09 million of previous series savings bonds, for a net reduction in savings bonds outstanding of $22.77 million.

        The 2008-09 Budget continues reporting Summary Financial Budget details that provide a bottom line forecast for all entities over which the Government has control, such as Crown corporations and other entities. The Budget uses a full accrual accounting model for reporting capital costs in both the GRF and the Summary Financial Statements. Since 2004-05, under this full accrual accounting model, the full cost of capital is no longer included in the expenses within the fiscal year. Rather, the capital is included as part of the Government’s assets. The annual cost of using the asset (i.e. amortization) is recognized as an expense in the annual spending.

        In 2004-05 the Government introduced the new Statement of Change in Net Debt. The Government’s change in net debt is a measure of whether the revenues raised were sufficient to cover government spending. This Statement effectively tracks what were previously referred to as the surplus or deficit and the accumulated deficit (i.e. net debt) under the previous accounting model. Net Debt is forecast to be $6.2 billion at March 31, 2009, $0.3 billion or 4.2 per cent lower than the 2007-08 Budget estimate.

Fiscal Year 2009 1st Quarter Report

        On July 31, 2008, the Minister of Finance released the 1st Quarter Financial Report for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2009. The Report forecasts total revenue of $12,463.4 million, total expenses of $9,444.3 million, a pre-transfer surplus of $3,019.1 million, total transfers to the Growth and Financial Security Fund (GFSF) of $1,509.6 million and a budgetary surplus of $1,509.6 million.

        Total revenues are forecast to be up $3,096.9 million from Budget almost entirely due to substantial increases in non-renewable resource revenue as a result of much higher prices. Total expenses are forecast to be up $327.4 million from Budget reflecting a forecast decrease of $25.0 million in debt service costs offset by increased spending in Health, Agriculture, First Nations and Metis Relations along with a transfer of $240.0 million to CIC for federal carbon capture funding.

        Total debt is forecast to be $8.6 billion, down $1,658.2 million from actual 2007-08 reflecting a $492.8 million increase in Crown corporation debt and a $2,151.0 million decrease in government purpose debt. Under The Growth and Financial Security Act which came into force on May 14, 2008, one half of the pre-transfer surplus of the GRF must be allocated to the Debt Retirement Fund. Thus, government purpose debt is forecast to decline by one-half of the actual 2007-08 pre-transfer surplus of $1,282.8 million, or $641.4 million, plus one-half of the current 2008-09 forecast pre-transfer surplus of $3,019.1 million, or $1,509.6 million.



20


General Revenue Fund Revenue

        The General Revenue Fund receives revenue from taxes, non-renewable resources, other provincial sources and other governments.

        The following table sets forth General Revenue Fund revenue by major sources for each of the previous five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, and the Budget Estimate for fiscal year 2009. Also included is the percentage composition of major revenue sources for the Budget Estimate for fiscal year 2009.

General Revenue Fund Revenue 1

      Fiscal Year Ended March 31      
        2004     2005     2006     2007     Actual
2008
    Budget
Estimate
2009
    Percentage
of Total
Revenue
2009
 
      (Thousands)
           
Taxation                                              
   Corporation Capital     $ 371,479    $ 381,289    $ 524,650    $ 513,458    $ 430,604    $ 444,100      4.7 %  
   Corporation Income       310,573      257,679      393,629      554,001      673,641      616,500      6.6       
   Individual Income       1,245,763      1,329,081      1,447,905      1,668,538      1,938,258      1,932,000      20.6       
   Sales       854,480      985,079      1,112,350      1,079,794      995,995      979,800      10.5       
   Fuel       356,773      361,039      376,426      383,576      406,434      413,300      4.4       
   Tobacco       176,747      187,029      171,107      190,334      190,412      183,800      2.0       
   Other       81,881      88,019      89,751      94,844      98,129      109,500      1.2       
Total       3,397,696      3,589,215      4,115,818      4,484,545      4,733,473      4,679,000      50.0 %  
Non-Renewable Resources                                              
   Oil       774,488      906,938      1,124,952      1,318,852      1,665,267      1,054,600      11.2 %  
   Potash       120,179      305,494      277,967      161,729      432,770      352,600      3.8       
   Crown Land Sales 2                           192,500      2.0       
   Natural Gas       210,455      212,440      269,074      165,131      133,780      118,000      1.3       
   Other       35,840      49,319      49,106      48,540      93,299      189,200      2.0       
Total       1,140,962      1,474,191      1,721,099      1,694,252      2,325,116      1,906,900      20.3 %  
Transfers from Government                                              
   Entities and Other Revenues                                              
   Crown Investments Corporation 3       200,000      268,000      221,000      167,000      200,000      550,000      5.9 %  
   Liquor & Gaming Authority       360,766      361,044      351,673      370,053      399,531      383,600      4.1       
   Other Enterprises and Funds       53,484      55,420      41,214      50,043      53,623      34,800      0.4       
   Motor Vehicles Fees       119,412      121,549      135,183      138,908      140,631      141,500      1.5       
   Sales, Services, and Service Fees       91,960      84,548      89,389      93,332      94,936      91,100      1.0       
   Licences and Permits       46,426      54,154      41,800      36,787      35,927      34,700      0.4       
   Other Own-Source Revenue       114,740      117,400      235,011      219,297      261,347      159,400      1.7       
Total       986,788      1,062,115      1,115,270      1,075,420      1,185,995      1,395,100      14.9 %  
Transfers from the                                              
   Federal Government                                              
   Equalization       41,284      581,570      88,672      12,723      226,146          0.0 %  
   Canada Health and                                              
      Social Transfer 4       750,558                          0.0       
   Canada Health Transfer           452,396      659,558      716,775      739,648      810,900      8.7       
   Canada Social Transfer           262,742      298,756      323,599      325,098      335,000      3.6       
   Health Reform Fund           46,732                      0.0       
   Other Federal Payments       241,110      322,859      218,379      335,732      311,669      239,600      2.6       
Total       1,032,952      1,666,299      1,265,365      1,388,829      1,602,561      1,385,500      14.8 %  
Total General Revenue                                              
   Fund Revenue     $ 6,558,398    $ 7,791,820    $ 8,217,552    $ 8,643,046    $ 9,847,145    $ 9,366,500      100   %  
1  See "General Revenue Fund Statement of Operations and Accumulated Deficit" commencing on page 36.
2  Prior to 2008-09, Crown Land Sales were included in Oil revenues. Prior years have not been restated.
3  The 2009 Budget Estimate includes a $365 million Special Dividend.
4  In 2004-05, the Canada Health and Social Transfer was separated into the Canada Health Transfer and the Canada Social Transfer.


21


        Actual General Revenue Fund revenue for fiscal year 2008 increased by $1,204.1 million, or 13.9 per cent, from fiscal year 2007 to $9,847.1 million. Total General Revenue Fund revenue for 2008-09 is estimated at $9,366.5 million, an increase of $1,497.2 million, or 19.0 per cent, from the 2007-08 Budget Estimate.

        Taxation.   Provincial taxes include personal and corporate income taxes, corporate capital taxes and sales, tobacco, fuel and other taxes. Tax revenue is estimated to total $4,679.0 million, or 50.0 per cent, of total General Revenue Fund revenue for 2008-09, an increase of $574.1 million, or 14.0 per cent, from the 2007-08 Budget Estimate. The increase is primarily due to higher corporate income, individual income and sales tax revenue.

        Non-Renewable Resources.   Non-renewable resource revenue is collected by the Government in respect of the production of crude oil, natural gas, potash, uranium and other minerals. Non-renewable resource revenue is estimated to total $1,906.9 million, or 20.3 per cent, of General Revenue Fund revenue for 2008-09, an increase of $391.5 million, or 25.8 per cent, from the 2007-08 Budget Estimate. The increase is primarily due to revised revenues for oil reflecting higher prices.

        Transfers from Government Entities and Other Revenues.   Transfers from Government entities and other revenues include dividends from Provincial Crown Entities, motor vehicle fees, charges for service, licenses and permits and others. These revenues of the Province are estimated at $1,395.1 million, or 14.9 per cent, of General Revenue Fund revenue for 2008-09, an increase of $424.6 million, or 43.8 per cent, from the 2007-08 Budget Estimate. The change is primarily due to a special transfer from the Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan (CIC).

        Transfers from Crown Entities have been principally from CIC and the SLGA. The Government determines the timing and level of transfers from CIC to the extent of available income or surplus. The Budget Estimate includes a provision for a CIC regular dividend of $185.0 million in 2008-09 as compared to the $200.0 million contained in the 2007-08 Budget Estimate and a special dividend of $365.0 million related to sale of a Crown asset. The transfer from the SLGA includes net income for the year. In 2008-09, this amount is estimated to be $383.6 million.

        Transfers from the Federal Government.   Transfers from the Government of Canada consist of payments made to the Province to assist in financing a number of programs. Transfer payments from the federal government are estimated to total $1,385.5 million, or 14.8 per cent, of General Revenue Fund revenue in 2008-09, an increase of $107.0 million, or 8.4 per cent from the 2007-08 Budget Estimate.

        One component of federal transfer payments to Saskatchewan is Equalization which was previously made to those provinces that had a below average capacity to raise revenue based on a five-province standard. Beginning in 2007-08 this determination is now based on a new Equalization formula.

        The new formula uses a ten-province standard and allows for the exclusion of 100 per cent of natural resource revenue when determining provincial entitlements. Entitlements are then limited by a fiscal capacity cap that requires the inclusion of 100 per cent of provincial natural resource revenue and limits each province’s entitlement to the level of the lowest non-receiving province. Total provincial Equalization entitlements for 2008-09 are announced to be approximately $14.1 billion.

        Saskatchewan received $226.1 million in Equalization entitlements in 2007-08 and will receive $0 in 2008-09 due to the recent strength of the province’s natural resource revenues.

        Unconditional federal transfer payments made under the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) and Canada Social Transfer (CST) are authorized by the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act, 1977. These federal programs provide “block funding” to all provinces in support of health care, post-secondary education and social assistance. There is no link between provincial expenditures and these transfers. Combined, these transfers are expected to be $1,145.9 million for 2008-09, an increase of $47.3 million, or 4.3 per cent, from the 2007-08 Budget Estimate of $1,098.6 million.

        The 2008-09 CHT Budget Estimate is $810.9 million, $50.2 million higher than the 2007-08 Budget Estimate. The increase is largely due to a 6 per cent increase in the federal CHT program. The payment increased further due to changes in provincial population and the value of Saskatchewan’s tax points.

        The 2008-09 CST Budget Estimate is $335.0 million, $2.9 million lower than the 2007-08 Budget Estimate. The decline is due to the CST program changing from an equal per capita cash plus tax transfer to an equal per capita cash transfer. A federal floor payment protected Saskatchewan from the full effect of the change.



22


General Revenue Fund Expense

        The following table provides a breakdown of the General Revenue Fund expense on government programs and services for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008, and includes the Budget Estimate for fiscal year 2009.

General Revenue Fund Expense 1, 2, 3
(unaudited)

      Fiscal Year Ended March 31      
        2004     2005     2006     2007     Actual
2008
    Budget
Estimate
2009
    Percentage
of Total
Revenue
2009
 
     

(Thousands)

           
Agriculture and Food     $ 332,388    $ 391,566    $ 422,390    $ 369,995    $ 302,197    $ 302,805      3.3 %  
Community Resources       605,027      603,048      630,819      711,193      615,032      631,446      6.9       
Environment       178,335      133,171      146,030      194,151      174,921      186,167      2.0       
Finance       235,598      242,537      247,447      258,964      284,463      298,534      3.3       
Servicing the Public Debt       602,702      578,847      544,666      538,303      528,185      535,000      5.9       
Health       2,515,823      2,773,961      2,990,625      3,202,965      3,504,333      3,745,333      41.1       
Highways and Transportation       293,732      255,249      263,938      307,310      353,684      372,090      4.1       
Justice       194,659      202,314      217,415      237,622      129,189      129,542      1.4       
Education 5       1,256,112      1,299,940      1,472,946      1,667,504      1,645,114      1,947,328      21.4       
Other Expense       554,039      546,070      741,810      757,245      1,027,158      968,635      10.6       
Total     $ 6,768,415    $ 7,026,703    $ 7,678,086    $ 8,245,252    $ 8,564,276    $ 9,116,880      100.0 %  
1  See "General Revenue Fund Statement of Operations and Accumulated Deficit" commencing on page 36.
2  Effective April 1, 2004, Budget estimates are provided on an expense basis. Actuals for prior years are provided on an expenditure
    basis and have not been restated to conform to the current year presentation. Refer to page 17 for an explanation of the change to the      expense basis of presentation.
3  Due to a government reorganization, 2008 Actual and 2009 Budget Estimate are stated on the new ministry structure of government.
   Actual expenses prior to 2008 have not been restated and remain based on the old departmental structure of government.
4  2009 Budget Estimate was revised by 2009 Further Estimates.
5  Includes the Ministries of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour and Education (including Teachers' Pensions and Benefits).

        In fiscal year 2009, 73.7 per cent of the General Revenue Fund estimated total expense is for transfer payments to individuals (e.g. social assistance) or organizations such as health authorities, school boards, and municipalities for their operating, pension and capital requirements. Government organizations account for 14.0 per cent of the estimated expense, 4.9 per cent is for benefits and pensions and 1.5 per cent is for the amortization of government owned assets and infrastructure. The remaining 5.9 per cent of the estimated total expense is for servicing government debt. General Revenue Fund expenses do not include debt servicing costs incurred by the Government on behalf of Crown entities which are responsible for reimbursing the General Revenue Fund.

        Agriculture.   The Ministry’s estimated total expense for fiscal year 2009 is $302.8 million, an increase of $1.8 million, or 0.6 per cent, from the fiscal year 2008 estimate. The increase largely reflects higher crop insurance program premiums due to higher forecast grain prices.

        Social Services.  The Ministry’s estimated total expense for fiscal year 2009 is $631.4 million, an increase of $9.7 million, or 1.6 per cent, from the fiscal year 2008 estimate. The increase primarily reflects increases for child protection, foster care and extended family care.

        Education (includes Advanced Education, Employment and Labour, Education and Teachers’ Pensions and Benefits).  The estimated total expense for fiscal year 2009 is $1,947.3 million, an increase of $317.0 million, or 19.4 per cent, from the fiscal year 2008 estimate. The increase primarily reflects increased funding for major capital and infrastructure upgrades, education property tax relief, school operating funding, the Teachers’ Superannuation Plan and a continued tuition freeze.

        Environment.  The Ministry’s estimated total expense for fiscal year 2009 is $186.2 million, an increase of $13.7 million, or 7.9 per cent, from the fiscal year 2008 estimate. The increase primarily reflects funding for Green Initiatives and recycling programs.



23


         Finance.  The Ministry’s estimated total expense for fiscal year 2009 is $298.5 million, an increase of $12.2 million, or 4.3 per cent, from the fiscal year 2008 estimate due mainly to increased costs for pension and benefit programs.

        Servicing Government Debt.  Costs for servicing government debt for fiscal year 2009 are estimated to be $535.0 million, a decrease of $25.0 million, or 4.5 per cent, from the fiscal year 2008 estimate. The decrease is mainly due to reduced in-year borrowing requirements.

        Health.   The Ministry’s estimated total expense for fiscal year 2009 is $3,745.3 million, an increase of $300.1 million, or 8.7 per cent, from the fiscal year 2008 estimate. The increase primarily reflects increased funding for regional health facility and equipment capital, health worker compensation, non-salary inflation and the Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan.

        Highways and Infrastructure.   The Ministry’s estimated total expense for fiscal year 2009 is $372.1 million, an increase of $24.8 million, or 7.1 per cent, from the fiscal year 2008 estimate. The increase primarily reflects increased funding for surface preservation.

