budget_03_31

Saskatchewan provincial budget tabled

By Frank Flegel

REGINA — Health and social programs appear to be the only ministries to receive additional funding in Saskatchewan’s 2010-2011 budget tabled March 24. The estimates show that Advanced Education, Employment and Labour; Corrections, Public Safety and Policing; Health and Social Services all received significant boosts compared to last year. Several smaller ministries received small increases, but 14 will have to do with fewer dollars this fiscal year.

Finance Minister Rod Gantefoer labelled this year’s budget balanced, forward looking and responsible. It forecasts spending at $10,124,086,000 which is $121.3 million lower than in the fiscal year that ends March 31, 2010. Revenue is also lower, estimated at $9,949,900,000 compared to $10,660,800,000 in last year’s budget, a difference of about $711 million. Gantefoer balanced the budget by taking $194.2 million from the Growth Financial Securities Fund, the government’s savings account.

Tax revenue is forecast to bring in about $400 million more than last year, but non-renewable resource revenue is expected to be down by about $1.26 million, the biggest difference being in potash revenue. Last year the government predicted potash would bring in almost $2 billion; this year the figure is $221 million.

The so-called sin taxes on tobacco and alcohol were increased: cigarettes cost almost an additional $.70 for a pack of 25 as of midnight March 24; wine, beer and spirits will increase on April 1, though wines under $20 a bottle will not be affected. The government also proposes to limit First Nations people to one carton of tax-free cigarettes per week instead of three, but that requires legislation and First Nations politicians have already given notice that they will fight the measure. The government noted the number of aboriginal people who smoke is about double the percentage of non-abotiginals and the health costs associated with it are proportionally higher.

Social Services get about $34 million more, bringing their budget to $753.7 million, but they will have to deliver the programs with about 57 fewer staff.

Child and Family Services, which provides programs, services and financial assistance to protect children from neglect and abuse and operates some residential facilities, will receive $182.3 million, an increase of more than $24 million.

Income Assistance and Disability Services will get an increase of about $24 million, but some programs will receive reduced funding. The Seniors Income Plan, the Saskatchewan Child Benefit, Child Care Parent Subsidies, Disabilities Community-Based Organizations and Income Assistance and Disability Services Program Delivery all saw cuts to their allocations. The Saskatchewan Assistance Program, Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability, the Transitional Employment Allowance, the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement and Rental Housing Supplements all received additional money.

The Health Ministry’s budget, $4,202,106,000 — an increase of about $127 million — again takes up about 40 per cent of the provincial budget. All regional health districts received increased funding. Medical Services and Medical Education Programs all received more money this year, but, as the government has hinted all along, there are no more subsidies for chiropractic services.

Programs under the Drug Plan and Extended Benefits all received increased funding, including the Seniors Prescription Drug Plan, but Family Health Benefits will get about $350,000 fewer dollars than last year. (See related story.)