Minister of Finance Donna Harpauer released the provincial budget earlier this week. (File Photo/ CJME News Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

2020 Saskatchewan Budget

Local representatives weigh in on provincial budget

Jun 17, 2020 | 5:06 PM

Prince Albert Northcote MLA Nicole Rancourt believes the recently released provincial budget is light on some important details.

“With regards to the infrastructure projects announced for Prince Albert, I think the residents of Prince Albert have been hearing about these announcements, but they would really like to have a timeline,” she said.

Rancourt said there was no straight commitment from the government when it came to the projects, which she found disappointing.

The opposition MLA also criticized the provincial budget for not having an outline for next year. Rancourt explained in previous budgets future forecasts are included along with what could be coming in the future.

“This budget only talks about this year, no talk about what their plans are,” she said.

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MLAs are now back in Regina for a legislative sitting. In the coming session Rancourt said she is hoping to bring a few issues to light. Specifically she said health care and education are two areas where the government is not addressing everyone’s concerns.

“What is the plan going forward,” she said.

When it comes to education, Rancourt said families and educators are worried about what it will look like in the fall when students and staff get back to class.

So far during this sitting the opposition NDP has tried to push the government to introduce legislation which would end the lock out at the Co-op Refinery Complex in Regina. Rancourt said they hope they will be able to get the government to intervene in the labour dispute.

“We’re putting forward whatever is in our toolbox,” she said.

Government MLA optimistic about long term

P.A. Carlton MLA and Minister responsible for SGI Joe Hargrave said the recent budget is a good one for the city, especially in regards to infrastructure. He added increased revenue sharing for municipalities is especially positive.

“There’s lots of really solid initiatives,” he said.

Another item the cabinet minister and government MLA was happy about is the just over $800,000 the province has committed to help cover operations costs for the Rose Garden Hospice. Hargrave said there is also $15 million for the Victoria Hospital project.

Hargrave said firm timelines are coming for the hospital. He explained funding for projects like the new aquatic centre are there for the city.

“Those commitments are made and out there,” he said.

When it comes to the overall budget, Hargrave stressed this recent budget is geared towards helping the province get through the current pandemic. He said the government is confident in the economy bouncing back and added the planned infrastructure spending will help.

“We know it’ll take a little bit of time to work our way out of it, for those revenues to return to that level that they were, but we’re very optimistic that will happen,” he said.

For the upcoming session, Hargrave said he is looking forward to presenting and discussing the budget in the legislature.

The minister said he was also happy to see the number of people killed due to impaired driving drop to the lowest number on record. He added it is 61 per cent overall decrease over a 10-year period.

“The province is moving forward and people are listening,” he said.

In regards to the labour dispute at the refinery, Hargrave said he is in agreement with the premier and believes the dispute needs to be resolved at the bargaining table.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn