The provincial budget will keep the Saskatchewan advantage, according to the Sask. Party, but the New Democrat Party argues that the government is choosing politicians over people. The provincial budget was comprised of $11.
The provincial budget will keep the Saskatchewan advantage, according to the Sask. Party, but the New Democrat Party argues that the government is choosing politicians over people.
The provincial budget was comprised of $11.29 billion in revenues and expenses of $11.20 billion, which was up by 4.7 per cent over last year.
"This was a positive budget for the province; we made some difficult decisions, but we still kept many of our campaign promises," said Dustin Duncan, MLA for Weyburn-Big Muddy. "There are only two to three governments in North America that are bringing in a balanced budget, and we are one of them."
"This budget takes more out of the pockets of seniors, cuts funding to school boards and asks everyday families to pay more and get less from their province," said Trent Wotherspoon, NDP finance critic. "All of this comes while the government pushes ahead to spend more on politicians and even a new statue for the Legislature."
"We hear great disappointment from Saskatchewan residents in the choice that the Sask. Party made," added Wotherspoon. "There is an uneasiness across the province, and sadly cuts to programs will not be known for some time."
According to Duncan, a budget commitment that will benefit the southeast is the new rental housing construction initiative, which provides a 10-year rebate of Corporate Income Tax equal to 10 per cent of the expected rental income from each rental unit. "This is getting a lot of attention, and builds on the work that was already done."
Another important commitment was the $207.8 million for repair and replacement of highway surfaces, and an additional $18 million for those highways, bridges and culverts that were damaged during the 2011 flooding. "The highway from Weyburn to Stoughton should be finished by the end of this year," said Duncan.
The province will also fund $63 million for Gateway Corridors, which includes opportunity for twinning and passing lane strategies. "The twinning of the highway between Prince Albert and Saskatoon should be finished by this year, and then we will release rankings for other twinning later this year," said Duncan.
The Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA was also "pleased with the unveiling of the new education funding model. Earlier there were concerns from our local school divisions that they would lose money, and I am pleased that it was the opposite," said Duncan. "There was also an increase to child care spaces, and since we are a growing population this could benefit young families that make Weyburn home."
According to Wotherspoon not all Saskatchewan residents will benefit from the budget. "Seniors are specifically hit the hardest, with a major increase to their prescriptions, and many aren't in a position to dig deeper," said Wotherspoon. "They also face increases to fees to special care homes and ambulance costs. Our concern is there are losses to health services and the classroom, but not a single job loss in the premier's office."
"This is unfair, and it doesn't add up. It definitely doesn't reflect leadership by example," added Wotherspoon.
Another concern for Wotherspoon was the reductions and cuts in health care, and he was especially concerned that the budget did not provide a single cent for a new hospital in Weyburn, or repairs to the current Weyburn General Hospital.
Duncan responded that the cost of drugs for the province has gone up, while this was the first increase to prescription drug costs since 2007. "We want to make this sustainable, and we are still making sure to address the area of affordable prescriptions for low-income seniors."
In regard to funding for a new hospital, Duncan said "it is a long process to get a new hospital. The health region is doing their job, and we have support from the city, local RMs and several businesses. The community is demonstrating that they are working towards this goal."
Another area of health that will benefit the southeast is the funding to the STARS air ambulance program. "I am excited about this, it will be a great addition to health care in rural Saskatchewan," said Duncan. "This is one program that I will look back with pleasure of creating."
Other reactions on the budget from representatives from the city, rural municipality, school divisions and other community groups are featured in today's Review. Overall Duncan thought that this balanced budget would benefit Saskatchewan families.
"Budgets are only as strong as their foundation, and once again the province has chosen rosy predictions for potash," said Wotherspoon, who added that it could be a case of history repeating itself. "We should have caution and prudence in predicting our revenues."
"The budget doesn't have to be this way. We have a strong economy and a growing population, and front and centre should be the everyday family," said Wotherspoon. "I think Saskatchewan people deserve better."