        Justice and Attorney General.  The Ministry’s estimated total expense for fiscal year 2009 is $129.5 million, an increase of $4.4 million, or 3.5 per cent, from the fiscal year 2008 estimate due largely to salary and operating increases.

        Other Expenses.  The other category includes expenses for industry and economic development, government relations, aboriginal affairs and ministries serving central government functions. The category’s estimated total expense for fiscal year 2009 is $968.6 million, an increase of $108.4 million, or 12.6 per cent, from the fiscal year 2008 estimate primarily due to increases for municipal revenue sharing, policing, corrections, gaming agreements and tourism.

Transfers To (From) The Fiscal Stabilization Fund

        The 2000-01 Budget established the Fiscal Stabilization Fund (FSF) to safeguard the fiscal position of the Province from year to year. The FSF was established through legislation with an initial appropriation from the General Revenue Fund of $775.0 million in fiscal year 2001. The 2008-2009 Budget estimated no transfers to/from the FSF in fiscal year 2009.

        The Growth and Financial Security Act, passed on May 14, 2008, repealed The Balanced Budget Act, The Fiscal Stabilization Fund Act, and The Infrastructure Fund Act. On the coming into force of The Growth and Financial Security Act, the balance in the FSF was transferred to the Growth and Financial Security Fund (GFSF).

        The following table displays transfers to and from the FSF for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and includes the Budget Estimate for fiscal year 2009. Transfers into the FSF are shown as a positive number and transfers from the FSF are shown as a negative number.

Transfers To (From) The Fiscal Stabilization Fund

      Fiscal Year Ended March 31
        2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     Budget
Estimate
2009
 
      (Thousands)

Fiscal Stabilization Fund     $ (211,000 ) $ 382,500   $ 139,000   $ 0   $ 641,434     N/A  


24


Transfers To (From) The Saskatchewan Infrastructure Fund

        The Saskatchewan lnfrastructure Fund (SIF) was established at mid-year 2006-07 to support the provision of public infrastructure. The SIF was established through legislation with an initial appropriation from the General Revenue Fund of $100.0 million in fiscal year 2007. The 2008-2009 Budget estimated no transfers to/from the SIF in fiscal year 2009. On the coming into force of The Growth and Financial Security Act, the balance in the SIF was transferred to the GFSF.

        The following table displays transfers to and from the SIF for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and includes the Budget Estimate for fiscal year 2009. Transfers into the SIF are shown as a positive number and transfers from the SIF are shown as a negative number.

Transfers To (From) The Saskatchewan Infrastructure Fund

      Fiscal Year Ended March 31
        2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     Budget
Estimate
2009
 
      (Thousands)

Saskatchewan Infrastructure Fund       N/A     N/A     N/A   $ 105,090   $ 0     N/A  

Transfers To (From) The Growth and Financial Security Fund

        The Growth and Financial Security Fund (GFSF), was established with the passage of The Growth and Financial Security Act on May 14, 2008. The purpose of the GFSF is to assist in the achievement of the Government of Saskatchewan’s long-term objectives by providing for financial security of the Government of Saskatchewan from year to year and to provide a source of funds that are to be available for appropriation to be used for programs of the Government of Saskatchewan identified as promoting or enhancing the economic development of Saskatchewan. On the coming into force of The Growth and Financial Security Act, the balances in the Fiscal Stabilization Fund and the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Fund were transferred to the Growth and Financial Security Fund. The 2008-2009 Budget (including Further Estimates) estimated a net transfer of $0.4 million from the GFSF to the General Revenue Fund in fiscal year 2009.

        The following table displays transfers to and from the GFSF for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008 and includes the Budget Estimate for fiscal year 2009. Transfers into the GFSF are shown as a positive number and transfers from the GFSF are shown as a negative number.

Transfers To (From) The Growth and Financial Security Fund

      Fiscal Year Ended March 31
        2004     2005     2006     2007     2008     Budget
Estimate
2009
 
      (Thousands)

Growth and Financial Security Fund       N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A   $ (380 )

General Revenue Fund Investing Activities

        Investing activities of the General Revenue fund include loans to and investments in Crown entities and other organizations, individuals and agricultural land held for resale. Cash provided by investing activities for fiscal year 2008 was $77.8 million as compared to $29.4 million required in fiscal year 2007. Cash required for investing activities for fiscal year 2009 is estimated at $207.1 million. The changes in 2007 and 2008 are related primarily to changes in loans to Crown corporations and other loans.



25


Financing and Debt Management

        Saskatchewan’s financing activities involve the raising of funds through the issue and sale of Province of Saskatchewan securities, changes in deposits held and changes in cash and temporary investments. Funds raised are used to assist in the financing of the capital budgets of, and to provide a temporary credit facility for, Crown corporations as well as for general government purposes (which includes General Revenue Fund operations and other non-Crown corporation agencies). Crown corporations are responsible for reimbursing the General Revenue Fund for the costs of servicing the interest and principal associated with debt borrowed on their behalf. In addition to direct borrowing in the name of the Province, the Government provides loan guarantees for certain purposes such as bonds issued in the name of Crown corporations that are offered for sale to Saskatchewan residents.

        At March 31, 2008, gross debt of the General Revenue Fund amounted to $11,577.9 million as compared to $12,057.3 million at March 31, 2007. Approximately 32 per cent of the gross debt of the General Revenue Fund at March 31, 2008, was reimbursable from and was incurred for Crown corporations. Approximately 68 per cent of the General Revenue Fund gross debt at March 31, 2008, was incurred for general government purposes.

        Approximately 98 per cent of the gross debt of the General Revenue Fund was denominated in Canadian dollars while about 2 per cent was denominated in U.S. dollars at March 31, 2008. Included in the debt denominated in Canadian dollars are certain financing transactions that involved borrowing in foreign currencies and swapping or hedging the liability into Canadian dollars to eliminate the foreign exchange rate risk to the General Revenue Fund. (Foreign exchange adjustments resulted in a decrease in gross debt of $34.4 million at March 31, 2008, compared to a decrease of $3.9 million at March 31, 2007).

        Securities issued and sold include Province of Saskatchewan promissory notes and debentures. At March 31, 2008, promissory notes and debentures outstanding were $430.0 million and $11,147.9 million, respectively. Promissory notes and debentures outstanding at March 31, 2007, were $223.2 million and $11,834.1 million, respectively.

        During fiscal year 2008, the Government issued and sold $343.7 million in debentures for general government purposes. During the same period, the Government redeemed outstanding debentures issued for general government purposes totalling $638.8 million.

        During the year, $75.5 million in debentures were issued and sold for the purposes of Crown corporations. Redemptions of debentures issued for Crown corporations amounted to $432.3 million during fiscal 2008 and promissory notes outstanding for Crown corporations increased by $206.8 million.

        The Government’s sinking funds totalled $1,359.3 million at March 31, 2008. Contributions to the Government’s sinking funds amounted to $128.5 million in fiscal year 2008.



26


        The following table sets forth the debt of the General Revenue Fund (including guarantees) for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008.

      Total Debt 1
      At March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Thousands)
Promissory Notes                                  
   (for the purpose of)                                  
   Crown Corporations 2     $ 204,826   $ 202,626   $ 150,760   $ 109,660   $ 316,702  
   General Government Purposes 3       30,174     74     40     113,540     113,298  
Total 4       235,000     202,700     150,800     223,200     430,000  
Debentures                                  
   (for the purpose of)                                  
   Crown Corporations 2       3,618,515     3,616,114     3,788,094     3,799,607     3,442,836  
   General Government Purposes 3       8,737,885     8,254,082     7,994,414     8,034,489     7,705,073  
Total       12,356,400     11,870,196     11,782,508     11,834,096     11,147,909  
Gross Debt       12,591,400     12,072,896     11,933,308     12,057,296     11,577,909  
Less: Equity in Sinking Funds                                  
   (for the purpose of)                                  
   Crown Corporations       211,114     235,376     307,869     352,199     365,210  
   General Government Purposes 3       736,422     708,582     797,231     903,091     994,048  
Total       947,536     943,958     1,105,100     1,255,290     1,359,258  
        11,643,864     11,128,938     10,828,208     10,802,006     10,218,651  
Guaranteed Debt       113,408     55,996     46,122     34,359     25,227  
Debt  plus Guaranteed Debt     $ 11,757,272   $ 11,184,934   $ 10,874,330   $ 10,836,365   $ 10,243,878  
1   Debt repayable in foreign currency has been restated in Canadian dollar equivalents based on the exchange rate in effect on March 31 of     each year.
2  These enterprises are responsible for reimbursing the General Revenue Fund for the repayment of principal and interest.
3  Debt for General Government Purposes is incurred for the general purposes of, and is repayable out of, the General Revenue Fund.


27


        The following table sets forth the allocation of gross debt of the General Revenue Fund for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008.

      Gross Debt by Allocation 1
      At March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Thousands)
Crown Corporations                                  
   Agricultural Credit Corporation of Saskatchewan     $ 9,100   $ 0   $ 0   $ 0   $ 0  
   Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan    60,880     47,000     36,500     24,547     13,547  
   Investment Saskatchewan Inc.       20,919     20,919     20,919     10,919     3,919  
   Municipal Financing Corporation of Saskatchewan    14,391     12,148     13,301     22,276     26,230  
   Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation       177,000     221,579     153,000     115,800     100,000  
   Saskatchewan Housing Corporation       83,004     83,004     83,004     83,004     83,004  
   Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation       156,968     0     3,000     18,000     31,844  
   Saskatchewan Power Corporation       2,093,792     2,236,451     2,457,131     2,525,322     2,359,597  
   Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation       5,500     0     0     0     0  
   Saskatchewan Telecommunications                                  
      Holding Corporation       412,521     393,574     393,574     360,976     347,379  
   Saskatchewan Water Corporation       57,579     60,336     33,391     34,970     41,074  
   SaskEnergy Incorporated       731,687     743,729     745,034     713,453     752,944  
Total Crown Corporations       3,823,341     3,818,740     3,938,854     3,909,267     3,759,538  
General Government Purposes       8,768,059     8,254,156     7,994,454     8,148,029     7,818,371  
Gross Debt     $ 12,591,400   $ 12,072,896   $ 11,933,308   $ 12,057,296   $ 11,577,909  
1  Debt repayable in foreign currency has been restated in Canadian dollar equivalents based on the exchange rate in effect on March 31 each
    year.


28


        The following table sets forth the composition of debentures issued and redeemed by the General Revenue Fund for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008.

Composition of Debentures Issued and Redeemed 1
(unaudited)

      Fiscal Year Ended March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Millions)
Total Debentures Issued     $ 1,124.4    $ 986.5    $ 829.5    $ 1,348.8    $ 419.2   
Total Debentures Redeemed       480.0      1,362.6      962.5      1,293.3      1,071.0   
Increase (Decrease) in Debentures     $ 644.4    $ (376.1)   $ (133.0)   $ 55.5    $ (651.8)  
1  All foreign currency debt has been stated in the equivalent Canadian funds based on the exchange rate in effect on March 31 of each year.

        The following table sets forth the composition of outstanding debentures of the General Revenue Fund for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008.

Composition of Debentures Outstanding 1

      Fiscal Year Ended March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Millions)
Debentures Outstanding                                  
To the Public     $ 11,274.8    $ 10,892.9    $ 10,897.1    $ 10,982.7    $ 10,349.3   
To the Canada Pension Plan       1,081.6      977.3      885.4      851.4      798.6   
Other Obligations       0.0      0.0      0.0      0.0      0.0   
Total     $ 12,356.4    $ 11,870.2    $ 11,782.5    $ 11,834.1   $ 11,147.9  
1  All foreign currency debt has been stated in the equivalent Canadian funds based on the exchange rate in effect on March 31 of each year.

        The Canada Pension Plan (“CPP”) is a compulsory national pension plan in which residents of all provinces, except Quebec, participate. Prior to January 1, 1998, surplus contributions to the CPP were invested in non-marketable securities issued by participating provinces, provincially guaranteed Crown corporations and the federal government. The rate of interest charged by the CPP was generally lower than the rate available to the Saskatchewan government in the public market for debt of comparable maturity as CPP rates were based on the federal government long term, public market borrowing costs.

        In 1997, the federal government passed legislation which took effect January 1, 1998 and changed the nature of CPP borrowing. The legislation specifies that surplus CPP funds must be invested in a diversified portfolio of securities, at arm’s length from government. While provinces continue to have access to CPP funds, they are now required to pay rates comparable to their own cost of borrowing, rather than the federal long term rate.

        Provincial securities sold to the CPP prior to July 1, 2005 are payable 20 years after their respective dates of issue. Effective July 1, 2005, no new loan capital is available to provinces. However, provinces are permitted to roll over maturing securities and may choose the term of the new securities within the parameters of not less than five years and not more than 30 years.

        The securities are not negotiable, transferable or assignable but, if issued prior to July 1, 2005, may be redeemed by the CPP in whole or in part, before maturity, under certain circumstances. The securities are callable in whole or in part, before maturity, at the option of the Province.



29


        The following table summarizes various Provincial Government debt indicators at year end for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008.

Debt Indicators
(unaudited)

      At March 31
       


2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
Total debt of the General Revenue Fund                                  
   Per Capita 1     $ 11,818   $ 11,298   $ 11,012   $ 10,870   $ 10,276  
   As a Percentage of Saskatchewan Gross Domestic                                  
      Product 2       32.0%     27.9%     25.0%     23.6%     20.1%  
Total debt of the General Revenue Fund -                                  
   General Government Purpose Portion 3                                  
   Per Capita 1     $ 8,181   $ 7,677   $ 7,334   $ 7,301   $ 6,870  
   As a Percentage of General Revenue Fund Revenue       124.1%     97.5%     88.1%     84.2%     72.9%  
   As a Percentage of Saskatchewan Gross Domestic                                  
      Product 2       22.2%     19.0%     16.6%     15.9%     13.4%  
Annual Interest Payments on the General                                  
   Government Purpose Portion of Gross Debt of                                  
   the General Revenue Fund                                  
   As a Percentage of General Revenue Fund Revenue       9.2%     7.4%     6.6%     6.2%     5.6%  
1  Debt plus guaranteed debt per capita for 2004 through 2008 are calculated by dividing the debt at March 31 by the population of the     Province on July 1 of the same calendar year.
2  Debt plus guaranteed debt as a percentage of Saskatchewan's GDP are calculated by dividing the debt at March 31 by the Province's
    current GDP for the previous calendar year.
3  Debt plus guaranteed debt of the General Revenue Fund - General Government Purpose Portion does not include debt incurred by the
    General Revenue Fund on behalf of Crown entities for which the crown entities are responsible for reimbursing the General Revenue Fund.

        The following table sets forth the debt maturity schedule, by principal amount and currency of payment, of the General Revenue Fund gross debt at March 31, 2008.

Debt Maturity Schedule

Fiscal Year
ending March 31
     

Canadian
Dollar Debt

   

U.S. Dollar Debt
(Canadian Dollars)1

   

Total
(Canadian Dollars)

 
      (Thousands)
2009     $ 1,044.4   $ 0.0   $ 1,044.4  
2010       933.4     0.0     933.4  
2011       651.0     0.0     651.0  
2012       265.4     0.0     265.4  
2013       1,165.9     0.0     1,165.9  
1 - 5 years     $ 4,060.1   $ 0.0   $ 4,060.1  
2014-2018       2,704.3     51.4     2,755.7  
2019-2023       1,180.3     231.3     1,411.6  
2024-2028       226.4     0.0     226.4  
2029-2033       1,185.0     0.0     1,185.0  
2034-2038       1,289.1     0.0     1,289.1  
After 2038       650.0     0.0     650.0  
      $ 11,295.2   $ 282.7   $ 11,577.9  
1  Debentures repayable in U.S. dollars of $275.0 million have been converted to Canadian dollars at the exchange rate in effect at
    March 31, 2008.  (U.S. dollars - $1.0279)


30


        The following table sets forth the General Revenue Fund gross debt characteristics at March 31, 2008.

