Battlefords MLA says budget focuses on fiscal stability; NDP critical of package

“We understand gang and drug crime are an issue specifically in our region of the province,” he said. “We really believe that a safer Saskatchewan is a stronger Saskatchewan, and these provincial investments are going to really help with those issues in our area.”

Another highlight Cockrill is glad to see is support for a number of school renovation projects in the province. One of the facilities seeing improvements is John Paul II Collegiate in North Battleford.

For another project, he mentioned, the Villa Pascal care home in North Battleford, currently undergoing renovations, is expected to see the work completed either this spring on in the summer. Cockrill said the province made a $250,000 financial commitment for this project that was earmarked in last year’s budget.

Looking at the financial picture, Cockrill said overall the new budget shows Saskatchewan is “back on track,” with a long-term aim to balance the budget in the future.

“Our financial picture has improved greatly; a $2.1 billion improvement over last year, and a clear plan to return the budget to balance…,” he said.

One issue that is not receiving many positive reviews from the public is the expansion of the PST on various entertainment-related activities.

Cockrill said it will help bring Saskatchewan closer in line with the direction other provinces are already taking related to adding PST to products where GST is already charged.

“This is about fiscal stability for Saskatchewan,” he said. “And, as [Finance Minister Donna Harpauer] outlined yesterday, we are on a path back to a balanced budget.”

The expanded PST collected would bring in an extra $21 million in annual revenue.

The MLA noted that PST would not be charged for amateur events, youth sports or youth arts programs.

On the matter of education funding, Cockrill said school divisions in the province will receive 200 additional full-time educational assistants, also earmarked in the budget. There is also funding allotted to help cover unexpected staffing costs from the last school year.

NDP reaction to budget

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili was critical of the province’s new budget, saying it deepens the affordability crisis for Saskatchewan residents.

“At a time when Saskatchewan families need a lifeline, the Sask. Party has thrown them an anchor,” he said in a release. “Hard-working people are struggling with increased costs at the grocery store, at the pump and in their housing, but this government isn’t listening.”

He said not only does this budget not offer any relief for families trying to make ends meet, it increases taxes and fees when people are already struggling to make ends meet.

“These are very serious times, with increased uncertainty caused by world events,” Meili said. “Saskatchewan people deserve solutions to serious problems. Budget 2022 fails to offer any vision to grow our province.”

On the PST issue, the Opposition leader stated that adding PST to items such as Riders games, rodeos, movie theatres, craft shows, curling fees and gym memberships makes it more difficult for families struggling on a tight budget.

He added that he believes the province’s new budget also fails to adequately invest in education, “after three disruptive school years for students, and while educators are leaving the profession.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow

by Angela Brown

Battlefords MLA says budget focuses on fiscal stability; NDP critical of package

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