The theme of the 2012 Saskatchewan budget, released last Wednesday, is Keeping the Saskatchewan Advantage. Whether or not the budget actually achieves that goal remains to be seen, this appears to be the most subdued of the budgets delivered by the Sask. Party government with no major new programs announced or no significant cuts to programs.
In what some have described as a maintenance budget, the government was able to balance the books and forecast a modest surplus in the $90 million range.
"The Saskatchewan Advantage is real," Finance Minister Ken Krawetz said. "The people of Saskatchewan have worked hard to make the gains that have made life better for everyone, and we want to ensure that they keep those benefits."
As always, the bulk of the spending centres on health and education. The budget included a $98 million increase in funding for the regional health authorities and another $60 million for the Surgical Initiative which will enable another 8,000 more surgeries to be performed. The Saskatchewan Cancer Agencywill receive $16.9 million more in funding for 6,000 new patient referrals, 30,000 chemotherapy treatments and 39,000 mammograms. Four million dollars will also be pumped into the expansion of the colorectal screening program in hopes of providing early cancer detection and improved survival rates. Another $5.5 million was also provided for the startup of the STARS helicopter ambulance service.
"We are continuing with our focus to put the patient first - to ensure the people of our province receive timely and quality health services," Health Minister Don McMorris said in a government release.
The health budget also included a couple of fee increases as the senior/child drug plan cap increased from $15 to 20. That move is expected to provide a savings of $10 million.
"The co-payment for the seniors' and children's drug plans has not been increased since 2007," McMorris said. "In order to ensure that programs are sustainable over the long term, adjustments have to be made in the short term. The drug plan will continue to provide a range of programs to help individuals and families with the cost of their medications."
The senior citizens' ambulance assistance program deductible was increased from $250 to $275.
"The deductible has not increased for 20 years," McMorris said. "Expenses have increased in that time, and as a health system, we are trying to recoup some of those costs."
The highlight of the education budget was the unveiling of a new funding model for the province. The long awaited model is designed to provide fairness throughout the system.
"This year, the increased investment in education will provide for more equitable support throughout our province's education system and an increased commitment to ensuring success for all students - from early childhood to high school," Education Minister Donna Harpauer said.
Under the new model, the government will spend $1.74 billion on education, an increase of five per cent. That total includes $10 million in transition funding to reduce the impact of the new model on school divisions. Other highlights in the education budget include:
Support for child care; $46 million in operating funding is provided this year, including an increase of $2 million to create 500 new child care spaces and $4 million for the capital costs related to those new spaces. The majority of these spaces will be placed in schools or post-secondary institutions to facilitate continuing education and improved outcomes for young people.
$1 million in increased operating funding ($18.6 million total) to support the province's vulnerable three and four year-old early learners. Fifteen new pre-kindergarten programs will be developed. This initiative is also supported by $1 million in capital funding.
This brings the total number of licensed child care spaces to approximately 13,240 and the total number of designated pre-kindergarten programs to 286.
$500,000 is also committed to summer literacy camps. Held in 20 communities across the province, these camps work to reduce summer reading loss by engaging children aged five to 14 in camp activities rooted in literacy and numeracy.
An increase of 1.6 per cent in funding to libraries and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) which includes child care centres.
The province's aging highways will also see some much needed money as $581.5 million has been earmarked for 2012.
"This year's fiscally responsible budget continues to make highways investment a priority, and it sets us on track to fulfil our campaign promise of investing $2.2 billion over four years," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "In the coming year, we will continue to rebuild our aging highways while, at the same time, making important new investments that support our thriving economy and accommodate our growing population."
A highlight for Estevan residents is the announcement of $10 million to begin work on the heavy truck bypass around the city. After years of delays, the government is expected to begin work later this year with the bulk of the project to be completed in 2013.