Debt Characteristics
(unaudited)

As a
Percentage
    of Total    
Weighted Average
Term To
Maturity 1
    (years)   
 
Weighted Average
Interest Rate 1
Public Debentures 2       89%     12.38     6.48%  
Canada Pension Plan Debentures       7%     6.57     8.00%  
Promissory Notes       4%     0.04     2.32%  
Gross Debt       100%     11.52     6.43%  
1  Weighted by the total principal amount of each loan issue.
2  Includes other debentures.

        Interest on the General Revenue Fund debt amounted to $787.2 million in fiscal year 2008. Of this amount, $266.5 million ($4.6 million short term and $261.9 million long term) was reimbursed by the Crown corporations. The non-reimbursable portion of gross interest expense was $520.7 million.

        Debt guaranteed by the General Revenue Fund amounted to $25.2 million at March 31, 2008, compared to $34.4 million at March 31, 2007. This decrease was due primarily to debt reduction of $6.1 million in NewGrade Energy Inc. (NewGrade) ($0.0 million debt outstanding at March 31, 2008).

        The following table sets forth this guaranteed debt for the five fiscal years ended March 31, 2008.

Guaranteed Debt

      At March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Millions)

Guaranteed Debt     $ 113.4   $ 56.0   $ 46.1   $ 34.4   $ 25.2  

        Guaranteed debt is reported net of loss provisions (2008 — $0.5 million; 2007 — $0.5 million; 2006 — $0.5 million; 2005 — $1.4 million; 2004 — $1.5 million).

        The major decrease in guaranteed debt between March 31, 2004, and March 31, 2008, is due to the elimination of the liability for NewGrade debt ($42.2 million) and the elimination of the liability for Saskferco Products Inc. debt ($36.1 million).

        Authority for the Government to guarantee the debt of others must be provided in specific legislation since no general statutory authority exists. The Financial Administration Act, 1993 provides that no department, board, commission or agent of the Government shall provide a guarantee or a program of guarantees of loans or other liabilities by which guarantee or program of guarantees the Government of Saskatchewan would be liable to make any payment with respect to the loans or liabilities, unless the guarantee or program of guarantees, as the case may be, has received the prior approval of the Minister of Finance. Certain Crown corporations located within the Province are separately authorized to provide guarantees of the debt of others. Such guarantees are not contingent liabilities of the General Revenue Fund, and the amounts so guaranteed are not included in the above table or in the financial statements of the General Revenue Fund.



31


        The Government of Saskatchewan provided Royal Trust with a guarantee and indemnity in 1983 respecting the liability and obligations of CIC Mineral Interest Corporation pursuant to each of two lease agreements of CIC Mining Corporation (previously the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Mining Limited) for the purchase of mining equipment. The Government has been released from all such guarantees but remains contingently liable for indemnity related to damages caused by the equipment and provisions governing the payment of taxes for the period during which its guarantees to Royal Trust were in place.

Debt Record

        The Government has always paid the full face amount of the principal of and interest on every direct obligation issued by it and every indirect obligation on which it has been required to meet its guarantee, all promptly when due in the lawful currency of the country where payable at the time of payment thereof, subject during wartime to any applicable laws and regulations forbidding trading with the enemy.

Other Public Sector Debt

        The General Revenue Fund financial statements do not disclose the debt of all public entities located within the Province. Responsibility for a variety of provincial functions and powers has been transferred to local government bodies, including regional health authorities, municipalities, school boards and certain other local authorities. Regional health authorities may raise money for their purposes through certain service charges. The authorities have power to borrow money up to a prescribed amount above which the approval of the Minister of Health is required. Other local bodies raise money for their purposes, in the case of municipalities by way of direct levy on persons or property within their jurisdiction or, in other cases, by requisition on municipalities, and may have power to borrow money, subject to the approval of the Saskatchewan Municipal Board. The Saskatchewan Municipal Board is an autonomous regulatory body established by Provincial statute with broad powers to regulate local government activity.

        Notwithstanding that significant financial assistance for operating and capital expenditures is made available to local government bodies by appropriation of the Legislative Assembly, the activities of local government bodies, including borrowing, are conducted independently of the Government. The Government is not directly or contingently liable for debt incurred by these bodies (with the exception of certain debt of certain regional health authorities), and, relative to the gross debt of the General Revenue Fund and the GDP of the Province, debt incurred by these bodies is not significant.



32


GENERAL REVENUE FUND SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

              Page  
I.     General Revenue Fund Statement of Financial Position       34  
II.     General Revenue Fund Statement of Operations and Accumulated Deficit       36  
III.     General Revenue Fund Statement of Change in Net Debt       39  
IV.     General Revenue Fund Statement of Investing Activities       40  
V.     General Revenue Fund Statement of Cash Flow       42  
VI.     General Revenue Fund Notes to the Financial Statements       43  

        The information contained in the following tables and notes, except for information marked as unaudited, has been derived from the financial statements of the General Revenue Fund, which have been examined by the Provincial Auditor for the five years ended March 31, 2008.



33


Government of the Province of Saskatchewan

General Revenue Fund Statement of Financial Position 1-7

      At March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Thousands of dollars)
Financial Assets                                  
   Cash and temporary investments     $ 501,675    $ 859,587    $ 1,027,206    $ 414,469    $ 821,475   
   Prepaid expenses       2,221                   
   Accounts receivable       575,364      657,480      629,062      700,198      736,377   
   Agricultural land held for resale       108,086      106,508      105,343      103,447      98,998   
   Deferred charges       50,014      55,442      39,382      22,335      19,236   
   Loans to Crown corporations       3,612,227      3,583,364      3,630,985      3,557,068      3,394,328   
   Other loans       121,478      128,911      132,192      129,767      129,635   
   Equity investment in Crown Investments                                  
      Corporation of Saskatchewan       1,181,152      1,181,152      1,181,152      1,181,152      1,181,152   
Total Financial Assets       6,152,217      6,572,444      6,745,322      6,108,436      6,381,201   
Liabilities                                  
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities       983,792      1,300,639      1,339,590      1,384,259      1,653,449   
   Deposits held       570,798      981,615      1,161,000      310,893      385,388   
   Unearned revenue       57,798      62,776      69,298      69,520      72,823   
   Public Debt (net of sinking fund equity)       11,643,864      11,128,938      10,828,208      10,802,006      10,218,651   
   Unamortized foreign exchange gain (loss)       (50,030)     (21,136)     (16,828)     (12,573)     606   
Total Liabilities       13,206,222      13,452,832      13,381,268      12,554,105      12,330,917   
Net Debt       (7,054,005)     (6,880,388)     (6,635,946)     (6,445,669)     (5,949,716)  
Non-financial Assets                                  
   Prepaid expenses           2,113      6,102      6,299      6,685   
   Inventories held for consumption           57,435      66,784      74,626      85,269   
   Tangible capital assets           1,773,630      2,240,259      2,363,518      2,497,971   
Total Non-financial Assets           1,833,178      2,313,145      2,444,443      2,589,925   
Accumulated Deficit     $ (7,054,005)   $ (5,047,210)   $ (4,322,801)   $ (4,001,226)   $ (3,359,791)  

1 The Government also prepares summary financial statements. The Government’s summary financial statements provide a full accounting of the financial affairs and resources of all entities for which the Government is responsible. The financial transactions of the General Revenue Fund and provincial Crown corporations, agencies, boards, and commissions are included in the Government’s summary financial statements. The Government’s summary financial statements are included in Exhibit (e) Volume 1 of the Public Accounts.
2 In his opinion on the 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 General Revenue Fund financial statements, the Provincial Auditor directs the reader to refer to the Government’s summary financial statements to understand and assess the Government’s management of public financial affairs and resources as a whole.
3 The General Revenue Fund’s financial statements for 2004 are accompanied by a report of the Provincial Auditor which provides that, except for the effects of the following reservations, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the General Revenue Fund as at March 31:
  a. It is the auditor’s opinion that pension liabilities should be recorded in the financial statements. Had pension liabilities been recorded, liabilities and accumulated deficit would increase by $4,023 million and expenditure would increase and surplus for the year would decrease by $47 million.
  b. The financial statements show a liability of $366 million owed to the Fiscal Stabilization Fund and revenue of $211 million from the Fiscal Stabilization Fund. It is the auditor’s opinion that, instead of recording revenue of $211 million, the financial statements should show an asset of $366 million owed from the Fiscal Stabilization Fund. Had this been done, financial assets would increase and accumulated deficit would decrease by $366 million, and revenue and surplus for the year would decrease by $211 million.
  c. It is the auditor’s opinion that loans to Crown corporations include $32 million that should be recorded as an expenditure as they can only be repaid if the Government provides money to repay the loans. Had this amount been recorded as an expenditure, loans receivable from Crown corporations would decrease and accumulated deficit would increase by $32 million. Also, expenditure would increase and surplus for the year would decrease by $12 million.
4 The General Revenue Fund’s financial statements for 2005 are accompanied by a report of the Provincial Auditor which provides that, except for the effects of the following reservations, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the General Revenue Fund as at March 31:
  a. It is the auditor’s opinion that pension liabilities should be recorded in the financial statements. Had pension liabilities been recorded, liabilities and accumulated deficit would increase by $4,143 million and operating expense would increase and surplus would decrease by $120 million.
  b. The financial statements show a liability of $749 million owed to the Fiscal Stabilization Fund and an expense of $383 million to the Fiscal Stabilization Fund. It is the auditor’s opinion that, instead of recording an expense of $383 million, the financial statements should record an asset of $749 million owed from the Fiscal Stabilization Fund. Had this been done, financial assets would increase and accumulated deficit would decrease by $749 million, and operating expense would decrease and surplus would increase by $383 million.


34


  c. It is the auditor’s opinion that loans to Crown corporations include $44 million that should be recorded as an expense as they can only be repaid if the Government provides money to repay the loans. Had this amount been recorded as an expense, loans receivable from Crown corporations would decrease and accumulated deficit would increase by $44 million. Also, operating expense would increase and surplus would decrease by $12 million.
5 The General Revenue Fund’s financial statements for 2006 are accompanied by a report of the Provincial Auditor which provides that, except for the effects of the following reservations, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the General Revenue Fund as at March 31:
  a. It is the auditor’s opinion that pension liabilities should be recorded in the financial statements. Had pension liabilities been recorded, liabilities and accumulated deficit would increase by $4,246 million and expenses would increase and surplus would decrease by $103 million.
  b. The financial statements show a liability of $888 million owed to the Fiscal Stabilization Fund and an expense of $139 million to the Fiscal Stabilization Fund. It is the auditor’s opinion that, instead of recording an expense, the financial statements should record an asset equal to the liability it records. Had this been done, financial assets would increase and accumulated deficit would decrease by $888 million, and transfer to the Fiscal Stabilization Fund would decrease and surplus would increase by $139 million.
  c. It is the auditor’s opinion that loans receivable from Crown corporations include $24 million that should be recorded as an expense as they can only be repaid if the Government provides money from the General Revenue Fund to repay the loans. Had this amount been recorded as an expense, loans receivable from Crown corporations would decrease and accumulated deficit would increase by $24 million. Also, operating expense would decrease and surplus would increase by $20 million.
6 The General Revenue Fund’s financial statements for 2007 are accompanied by a report of the Provincial Auditor which provides that, except for the effects of the following reservations, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the General Revenue Fund as at March 31:
  a. It is the auditor’s opinion that pension liabilities should be recorded in the financial statements. Had pension liabilities been recorded, liabilities and accumulated deficit would increase by $4,659 million and expenses would increase and surplus would decrease by $413 million.
  b. The Government records transactions between the General Revenue Fund and the Fiscal Stabilization Fund and the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Fund as revenue or expense of the General Revenue Fund. It is the auditor’s opinion that, instead of recording an expense, the financial statements should record an asset equal to the amount it owed or paid to these funds. Had this been done, financial assets would increase and accumulated deficit would decrease by $993 million, and transfer to the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Fund would decrease and surplus would increase by $105 million.
7 The General Revenue Fund’s financial statements for 2008 are accompanied by a report of the Provincial Auditor which provides that, except for the effects of the following reservations, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the General Revenue Fund as at March 31:
  a. It is the auditor’s opinion that pension liabilities should be recorded in the financial statements. Had pension liabilities been recorded, liabilities and accumulated deficit would increase by $5,088 million and, for the year, expenses would increase and surplus would decrease by $429 million.
  b. The Government records transactions between the General Revenue Fund and the Fiscal Stabilization Fund and the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Fund as revenue or expense of the General Revenue Fund. It is the auditor’s opinion that, instead of recording an expense, the financial statements should record an asset equal to the amount it owed or paid to these funds. Had this been done, financial assets would increase and accumulated deficit would decrease by $1,634 million, and, for the year, transfer to the Fiscal Stabilization Fund would decrease and surplus would increase by $641 million.

(see accompanying notes)



35


Government of the Province of Saskatchewan

General Revenue Fund Statement of Operations and Accumulated Deficit 1

      For the Year Ended March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
    (Thousands of dollars)
Revenue                                  
Taxation                                  
   Corporation capital     $ 371,479    $ 381,289    $ 524,650    $ 513,458    $ 430,604   
   Corporation income       310,573      257,679      393,629      554,001      673,641   
   Fuel       356,773      361,039      376,426      383,576      406,434   
   Individual income       1,245,763      1,329,081      1,447,905      1,668,538      1,938,258   
   Sales       854,480      985,079      1,112,350      1,079,794      995,995   
   Tobacco       176,747      187,029      171,107      190,334      190,412   
   Other       81,881      88,019      89,751      94,844      98,129   
Total Taxation       3,397,696      3,589,215      4,115,818      4,484,545      4,733,473   
Non-renewable Resources                                  
   Natural gas       210,455      212,440      269,074      165,131      133,780   
   Oil       774,488      906,938      1,124,952      1,318,852      1,665,267   
   Potash       120,179      305,494      277,967      161,729      432,770   
   Other       35,840      49,319      49,106      48,540      93,299   
Total Non-renewable Resources       1,140,962      1,474,191      1,721,099      1,694,252      2,325,116   
Transfers from Government Entities                                  
   Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan       200,000      268,000      221,000      167,000      200,000   
   Liquor and Gaming Authority       360,766      361,044      351,673      370,053      399,531   
   Other enterprises and funds       53,484      55,420      41,214      50,043      53,623   
Total Transfers from Government Entities       614,250      684,464      613,887      587,096      653,154   
Other Own-source Revenue                                  
   Fines, forfeits and penalties       10,534      10,276      9,788      10,173      11,225   
   Interest, premium, discount and exchange       61,228      54,735      89,226      96,062      101,969   
   Motor vehicle fees       119,412      121,549      135,183      138,908      140,631   
   Other licences and permits       46,426      54,154      41,800      36,787      35,927   
   Sales, services and service fees       91,960      84,548      89,389      93,332      94,936   
   Transfers from other governments       19,294      16,668      16,860      17,368      15,107   
   Commercial operations           5,625      64,724      69,575      78,664   
   Other       23,684      30,096      54,413      26,119      54,382   
Total Other Own-source Revenue       372,538      377,651      501,383      488,324      532,841   
Total Own-source Revenue       5,525,446      6,125,521      6,952,187      7,254,217      8,244,584   
Transfers from the Federal Government                                  
   Canada Health and Social Transfer       750,558                   
   Canada Health Transfer           452,396      659,558      716,775      739,648   
   Canada Social Transfer           262,742      298,756      323,599      325,098   
   Health Reform Fund           46,732               
   Equalization       41,284      581,570      88,672      12,723      226,146   
   Other       241,110      322,859      218,379      335,732      311,669   
Total Transfers from the Federal Government       1,032,952      1,666,299      1,265,365      1,388,829      1,602,561   
Total Revenue     $ 6,558,398    $ 7,791,820    $ 8,217,552    $ 8,643,046    $ 9,847,145   


