The Saskatchewan government tabled the 2020-21 budget estimates Wednesday afternoon, outlining the spending plans for the province for the coming years. The estimates outline how the province will be spending $14.15 billion in the upcoming fiscal year. This is an increase of 3.1 percent from the 2019-20 budget.

What the estimates don’t show is where the revenue will come from to pay for the expenses.

The government took the step to table the budget without any revenue forecasts, as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is providing challenges in terms of knowing how much revenue the province will see from the various sectors, including taxation and resource revenue.

“This is an unprecedented and challenging time in our province, our country and the world,” explained Finance Minister Donna Harpauer. “We are all feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our government’s first priority is the safety and health of Saskatchewan people.”

The expenditures were presented now, as opposed to delaying the budget as other jurisdictions have done, to provide stability, Harpauer clarified. She pointed out it is key to have health care funding flowing, as well as infrastructure investment.

The budget included a total of $5.77 billion for the Ministry of Health, including capital and operating expenses. The budget also included $434.5 million for mental health and addiction supports and services. $12 million of that is targeted to support addictions initiatives and enhanced mental health services.

“This spending will establish specialized crystal meth inpatient treatment services in Estevan, increase access to mental health and addictions treatment beds and supports and provide for intensive supports for children and youth,” Harpauer said.

What wasn’t included in the budget was any new money for the hospital in Weyburn, something Harpauer was asked about.

“The Weyburn hospital has dedicated money from, actually, our last budget that they haven’t completely spent to keep that project planning continuing,” said Harpauer.

Weyburn Mayor Marcel Roy was disappointed to hear the new hospital wasn’t officially announced in the budget but did understand the unique pressures facing the province at this time.

Mayors across the province were also pleased to see an increase in municipal revenue sharing. In all, the municipalities in the province will split $278 million, based on the size of the community. The amount is an increase of 11 percent from last year.

We will be providing more reactions and information about the 2020-21 budget in the coming days.