Sask. prepares for any benefits from federal budget

Saskatchewan’s new premier will be watching as federal finance minister Bill Morneau delivers the federal budget Tuesday afternoon.

Scott Moe is hoping Saskatchewan will get the benefit of any revenue that may flow from Ottawa.

“First and foremost we will be looking for some investments with respect to infrastructure in the province,” Moe told reporters at the legislature Monday.

“We will look to investments in healthcare and education, most notably to having a discussion with the federal government with respect to investment in mental health for instance.”

Moe also said he believes Saskatchewan should get access to funds to reduce emissions even though the province is not signing up for the federal carbon tax plan.

The deadline for that money is this Wednesday.

“Last I checked the province of Saskatchewan is still part of the nation of Canada, and we are looking to that funding to ensure that we can continue with the carbon reductions in all of our industries here in the province as we look to the future,” Moe said.

This federal budget will be Morneau’s third and there are a number of items which will need to be addressed.

Money for the upcoming legalization of cannabis is expected to be included.

The federal budget will not be balanced.