(see accompanying notes)




36


Government of the Province of Saskatchewan

General Revenue Fund Statement of Operations and Accumulated Deficit (continued)

      For the Year Ended March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Thousands of dollars)
Operating Expense                                  
Executive Branch of Government                                  
   Advanced Education, Employment and Labour     $   $   $   $ 689,414    $ 685,163   
   Agriculture               422,390      369,995      302,197   
   Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization       332,388      391,566               
   Centenary Fund       27,843                   
   Corrections, Public Safety and Policing       117,596      119,456      140,205      163,078      305,417   
   Education       1,256,112      1,299,940      1,472,946      978,090      959,951   
   Energy and Resources       71,514      75,627      62,395      67,862      56,268   
   Enterprise and Innovation               8,142      11,361      54,040   
   Environment       178,335      133,171      146,030      194,151      174,921   
   Executive Council       7,119      7,545      8,569      9,311      12,562   
   Finance       235,598      242,537      247,447      258,964      284,463   
   First Nations and Metis Relations               48,314      59,842      70,958   
   Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs 2       187,003      193,120               
   Government Services               (765)     13,993      8,654   
   Government Services - commercial operations               58,384      63,248      70,312   
   Health       2,515,823      2,773,961      2,990,625      3,202,965      3,504,333   
   Highways and Infrastructure       293,732      255,249      263,938      307,310      353,684   
   Highways and Infrastructure - commercial operations       5,583      5,715      4,198      6,542   
   Information Technology Office       3,089      4,144      4,853      6,812      5,362   
   Information Technology Office - commercial operations             89      27   
   Intergovernmental Affairs                       2,757   
   Justice and Attorney General       194,659      202,314      217,415      237,622      129,189   
   Labour       13,779      14,172      14,751      15,369       
   Municipal Affairs               198,236      207,534      214,871   
   Northern Affairs       4,883      4,902      5,184      5,351       
   Provincial Secretary                       2,750   
   Public Service Commission       8,515      8,263      8,908      15,868      39,234   
   Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation       22,108      24,278               
   Saskatchewan Research Council       7,964      7,779      12,390      8,446      8,992   
   SaskEnergy Incorporated               74,700      7,000       
   Social Services       605,027      603,048      630,819      711,193      615,032   
   Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport       47,668      52,958      62,662      67,004      125,309   
Legislative Branch of Government                                  
   Chief Electoral Officer       7,779      794      809      1,281      10,852   
   Children's Advocate               1,195      1,298      1,624   
   Conflict of Interest Commissioner       102      107      114      128      136   
   Information and Privacy Commissioner       290      373      487      599      675   
   Legislative Assembly       18,295      18,462      18,987      19,740      21,389   
   Ombudsman               1,643      1,779      1,911   
   Ombudsman and Children's Advocate       2,737      2,752               
   Provincial Auditor       5,755      5,755      5,932      6,054      6,516   
Total Operating Expense       6,165,713      6,447,856      7,133,420      7,706,949      8,036,091   


37


Government of the Province of Saskatchewan

General Revenue Fund Statement of Operations and Accumulated Deficit (concluded)

      For the Year Ended March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Thousands of dollars)
Operating Surplus       392,685      1,343,964      1,084,132      936,097      1,811,054   
Servicing Government Debt       (602,702)     (578,847)     (544,666)     (538,303)     (528,185)  
Pre-transfer Surplus (Deficit)       (210,017)     765,117      539,466      397,794      1,282,869   
Transfer from (to) the Fiscal Stabilization Fund       211,000     (382,500)     (139,000)     0     (641,434)  
Transfer to the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Fund                   (105,090)      
Surplus     $ 983    $ 382,617    $ 400,466    $ 292,704    $ 641,435   
Accumulated Deficit, Beginning of Year       (7,008,901)     (7,054,005)     (5,047,210)     (4,322,801)     (4,001,226)  
Adjustment to accumuated deficit       (46,087)     1,624,178      323,943      28,871       
Accumulated Deficit, End of Year     $ (7,054,005)   $ (5,047,210)   $ (4,322,801)   $ (4,001,226)   $ (3,359,791)  
1  See Notes 1-7 commencing on page 34.
2  For 2005, Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs reflects expenses for the Department of Government Relations and the
    Department of First Nations and Metis Relations.


(See accompanying notes)



38


Government of the Province of Saskatchewan

General Revenue Fund Statement of Change in Net Debt 1-2

      For the year ended March 31
       

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Thousands of dollars)
Surplus     $ 382,617    $ 400,466    $ 292,704    $ 641,435   
Tangible Capital Assets                            
   Acquisitions       (149,751)     (221,278)     (249,510)     (284,623)  
   Amortization       103,411      134,530      141,657      146,621   
   Net (gain) loss on disposal       143      (391)     12,722      469   
   Proceeds on disposal       133      3,243      1,569      2,744   
   Write downs           2,927      82      1,499   
Net Acquisition of Tangible Capital Assets       (46,064)     (80,969)     (93,480)     (133,290)  
Other Non-financial Assets                            
   Net (acquisition) use of prepaid expenses       108      337      (197)     (386)  
   Net acquisition of inventories held for consumption       (2,964)     (5,862)     (7,842)     (10,643)  
Net Acquisition of Other Non-financial Assets       (2,856)     (5,525)     (8,039)     (11,029)  
Decrease in net debt       333,697      313,972      191,185      497,116   
Net Debt, beginning of year       (7,054,005)     (6,880,388)     (6,635,946)     (6,445,669)  
Transfers from government organizations       (157,859)     (69,530)     (908)     (1,163)  
Reclassification of prepaid expenditures to non-financial assets       (2,221)              
Net Debt, End of Year     $ (6,880,388)   $ (6,635,946)   $ (6,445,669)   $ (5,949,716)  
1  See Notes 1-7 commencing on page 34.
2  This is a new statement introduced in the 2004-05 fiscal year. It reconciles the annual surplus calculated on an expense basis to
    the annual change in net debt and is part of the new presentation that introduced non-financial assets as a separate category of
    assets on the Statement of Financial Position.


(See accompanying notes)



39


General Revenue Fund Statement of Investing Activities1

      For the Year Ended March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Thousands of dollars)
Receipts                                  
Loans                                  
   Agricultural Credit Corporation of Saskatchewan     $ 14,517    $ 9,100    $   $   $  
   Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan       3,726      13,880      10,500      30,000      11,000   
   Investment Saskatchewan Inc.               0     10,000      7,000   
   Municipal Financing Corporation of Saskatchewan       3,407      9,391      3,847          4,946   
   Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation               68,579      37,200      15,800   
   Saskatchewan Housing Corporation       16,951                   
   Saskatchewan Power Corporation       140,935      149,929      86,312      31,809      330,725   
   Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation           5,500               
   Saskatchewan Telecommunications    
      Holding Corporation       22,641      14,497          32,598      13,597   
   Saskatchewan Water Corporation       714      764      34,012      876      1,496   
   SaskEnergy Incorporated       30,799      37,958      101,195      32,681      80,000   
   Other       73,279      60,810      60,224      60,855      55,883   
Total Loan Receipts       306,969      301,829      364,669      236,019      520,447   
Sinking Funds                                  
   Contributions received from Crown Corporations       24,608      25,729      69,045      32,411      60,656   
   Government debt redemption funded from sinking funds     30,234      120,577      30,912           
Total Sinking Fund Receipts       54,842      146,306      99,957      32,411      60,656   
Other Investing Activities       1,635      1,443      905      1,509      4,021   
Total Receipts     $ 363,446    $ 449,578    $ 465,531    $ 269,939    $ 585,124   

(See accompanying notes)



40


Government of the Province of Saskatchewan

General Revenue Fund Statement of Investing Activities (concluded)

      For the Year Ended March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Thousands of dollars)
Disbursements                                  
Loans                                  
   Education Infrastructure Financing Corporation     $ 39,674    $   $   $   $  
   Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan                   18,047       
   Municipal Financing Corporation of Saskatchewan       5,000      7,148      5,000      8,975      8,900   
   Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation       64,000      44,579               
   Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation       11,168          3,000      15,000      13,844   
   Saskatchewan Power Corporation       300,000      350,000      250,000      100,000      165,000   
   Saskatchewan Water Corporation       5,027      3,521      7,067      2,455      7,600   
   SaskEnergy Incorporated           50,000      102,500      1,100      119,491   
   Other       74,766      70,412      64,738      58,567      63,954   
Total Loan Disbursements       499,635      525,660      432,305      204,144      378,789   
Sinking Fund Contributions       83,424      91,273      135,070      95,132      128,549   
Other Investing Activities           63      13      20      34   
Total Disbursements     $ 583,066    $ 616,996    $ 567,388    $ 299,296    $ 507,372   
Net Receipts (Disbursements)     $ (219,620)   $ (167,418)   $ (101,857)   $ (29,357)   $ 77,752   
1  See Notes 1-7 commencing on page 34.


(See accompanying notes)



41


Government of the Province of Saskatchewan

General Revenue Fund Statement of Cash Flow 1

      For the Year Ended March 31
       

2004

   

2005

   

2006

   

2007

   

2008

 
      (Thousands of dollars)
Operating Activities                                  
Surplus     $ 983    $ 382,617    $ 400,466    $ 292,704    $ 641,435   
Non-cash items included in surplus       36,577      58,538      75,973      111,308      111,831   
Net change in non-cash operating activities       104,065      231,425      6,067      (17,237)     228,384   
Adjustment to accumulated deficit       (46,087)         10,513           
Cash Provided by Operating Activities       95,538      672,580      493,019      386,775      981,650   
Capital Activities                                  
Acquisition of tangible capital assets           (149,751)     (221,278)     (249,510)     (284,623)  
Proceeds on disposal of tangible capital assets           133      3,243      1,569      2,744   
Cash Used for Capital Activities           (149,618)     (218,035)     (247,941)     (281,879)  
Investing Activities                                  
Loan Advances       (499,635)     (525,660)     (432,305)     (204,144)     (378,789)  
Loan Repayments       306,969      301,829      364,669      236,019      520,447   
Sinking fund contributions received                                  
   from Crown corporations       24,608      25,729      69,045      32,411      60,656   
Contributions made to sinking funds       (83,424)     (91,273)     (135,070)     (95,132)     (128,549)  
Government debt redemption funded from sinking funds   30,234      120,577      30,912           
Other       1,628      1,380      892      1,489      3,987   
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities       (219,620)     (167,418)     (101,857)     (29,357)     77,752   
Financing Activities                                  
   Proceeds from debt       1,124,423      986,501      829,511      1,421,164      626,029   
   Repayment of debt       (642,482)     (1,394,950)     (1,014,404)     (1,293,271)     (1,071,041)  
   Increase (Decrease) in deposits held       (209,186)     410,817      179,385      (850,107)     74,495   
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities       272,755      2,368      (5,508)     (722,214)     (370,517)  
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and                                  
   Temporary investments       148,673      357,912      167,619      (612,737)     407,006   
Cash and temporary investments                                  
   beginning of year       353,002      501,675      859,587      1,027,206      414,469   
Cash and Temporary Investments,                                  
   End of Year     $ 501,675    $ 859,587    $ 1,027,206    $ 414,469    $ 821,475   
1  See Notes 1-7 commencing on page 34.

(See accompanying notes)



42


Government of the Province of Saskatchewan
General Revenue Fund Statement of Financial Position

As at March 31, 2008

1. Significant Accounting Policies

(a) Basis of accounting

        These financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for the public sector, as recommended by the Public Sector Accounting Board of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, with the following exceptions:

transfers to and from the Fiscal Stabilization Fund and the Saskatchewan Infrastructure Fund are included in the determination of surplus for the year; and,
pension liabilities are not recorded in the financial statements. The General Revenue Fund accounts for defined benefit pension obligations on a cash basis.

(b) Reporting entity

        The General Revenue Fund is the general fund which receives all revenues unless otherwise specified by law. Spending from the General Revenue Fund is appropriated by the Legislative Assembly.

        Other government entities such as special purpose funds, Crown corporations, and other agencies, report separately in other financial statements. Only financial transactions to or from these other entities are included in the General Revenue Fund. The net expenses/recoveries for revolving funds’ operations are charged to expense.

        The Government’s Summary financial statements which include the financial activities of the General Revenue Fund and other government entities are provided separately.

(c) Specific accounting policies

Financial assets

        Financial assets are assets that could be used to discharge existing liabilities or finance future operations and are not for consumption in the normal course of operations.

        Temporary investments are recorded at the lower of cost or market.

        Agricultural land held for resale is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, on an aggregate basis.

        Deferred charges include issue costs and net discounts or premiums incurred on the issue of Government debt and related derivative instruments. They are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the debt issue.

        Loans to Crown corporations and Other loans generally have fixed repayment terms and are interest bearing. Promissory notes issued by Crown corporations are recorded at par; all other loans are recorded at cost. Interest received on these loans is netted against interest paid on money borrowed for these loans.

        Equity investment in Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan is an advance to the corporation to form its equity capitalization and is recorded at cost.

        Where there has been a loss in value that is other than a temporary decline, loans and equity investments are written down to recognize the loss.

Liabilities

        Liabilities are present obligations to individuals and organizations outside of the General Revenue Fund arising from transactions and events occurring prior to year end, which will be satisfied in the future through the transfer or use of assets or another form of economic settlement. They consist of obligations to provide authorized transfers where any eligibility criteria have been met, to repay borrowings, to pay for goods and services acquired prior to year end, and to deliver goods or services in the future, where payment has been received.

        Unearned revenue consists mainly of revenue for Crown mineral leases and motor vehicle fees that will be earned in a subsequent fiscal year.

        Public debt includes Government debt and Crown corporation debt, and is recorded at par.



43


        Certain debenture issues require contributions to a sinking fund. These obligations are recorded at principal less sinking fund balances where applicable. The General Revenue Fund is reimbursed by Crown corporations for all sinking fund contributions made on debt incurred on their behalf. Premiums and discounts on long term investments within these sinking funds are amortized on a constant yield basis.

        Debt issues and sinking fund investments held in foreign currencies are converted to the Canadian dollar equivalent at the exchange rate in effect at March 31.

        Premiums, discounts, and issue costs incurred on Government debt are recorded as deferred charges. Interest, discounts, premiums and commissions on money borrowed for Crown corporations and others are netted against reimbursements by these entities.

        Unamortized foreign exchange loss includes unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from conversion of Government debt and sinking fund investments, held in a foreign currency, to the Canadian dollar equivalent at March 31. Unrealized foreign exchange gains and losses are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the debt issue. Realized foreign exchange gains or losses, resulting from Government debt transactions, are included in servicing Government debt.

        Guaranteed debt includes guarantees by the Minister of Finance, made through specific agreements or legislation, to pay all or part of the principal and/or interest on a debt obligation in the event of default by the borrower. Loss provisions on guaranteed debt are recorded as a liability and an expense when it is likely that a loss will occur. The amount of the loss provision represents the best estimate of future payments net of recoveries.

Non-financial assets

        Non-financial assets are acquired, constructed or developed assets that do not normally provide resources to discharge existing liabilities, but instead are normally employed to deliver government services, may be consumed in the normal course of operations and are not for sale in the normal course of operations.

        Inventories held for consumption are recorded at cost and are expensed as they are consumed.

        Tangible capital assets are recorded at cost which includes all amounts directly attributable to the acquisition, construction, development or betterment of the asset but does not include interest. Tangible capital assets are generally amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of each asset.

Revenue

        Revenues are recorded on the accrual basis. For corporate and individual income taxes, cash received from the federal government is used as the basis for estimating the tax revenue. Government transfers are recognized as revenue in the period during which the transfer is authorized and any eligibility criteria are met.

Expense

        Expenses are recorded on the accrual basis, except for defined benefit pension plan costs which are recorded on the cash basis. Government transfers are recognized as expenses in the period during which the transfer is authorized and any eligibility criteria are met.

