Finance Minister Jim Reiter said the Saskatchewan government is now projecting a budget deficit of $427M, citing higher health-care expenses and the cost of fighting the summer's wildfires.
Breakdown
- Saskatchewan's finance minister projects a $427 million deficit for 2025-26, reversing a previously forecast surplus. 23s
- Expenses have risen by over $500 million, mainly due to wildfires and health care costs. 30s
- Total exports are down by $1.4 billion due to lower oil and gas prices, with U.S. and Chinese tariffs further impacting key sectors. 52s
- The government attributes the deficit to global and geopolitical factors, while the opposition NDP criticizes the government's budget management. 1m 13s
- The finance minister expects next year's budget to also run a deficit and highlights ongoing talks with Ottawa over industrial carbon pricing. 1m 35s