Lottery agreement renewed, ensuring sales support Sask. communities

It may not involve giant novelty cheques, but Saskatchewan lotteries will continue to fund good work around the province for years to come.

The provincial government renewed its lottery distribution agreement Thursday, ensuring proceeds will continue to support Saskatchewan communities. The agreement between the government, Sask Sport, SaskCulture and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association continues what the province called “a longstanding and successful partnership.”

The renewal means proceeds from lottery sales will continue to support sports, culture and recreation activities around Saskatchewan for the next six years, the government said. The arrangement has been in place since 1974.

According to the government, funding from Saskatchewan lotteries benefits more than 12,000 sport, culture and recreation groups around Saskatchewan, and about $60 million was granted to those organizations in the 2022-23 fiscal year through the Sask Lotteries Trust Fund.

Laura Ross, Saskatchewan’s minister for parks, culture and sport, said lottery funding reaches every person in the province, “whether it’s getting active in sports and other recreational activities, experiencing the creative arts, or participating in cultural events that celebrate our diversity.”

The renewed agreement means money will continue to be invested into strategic priority areas, which the province said includes “engaging diverse and equity-deserving populations; supporting access to safe and welcoming sport, culture and recreation communities; and encouraging well-being and active lifestyles.”

Michael Rogers, chair of Sask Sport, said he sees the fruits of the agreement every single day.

“As a parent and participant in sport, every day I see how the funds generated through the agreement benefit Saskatchewan residents and positively impacts communities,” Rogers said in a statement. “A multi-year agreement gives stability for planning for all beneficiary groups to continue creating opportunities that make Saskatchewan vibrant for everyone.”