The 2026-27 provincial budget is set to be delivered this Wednesday, March 18. (Image Credit: ID 22889830 © Zoya Yuzvak | Dreamstime.com)

By paNOW Staff

Budget 2026

Think tank researcher, business leaders focus on size of deficit and investments for northern Sask.

Mar 16, 2026 | 5:14 PM

As Saskatchewan prepares to table its next provincial budget, observers say the key questions will centre on the size of the expected deficit, how quickly the province may return to balance, and how the government plans to support economic development, particularly in the northern half of the province.

“I’ve heard no rumours, no anything. So, either that means it’s going to be a very boring budget, or they’re planning something bad,” said Simon Enoch, a senior researcher with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

The premier has already suggested the government does not plan to raise taxes or cut services to address the shortfall. If that’s the case, Enoch said it’s pretty much ‘status quo.’

“Of course, we’ll be having more deficit, which will add to the debt, which will mean higher interest costs that have to be paid back to bankers and whatnot, but other than that, it’ll be pretty much status quo, unless we do see some sort of cuts.”

Enoch said commodity prices, oil specifically, will be a key factor to watch in the budget projections.

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“It will be interesting to see what the government prices oil at for the next year, given the volatility we’re seeing because of the events in Iran,” he said. “That will determine whether or not they see themselves going to surplus quickly or over many years.”

Following the province’s Patient’s First Health Care Plan, Enoch said the budget may include additional funding for private surgical centres as the government attempts to reduce the surgical backlog.

Enoch said northern communities, including Prince Albert, should also watch for investments tied to Saskatchewan’s critical minerals strategy.

“I think that will be something that people in that area should really pay attention to,” said Enoch. “Potentially a lot of dollars into critical mineral mining, critical mineral processing…that kind of infrastructure that is required as they open up the north to these new sort of mineral extractions that PA and surrounding areas could play a huge role in.”

Business leaders will also be watching closely to see what the budget means for northern economic development.

Patty Hughes, chief executive officer of the Prince Albert and District Chamber of Commerce, said businesses are looking for initiatives aimed at workforce development and innovation.

“When you take a look at economic diversification, there is forestry, mining, clean energy initiatives that’ll help strengthen Saskatchewan’s economic outlook and foundation and potentially create some new opportunities for our region,” she said.

She pointed to last November’s news about Prince Albert’s pulp mill being purchased by a company that redevelops legacy industrial lands. BMI Group recently signed an agreement with it’s first tenant Plum Gas Solutions.

Community safety and supports for mental health and addictions are also priorities the chamber hopes to see addressed.

Enoch added people across the province should pay attention to the details of the budget.

“Budgets are vitally important and people should take them seriously because they will determine the sort of economic health and social health of your region going forward for the next year,” he said.

The 2026-27 Saskatchewan provincial budget is scheduled to be delivered on Wednesday.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com