Special warrants for extra spending could push Sask.’s deficit more than $1 billion

A number of special warrants for extra spending – worth about $650 million altogether – could end up pushing Saskatchewan’s deficit up more than $1 billion.

The provincial government published 12 special warrants on Thursday last week, authorizing extra spending for government ministries over and above what was budgeted for 2025-26.

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Special warrants are issued when there isn’t enough money specifically budgeted to cover expenses considered to be “urgently required” for the public good. They’re issued when the Legislative Assembly isn’t sitting.

If the extra money authorized this month is added to the $427-million deficit projected by the province at the mid-year update, it would put the province at a $1.077 billion deficit for the 2025-26 fiscal year. That’s after projecting a small $12-million surplus at the start of the year.

The largest chunk of the $650,078,000 is a special warrant for $338,000,000 under the Ministry of Health. The largest piece of that will go to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, $284,800,000, but tens of million is also spread between the Sask. Cancer Agency, eHealth Saskatchewan, Canadian Blood Services and physician services.

An extra $99.3 million will go to AgriStability under the Agriculture Ministry. The provincial government hasn’t explained why the extra money is needed, but in summer 2025 there was a one-time increase to compensation announced and the maximum payment cap for the 2025 was doubled.

Under the extra $43.922 million for the Ministry of Community Safety is $29.984 million more for the RCMP.

In 2024, the province and the RCMP signed a deal that would provide more funding if the Mounties can recruit to fill those positions – it’s unclear if these special warrants are related to that deal.

The Official opposition called the Sask. Party a “tax and squander government.”

“With Scott Moe at the wheel, these guys are spending like drunken sailors,” said NDP Leader Carla Beck in a news release.

“Scott Moe and his ministers are spending more and more every day, and the people of Saskatchewan are getting less and less in return.”

The NDP is calling for the government to release the third-quarter financial update immediately. Normally, the province releases it in March at the same time as the budget for the coming year.

The government didn’t give any more details on the spending or reasons for it in its emailed response to the NDP. It also didn’t say whether it would release the third-quarter update early.

The government statement pointed out the NDP has been calling for the province to spend more on health care and other services, as well as protecting Saskatchewan from tariffs.

“Now, after the government has done exactly that, the NDP is demanding that we cut spending,” read the statement.

The government pointed to the budget tabled this week in B.C. which has a $13-billion deficit with tax increases, an NDP government, and more than four times the population of Saskatchewan, claiming that is what would happen in Saskatchewan with an NDP government at the helm.

“In Saskatchewan’s upcoming budget, our government will be moving forward with the second year of our personal income tax reduction plan, which means lower taxes for everyone in Saskatchewan,” read the statement.

980 CJME has reached out to the government for more explanation on the special warrants and what the money is needed for.

Other special warrants

The special warrants given to the Ministry of Finance include $11 million to a research and development tax credit and $5.185 million to Saskatchewan secondary suite incentive grant program – a total of $16.185 million.

The special warrant to Education Ministry includes $33.5 million to central management services – central services, while $2.9 million will go to teachers’ pensions and benefits – extended health plan, totalling $36.4 million.

Highways Ministry was issued special warrants for preservation of transportation system – surface preservation of $2.7 million, infrastructure and equipment capital – infrastructure enhancement will receive $14 million, operation of transportation system – winter maintenance will have $7 million, airports will receive $480,000 while strategic municipal infrastructure – urban connectors will get $2 million.

Ministry of Immigration and Career Training’s workforce developed was issued a special warrant for $1,864,000.

Under the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, a special warrant was issued for the Status of Women Office for $310,000.

Special warrants were issued to the social services ministry, including $9.9 million to the Saskatchewan income support, $4.1 million for seniors personal care home benefit, $48 million for child and family program maintenance and support, and $13 million for disability services under the disability programs and services.

For a full list of special warrants, visit the government’s official website.

– With files from 980 CJME’s Lisa Schick