(d) Measurement uncertainty

        Measurement uncertainty is uncertainty in the determination of the amount at which an item is recognized or disclosed in financial statements. Such uncertainty exists when there is a variance between the recognized or disclosed amount and another reasonably possible amount.

        Measurement uncertainty that may be material to these financial statements exists:

in corporate and individual income taxes because final tax assessments may differ from initial estimates on which cash payments are based;
in the accrual of oil and natural gas resource royalties because of price and production sensitivities in the royalty structures;
the accrual of the federal government’s Canada Health Transfer and Canada Social Transfer payments because of changes in the economic and demographic conditions in the Province and the country; and,
in the disclosure of liabilities for defined benefit pension plans because actual experience may differ from actuarial estimations.

        While best estimates are used to report items, it is reasonably possible that changes in future conditions, occurring within one fiscal year, could require a material change in the amounts recognized or disclosed.



44


2. Temporary Investments

        The temporary investments are recorded at $666.4 million (2007 — $462.5 million), consist of investment grade money market securities and are generally for less than 30 days. Due to the short-term nature, market value approximates cost.

3. Agricultural Land Held for Resale

        The estimated net realizable value of the agricultural land held for resale is $220.2 million (2007 — $207.1 million).

4. Risk Management of Public Debt

        Funds are borrowed in both domestic and foreign capital markets by issuing Province of Saskatchewan securities. This borrowing activity finances Government operations and the activities of Crown corporations. These transactions result in exposure to four types of risk: interest rate risk, foreign exchange rate risk, credit risk and liquidity risk.

        To manage these risks, a preference for fixed rate Canadian dollar denominated debt is maintained. Where market conditions dictate that other forms of debt are more attractive, opportunities are identified to use derivative financial instruments to reduce these risks. A derivative financial instrument is a contract whose value is based on the value of another asset or index.

        Interest rate risk is the risk that debt servicing costs will increase due to changes in interest rates. This risk is managed by issuing debt securities at predominately fixed rates of interest rather than at floating rates of interest.

        Floating rate debt is defined as the sum of floating rate debentures, short term promissory notes, fixed rate debt maturing within one year and Saskatchewan Savings Bonds. Opportunities are sought to effectively convert floating rate debt into fixed rate debt through the use of interest rate swaps. There are interest rate swaps on a notional value of debt of $66.0 million (2007 — $66.0 million). At March 31, 2008, 88.8 per cent (2007 – 88.5 per cent) of the gross debt effectively carried a rate of interest that was fixed for greater than a one year period.

        Gross debt includes floating rate debt of $1,297.0 million (2007 — $1,382.4 million). A one percentage point increase in interest rates would decrease the surplus by $7.8 million in 2008-09.

        Foreign exchange rate risk is the risk that debt servicing costs will increase due to a decline in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to other currencies. This risk is managed by maintaining a preference for issuing debt that is denominated in Canadian dollars. Where debt has been issued in foreign currencies, opportunities are sought to effectively convert it into Canadian dollar debt through the use of a cross currency swap. At March 31, 2008, 97.6 per cent (2007 – 97.4 per cent) of the gross debt is effectively denominated in Canadian dollars.

The following foreign-denominated items have been hedged to Canadian dollars using cross currency swaps:

debentures totalling 1,225.0 million U.S. dollars (2007 - 1,419.0 million) fully hedged to $1,619.3 million Canadian (2007 - $1,882.3 million);
debentures totalling 300.0 million Swiss francs (2007 – 300.0 million) fully hedged to $274.7 million Canadian (2007 — $274.7 million); and,
interest payments on debentures of 275.0 million U.S. dollars (2007 - 275.0 million) hedged to Canadian dollars at an exchange rate of 1.2325 (2007 - 1.2325).

        In total, there are cross currency swaps on a notional value of debt of $2,507.5 million (2007 — $2,770.5 million). The effectiveness of these hedges is assessed on an ongoing basis by monitoring the credit ratings of the counterparties to the hedges.

        Credit risk is the risk that a loss may occur from the failure of another party to meet its obligations under a derivative financial instrument contract. This risk is managed by dealing only with counterparties that have good credit ratings and by establishing limits on individual counterparty exposures and monitoring those exposures on a regular basis. At March 31, 2008, 100 per cent (2007 – 100 per cent) of counterparties held a Standard and Poor’s credit rating of A or higher.

        Liquidity risk is a risk that financial commitments will not be met over the short term. This risk is managed by distributing debt maturities over many years, maintaining sinking funds on long term debt issues and maintaining adequate cash reserves and short term borrowing programs as contingent sources of liquidity.



45


5. Retirement Benefits

        The Government sponsors several defined benefit pension plans and a defined contribution pension plan.

        Pension fund assets of government sponsored defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans are invested in fixed income securities, equities, real estate and short term monetary items. The investment in Government of Saskatchewan securities is insignificant for all plans.

Defined benefit plans

        Defined benefit plans provide benefits based on length of service and pensionable earnings. A typical defined benefit plan provides pensions equal to 2.0 per cent of a member’s average five years highest salary, multiplied by the years of service to a maximum of 35 years. Members contribute a percentage of salary, which may vary based on age, to their plan. Pensions and contribution rates are integrated with the Canada Pension Plan.

        The two main plans are the Teachers’ Superannuation Plan (TSP) and the Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP). Other plans include Judges of the Provincial Court Superannuation Plan (Judges), Saskatchewan Transportation Company Employees Superannuation Plan (STC), Anti-TB League Employees Superannuation Plan (ATB) and the Saskatchewan Pension Annuity Fund, an annuity underwriting operation. Obligations for allowances payable to members of the former Members of the Legislative Assembly Superannuation Fund (MLA) are part of the General Revenue Fund.

        Actuarial valuations are performed at least triennially. An actuary extrapolates these valuations when a valuation is not done in the current fiscal year. Valuations are based on a number of assumptions about future events, such as inflation rates, interest rates, wage and salary increases and employee turnover and mortality. These assumptions reflect estimates of expected long term rates and short term forecasts. Estimates vary based on the individual plan.

        The accrued benefit obligation is determined using the projected benefit method prorated on services. Pension fund assets are valued at market related values based on actual market values averaged over a four year period. In the periods between valuations, the actuary estimates the market related value of pension fund assets using expected long term rates of return for the individual plans.

        The Government is required to match member current service contributions for all plans except the PSSP and Judges. Separate pension funds are maintained for all plans except the PSSP and the MLA. The PSSP member contributions are deposited into the General Revenue Fund. All pension obligations arising under the PSSP and the MLA are paid from the General Revenue Fund.

        Information on the defined benefit plans is as follows:

             
      2008   2007  
       

TSP

   

PSSP

   

Others

   

Total

    Total  
Plan status       closed     closed     closed  1   n/a     n/a  
Member contribution rate (percentage of salary)       7.85     7.00-9.00  2   5.00-9.00  2   n/a     n/a  
Number of active members       2,671     1,147     61     3,879     4,499  
Average age of active members (years)       54.6     55.4     57.2     54.9     53.8  
Number of former members entitled to deferred pension benefits       4,873     109     11     4,993     5,095  
Number of superannuates and surviving spouses       10,872     5,721     2,353     18,946     18,729  
Actuarial valuation date       June 30/07     Dec 31/05     Various     n/a     n/a  
Long-term assumptions used                                  
   Rate of compensation increase (percentage)       3.50     3.50     3.50     n/a     n/a  
   Expected rate of return on plan assets (percentage)       6.90     n/a     4.75-6.00     n/a     n/a  
   Discount rate (percentage)       5.00     4.75     4.25-5.00     n/a     n/a  
   Inflation rate (percentage)       2.50     2.50     2.50     n/a     n/a  
   Expected average remaining service life (years)       3.7     3.9     0-10     n/a     n/a  
   Post-retirement index (percentage of annual increase in                                  
      Consumer Price Index)       80     70     Various     n/a     n/a  
1  Judges is open to new membership; all other plans are closed.
2  Contribution rate varies based on age upon joining the plan.


46


        Based on the latest actuarial valuations, extrapolated to March 31, 2008, the present value of accrued pension benefits and the market related value of pension fund assets are shown in the table below:

             
(thousands of dollars)     2008   2007  
       

TSP 1

   

PSSP

   

Others

   

Total

    Total  
Accrued benefit obligation,                                  
   beginning of year       4,860,560     1,854,824     295,042     7,010,426     6,877,140  
Current period benefit cost       51,839     18,227     4,685     74,751     81,889  
Plan amendment  2       0     0     0     0     90,433  
Interest cost       272,119     90,502     34,482     397,103     370,004  
Actuarial losses (gains)       95,727     53,674     11,719     161,120     (2,595 )
Benefit payments       (298,865 )   (107,790 )   (21,958 )   (428,613 )   (406,445 )
Accrued Benefit Obligation, End of Year       4,981,380     1,909,437     323,970     7,214,787     7,010,426  
Plan assets, beginning of year       1,399,840     0     187,757     1,587,597     1,645,659  
Return on plan assets       101,817     0     31,121     132,938     110,119  
Employer contributions       33,400     103,082     5,349     141,831     220,592  
Employee contributions       13,890     4,708     463     19,061     21,456  
Plan expenses       (3,735 )   0     (499 )   (4,234 )   (4,502 )
Actuarial gains       183,376     0     4,701     188,077     718  
Benefit payments       (298,865 )   (107,790 )   (21,958 )   (428,613 )   (406,445 )
Plan Assets, End of Year  3       1,429,723     0     206,934     1,636,657     1,587,597  
        3,551,657     1,909,437     117,036     5,578,130     5,422,829  
Unamortized estimation adjustments  4       (362,000 )   (120,805 )   (7,518 )   (490,323 )   (763,585 )
Total Pension Liabilities  5       3,189,657     1,788,632     109,518     5,087,807     4,659,244  
1 The TSP accrued benefit obligation includes a liability of $29.6 million (2007 - $32.0 million) relating to the TSP disability provision. The TSP's actual rate of return on plan assets was 0.7 per cent (2007 - 13.3 per cent).
2 During 2006-07, the Government approved a plan amendment to provide guaranteed indexing of pensions for members of the PSSP, Judges, STC, ATB, and MLA at 70 per cent of the annual change in Consumer Price Index. Previously, the Government provided ad hoc indexing to members of these plans.
3 At March 31, 2008, the market value of plan investments was $1,750.7 million (2007 - $1,994.4 million). Of this amount 42.6 per cent (2007 - 44.0 per cent) was invested in fixed income securities and 45.6 per cent (2007 - 45.2 per cent) in equity investments.
4 Unamortized estimation adjustments are amoritzed against the net obligation over periods ranging from 3.7 to 6.6 years for the TSP, from 3.9 to 10.8 years for the PSSP, and from 4 to 12 years for the other plans. These represent the expected average remaining service life of active plan members at the time the estimation adjustments arose.
5 Changes in assumptions can result in significantly higher or lower estimates of pension liabilities. A one percentage point decrease in the discount rate would result in a $613.2 million and $242.5 million increase in the pension liabilities for the TSP and the PSSP respectively, and a one percentage point increase would result in a $502.4 million and $200.5 million decrease in the pension liabilities for the TSP and the PSSP respectively.



47


Defined contribution plans

        Defined contribution plans provide pensions based on accumulated contributions and investment earnings. Employees contribute a percentage of salary.

        The Government sponsors the Public Employees Pension Plan (PEPP), a multi-employer defined contribution plan. Employers are required to provide contributions at specific rates for employee current service. The General Revenue Fund has fully funded its share of contributions. The General Revenue Fund also contributes to the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Retirement Plan (STRP), sponsored by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.

        Information on the defined contribution plans to which the General Revenue Fund contributes is as follows:

             
      2008  

2007

 
        PEPP     STRP 1     Total     Total  
Plan status       open     n/a     n/a     n/a  
Member contribution rate (percentage of salary)       5.00-8.00 2     n/a     n/a     n/a  
Government contribution rate (percentage of salary)       6.00-8.00 2     n/a     n/a     n/a  
Number of active members, all employers       31,263     n/a     31,263     30,378  
General Revenue Fund participation                            
   Number of active members       16,197     n/a     16,197     15,594  
   Member contributions (thousands of dollars)       47,486     n/a     47,486     40,347  
   Government contributions (thousands of dollars)       50,646     42,052     92,698     75,788  
1 The STRP is a contributory defined benefit pension plan. The Government contributes an amount which is set through provincial negotiations.
2 Contribution rate varies based on employee group.

Pension expense

Pensions are accounted for on a cash basis. The pension liabilities are not recorded in the financial statements.

                 
(thousands of dollars)       2008     2007  
Defined benefit plans       141,831     220,592  
Defined contribution plans       92,698     75,788  
Total Pension Expense       234,529     296,380  

6. Contingencies

        Guaranteed debt

        The Minister of Finance has guaranteed the debt of others of $25.2 million (2007 — $34.4 million).

        Lawsuits

        Up to $32.0 million may be paid, depending on the outcome of lawsuits in progress.

        Crop Insurance Liability

        The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation administers the federal/provincial Crop Insurance Program. Premiums for the program are paid by the General Revenue Fund, the federal government and producers. A portion of the premiums is required to be paid to reinsurance funds established by the Province and the federal government. In certain circumstances, the reinsurance funds pay benefits to the Corporation.

        In any year, where crop insurance indemnities exceed net premiums and any crop insurance fund balance, the shortfall is derived from one or both of the Crop Reinsurance Fund of Saskatchewan and the Crop Reinsurance Fund of Canada for Saskatchewan.

        At March 31, 2008, the Crop Reinsurance Fund of Saskatchewan had a deficiency of $72.3 million (2007 — $114.7 million). Crop insurance premiums are actuarially set to cover indemnities over the long term. In the event that the deficiency in the Saskatchewan reinsurance fund cannot be recovered from future premiums, the General Revenue Fund is required to pay the deficiency.



48


7. Contractual Obligations

        Significant contractual obligations include:

  Contracts for highway improvement, $146.9 million over two years;

  Capital grant projects, over the next 15 years, $128.8 million;

  Construction contracts, $63.1 million over four years;

  Aerial fleet renewal, for fire suppression, $47.7 million over three years;

  Building Communities Program agreements, $37.1 million over two years;

  Computer service agreements, $35.5 million over four years;

  Vehicle purchases, $15.4 million;

  Treaty land entitlement agreements valued at approximately $14.4 million over five years; rural municipality and school division tax loss compensation of approximately $10.6 million as land achieves reserve status over the course of the agreements;

  Research and development projects for agriculture technology and opportunities in the agri-food industry, $14.4 million over five years; o Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres, for beverage container collection and recycling, $13.9 million;

  Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres, for beverage container collection and recycling, $13.9 million;

  Projects to expand innovation and enhance the competitive ability of the Saskatchewan economy, $10.2 million over three years; and,

  Operating and capital lease obligations as follows:

                 
(thousands of dollars)       Operating     Capital  
Future minimum lease payments                
2008-09       27,002      15,334   
2009-10       22,408      11,873   
2010-11       18,348      11,543   
2011-12       15,346      9,664   
2012-13       12,035      5,165   
Thereafter       35,919      7,896   
        131,058      61,475   
Interest and executory costs           (26,293)  
Total Lease Obligations       131,058      35,182   

8. Related Party Transactions

        Included in these financial statements are transactions with various Saskatchewan Crown corporations, agencies, boards, and commissions related to the General Revenue Fund by virtue of common control by the Government of Saskatchewan.

        Transactions include transfers to related parties of $2,980.9 million (2007 — $2,832.1 million).

        Routine operating transactions with related parties are recorded at the rates charged by those organizations and are settled on normal trade terms. These transactions include:

  payments to Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation of approximately $27.6 million (2007 — $27.8 million); and,
  taxation and non-renewable resource revenue received from related parties during 2007-08 of approximately $83.3 million (2007 — $80.9 million). In addition, Saskatchewan Provincial Sales Tax and Fuel Tax are received from related parties on all taxable purchases.



