Sask. 2020-21 budget: What the numbers say

The Saskatchewan government on Wednesday released its spending estimates for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Ashley Martin takes a closer look at some of those figures:

$14.15B

Total estimated government spending, a 3.1-per-cent increase from the previous year. This number comes without estimated revenue forecasts, given the precarious state of the economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

$1,000

Raise allotted for each cabinet minister. Their salaries are budgeted to rise from $50,000 this year to $51,000.

3.8%

Increase in health spending over last year. The $211-million increase brings the health budget to $5.77 billion.

1

Long-term seniors care facility receives further construction funding. The 72-bed facility in Meadow Lake, which was previously announced, will see a $15.7-million investment.

$15M

Allotted for the planning and preparations for the previously announced $300-million Prince Albert Victoria Hospital.

3,700

More surgeries should happen with an additional $20 million budgeted to address surgical wait times.

$434.5M

Budgeted for mental health and addictions supports and services, an increase of $5.8 million for addictions initiatives and $6.2 million for increased mental health services. Part of these enhancements involves establishing specialized crystal meth in-patient treatment services in Estevan.

36

New acute care beds will be funded for the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, with $8 million. 100

Community-based longterm care beds will be created with a $2.3-million investment in Regina and Emerald Park.

7

New schools: A new joint-use elementary school in Harbour Landing in Regina; a joint-use consolidation of St. Peter, St. Michael and Imperial elementary schools in Regina; St. Frances Elementary School in Saskatoon; 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.

$130.4M

Budget for education capital funding.

$31.74M

Increase in K-12 education operating funding. Total operating funding is $1.8 billion.

0

Increase for the Saskatchewan Arts Board, Creative Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, heritage institutions and the Science Centre. The Community Initiatives Fund, which funds a variety of community projects across the province, is reduced by $125,000.

36%

Increase to the climate change and adaptation budget, up to $7.247 million from $5.313 million.

$6,000

Raise budgeted for the information and privacy commissioner’s salary, a 2.6-per-cent increase to $234,000.

4.1%

Increase in social services’ spending. That includes a planned increase of $1.835-million for income assistance, including Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability, child care parent subsidies and other programs. $32.5M

Increase for child and family services, for a total of $332.8 million.

$3.4M

Slated to fund a new Saskatchewan Housing Benefit, to “help make housing more affordable for individuals or families who require rental support.”

11%

Increase in revenue sharing for municipalities, up $27 million from last year.

1,000

Kilometres of highways will be upgraded next year.

$24.7M

Budgeted for the chief electoral officer, for the provincial election slated this year.

$400,000

Increase in funding to the Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Organization (VIDO), for a new vaccine manufacturing facility. A VIDO team is currently researching a COVID -19 vaccine.

1.5%

Increase in post-secondary funding through the Ministry of Advanced Education, or an increase of $11.2 million. The Graduate Retention Program remains.

3%

Increase in targeted investment for Indigenous communities, businesses and organizations, totalling $213 million. The numbers don’t detail what that means.

$1.7M

Increased spending for the Gang Violence Reduction Strategy.

42%

Now the maximum PST rebate for new home construction, for homes purchased after March 31.