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‘I want to get back to balance’: Sask. forecasts $825M deficit as healthcare, disaster costs climb
Health and flood costs pushed spending $337 million above budget, even as resource revenue rose $331 million, the province said.
- On Thursday, Finance Minister Jim Reiter released the 2026-27 First Quarter Financial Report, projecting an $825-million deficit, $6 million higher than the spring budget forecast.
- Higher non-renewable resource revenue boosted income by $331 million, but health-care costs and spring flooding response efforts drove a $337-million expense increase, offsetting the gains.
- Exports exceeded $24 billion during the first half of 2026, though Reiter warned that escalating Canada-US trade wars and tariffs on forestry and steel remain significant risks.
- NDP finance critic Trent Wotherspoon challenged the government Thursday for maintaining the deficit forecast despite the $331-million revenue gain, calling for a provincial gas tax suspension.
- Strong economic fundamentals position Saskatchewan as a fast-growing economy, with the net debt-to-GDP ratio projected to improve to 14.9 per cent by March 31, 2027.
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meadowlakeNOW+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Saskatchewan projects $825M deficit in first quarter of 2026-27
Saskatchewan Finance Minister Jim Reiter speaks during a press conference before the release of provincial Saskatchewan budget in Regina, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu)
‘I want to get back to balance’: Sask. forecasts $825M deficit as healthcare, disaster costs climb
Higher oil revenues aren’t enough to improve Saskatchewan’s bottom line, as rising healthcare and disaster-related costs push the province’s projected deficit to $825 million.
·Toronto, Canada
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Moose Jaw TodayReposted by 
620 CKRM The Source | Country Music, News, Sports in Sask…
620 CKRM The Source | Country Music, News, Sports in Sask…Higher oil prices lift Saskatchewan revenue forecast as health and flood costs push spending over budget
The province is forecasting $21.7 billion in revenue and $22.6 billion in expenses
The Toronto Star+7 Reposted by 7 other sources
Saskatchewan fiscal update projects $825M deficit, cites health, agriculture costs
SASKATOON - The Saskatchewan government is forecasting an $825-million deficit, inching slightly more into the red from 2026-27 budget projections in March.
·Toronto, Canada
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources16
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left, 50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 50%
C 50%
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