leg building


The provincial budget, which was presented almost two weeks ago, was formally approved in the Saskatchewan Legislature on Thursday.

Provincial Finance Minister Ken Krawetz says it is a unique budget in Saskatchewan. Not only was it balanced, but with five other provincial budgets and a federal budget tabled so far this year, it's the only balanced budget in Canada.

"As other provinces struggle with deficits and trying to determine when they might be able to become balanced, we're faced with challenges of growth, and those are excellent challenges to face," Kravetz said. "It's an exciting time in Saskatchewan to be in that unique position and to move forward with sustainable spending."

In trying to balance the budget, Krawetz added it's a matter of evaluating programs and priorities in order to keep spending sustainable.

"In the election campaign, there were two plans. One political party said 'the province is doing not too badly, let's go on a wild spending spree' with the estimation of $6 billion worth of additional spending." Krawetz said. "We campaigned on a platform that said the economy of the province is doing well, but we need to make sure that we put in place a budget that is going to be sustainable."

Krawetz adds while keeping the budget balanced, they were able to increase spending in some areas, especially healthcare where enhancements to the Surgical Wait Time Initiative and professional training were made.

Colin Powers talked with Ken Krawetz about the budget: