Saskatchewan's Crown corporations are still financially healthy and expected to play a large role in kick-starting the provincial economy coming out of the coronavirus pandemic.

"The fiscal year came with its challenges, but the Auto Fund is fortunate to remain in a strong financial position overall," Joe Hargrave told reporters Thursday

The investment fund aimed to create jobs for First Nations and Metis people, but very few were created.

Cathy Sproule said Monday that millions of dollars invested by the Crown Investment Corporation haven't seen a return.

Fines for distracted driving in Saskatchewan are more than doubling on Feb. 1, with a ticket for a first offence increasing to $580.

Saskatoon Transit had teamed up with SGI to offer free bus rides on New Year’s Eve and into the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Distracted driving fines in Saskatchewan will start at $580 starting Feb. 1, 2020, and repeat offences can result in week-long vehicle seizures and fines over $1,000.

Saskatchewan will introduce harsher penalties for distracted driving soon, but provinces that have beefed up penalties still see many drivers using their phones.

The Saskatchewan government plans on introducing tougher distracted driving penalties later this fall, but it remains to be seen if harsher fines will curb the offence.

SGI says they are encouraged by trends in vehicular injuries and deaths, but the Crown insurer says rates of distracted driving are still too high.