Budget 2020 in Saskatchewan has been dramatically scaled back.
Instead of a full budget presentation on Wednesday, Finance Minister Donna Harpauer will be proceeding with a scaled-back release of the budget estimates, according to the province’s news release. The reason is the COVID-19 pandemic situation.
The estimates will include spending plans for the upcoming year for all areas of government, including health, education, social services, public protection and capital spending, according to the release. Revenue forecasts will not be tabled Wednesday.
“The budget estimates will contain spending increases in most areas, including a significant increase in health funding,” said Harpauer in a statement. “It includes a significant lift to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, which funds the doctors, nurses and other professionals who are on the front line of the fight against COVID-19.
“It is absolutely vital that we move ahead with those spending increases now as we confront the COVID-19 pandemic.”
As for government revenues, Harpauer stated, “The events of the past few weeks have resulted in our revenue forecasts no longer being accurate.”
“Given the rapidly changing situation, accurate revenue forecasts are not possible right now.”
However, Harpauer stated the need to “move forward with the government's spending plan for the coming year.”