49


9. Trust Funds

        Trust assets are administered but not owned by the Government and the Government has no equity in the funds.

        Trust fund assets held and administered by the General Revenue Fund are as follows:

                 
(thousands of dollars)       2008     2007
(Restated)
 
Pension plans       7,993,766      7,878,338   
Public Guardian and Trustee of Saskatchewan       154,451      154,479   
Other       37,338      30,854   
Total Trust Fund Assets 1       8,185,555      8,063,671   
1  Amounts are based on the latest financial statements of the funds closest to March 31, 2008, where available.

10. Debt Reduction Account

        This account was established pursuant to The Balanced Budget Act. The Debt Reduction Account is an accounting of the accumulated surpluses of the General Revenue Fund commencing April 1, 1995.

                 
(thousands of dollars)       Budget     Actual  
Debt Reduction Account, beginning of year       1,662,283      1,662,283   
Reduction in accumulated deficit for the year       75,000      641,435   
Debt Reduction Account, End of Year       1,737,283      2,303,718   

11. Adjustment to Accumulated Deficit

        On April 1, 2006, the Saskatchewan Water Corporation transferred the Lake Diefenbaker area irrigation assets to the Ministry of Agriculture. This transfer resulted in an increase in non-financial assets of $28.9 million and a corresponding decrease in the accumulated deficit of $28.9 million.

12. Government Reorganization

        In November, 2007, the Government underwent a reorganization that resulted in responsibility for certain functions being transferred between ministries.

        The 2008 budget and actual operating expenses in the Statement of Operations reflect the organizational changes.

        The information below reconciles the 2008 budget and actual operating expenses presented in the Statement of Operations to the 2008 Estimates approved by the Legislative Assembly.



50


12. Government Reorganization (continued)
 
                                     
            2008 Budget               2008 Actual      
        Approved
Estimates
    Adjustments   Statement of
Operations
  Approved
Estimates
    Adjustments   Statement of
Operations
Executive Branch of Government                                        
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour 1       669,351      16,830      686,181      668,660      16,503      685,163   
Agriculture 2       301,107      851      301,958      301,456      741      302,197   
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing 3       142,605      118,463      261,068      187,412      118,005      305,417   
Education       944,987          944,987      959,951          959,951   
Energy and Resources 4, 5, 6       82,331      (47,009)     35,322      103,978      (47,710)     56,268   
Enterprise and Innovation 5, 6       12,113      40,597      52,710      14,175      39,865      54,040   
Environment 6       193,335      (14,460)     178,875      191,083      (16,162)     174,921   
Executive Council       9,302          9,302      12,562          12,562   
Finance       287,348          287,348      284,463          284,463   
First Nations and Metis Relations 7       51,694      6,038      57,732      61,512      9,446      70,958   
Forestry Secretariat 4       2,000      (2,000)         578      (578)      
Government Services       11,848          11,848      8,654          8,654   
Government Services - commercial operations                   70,312          70,312   
Health       3,446,123          3,446,123      3,504,333          3,504,333   
Highways and Infrastructure 8       334,788      13,876      348,664      342,469      11,215      353,684   
Highways and Infrastructure - commercial operations               6,542          6,542   
Information Technology Office       5,136          5,136      5,362          5,362   
Information Technology Office - commercial operations               27          27   
Intergovernmental Affairs 9           2,453      2,453          2,757      2,757   
Justice and Attorney General 2, 3, 4       246,213      (119,468)     126,745      248,078      (118,889)     129,189   
Labour 1       16,830      (16,830)         16,503      (16,503)      
Municipal Affairs 8, 9, 10       252,464      (18,854)     233,610      231,468      (16,597)     214,871   
Northern Affairs 7       6,038      (6,038)         9,446      (9,446)      
Provincial Secretary 10           2,525      2,525      125      2,625      2,750   
Public Service Commission       16,741          16,741      39,234          39,234   
Saskatchewan Research Council       8,992          8,992      8,992          8,992   
Social Services       625,209          625,209      615,032          615,032   
Tourism, Parks Culture and Sport 6       90,193      23,026      113,219      100,581      24,728      125,309   
Legislative Branch of Government                                        
Chief Electoral Officer       1,174          1,174      10,852          10,852   
Children's Advocate       1,450          1,450      1,624          1,624   
Conflict of Interest Commissioner       138          138      136          136   
Information and Privacy Commissioner       675          675      675          675   
Legislative Assembly       21,105          21,105      21,389          21,389   
Ombudsman       1,935          1,935      1,911          1,911   
Provincial Auditor       6,505          6,505      6,516          6,516   
Total Operating Expense       7,789,730          7,789,730      8,036,091          8,036,091   

1 Advanced, Education, Employment and Labour assumed responsibility for Labour.
2 Agriculture assumed responsibility for the Farm Land Security Board from Justice and Attorney General.
3 Corrections, Public Safety and Policing assumed responsibility for the Police Commission, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Police Programs and Law Enforcement Services from Justice and Attorney General.
4 Energy and Resources assumed responsibility for the Forestry Secretariat and responsibility for the Surface Rights Arbitration Board from Justice and Attorney General.
5 Enterprise and Innovation assumed responsibility for the Economic Partnership Agreements, Petroleum Research Initiative, Strategic Investment Fund, Technology Commercialization, Ethanol Fuel Tax Rebate, Industry Development, and Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership Inc. from Energy and Resources.
6 Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport assumed responsibility for Parks (including the Commercial Revolving Fund) from Environment, Tourism Saskatchewan from Energy and Resources and the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Trail Management from Enterprise and Innovation.
7 First Nations and Metis Relations assumed responsibility for Northern Affairs.
8 Highways and Infrastructure assumed responsibility for the Canada-Saskatchewan Infrastructure Program and the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund from Municipal Affairs.
9 Intergovernmental Affairs assumed responsibility for Intergovernmental Relations from Municipal Affairs.
10 Office of the Provincial Secretary assumed responsibility for the Provincial Secretary and the Office of French LanguageCoordination from Municipal Affairs.


51


13. Comparative Figures

        Certain of the 2007 figures have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation. With regard to expenses, the figures are reported on the same basis as the Estimates for the prior year.



52


DETAIL OF GENERAL REVENUE FUND DEBT
As at March 31, 2007 (unaudited)

A. Term Debt Issued to the Public
Date of Issue Date of Maturity

Interest
Rate %

Currency

$ Amount
Outstanding

November 28/97 May 28/08 5.50 Canadian 20,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
February 26/98 June 2/08 5.50 Canadian 400,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
July 15/03 July 15/08 4.20 Canadian 19,434,100
(Redeemable annually at the option of the holder or any time on the death of the holder; The Province reserves the right to increase
the interest rate after July 14, 2004)
September 24/03 September 5/08 3.90 - 5.75 Canadian 50,000,000
(Extendible at the option of the holder to September 5, 2033; This note pays interest at 3.90% to September 5, 2008, and 5.75% thereafter)
February 13/02 February 13/09 5.05 – 6.30 Canadian 30,000,000
(Extendible at the option of the holder to February 13, 2032; this note pays interest at 5.05% to February 13, 2009, and 6.30% thereafter; annual sinking fund)
August 3/04 June 17/09 4.00 – 5.50 Canadian 26,000,000
 (If not redeemed by the holder on June 17, 2009, this note matures on June 17, 2019; This note pays interest at 4.00% to June 17, 2009 and 5.50% thereafter; annual sinking fund)
July 15/04 July 15/09 4.20 Canadian 4,333,000
(Redeemable annually at the option of the holder or any time on the death of the holder; the Province reserves the right to increase the interest rate after July 14, 2005)
September 24/02 September 24/09 4.75 Canadian 250,000,000
(Non Callable)
November 12/99 November 12/09 6.50 Canadian 250,000,000
 (Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
January 18/90 January 18/10 10.00 Canadian 300,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
July 15/05 July 15/10 4.20 Canadian 9,376,200
(Redeemable annually at the option of the holder or any time on the death of the holder; the Province reserves the right to increase the interest rate after July 14, 2006)
September 1/00 September 1/10 6.15 Canadian 550,000,000
 (Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
July 15/06 July 15/11 4.20 Canadian 55,301,200
(Redeemable annually at the option of the holder or any time on the death of the holder; The Province reserves the right to increase
the interest rate after July 14, 2007)
June 10/03 September 5/11 4.75 – 5.80 Canadian 104,500,000
(Extendible at the option of the holder to September 5, 2033; This note pays interest at 4.75% to September 5, 2011, and 5.80% thereafter; annual sinking fund)
July 15/07 July 15/12 4.20 Canadian 183,497,100
(Redeemable annually at the option of the holder or at any time on the death of the holder; the Province reserves the right to increase the interest rate after July 14, 2008)
September 20/02 December 3/12 5.25 Canadian 350,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
February 2/93 February 1/13 7.613 Canadian 568,212,000
(The original 8% $400,000,000 U.S. debentures have been swapped into Canadian dollars at an interest rate of 7.613%; Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
       

      



53




Date of issue Date of Maturity

Interest
Rate %

Currency

$ Amount
Outstanding

June 17/03 June 17/13 4.75 Canadian 200,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)

July 20/93


July 15/13

7.753
7.809
7.375
Canadian
Canadian
U.S.        
228,639,500
97,147,500
50,000,000
($175,000,000 and $75,000,000 U.S. of the 7.375% debenture issue have been swapped into Canadian dollars at an interest rate of 7.753%
and 7.809% respectively. Interest payments on the remaining $50,000,000 U.S. have been swapped into Canadian dollars at an interest
rate of 7.912%; Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
September 30/03 December 3/13 4.90 Canadian 200,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
March 14/91 April 10/14 10.25 Canadian 583,916,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
June 22/04 June 3/14 5.25 Canadian 300,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
December 1/65 December 1/15 5.125 Canadian 992,559
(Payable in blended semi-annual payments of principal and interest totalling $76,399.60. Prepayable in whole or in part any time prior to December 1, 2015, without penalty)
June 3/05 December 3/15 4.50 Canadian 200,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
November 15/05 January 15/16 4.305 Canadian 274,654,700
(This issue was reopened on December 21, 2006, and an additional 100,000,000 Swiss Franc debentures were sold and swapped into
Canadian dollars at an interest rate of 4.298%. The original 2.125% 200,000,000 Swiss Franc debentures have been swapped into Canadian dollars at an interest rate of 4.309%; Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
August 23/06 August 23/16 4.50 Canadian 300,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
September 17/96 September 17/16 7.93 Canadian 12,403,000
(Non Callable; Serial Note payable in annual instalments)
September 5/07 September 5/17 4.65 Canadian 200,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
June 17/04 June 17/19 5.00 Canadian 33,000,000
(After June 17, 2014, this note pays interest at the three month BA rate less 0.245%; Non Callable; annual sinking fund)

December 20/90



December 15/20


9.653
10.08
9.965
9.375
Canadian
Canadian
Canadian
U.S.        
65,972,500
126,600,000
128,797,500
45,000,000
($55,000,000, $100,000,000 and $100,000,000 U.S. of the 9.375% debenture issue has been swapped into Canadian dollars at an interest rate
of 9.653%, 10.08% and 9.965% respectively; Interest payments on the remaining $45,000,000 U.S. have been swapped into Canadian
dollars at an interest rate of 9.653%. Non Callable; annual sinking fund)

February 26/91

February 15/21
9.254
9.125
Canadian
U.S.        
147,600,000
80,000,000
($120,000,000 U.S. of this debenture has been swapped into Canadian dollars at an interest rate of 9.254%. Interest payments on the
remaining $80,000,000 U.S. have been swapped into Canadian dollars at an interest rate of 9.254%; Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
February 4/92 February 4/22 9.60 Canadian 255,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)

July 21/92

July 15/22
8.942
8.5
Canadian
U.S.        
256,320,000
100,000,000
($200,000,000 U.S. of the 8.5% debentures have been swapped into Canadian dollars at an interest rate of 8.942%. Interest payments on
the remaining $100,000,000 have been swapped into Canadian dollars at an interest rate of 8.497%; Non Callable; annual sinking fund)



54




Date of Issue Date of Maturity Interest
Rate %
Currency

$ Amount
Outstanding

May 30/95 May 30/25 8.75 Canadian 175,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
December 4/98 March 5/29 5.75 Canadian 350,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
March 24/99 March 05/29 5.6 Canadian 60,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
February 17/00 January 25/30 6.25 Canadian 25,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
January 25/00 January 25/30 6.35 Canadian 199,995,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
December 10/01 September 5/31 6.40 Canadian 550,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
May 12/03 September 5/33 5.80 Canadian 450,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
August 12/04 September 5/35 5.60 Canadian 400,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
February 15/05 March 5/37 5.00 Canadian 425,000,000
(Non Callable: annual sinking fund)
May 26/06 June 1/40 4.75 Canadian 600,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)
September 16/02 September 5/42 5.70 Canadian 50,000,000
(Non Callable; annual sinking fund)



55


B. Debentures Issued to Minister of Finance of Canada
 

Date of Issue

 

Date of Maturity

Interest Rate %

Amount Outstanding

Re: Canada Pension Plan 1
April 1988-March 1989  April 2008-March 2009 10.08 93,932,000
April 1989-March 1990 April 2009-March 2010 2 9.90 101,867,000
April 1990-March 1991 April 2010-March 2011 2 10.85 90,318,000
April 1991-March 1992 April 2011-March 2012 2 9.92 90,664,000
April 1992-March 1993 April 2012-March 2013 2 9.37 62,705,000
April 1999-March 2000 April 2019-March 2020 2 6.34 46,335,000
April 2000-March 2001 April 2020-March 2021 2 6.54 75,553,000
April 2002-March 2003 April 2022-March 2023 2 5.89 41,182,000
April 2003-March 2004 April 2023-March 2024 2 5.48 40,189,000
April 2005-March 2006 April 2015-March 2036 2 4.63 20,654,000
April 2006-March 2007 April 2011-March 2027 2 4.58 99,655,000
April 2007-March 2008 April 2017-March 2028 4.65 35,491,000
Total $ 798,545,000

1 Debentures issued to the CPP have a 5-30-year maturity, are callable at the option of the Province and are redeemable in certain circumstances. The interest rates have been prepared on a weighted average basis.
2 Subject in part to annual sinking funds; equity in sinking funds at March 31, 2008, $103,084,330.


Summary

Thousands

Payable in Canadian Funds:
    Term Debt Issued to the Public $    10,066,691
    Debentures Issued to Minister of Finance of Canada 798,545
Payable in Foreign Currencies
    Term Debt Issued to the Public (converted to Canadian Dollars) 282,673
Term Debt Outstanding 11,834,096
Promissory Notes Outstanding 430,000
Gross Debt $    11,577,909




56


CROWN CORPORATIONS

Introduction

        Saskatchewan’s Crown corporations are involved in a broad range of activities including the provision of electricity, natural gas, telecommunications, financial services and other goods and services. Certain Crown corporations are commercial enterprises intended to be self-sustaining while others receive an annual appropriation or grant to cover costs of administration and other expenses.

        Traditionally, the capital requirements of the Government’s enterprises have been financed, with few exceptions, through direct obligations of, or advances by, the General Revenue Fund (“GRF”). Provincial legislation governing certain Crown corporations provides for the issuance of securities by these enterprises, with or without a guarantee of the Province. Pursuant to The Financial Administration Act, 1993, all borrowings by Provincial Crown corporations must be approved by the Minister of Finance for Saskatchewan.

        Loans and advances to, and investments in, Crown corporations are carried in the financial statements of the GRF at cost. Loans and equity investments are written down to their estimated net realizable value.

