Legislative Report
March 31, 2022

Record Capital Investment in Saskatchewan Budget Helps Province Get Back on Track

Ensuring a strong and growing economy, the Government of Saskatchewan announced our 2022-23 budget that bolsters our commitment to meet the needs of communities across the province. A record $3.2 billion in capital investments will focus on needed infrastructure like hospitals, schools, municipal and Crown projects, along with improving highways.

Our roadways are key to getting Saskatchewan products to market. This budget includes $846 million to operate, maintain, build and improve over 1,100 kilometres of roads and highways. We are on track to meet our Growth Plan commitments to upgrade and build 10,000 kilometres of the provincial highway network by 2030. We will continue with our plan to design and construct passing lanes and twinning projects to increase safety. Other project include repairing or rebuilding 15 bridges and replacing 100 culverts around the province.

Since 2007, our Saskatchewan Party government has invested over $2 billion to support the maintenance and construction of new health care facilities. Over the next four years, we will invest another $1 billion. Capital projects for this year include the redevelopment of the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital, the replacement of the Weyburn General Hospital, new Urgent Care Centres in Regina and Saskatoon, and long-term care centres throughout Saskatchewan.

Rather than closing schools like the NDP did, our government is investing in them. We have committed well over $2 billion towards 57 new or replacement schools, as well as another 30 renovation projects since 2007. With this budget, $170 million will go towards ongoing capital projects including 15 new schools and renovations to five existing schools. Over $55 million has been set aside for preventative and emergency maintenance. Additionally, we have created a new $4.5 million Minor Capital Renewal Program to allow school divisions to prolong the life of schools across Saskatchewan.

The first two projects to receive funding under the program will be Kyle Composite School and Moose Jaw’s École St. Margaret. The school in Kyle was built in 1958 while École St. Margaret was constructed in 1956. Both facilities are in need of significant structural repair and this work will allow the schools to serve their communities well into the future.

School divisions have been invited to submit applications for the 2023-24 Minor Capital Renewal Program, with the greatest priority being placed on health and safety. Approved projects will be announced on Budget Day next year.

Our government is committed to ensuring safe, reliable, high-quality services are available for the people of Saskatchewan. Over the next five years, our Crown Corporations will invest more than $8 billion to make capital infrastructure improvements. This year, SaskPower will invest a record $1.1 billion into upgrading the province’s electrical system. The funding will improve reliability, replace aging infrastructure and meet customer demand. Similar work will be carried out by SaskEnergy, SaskTel and SaskWater to ensure customers have enhanced infrastructure while supporting economic growth.

This year's budget invests nearly $292 million in government services infrastructure, including funding for dam and water supply projects, court and correctional capital projects, funding to modernize Saskatchewan's aerial wildfire suppression fleet and replace obsolete aircraft. We are also funding capital improvements in Provincial Parks like Duck Mountain, Saskatchewan Landing, Candle Lake, Meadow Lake, Echo Valley, Douglas and Battlefords Provincial Park. The work planned will improve the visitor experience.

And municipalities will see more support with this budget. Budget 2022-23 provides $269 million in transfers to municipalities to support infrastructure projects through a variety of programs including the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Canada Community-Building Fund and the New Building Canada Fund.

These are just some of the larger projects for this year thanks to a record amount of capital investment. Almost $3.2 billion, combined with close to $12 billion projected for the next four years, will be invested into capital projects. That is a significant step toward meeting our Growth Plan commitment to invest $30 billion in infrastructure by 2030.

While other regions are just starting to venture down the road to recuperating after a challenging two years, Saskatchewan is already leading the way. We have enjoyed an increasing population, record private investment, record job numbers and expanded global interest in our products and services the world needs. Investing in new and existing infrastructure is key to getting Saskatchewan back on track, and supporting long-term growth.