2024-2025 Saskatchewan Provincial Budget Highlights

Saskatchewan’s 2024-25 Provincial Budget, recently tabled by Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer, unveils investments in education, health care, and community development.

With projected revenue of $19.9 billion, up $184.2 million from last year, and a total expense of $20.1 billion, the budget forecasts a deficit of $273.2 million. However, a return to surplus is expected in 2025-26, driven by increased revenues due to a growing population and a thriving labor market.

Education emerges as a top priority in the budget, with an investment of $3.3 billion allocated for the Ministry of Education. This marks an increase of 8.1% over last year’s budget, to support Prekindergarten to Grade 12 students, early learning, childcare, and libraries. The school operating funding for the province’s 27 school divisions also sees a significant boost, with a record increase of $180.0 million, reflecting an 8.8% hike over the previous year.

The health sector is another major beneficiary of the budget, with a record $7.6 billion set aside to improve patient care and increase access to services. The Saskatchewan Health Authority will receive nearly $4.7 billion, marking a 5.6% rise compared to last year. The budget also earmarks $574.0 million for mental health and addiction programs and services, and $248.9 million to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency.

The budget invests $570.6 million in agriculture, an increase of 4.1% from last year. The ministry’s budget will fund federal-provincial risk management programs, including Crop Insurance and Agri-Stability, acknowledging the challenging weather and soil conditions faced by some producers.

The 2024-25 Budget also recognizes the role of small businesses in the province’s growing economy. The small business tax rate will be extended until June 30, 2025, and will remain at one per cent, making it the second-lowest in Canada.

The infrastructure sector is set to receive $741.0 million for safe and efficient transportation infrastructure. This will allow for the improvement of over 1,100 kilometers of provincial highways, including repaving, light and medium pavement preservation, and gravel rehabilitation.

In the realm of community development, the budget provides an increase of $42.4 million in municipal revenue sharing for cities, towns, villages, and municipalities throughout Saskatchewan. The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety will also receive $719.4 million, which includes funding for the RCMP’s operations and First Nations Policing Program.

The budget also considers the affordability challenges faced by low-income individuals, families, and seniors. It includes a $17.0 million investment for the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive Program to make life more affordable for working families with lower incomes. It also provides additional supports for homeowners to improve housing availability and affordability.

The Ministry of Social Services is allocated a budget of $1.5 billion, an increase of 7.8% compared to last year. This budget will support the continued implementation of the Provincial Approach to Homelessness, including an increase of $16.7 million for emergency shelter operations and the development of supportive housing spaces.

For more information visit the Government of Saskatchewan Budget Release.