REGINA -- Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says the province is facing a $1 billion shortfall in resource revenue.

Wall made the comment in the legislature Monday while defending cuts to heritage language schools as part of a review of all spending.

The premier says the government has to focus on core services.

Finance Minister Kevin Doherty says that billion-dollar shortfall in resource revenue is a big hole to fill.

Doherty says everything is on the table and the government has had to make some tough decisions.

In February, Doherty said the province was aiming for a $259-million deficit in the upcoming budget to be tabled Wednesday.