REGINA, SK: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is disappointed that the 2022 Saskatchewan budget continues to increase the provincial debt and fails to provide tax relief.

“The Saskatchewan budget projects soaring revenues, but the government is planning to spend every penny and still borrow another $463 million,” said Todd MacKay, Prairie Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “If a family ran up their credit cards during tough times and then won the 50-50 draw at a Rider game, they wouldn’t spend the windfall and keep borrowing, yet that’s exactly what the Saskatchewan government is doing.”

Saskatchewanians will pay more for small business taxes, sales taxes on event tickets and property taxes. Non-renewable resources revenues are projected at $2.9 billion, up from $1.3 billion projected in last year’s budget.

The budget does not provide any tax relief for Saskatchewan families or businesses.

Despite huge revenue increases, provincial spending is up, leaving an operational deficit of $462 million this year. Interest charges on the debt will cost taxpayers $812 million this year.

“Now is the time to get spending under control and get the budget back to balance,” concluded MacKay.