Finance Minister Donna Harpauer presented the province’s budget estimates Wednesday in lieu of a full budget. It showed a 3.1 per cent increase to spending, and 3.8 per cent raise for health services.
“Some governments in Canada have chosen to delay their entire budgets as a result of the pandemic. We considered doing the same, but have decided to proceed with a budget estimate so that a final spending in health care, education and in other areas can proceed,” said Harpauer during a press conference.
The estimate for health comes out to $5.77 billion, up $211 million from the 2019-20 budget.
A positive note around the budget estimates comes from the $12 million increase for mental health and addictions, bringing it to $435 million. Some of those funds will be used for a 20-bed provincial addictions centre, specializing in the treatment of crystal meth addiction, which will be approved to open in Estevan later this year.
A total of $3.7 billion will be allocated to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, which is a $140.6 million increase.
Harpauer noted the additional health funding allocated to the SHA will help fund the response to COVID-19.
“This funds doctors, nurses and other health-care professionals who today are on the frontlines in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Harpauer.
Harpauer said the 3.1 per cent raise in spending and $2.7 billon capital plan is in place to stabilize and stimulate the economy. She also said the province has a “very strong” cash position with $1.3 billion in liquid cash reserves.
“We are well positioned to manage through this challenging time and provide additional resources to address the health and economic challenges COVID-19 requires,” said Harpauer.
Other numbers to note would be the bump up for education. The total number is at $2.56 billion, which is up $86 million. A $34.8 million increase for school capital, a total of $130.4 million, will fund new school projects, major renovations, continuation of existing school capital projects, portables and maintenance.
Some of the projects that fall under that umbrella are a new joint-use school in Harbour Landing in Regina, the consolidation of Princess Alexandra, King George and Pleasant Hill elementary schools in Saskatoon and a new consolidated elementary and high school in Carrot River.
— Source: Estevan Mercury
