Legislative Report
March 23, 2023

2023-24 Provincial Budget: Growth That Works for Everyone

The Saskatchewan 2023-24 Provincial Budget is built on a solid foundation providing for further growth. We are experiencing growth we haven’t seen in more than a century, with a population increase of over 29,000 hitting an all-time high of over 1.2 million and over 20,000 new jobs in 2022. Our economy is expected to carry its momentum into 2023, fuelled by strong commodity prices, increased private-sector investment and a rebound in crop production from the 2021 drought. This economic growth allows us to invest in the programs and services that make Saskatchewan the best place to live, work and raise a family.

The 2023-24 Budget is built on a foundation of sound financial management, with a projected surplus of $1 billion. Our government will pay down the provincial debt by up to $1 billion this year, allowing us to invest interest savings in the future. Savings will be invested back into programs, services and capital. There are no new taxes and no tax increases, helping keep life affordable for Saskatchewan people. When taxes, utilities and housing costs are combined, Saskatchewan is the most affordable place to live in Canada for a family of four.

This year’s investment of $6.9 billion provides record levels of funding for our health care system to address staffing levels and increase services. We will continue our work to recruit, train, incentivize and retain health care professionals aiming to recruit 250 full-time positions and expanding part-time positions in rural and remote areas across the province. This investment will also expand health care training programs, ensuring a strong health care system for the people of Saskatchewan. This year’s budget will provide funding to increase the number of surgeries by more than 6,000, bringing the total number to 103,000 surgeries this year. With this investment, we will reduce the surgical waitlist to its pre-pandemic level by March 2024, one year ahead of schedule.

This year’s budget also provides a $4 billion investment for Prekindergarten through Grade 12 and post-secondary education. Of this, $3.1 billion, a 6.7 per cent increase over last year, will support schools, early learning and childcare, and libraries. Saskatchewan's 27 school divisions will receive $2 billion in operating funding, an increase of $49.4 million over last year. Did you know that more than 189,000 students attend Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Saskatchewan, the most in over 20 years? This is great news for our province and another reason we are investing to support students and families across the province.

Beginning April 1, regulated child care fees for children under the age of six will be reduced to $10 per day. The new Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation will receive startup and operational funding to increase learning opportunities for students, including adult learners. In addition, the post-secondary education sector will receive a funding increase of 3.3 per cent. This includes funding for the Graduate Retention Program and student supports and bursaries.

We can invest in our health care and educational systems because of a strong and growing economy. Saskatchewan added 20,000 jobs in 2022 and we are well on our way to achieving the Growth Plan goal of 100,000 more jobs by 2030. We have a record-high number of people working and the future looks bright with ongoing private-sector investments. Our economy will continue to grow with strong commodity prices, a strong agriculture sector, and increased private sector investment.

This budget continues to invest in communities across the province. This year, the Municipal Revenue Sharing Program will reach a record level of investment of $297.9 million. Our government is investing a record $3.7 billion in capital to build the schools, hospitals and highways our growing province needs. Crown corporations will invest an additional $2.1 billion into capital projects through SaskPower, SaskEnergy and SaskTel to provide you with the services our growing province requires.

Our government’s goal, and the goal of this budget, is to ensure that growth continues. With more people, more jobs, and more opportunities, the best days are still ahead in Saskatchewan.

That’s growth that works for everyone.