The uncertainty of the coronavirus has caused the provincial government to only table its expense budget, leaving out its revenues forecast.
Premier Scott Moe said Tuesday that COVID-19 is making it too difficult to predict revenues as oil prices are plummeting and stocks are dropping daily.
Yet the province is positioned to weather this global pandemic.
“We have a very strong cash position of $1.3 billion, so we are well positioned to manage through this challenging time, and are able to provide additional resources to address the health and economic challenges of COVID-19 as required,” said Finance Minister Donna Harpauer.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority is getting an increase of $140 million this year which will go to doctors, nurses and other health professionals to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
The provinces, territories and Ottawa are looking to build a national vaccine manufacturing center, which Sask. will contribute $400,000. This facility is expected to manufacture the coronavirus vaccine.
“A VIDO research team is currently working with colleagues across Canada to develop and fast-track the testing of a coronavirus vaccine,” said the government.
Once the coronavirus is under control and the economy is ready for a recovery, $2.7 billion by Crown corporations and Executive Government will serve as an economic stimulus.
“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. That is precisely why we need to proceed with these expenditures now, providing stability and much needed new spending at the start of the fiscal year,” stated Harpauer.
Taking a deeper look into the budget, Energy and Resources will spend $28.75 million on remediating contaminated sites. This is a decrease of $5 million from last year.
In Government Relations, First Nations, Metis and Northern Affairs will see $3.638 million, down slightly.
The Metis Development Fund too is trimmed $150,000 to $2.325 million and First Nations Gaming held steady just over $70 million.
The Health Ministry will invest $434.5 million for mental health and addictions supports and services, including a targeted increase of $12 million compared to last year, with nearly $5.8 million to support addictions initiatives and a further $6.2 million to fund enhanced mental health services.
There will also be increased access to mental health and addictions treatment beds and supports and provide for intensive supports for children and youth.
And the Athabasca Health Authority is getting an increase of $200,000 for operations.
Highways rehabilitation is taking a $4 million hit, with Infrastructure Enhancement dropping $86 million.
Capital infrastructure commitments will support the planning, design and procurement activities for the more than $300 million project for a renewed and expanded Prince Albert Victoria Hospital.
Also a $15.7 million investment will continue construction of a new, 72-bed, long-term seniors care facility in Meadow Lake.
(Photo: Finance Minister Donna Harpauer. Credit Dan Jones.)