The Government of Saskatchewan released their 2026-2027 budget on Wednesday afternoon.
As was expected, the budget included a deficit that Premier Scott Moe foreshadowed in February.
The actual dollar amount for the deficit ended up being around $800 million.
The government says tariffs and the realignment of world trade relationships, along conflict in the Middle East has created global economic uncertainty, which they say affects Saskatchewan.
According to the province, this year’s budget is about protecting people in Saskatchewan from these uncertainties through lower taxes, improved access to health care, safer communities, and investments in infrastructure.
The total expense for this year’s budget is $22.2 billion, an increase of $1.2 billion, or 5.7 per cent, compared to last year’s budget.
Meanwhile, the opposition NDP says the deficit reflects a “bad news” budget for Saskatchewan.
The NDP says there needs to be better cost of living relief with the province taking in oil revenues due to the war in the Middle East.
Leader Carla Beck is also calling on the government o temporarily lower or eliminate the provincial fuel tax to help people at the pump.
Indigenous investments
The budget did include $324 million for First Nations and Métis programs and services.
“Our government continues to focus on investing in the future of this province and that includes investing in education, social supports and community safety for First Nations and Métis peoples,” Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis Relations and Northern Affairs Eric Schmalz said. “These are investments that build a resilient province where all benefit from our economic strength and vision for the future.”
A large portion of the investment comes from gaming payments, which are made to First Nations and Métis organizations through the Gaming Framework Agreement.
The province says $137.9 million will be contributed in gaming payments, an increase of $30.5 million from last year.
The budget will also include a $24.4 million investment for First Nations and Métis initiatives and post-secondary institutions with a plan to support Teacher Education Programs and more scholarships. The government says that is an increase of $4.5 million from last year.
As well, this year’s budget, includes $25.6 million for First Nations policing, including an planned expansion of the First Nations Community Safety Program.
An overview of the 2026-2027 provincial budget is available here.