Government to release scaled-back budget Wednesday

Saskatchewan’s budget release on Wednesday afternoon is going to be quite a bit different than what was originally planned — the province will only be tabling its expenses for the coming year, not its revenues.

With everything that’s happened in the past few weeks, much of it connected to COVID-19, Premier Scott Moe said the revenues are too hard to predict.

“But it is important for us to move forward in our investment intentions and our spending plan (Wednesday) so that we can provide that certainty to those that are providing services, as well to the important infrastructure projects that need to continue along the path this summer or continue with their construction,” said Moe.

The province will operate on special warrants for period of time, but Moe said he’s hopeful to get back to normal at some point.

Moe repeated several times that the government wants keep money flowing so their partners — including community-based organizations and the Saskatchewan Health Authority — have some certainty in the coming year.

“You’re also seeing a commitment from the Government of Saskatchewan that we are going to provide the resources that this province will need, not only to get through this COVID-19 crisis, but provide the resources on behalf of the people that we represent,” said Moe.

Moe said once things have calmed down, the province will bring a fiscal update that will include updated revenue projections.

Moe said he’s willing to run a deficit next year if need be and that the government will determine later if the budget can be balanced.

“Right now what we are focused on is providing that investment certainty for our partners and ensuring that the people of this province understand that where the resources are needed, we will provide it,” said Moe.

Moe said the government isn’t actively considering a state of emergency at this time.

Last week, the leader of the Opposition NDP called for the province to push back the release of the budget, saying that the numbers determined in February wouldn’t be anywhere near correct.

Ryan Meili said the estimates the province is putting out now are similarly worthless because none of it makes sense or is relevant until the province knows what the revenues are.

Meili said, until now, it seemed like the premier wanted to go full speed ahead on the budget.

“It finally seems to have dawned on him that that wasn’t an appropriate thing to do, given what’s going on in the economy, but they were very reluctant to make this change,” said Meili.

Meili said now it’s somewhat of a relief to see the government has finally come around.

“I would have preferred that they listen in the first place and not make those bad decisions from day one,” said Meili.