Delivering for You - Saskatchewan Budget 2025

Saskatchewan’s 2025-26 Provincial Budget was tabled by Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter, focusing on affordability, health care, education, community safety, and responsible financial management. The budget is being delivered amid uncertainty due to potential U.S. tariff threats, but the government is confident that Saskatchewan’s strong financial position will allow it to navigate these challenges.

Reiter highlighted that Saskatchewan will maintain a balanced budget while continuing investments in key areas. The government is implementing significant tax reductions to support residents and businesses, maintaining Saskatchewan’s reputation as one of the most affordable provinces in Canada.

Fiscal Highlights of the 2025-26 Budget

• Surplus Projection: Saskatchewan’s budget forecasts a $12 million surplus, maintaining fiscal stability despite external economic uncertainties.
• Revenue: Provincial revenue is projected at $21.1 billion, an increase of 6% from last year.
• Expenses: Total provincial spending is set at $21.0 billion, up 4.5% from 2024-25.
• Provincial Debt: Saskatchewan continues to have one of the lowest net debt-to-GDP ratios in Canada at 14.6%, maintaining a strong fiscal position.

Key Budget Commitments

Affordability and Cost of Living

Saskatchewan’s budget introduces major tax cuts and affordability measures, aiming to keep the province an affordable place to live, work, and do business. Key initiatives include:

• Reducing personal income taxes for all residents, with an increase in exemptions for families, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
• Maintaining the small business tax rate at 1% permanently, saving small businesses over $50 million annually.
• Reinstating the Home Renovation Tax Credit, allowing homeowners to save up to $420 annually on renovation costs.
• Doubling the Active Families Benefit to $300 per child and raising the income threshold to $120,000 to make sports, arts, and cultural activities more accessible.
• Reducing education property tax mill rates, saving property owners over $100 million annually and offsetting rising assessment values.

Health Care

With a record $8.1 billion investment, Saskatchewan is expanding health care access and infrastructure:

• $770 million to recruit and retain frontline healthcare professionals, part of the province’s Health Human Resources Action Plan.
• Expansion of urgent care centres in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, and North Battleford.
• A $657 million capital budget for health infrastructure, including hospital expansions and new mental health and addictions facilities.
• Targeted funding to reduce surgical wait times, with plans to complete 450,000 procedures over four years.

Education and Skills Development

The government is increasing funding for K-12 education and post-secondary training programs to meet the needs of Saskatchewan’s growing population:

• $3.5 billion for K-12 education, including a $186 million increase in school operating funding.
• $191 million for school capital projects, supporting 21 new or consolidated schools and three major renovations.
• New funding for 50 specialized support classrooms across the province to assist students with learning challenges.
• $788 million for post-secondary education, with a focus on expanding health care training programs.

Economic Development and Infrastructure

The budget includes major infrastructure investments to support economic growth and improve transportation networks:

• $3.7 billion in capital spending, including significant investments in highways and resource development.
• Launch of the Low Productivity and Reactivation Oil Well Program, encouraging investment in underperforming oil assets.
• Highway expansion projects, including:
  
  • Twinning Highway 39 at Weyburn
  • Passing lanes on Highway 10 (Fort Qu’Appelle to Melville) and Highway 17 (north of Lloydminster)
  • Corridor improvements on Highway 5 east of Saskatoon
  • Over 1,000 km of highway improvements across Saskatchewan.

Public Safety and Community Investments

Saskatchewan is increasing law enforcement funding and crime prevention initiatives:

• $798 million for policing and public safety, including funding for 100 new municipal police officers and expanded border security operations.
• Investment in correctional facility safety and capacity improvements.
• Expansion of homelessness services and housing programs, including funding for supportive housing and emergency shelters.
• $20 million increase in funding for community-based organizations providing social services.

Conclusion

Saskatchewan’s 2025-26 budget continues the province’s balanced approach to fiscal responsibility, affordability, and economic growth. Despite challenges from uncertain U.S. trade policies, the government is maintaining a budget surplus, reducing taxes, and making record investments in healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Upstream Strategy Group is here to help provide insights on how your organization can effectively engage with the Government of Saskatchewan.

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