Canada’s finance minister visits Regina to discuss federal budget’s impact on Saskatchewan

Canada's finance minister outlines budget backing for housing, infrastructure, public safety, and local projects across Saskatchewan.

Canada’s finance minister met with Saskatchewan’s Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) in Regina to discuss how the federal budget supports municipalities across the province.

Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne and SUMA’s president Randy Goulden spoke about various topics surrounding growing Saskatchewan’s nuclear and Ag sector, housing, investments towards infrastructure, along with supports for municipalities dealing with public safety.

Champagne claims the budget is “tailored to Regina” and Saskatchewan, allowing farmers to bring their products to the market faster.

“We have critical minerals, which are going to be key to power the future. We have an abundance of energy and we have access to global markets,” Champagne told media Thursday morning.

“I would say that when you look at the future, you understand that the federal budget is a key piece in order to make Saskatchewan, the Prairies, and I would say even in particular Regina, at the center of the growth that we want to see in the country.”

During the discussion, Goulden asked what is in the federal budget that targets funding set for municipal infrastructure.

“There is a cost sharing mechanism where we said the federal government will invest with the province and territory,” Champagne said, referring to Canada’s provincial and territorial programs.

“Because the point is, you always want your federal dollars to be a catalyst for more, you want to crowd in for further investment. When it comes to that stream of The Build Communities Strong Fund, we said that there would be a cost sharing with the province.”

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Goulden spoke on how the minister’s visit to the Queen City helps build on the relationship between urban and rural municipalities, and the federal government.

“We are very encouraged in the budget to be recognized for the role that we play in the national building projects that are coming forward or just in growing our country,” Goulden said.

“We were encouraged by that. Are there some nuances that we have to continue to talk? Absolutely. You heard me ask some of those questions [today].”

Goulden added the minister’s visit helps municipalities vocalize the concerns they face at the frontline.

“I always like to refer to our municipalities and our leaders across the province as the order of government of proximity because we’re right here,” she expressed.

“We’re in the grocery stores, we’re in the rinks, we hear our residents all the time, and that helps us make some of the tough decisions we have to make.”

“Thank you very much Minister for being part of the order of government of proximity because we’re glad you’re here to join us to hear.”

With SUMA representing over 400 municipalities in the province, Champagne credited the association’s input and role into the budget.

“I want to say thank you again to Randy because a lot of what is in the budget answers to what municipalities [need],” he said. “SUMA has been an extremely good partner to work with because they understand the needs of the people.”

The event took place at the Globe Theatre, which was recently renovated partially due to federal grants.