The next fiscal year which begins April 1st is expected to bring more revenue to the province than expenses, for a surplus of just over $1 billion. Finance Minister Donna Harpauer says the surplus is because of solid prices for commodities like potash and oil, as well as higher tax revenue expected from corporations. That $1 billion will go to pay down operating debt, reducing interest costs by $44 million annually.
The government expects the net debt at the end of March of next year to be lower by $3.4 billion at just over $14 billion as opposed to what is is now at $17.3 billion. Harpauer says there are no new tax increases or new taxes. Advocates in the construction industry had been asking for the PST to be scrapped on construction projects, but that wasn’t included in the budget.
Health: Harpauer states that the Ministry of Health’s budget has risen by almost 7 per cent, and it includes almost 99 million for the Health Human Resources Action Plan to hire more health care workers. That’s an increase of $82.7 million over the current fiscal year’s budget. As well, $55.5 million has been allocated for 250 full-time positions and for expanding part-time positions in rural and remote areas of the province.
The budget also includes support for recruiting internationally educated health care workers and for the College of Medicine for new academic and research positions, special residency seats and family medicine seats. Other highlights include a $42.5 million increase to fund 6,000 added surgeries for a total of 103,000 with the goal of reducing the wait lists to pre-pandemic levels by this time next year.
Education: The funding for schools, early learning, child care and libraries increases by 6.7 per cent for a total of $3.1 billion, and included in that is $2 billion in operating funding for school divisions. $23 million has been allocated to support the startup and operation of the new Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation – Sask DLC.
For post-secondary education, Harpauer announced almost $765 million, and increase of 3.3 per cent, including $47 million for student supports, which is a 24 per cent increase from last year, which the Finance Minister says is because of the growing use of the Student Aid Fund and the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship. There is also $65 million for the Graduate Retention Program, which provides up to $20,000 in tax credits to post-secondary students who stay and work in Saskatchewan after graduation.
Social Services: The government is adding $26.6 million in benefits to support people with low incomes, families and seniors with increases to benefits for Saskatchewan Income Support, Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability, the Senior’s Income Plan and the Personal Care Home Benefit.
Earlier this week in the Legislature, the Premier had said there would be increased funding for people on the Saskatchewan Assured Income Disability support program. The Official Opposition had brought up that those on the SAID program were forced to apply for their CPP early, meaning they would get less per month over the years, and prior to them turning 65, that CPP money is deducted.
Today (Wed), Finance Minister Donna Harpauer stated that income assistance funding is increasing in the next fiscal year to help vulnerable people and families. Saskatchewan Income Support clients will receive higher benefits.”Within the SIS benefit including the Adult Basic benefit, the shelter benefit and the alternative heating benefit, they will see an increase of $30 per month each. SAID clients will also receive $30 more per month in living income benefits.”
Policing: The budget includes a new investment of $876,000 over three years to support survivors of interpersonal violence through texpanding counseling services for clients living in second stage housing. Harpauer says there are over $1 billion in investments in public safety and the justice system. Included in that is $6 million to establish the new Saskatchewan Marshals Service to increase policing capacity, particularly in rural and remote areas.
It’s expected to be operational with around 70 officers by mid-to-late 2026.
Capital Projects: A record $3.7 billion has been allotted for capital projects and $15.2 billion in planned capital investment over the next four years. This funding is for highways, schools, hospitals and other projects. A few of the health care capital projects include the ongoing construction at the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital and the Weyburn General Hospital replacement.
In total, the budget for health care capital is $337.6 million, an increase of $181 million from last year. Almost $43 million will go to transportation capital, including over 1,000 kilometres of improvements on provincial highways. Some of those projects are completing the passing lanes and widening Highway 5 from Saskatoon to Highway 2, and planning for construction to extend the twinning on Highway 5 east of Saskatoon.
Click here for the complete budget from the Government of Saskatchewan: 2023-24 Budget (1)
