Saskatchewan’s government has announced a projected $819.4 million deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year, following a forecasted $1.21 billion deficit for the previous year. The province aims to return to a surplus by 2030-31, with a projected surplus of $124.1 million.
The budget allocates $8.47 billion to the Ministry of Health, marking an increase of $393.4 million from last year. Additionally, the Ministry of Education’s budget is set at $3.6 billion, reflecting a two percent increase.
Overall, Saskatchewan’s total revenue is projected at $21.4 billion, while total expenses are expected to reach $22.2 billion, a 5.7 percent increase from the previous budget. Debt-related charges are climbing by $161 million to $1.2 billion, accounting for about 5.5 percent of total expenses.
In a move to address mental health needs, the budget includes $673.7 million for mental health and addictions, which is an increase of $49 million from last year. The government also plans to create 50 new specialized support classrooms across schools.
In support of higher education, the government has committed $318.9 million in operating funding to the University of Saskatchewan, an increase of $18.3 million over the previous year. Vince Bruni-Bossio, a representative from the university, stated, “This exceptional level of support is unmatched across the country and will allow our university to continue delivering strong returns on investment for Saskatchewan and its people.”
However, opposition leader Carla Beck criticized the budget, saying, “There’s nothing to offer a hint of hope or relief to those families that were already struggling.” In response, Minister Jim Reiter emphasized, “We are not going to be going and handing out pink slips.”
Saskatchewan has run deficits since the beginning of the decade and is targeting a return to surplus in 2030-31. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific measures that will be implemented to achieve this goal.
