Back on Track

The 2022-23 Back On Track Provincial Budget acts to serve as a shining light at the end of a long, dark tunnel that has been the last two years of this pandemic. Saskatchewan’s economy is recovering, and investment is strong as we learn to live with COVID-19. Through the next three years, the path to balance shows smaller deficits of $384 million in 2023-24, $321 million in 2024-25 and $165 million in 2025-26. A balanced budget is expected in 2026-27.

Finance Minister and Deputy Premier Donna Harpauer reiterated that the government stands strong with their intent to become less reliant on resource revenue and look for smaller revenue measures. This budget sees increases to the PST, as well as slight increases to mill rates, and tobacco taxes are to increase.

What Does This Mean For YOU?

Today’s budget shows that Saskatchewan is moving forward. The general population seems to have either accepted that we are now living with COVID-19, or have forgotten about it entirely. With heavy investment into health care, social services and assistance, crime reduction and even film, Saskatchewan is open for business.

In the 2020 provincial election, we learned that the Saskatchewan Party is here to stay for at least 6-12 more years. Right now, there is significant potential for both partnership and meaningful investment.  The province is looking to hire and diversify their trade relations. Now is the time to create relationships, build trust and make history with the province of Saskatchewan.  The government still needs to tackle their $463 million deficit, and they are open to all suggestions on how Saskatchewan can continue to grow its strong economy and communities.

Major Highlights

• The Ministry of Health budget is $6.4 billion in 2022-23, an increase of$318.7 million or 5.2 per cent from 2021-22. This includes a $277.1 million increase for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, bringing the total for the SHA to $4.2 billion.
• $470.0 million into mental health and addictions programs and services — over seven per cent of total health care spending — including $8.0 million in new targeted investments over last year, representing the highest investment ever in Saskatchewan for these programs and services.
• $400 million in funding to community-based organizations (CBOs).
• $936.2 million for the protection of persons and property, an increase of $91.1 million or 10.8 per cent from last year.
• Non-renewable resource revenue is $2.9 billion, up $1.6 billion, largely due to higher potash and oil price forecasts which is the result of stronger than expected global demand.
• $8.0 million for the Creative Saskatchewan Production Grant Program (originally $2 million) for film and television, bringing the total funds available to $10.0 million.
  • The Regina Sound Stage has also been renamed as the John Hopkins Regina Sound Stage to honour Regina Chamber CEO John Hopkins and his dedication to entrepreneurs in the city.

Capital Plan

The government is spending $3.2 billion on capital projects in 2022-23, including:

• $52.9 million for continued hospital projects in Prince Albert and Weyburn, urgent care centres in Regina and Saskatoon and long-term care centres.
• $95.2 million for 15 new schools and five renovations.
• $452.5 million toward improvements of 1,100 km of provincial highways.
• $18.1 million to update the aerial wildfire fleet.

By Ministry:

Economy

• $3.1 million to fully fund the International Trade and Investment Strategy.
• $448.5 million of direct provincial support to municipalities.
• $233.2 million in targeted funding for First Nations and Metis people and organizations.
• $475,000 to create the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation (SIIFC). The SIIFC will offer $75 million in loan guarantees for private sector lending to Indigenous communities and organizations for investments into natural resource and value-added agriculture projects.

Crowns

• With $3.2 billion included in the 2022-23 Budget, Saskatchewan has provided $40 billion in capital investment through its Crowns and Executive Government since 2008-09.
• $1.8 billion into major capital, including $1.1 billion by SaskPower to improve the province’s electricity system to meet demand and maintain reliability.
• SaskEnergy is investing $272.8 million in the province’s natural gas distribution system, including expansion of the transmission system to meet increased demand in a growing province.
• SaskTel is investing $377.0 million to improve its networks dedicated to being the best at connecting people to their world.

Health

• $21.6 million in the budget will address the surgical waitlist, and fund thousands of additional surgeries this year.
  • This is the first year of a three-year plan to deliver on the largest volume of surgical procedures in the history of our province. This aggressive plan targets a return to pre-pandemic levels for surgical wait times by the end of March 2025.
• $95 million to sustain the ongoing pandemic response and continue to protect Saskatchewan people in transition to living with COVID-19.
• Increasing spending by $1.5 million to bring 150 health care workers from the Philippines to Saskatchewan, with a goal of reaching 300 by 2023-24.
• $12.5 million to add 11 new intensive care unit beds, with an eventual goal of adding 31 beds by 2024-25.

Mental Health

• $470.0 million into mental health and addictions programs and services — over seven per cent of total health care spending — including $8.0 million in new targeted investments over last year, representing the highest investment ever in Saskatchewan for these programs and services.
• Included in this, $2.1 million to add addictions spaces in high need areas in treatment centres across the province.

Seniors

• $17 million of the health budget supports our seniors to live safely and comfortably including the following initiatives:
  • $4.8 million increase in home care services.
  • $4.1 million to provide high-dose influenza vaccines to adults of 65.
  • $1.6 million for operations at the Meadow Lake Northwest Community Lodge.
  • $6.5 million in new funding for an additional 117 continuing care aid positions.
• The government has now quadrupled the maximum Seniors Income Plan benefit from $90 to $360 per month.

Education & Childcare

• Saskatchewan school divisions will receive $1.99 billion, an increase of $24.9 million from 2021-22.
• The budget includes $7 million for school divisions to hire up to 200 full-time educational assistants.
• Funding for childcare and early learning is $309.6 million, including funding provided through the Federal-Provincial Early Years agreements.

Corrections and Policing

• $50.7 million to create a Provincial Protective Services Branch that will unite the province’s peace officers into one entity.
• Overall spending in the area of Protection of Persons and Property is up by $91.1 million, for a total of $936.2 million.
• $1.6 million to establish a Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team to target high-risk offenders with outstanding warrants.
• $6.4 million to establish the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team.
• $3.2 million to expand the Crime Reduction Team.

PST

The government said it will generate $21 million annually through adding PST on many entertainment events (Matching GST):

• Sporting events
• Concerts
• Museums
• Movies
• Gym memberships
• Green fees

Social Services

• The Ministry of Social Services will support some of our most vulnerable with a total $1.4 billion in the 2022-23 Budget, up $45.7 million or 3.4 per cent over last year.
• $11.4 million to increase Saskatchewan Income Support basic benefits by $30 per month and shelter benefits by up to $25 per month, to help people meet their basic needs as they work to become more self sufficient and independent to the best of their abilities.
• A $20.0 million investment will launch a new Education and Training Incentive this summer with monthly benefits of up to $200 for individuals to complete education and training programs on their path to employment.