With the upcoming Sask Party leadership race, and MLA’s giving up their portfolios to be able to run in the race, Premier Brad Wall was forced to reshuffle his cabinet, which affected Humboldt-Watrous MLA Donna Harpauer.
After previously carrying the Minister of Government Relations and Minister responsible for First Nations, Metis, and Northern Affairs portfolio, Harpauer will be making the move to Minister of Finance.
Harpauer admits the move to Minister of Finance came as a bit of a surprise, but says she is humbled and honoured to serve in that role and says given the current landscape of Saskatchewan economics, it is a little scary, noting that resource revenues are not recovering and so the challenge will be to set a path to balance.
“I do believe it is very important that we do live within our means and we do find that balance and still provide very good services for our citizens of the province and make sure that we look after our most vulnerable. It’s going to be very challenging and although I’m apprehensive, I’m going to work extremely hard to get the right balance and still keep us on track.”
With the change in portfolio Harpauer will be turning her attention to the finances of the province, and says her main responsibility will be to help monitor income and expenses throughout each of the three remaining quarterly reports prior to the 2018-2019 budget.
Harpauer will also be getting underway shortly to help build the next budget, which she notes is a lengthy process.
“You have to meet with each of the respective ministries and listen to submissions on suggestions on where they have challenges as well as where they can find savings and you build the budget over time.”
Harpauer notes that she is not alone on that process and says she has a strong treasury board who helps with it.
“The finance minister is always up front but I want to just tell everybody it is a team and I’m very happy to have that team.”
With the current budget completed, and next year’s budget not yet underway, Harpauer admits that now is an ideal time to come into the position.
“The timing is quite advantageous in that our first quarter in this existing budget is on track of where we are so that is very positive. And it is just before we begin the process of the next budget so it’s a good position to be in with you just coming in as the new minister.”
Having served in a number of different portfolios over the course of the last number of years, Harpauer notes they have all been a big help in preparing her for her latest portfolio, and says she has served on the treasury board in the past.
“Each and every portfolio is a great learning curve. You understand more and more of the bigger picture of government and all of that will be a great asset as I am the finance minister… all of those things help build your strength and understanding of the big picture.”
With the party in a state of flux, due to the upcoming leadership race, both Harpauer and Brkich say they are unsure how long they will hold their new portfolio, but says regardless of what happens she will work at it 110 per cent.
“I will work at it 110% regardless of if it is the portfolio that I am totally responsible for forever and if it is only the one budget that is fine too. I’m still going to give it that 110% effort.”