        For administrative purposes, Saskatchewan’s Crown corporations are categorized into two separate groups. Most Crown corporations with commercial operations are under the purview of, and report to, Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan, as discussed below. All other Crown corporations report directly to the Treasury Board, which is a committee of the Executive Council.

Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan (CIC)

        Introduction.   CIC is a Provincial Crown corporation without share capital, established and operating under authority of The Crown Corporations Act, 1993, wholly owned by the Government of Saskatchewan. CIC is responsible for certain Provincial investments including Crown corporations and financial and operating investments. Crown corporations are designated as being under the purview of CIC by legislation or Order-in-Council. As at December 31, 2007, there were twelve corporations so designated.

        Fiscal Year 2007 Highlights — Non-Consolidated Basis.   CIC, as a legal entity, makes investments, borrows money, receives dividends and interest income and pays interest, grants and other expenses. The results of these transactions are reflected in CIC’s Non-Consolidated Financial Statements which, unlike the financial statements of the GRF, are based on the calendar year.

        Non-consolidated net earnings in 2007 were $576.9 million compared to $322.3 million in 2006. The $254.6 million increase was primarily due the sale of CIC’s 50 percent interest in NewGrade Energy Inc. which generated a gain on sale of $383.1 million on the non-consolidated financial statements. The increase in earnings was offset by the following:

  A decrease in dividend revenue of $121.6 million as CIC received no dividends from NewGrade in 2007.
  An increase in funding to subsidiary Crown Corporations of $14.7 million.

        Revenues from ongoing operations for the year were $237.9 million, a decrease of $111.9 million from 2006. The decrease was primarily due to the sale of NewGrade which provided $105.0 million in dividends in 2006.

        The following dividends were declared to CIC in 2007.

        Millions  
Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation     $ 30.0  
SaskEnergy Incorporated       53.0  
Saskatchewan Power Corporation       97.0  
Investment Saskatchewan Inc.       10.3  
Information Services Corporation       8.0  
Saskatchewan Government Insurance       22.8  
      $ 221.1  

Dividends declared to CIC in 2006 totalled $342.7 million.

        Expenses, including grants to subsidiary Crown corporations and public policy expenditures, were $44.1 million in 2007 (2006 — $27.5 million). The $16.6 million increase was mainly due to an increase in grants to Crown corporations of $14.7 million. During 2007 CIC provided $20.5 million in grants to STC which included $13.6 million for construction of its new bus terminal and head office in Regina, $5.0 million for operations and $1.9 million for capital requirements. Grants to Crown corporations were $28.9 million (2006 — $14.2 million) and operating expenses were $15.2 million (2006 — $13.3 million).



57


        Operating costs increased by $1.9 million during 2007 relative to the prior year. The increase is primarily due to an increase in salary and benefits and increased program funding.

        The increase in subsidiary grant funding was primarily due to CIC’s funding of STC’s new head office and bus terminal located in Regina, Saskatchewan. During 2007, CIC also provided grant funding of $2.4 million (2006 — $1.7 million) to Gradworks Inc., a non-profit corporation created to provide internship opportunities to youth in Saskatchewan and $5.8 million (2006 — $4.1 million) to SaskEnergy Incorporated to reduce heating costs to Saskatchewan residents.

        CIC does not carry any debt and did not have any asset write-downs in either 2007 or 2006.

        In November 2005, CIC established the Entrepreneurial Foundation of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Entrepreneurial Fund to assist with the development and growth of small businesses in the province. CIC provided $0.6 million in 2007 in capital for investment purposes. CIC is committed to investing up to $25 million in the Fund over the next five years. 

        In May 2006, CIC established the First Nations and Métis Fund to improve participation by First Nations and Métis people in the economy by investing in Saskatchewan-based First Nations and Métis businesses. During the year CIC did not advance any capital to the fund. CIC will provide up to $20 million for the Fund over the next three years. The Fund will make investments of between $1 million and $3 million in new or expanding businesses, which are majority-owned or controlled by First Nations or Métis people.

        CIC, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, CIC Apex Equity Holdco Ltd., entered into a joint venture agreement with Apex Investment GP Inc., PFM Capital Inc., Conexus Credit Union 2006, Cornerstone Credit Union and Innovation Credit Union to establish Apex Investment Limited Partnership (APEX). APEX was established on February 1, 2007 to focus on debt and equity investments, up to $3 million per investment, in Saskatchewan small and medium-sized businesses. The objective of APEX is to realize long-term capital appreciation from its investments. CIC Apex Equity Holdco Ltd. holds a 60 per cent joint venture interest in APEX and is committed to fund Apex to a maximum of $60 million. To December 31, 2007, CIC has invested $5.3 million in capital in APEX through CIC Apex Equity Holdco Ltd.

        Fiscal Year 2007 Highlights — Consolidated Basis.  The financial statements of CIC are consolidated with the Crown corporations under its purview and other investments to provide the Legislature with financial information relating to the aggregate results of these corporations. The corporations provide a wide variety of services and sell various commodities in both domestic and international markets. The diversified nature of the corporations within the consolidated group is such that the operating results are affected by events and conditions occurring throughout the world.

        For the year ended December 31, 2007, CIC reported consolidated net earnings of $696.3 million on total revenues of $4.5 billion, compared to consolidated net earnings of $441.1 million on total revenues of $4.4 billion (restated) in 2006. Net earnings from ongoing operations (earnings before public policy expenditures, income taxes, non-recurring items and discontinued operations) were $378.3 million (2006 — $296.4 million).

        Consolidated earnings increased $255.2 million from the prior year. Variances in earnings in the CIC Crown sector were as follows:

  Saskatchewan Power Corporation (SaskPower) earnings increased by $45.6 million primarily due to higher sales volumes combined with a 4.3 per cent system wide average rate increase implemented February 1, 2007 offset by high costs due to increased administrative costs for salaries and benefits; additional pension expenses; higher maintenance costs; and costs related to the write-down of materials and supplies inventory.
  Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation (SaskTel) earnings increased by $11.6 million relative to 2006 due to strong cellular access growth and increased revenue for MAX™ entertainment and internet services.
  SaskEnergy Incorporated (SaskEnergy) earnings increased by $34.9 million relative to 2006, due to a gain on commodity sales resulting from positive impacts of commodity price changes.
  Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) earnings decreased by $17.0 million from 2006 primarily due to weather related losses in Saskatchewan which were $14.3 million higher than in 2006.
  Investment Saskatchewan Inc. earnings of $11.5 million decreased by $61.4 million relative to 2006. In 2006 Investment Saskatchewan recorded a $31.5 million reversal of previous provisions for losses related to Meadow Lake Limited Partnership.
  NewGrade Energy Inc. (NewGrade) earnings of $74.6 million decreased relative to 2006 due to a narrowing of heavy oil differentials from 2006. On November 1, 2007 CIC sold its investment in NewGrade for net proceeds of $383.1 million, and a gain on sale of $250.1 million.



58


        In 2008, CIC expects to declare a dividend of $550.0 million (2007 — $200.0 million) to the GRF.

        During 2007, capital expenditures made by CIC and the Crown corporations under its purview totaled $1,788.5 million compared to $1,363.9 million spent in 2006. Taxes and resource payments made by the corporations were $103.0 million in 2007 compared to $100.6 million in 2006. Total consolidated assets administered by CIC were $9.6 billion as at December 31, 2007, consistent with the level administered on December 31, 2006.

        On July 26, 2000, the Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel (“SRRP”) was established with a mandate to conduct a review and provide an opinion on the fairness and reasonableness of proposed Crown corporation monopoly rate changes, referred to the SRRP by the Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, considering the interests of the customer, the Crown corporation, and the public.

        During 2007, SRRP conducted one review for the Saskatchewan Auto Fund and two reviews for SaskEnergy. The Panel recommended an average general rate decrease of 7.1 per cent for auto insurance premiums, with rate rebalancing, effective June 1, 2007: and an average 5.7 per cent decrease for SaskEnergy’s commodity rate fro natural gas, effective June 1, 2007; and an average 5.7 per cent decrease for SaskEnergy’s commodity rate for natural gas effective November 1, 2007. Government approved SRRP’s recommendation in all three instances.

        SRRP considered two rate applications in 2008. In July 2008, SaskEnergy submitted an application to increase its commodity rate from $6.57 per gigajoule (GJ) to $10.21/GJ. The application was revised downward in August to $8.71/GJ to reflect market changes. SRRP recommended the revised rate and Cabinet approved a further reduced rate of $8.51/GJ due to further decline in the forward prices of the commodity. The rate adjustment was effective October 1, 2008.

        In July 2008, SaskEnergy submitted an application to increase its delivery rate by an average 5.8 per cent. SRRP concurred with SaskEnergy’s recommendation and Cabinet approved the rate increase in October 2008.

        CIC administers twelve subsidiary Crown corporations, including one wholly owned subsidiary incorporated under The Business Corporations Act (Saskatchewan). CIC also holds a major investment in NewGrade. Following is a brief commentary on CIC’s major holdings.

Active Crown Corporations

        As at December 31, 2007, the following twelve active Crown corporations were under CIC’s purview: Information Services Corporation of Saskatchewan, Investment Saskatchewan Inc., Saskatchewan Development Fund Corporation, SGGF Management Corporation, Saskatchewan Government Insurance, Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation, Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation, Saskatchewan Telecommunications (a subsidiary of SaskTel), Saskatchewan Transportation Company, Saskatchewan Water Corporation, and SaskEnergy Incorporated. Of these corporations, SaskPower, SaskTel and SaskEnergy are the most significant in terms of assets, liabilities and operating income generated.

        Saskatchewan Power Corporation.   SaskPower provides the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and related products and services.

        Net earnings in 2007 of $138.3 million (2006 — $92.7 million) were up $45.6 million from 2006. This increase was primarily due to an improvement in revenue, partially offset by an increase in operating costs.

        Revenue of $1,469.2 million (2006 — $1,353.3 million) was up $115.9 million from 2006. This increase was due to higher sales volumes and a 4.3 per cent system-wide average rate increase implemented on February 1, 2007.

        Expenses of $1,330.9 million (2006 — $1,260.6 million) were up $70.3 million from 2006. The increase was primarily due to higher operating, maintenance and administration expenses resulting from rising costs for salaries and benefits; additional pension expense; higher maintenance costs; and costs related to the write-down of materials and supplies inventory.

        Despite an increase in generation volumes, fuel and purchased power costs were down for the year as a result of increased hydro generation, increased coal generation and lower natural gas prices.

        Gross long-term debt of $2,565.6 million (2006 — $2,515.2 million) was up due to the additional borrowing of $100.0 million to finance SaskPower’s capital program. This increase was partially offset by debt repayments during the year.

        SaskPower invested $279.9 million (2006 — $284.6 million) in various capital projects, including customer connects and the life extension of existing infrastructure.



59


        The debt ratio of 59.7 per cent (2006 — 61.0 per cent) was down slightly from 2006, due to earnings, debt repayments, growth in debt retirement funds (sinking funds) and a higher cash balance which more than offset the increased borrowings.

        Return on equity of 9.3 per cent (2006 — 6.4 per cent) increased due to the improvement in earnings.

        The dividend declared to CIC of $97.0 million (2006 — $60.2 million) increased due to a corresponding increase in earnings.

        In October 2006, SaskPower submitted a rate application to SRRP for a system wide average increase of 4.3 per cent, effective January 1, 2007. The proposed application was approved by SRRP and Cabinet and was effective February 1, 2007.

        In September 2007, SaskPower announced it will install up to 400 megawatts of simple cycle natural gas turbines at a capital cost of approximately $525 million. The turbines will be installed over the next five years, in areas where electricity supply is most needed.

        Saskatchewan Telecommunications Holding Corporation.  SaskTel is the leading full service communications company in Saskatchewan, providing competitive voice, data, dial and high speed internet, entertainment and multimedia services, security, secure electronic transactions, wireless, data storage and web-hosting applications, text and messaging services over a fiber optic based fully digital network. The Corporation’s major asset is a wholly owned subsidiary, Saskatchewan Telecommunications, which has been the principal supplier of telecommunications in Saskatchewan 100 years. Saskatchewan Telecommunications’ operations are regulated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. The Corporation also maintains investments in companies that provide directory publishing, remote security monitoring, system design, project management, engineering consulting, software sales, multimedia, cable television, transaction clearing house, wireless point of sale, broadband Internet streaming, advertising services, and telecommunication to business customers in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec. Through interconnection agreements with the Canadian telecommunication industry – primarily Bell Canada – the Corporation is part of the national and global communications network.

        Consolidated net income in 2007 was $84.1 million, up $11.6 million from 2006. Income from operations was $105.9 million and cash provided by operating activities was $224.9 million, which enabled SaskTel to once again self-finance all of its capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt obligations and dividend requirements.

        Operating revenues in 2007 were $1,067.4 million, up $57.8 million from 2006. The increase is primarily due to strong customer growth in cellular, MAXTM Entertainment and internet services. Increases in these services were partially offset by reductions in local access and long distance services.

        Operating expenses in 2007 were $961.4 million, up $44.0 million from 2006. The increase was driven primarily by increased expenses to support cellular and MAXTM Entertainment Services revenue growth, increased depreciation and amortization expenses, and increased salaries and benefits. These increases were partially offset by reduced restructuring charges in 2007.

        Interest costs of $25.0 million (2006 — $25.3 million) were consistent with the previous year.

        Debt decreased to $352.4 million (2006 — $366.2 million) due to repayment of long term debt.

        Capital expenditures for the year were $172.2 million, down $55.8 million from 2006. SaskTel completed the most aggressive capital program in the Corporation’s history in 2006, when the Corporation focused significant resources on infrastructure enhancements to enable the delivery of new and improved Internet Protocol (IP) services to both urban and rural Saskatchewan. Capital spending returned to a more normal level in 2007, as SaskTel focused its capital expenditures primarily to growth initiatives, including MAXTM Entertainment Services and cellular network expansion.

        SaskTel’s debt ratio of 27.7 per cent (2006 — 30.4 per cent) declined as a result of: repayment of long-term debt, reduced cash and short-term investments, and revaluation of the sinking funds to market value, effective January 1, 2007, in line with implementation of new accounting standards for financial instruments.

        Return on equity increased to 11.8 per cent in 2007 (2006 — 10.7 per cent) consistent with higher earnings.

        Dividends to CIC of $30.0 million were declared in 2007 (2006 — $50.0 million).

        On November 26, 2008, SaskTel announced its plan to invest $129 million to improve high speed Internet, expand CommunityNet and build 50 new cell phone towers. The investment will result in 100 per cent high speed Internet coverage in the Province within three years. The Government of Saskatchewan, through CIC, will provide $90 million to SaskTel for this investment.



60


        SaskEnergy Incorporated.  SaskEnergy operates a natural gas distribution utility that provides natural gas and related services to residential, farm, commercial and industrial customers in Saskatchewan. In addition, TransGas Limited (“TransGas”) is SaskEnergy’s wholly owned natural gas transmission and storage subsidiary.

        Consolidated net income of $88.1 million increased in 2007 (2006 — $53.2 million) due to a gain on commodity sales resulting from the positive impacts of commodity price changes. SaskEnergy’s commodity rates are designed to ensure that in the long term it neither profits from nor incurs a loss on the sale of natural gas to its customers. However, since the purchase price of natural gas can fluctuate, SaskEnergy may experience differences between the amount paid for natural gas and the amount charged to customers through its commodity rate. These differences are either refunded to or collected from customers by adjustments to future commodity rates.

        Revenues of $1,170.5 million decreased (2006 — $1,254.0 million) due to lower natural gas marketing sales partially offset by higher commodity sales and delivery revenue.

        Expenses of $1,082.4 million decreased (2006 — $1,200.8 million) primarily due to the lower cost of natural gas sold related to both natural gas marketing and distribution utility commodity sales.

