Saskatchewan Finance Minister Kevin Doherty presented his government鈥檚 provincial budget to the Legislature on March 22.
鈥淪askatchewan is facing a challenge. This budget is about meeting that challenge,鈥� said Doherty to the assembled Legislature. Total revenue is forecast at $14.17 billion with expenses at $14.80 billion. The budget projects a $685 million deficit with plans to return to a balance within three years. Notably, the federal budget was being unveiled in the House of Commons on the same day and at the same time as the Saskatchewan budget.
Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Government was on the hunt to save money and create revenue. 鈥淗ealth care, social services and education are the big three spenders,鈥� said Doherty. 鈥淲e need to reduce spending in the big three sectors.鈥�
Opposition to the budget came from many quarters. NDP finance critic Cathy Sproule criticized the budget for 鈥減unishing economic stimulants like the construction industry.鈥�
The Saskatoon and Region Home Builders鈥� Association agreed, stating that PST on 鈥渃onstruction labour erodes the affordability of new homes and ultimately stifles the growth of Saskatchewan鈥檚 economy.鈥�
The political fallout will continue as Saskatchewan residents continue to digest the budget changes.