        SaskEnergy incurred a gain on commodity sales in 2007 of $27.2 million (2006 — $6.1 million loss). SaskEnergy conducts a price management program to assist in managing the volatility of natural gas purchase prices. The related fair value adjustments are included in the commodity cost of natural gas sold. The net effect of the fair value adjustments was to decrease the cost of natural gas sold by $17.9 million (2006 — $9.4 million increase in cost of natural gas sold).

        Debt increased to $708.3 million (2006 — $679.9 million) as a result of debt issues used to fund capital expenditures and to repay debt that matured during the year.

        Capital spending was $99.6 million (2006 — $71.5 million). The increase was due to incremental spending on storage development and system maintenance and expansion during 2007.

        SaskEnergy’s debt ratio was 62.8 per cent (2006 — 63.4 per cent).

        Return on equity of 20.6 per cent increased (2006 — 13.2 per cent) corresponding with higher net income.

        Dividends declared to CIC of $53.0 million (2006 — $34.5 million) were based on 65.0 per cent of consolidated net income.

        In August 2007, SaskEnergy submitted a rate application to SRRP for a commodity rate reduction of 2.6 per cent, effective November 1, 2007. Following review of the application along with a market update from SaskEnergy, SRRP recommended a commodity rate reduction of 5.7 per cent effective November 1, 2007. The recommendation was approved by Cabinet.

        In July 2008, SaskEnergy submitted an application to increase its commodity rate from $6.57 per gigajoule (GJ) to $10.21/GJ. The application was revised downward in August to $8.71/GJ to reflect market changes. SRRP recommended the revised rate and Cabinet approved a further reduced rate of $8.51/GJ due to further decline in forward prices of the commodity. The rate adjustment was effective October 1, 2008.

        In July 2008, SaskEnergy submitted an application to increase its delivery rate by an average 5.8 per cent. SRRP concurred with SaskEnergy’s recommendation and Cabinet approved the rate increase in October 2008.

Major Wholly Owned Subsidiary

        Investment Saskatchewan Inc.  Investment Saskatchewan Inc. provides investment capital and financing, and manages portfolios of commercially viable investments. Investment Saskatchewan was incorporated under The Business Corporations Act (Saskatchewan) on November 14, 1979 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan (CIC), a Provincial Crown corporation. Effective September 3, 2003 by Order in Council 700/2003, which made effective The Crown Corporation Amendment Regulations, 1993, Investment Saskatchewan was designated a subsidiary Crown corporation of CIC to which the provisions of The Crown Corporations Act, 1993 apply.

        On June 27, 2006, Investment Saskatchewan created a subsidiary of Investment Saskatchewan, Victoria Park Capital (VPC). On November 1, 2006 VPC was substantially sold to former employees of Investment Saskatchewan. The newly created company manages the existing portfolio and new investment assets under contract to Investment Saskatchewan.



61


        Net income, including results from discontinued operations, of $11.5 million in 2007 compared to 2006 net income of $72.9 million. Earnings from continuing operations of $11.7 million were down from $50.0 million in 2006. The 2006 income was mainly attributable to a $31.5 million reversal of previous provisions for losses related to Meadow Lake Pulp Limited Partnership (MLPLP). While MLPLP’s business was sold early in 2007, Investment Saskatchewan Inc. retained an interest in the business by receiving a 20 per cent equity interest in the purchaser as part of the purchase price. MLPLP obtained protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangements Act (CCAA) in late 2005 and it was placed into receivership in October 2007. MLPLP liquidated the bulk of its assets during 2007 and its dealing with environmental remediation at its former mill site before repaying available funds to its senior secured creditor, Investment Saskatchewan Inc.

        Discontinued operations included Hypor, Crown Life Insurance Company and Centennial Foods Partnership. Hypor and a portion of Centennial Foods were exited in 2006 while Crown Life and the balance of Centennial Foods’ operations were exited in 2007.

        The 2006 net income was mainly attributable to a $31.5 million reversal of previous provisions for losses related to Meadow Lake Pulp Limited Partnership (MLPLP). While MLPLP’s business was sold early in 2007, Investment Saskatchewan Inc. retained an interest in the business by receiving a 20 per cent equity interest in the purchaser as part of the purchase price. MLPLP obtained protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) in late 2005 and it was placed into receivership in October 2007. MLPLP liquidated the bulk of its assets during 2007 and is dealing with environmental remediation at its former mill site before repaying available funds to its senior secured creditor, Investment Saskatchewan Inc.

        Revenue of $217.2 million in 2007 decreased from $335.8 million in 2006 primarily due to the sale of the MLPLP business early in 2007. Earnings from equity investments increased to $30.2 million from $16.7 million a year earlier. Earnings at Saskferco Products Inc. were up significantly due to strong fertilizer prices and demand, while earnings of most other commodity based investments were lower due to the unfavorable impact of the high Canadian dollar.

        Expenses of $190.1 million in 2007 decreased from $278.2 million in the previous year primarily due to the sale of the business of MLPLP early in 2007. This was offset by increased costs at Big Sky Farms Inc. due to higher feed and transportation costs.

        Long-term debt decreased from $71.5 million in 2006 to $60.8 million at the end of 2007. This decrease is primarily due to scheduled repayment of $12.9 million of long-term debt during the year.

        Capital spending for property, plant and equipment of $7.8 million decreased from $10.7 million in 2006.

        Investment disbursements of $60.6 million increased from $24.6 million in 2006 due to increased activity in new loans and equity investments.

        Five new direct investments were made in 2007 with three more committed to during the year. In 2006, six new investments were made.

        Investment Saskatchewan’s significant holdings are discussed below:

        Saskferco Products Inc. (Saskferco).  Saskferco is a nitrogen-based fertilizer plant located near Belle Plaine, Saskatchewan, owned by Investment Saskatchewan (49 per cent), The Mosaic Company (50 per cent), and Citibank Canada (1 per cent). Medium Term Notes issued by Saskferco with a principal amount of U.S. $21.0 million as at March 31, 2007 were guaranteed by the GRF. The GRF received commercially-based guarantee fees based on guaranteed debt outstanding. The project agreements provide that cash flow will be allocated on a priority basis to the reduction of guaranteed debt. As a result of surplus cash from operations, Saskferco established a debt retirement fund specifically for the Medium Term Notes. The guaranteed Medium Term Notes matured and were paid in full on May 31, 2007.

        On July, 14, 2008, Investment Saskatchewan, along with its partner The Mosaic Company, announced the sale of Saskferco to Yara International ASA. The sale of Yara closed on October 1, 2008. After closing costs, Investment Saskatchewan’s share of the net sales proceeds of $1,571.8 million was $820.1 million.



62


        Meadow Lake Pulp Limited Partnership (MLPLP).  MLPLP operates one of the world’s first zero-effluent chemithermomechanical pulp mills. CIC Pulp Ltd., a wholly-owned share capital subsidiary of Investment Saskatchewan, owns 50 per cent of MLPLP, with Millar Western Industries Ltd. holding the remaining 50 per cent. The state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly mill is located near Meadow Lake. Its wood pulp is sold in Canada, the United States and offshore. In April 2005, Investment Saskatchewan purchased $52.0 million in guaranteed debt from MLPLP’s debt issuers. As a result, outstanding guarantees by Investment Saskatchewan were replaced with direct financing by Investment Saskatchewan. MLPLP has experienced negative earnings impacts due to lower pulp prices, a strong Canadian dollar, and energy costs. During 2005, Investment Saskatchewan made loan provisions totalling $124.9 million on its investment in MLPLP.

        On December 28, 2005, MLPLP obtained creditor protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangements Act (CCAA) to provide time to investigate all options with respect to the future of the mill including the development of a cost reduction plan and pursuing potential purchasers of the mill. On January 9, 2006, Investment Saskatchewan approved the provision of up to $15 million in Debtor-in-Possession (“DIP”) financing to the pulp mill. The purpose of this temporary short-term liquidity facility was to assist the pulp mill in its restructuring efforts.

        On January 11, 2007 the Saskatchewan Court of Queen’s Bench approved a transaction between MLPLP and Investment Saskatchewan with 6551017 Canada Ltd. for the sale of the fixed assets and raw materials inventory of MLPLP. The sale transaction closed on January 23, 2007. Investment Saskatchewan continues to own 20 per cent of the successor corporation Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp.

        HARO Financial Corporation (HARO).  HARO is a Regina-based company created to acquire an ownership interest in Crown Life Insurance Company (Crown Life). In May 1998, Crown Life entered into agreements with The Canada Life Assurance Company (Canada Life) for the sale of its business. Under the terms of the agreements, substantially all of Crown Life’s insurance business was transferred to Canada Life, with the balance to be transferred at the option of the parties to the agreements or the shareholders of Crown Life after January 1, 2004. The completion of the second step in the sale process was delayed due to the acquisition of Canada Life by Great-West Life in 2003. On April 24, 2006, the shareholders of Crown Life triggered the second and final close of the sale to Canada Life. In July, 2007, the remaining assets of Crown Life were transferred to Investment Saskatchewan.

Major Investment

        NewGrade Energy Inc. (NewGrade).   On September 5, 2007, CIC announced that it had reached an agreement with a third party to purchase the Corporation’s 50 percent interest in NewGrade for $325.0 million plus cash surplus on NewGrade’s 2007 earnings. This agreement was subject to Consumers’ Co-operative Refineries Ltd.‘s (CCRL) right of first refusal. On September 26, 2007 CCRL notified CIC that it would purchase CIC’s interest in NewGrade. On November 1, 2007 the Corporation completed the sale of NewGrade which resulted in net proceeds of $383.1 million, generating a gain on sale of $250.1 million on CIC’s consolidated financial statements.



63


Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

      At December 31
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
                    (Thousands)     Restated
Note 3
       
Assets                                  
Current     $ 1,134,346    $ 1,563,295    $ 2,093,929    $ 2,054,238    $ 2,255,069   
Long-term investments       995,718      652,665      657,093      1,006,887      1,164,715   
Property, plant and equipment       5,385,609      5,329,223      5,688,140      5,884,049      5,952,489   
Other assets       358,809      385,351      419,746      256,168      256,705   
Long-term assets of discontinued operations           209,339      389,307      459,820       
Total Assets     $ 7,874,482    $ 8,139,873    $ 9,248,215    $ 9,661,162    $ 9,628,978   
Liabilities and Province's Equity                                  
Current     $ 1,340,789    $ 1,437,491    $ 1,724,875    $ 1,581,780    $ 1,698,414   
Long-term debt       2,981,839      2,977,430      3,217,556      3,491,525      3,226,998   
Long-term liabilities from discontinued operations           39,944      460,903      443,767       
Deferred revenue and other liabilities       329,989      419,929      468,124      493,653      521,945   
Province of Saskatchewan's Equity       3,221,865      3,265,079      3,376,757      3,650,437      4,181,621   
Total Liabilities and Province's Equity     $ 7,874,482    $ 8,139,873    $ 9,248,215    $ 9,661,162    $ 9,628,978   

Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan

Consolidated Statement of Operations

      For the Period Ended December 31
        2003     2004     2005     2006     2007  
                    (Thousands)     Restated
Note 3
       
Revenue                                  
Sales of products and services     $ 3,857,164    $ 3,769,697    $ 4,155,153    $ 4,298,900    $ 4,334,654   
Investment       39,069      72,448      89,555      96,816      106,835   
Other       13,051      4,117      5,551      10,372      14,100   
Total Revenue     $ 3,909,284    $ 3,846,262    $ 4,250,259    $ 4,406,088    $ 4,455,589   
Expenses                                  
Operating costs other than                                  
   those listed below     $ 2,903,360    $ 2,723,159    $ 3,065,619    $ 3,318,622    $ 3,251,424   
Interest       122,353      248,546      243,939      261,864      264,098   
Amortization of property, plant and equipment       424,517      402,461      406,455      428,524      458,743   
Saskatchewan taxes and resource payments       98,373      87,342      99,944      100,646      103,004   
Total Expenses     $ 3,548,603    $ 3,461,508    $ 3,815,957    $ 4,109,656    $ 4,077,269   
Earnings before the following       360,681      384,754      434,302      296,432      378,320   
Future income tax (expense) recovery       469      (26,465)     (35,881)     866      8,036   
Public policy expenditure           (52,046)              
Non-recurring items       (15,797)     8,023      43,915      18,942      236,622   
Current income tax expenses               (20,249)     (1,718)     (1,000)  
Provision for environmental liabilities                       (24,077)  
Gain (loss) from discontinued operations           (2,205)     (115,422)     126,597      98,435   
Net Earnings     $ 345,353    $ 312,061    $ 306,665    $ 441,119    $ 696,336   

(see accompanying notes)



64


CROWN INVESTMENTS CORPORATION OF SASKATCHEWAN

Notes to Financial Information

1. The foregoing financial information has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan. The foregoing narrative description is unaudited.

2. Effective January 1, 2003, CIC adopted the new Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants handbook section 3110 “Asset Retirement Obligations.” This section requires the recognition of the fair value (net present value) of the total estimated future decommissioning costs when the assets are put into service.

3. Accounting Guideline 15, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“AcG-15”) of the CICA Handbook is effective for periods beginning on or after November 1, 2004; as a result, the Corporation adopted this standard effective January 1, 2005. AcG-15 relates to the application of consolidation principles to certain entities that are subject to control on a basis other than ownership of voting interests. The purpose of AcG-15 is to provide guidance for determining when an enterprise includes the assets, liabilities and results of activities of such an entity (a “variable interest entity”) in its consolidated financial statements.

  An entity falls under the guidance in AcG-15 and is classified as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) if it has equity that is insufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties; or equity investors that cannot make significant decisions about the entity’s operations, or that do not absorb the expected losses or receive the expected returns of the entity. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which is the party involved with the VIE that will absorb a majority of the expected losses or will receive the majority of the expected residual returns or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the VIE.

  The Corporation has determined that the following entities fall under the classification of a VIE and have been consolidated in the financial statements:

    HARO Financial Corporation (HARO)
Meadow Lake Pulp Limited Partnership (MLPLP)
Prairie Ventures Limited Partnership (PVF)

  Prior to January 1, 2005, the Corporation accounted for HARO as a loan receivable, and MLPLP and PVF using the equity method.

  Restatement of comparative financial information is not required by AcG-15. The cumulative effect to retained earnings on the adoption of AcG-15 as at January 1, 2005 is an increase of $36.3 million. Net income in 2005 increased $10.3 million as a result of the consolidation of VIE’s.

4. Effective January 1, 2007, the Corporation adopted the accounting recommendations for accounting changes (Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 1506) in accordance with the transitional provisions of the section. The new standard allows for voluntary changes in accounting policy only if they result in the consolidated financial statements providing reliable and more relevant information. New disclosures are required in respect of changes in accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and correction of errors. The adoption of section 1506 has had no material impact on these consolidated financial statements.

  On January 1, 2007, CIC adopted the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 3855, financial instruments — recognition and measurement, CICA Handbook Section 3861, financial instruments — disclosure and presentation, CICA Handbook Section 1530, comprehensive income, CICA Handbook Section 3865, hedges and CICA Handbook Section 3251, equity. The comparative consolidated financial statements have not been restated.

5. Certain of the 2006 comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation. Figures for 2003 through 2005 have not been similarly reclassified.


65


SOURCES OF INFORMATION

        Information included herein which is designated as being taken from a publication of the Province or Canada, or any agency or instrumentality of either, is included herein upon the authority of such publication as a public official document. The financial statements of the Government included herein under the headings “General Revenue Fund Supplementary Financial Information” and “Summary Financial Statements” have been taken from the Public Accounts of the Province (subject to certain adjustments for purposes of comparability). All financial information contained herein was obtained from the most recent annual Budget Estimates, Public Accounts, or Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan Annual Report, or was prepared by representatives of the Department of Finance or of CIC in their official capacities. The information set forth under “Province of Saskatchewan”, and other than described in the first sentence of this paragraph, was prepared by representatives of the Department of Finance in their official capacities.



66