Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says deficit budget aims to protect public services

Premier Scott Moe’s government is expected to present a deficit budget focused on health care and rising living costs. Wayne Mantyka reports.

Saskatchewan’s finance minister is planning to wear the same shoes for budget day that he sported last year, saying they’re indicative of the province’s response to uncertain times.

Jim Reiter’s shoes, which he wore during last year’s budget, just needed a touch up and spray of protective coating, he told reporters Tuesday.

“We’re going to put things in place ... to help protect Saskatchewan people from the geopolitical forces that are affecting the economy,” he said a day before the budget.

New shoes are a parliamentary budget day tradition, signifying a fresh start and best foot forward.

The minister showed the budget’s cover, which is titled, ‘Protecting Saskatchewan.’

“Saskatchewan’s economy is in better shape than any other province in the country and we intend to keep it that way,” he said.

But Saskatchewan’s government is already promising this year’s budget will show a deficit.

Premier Scott Moe has said trade and market uncertainty are causing revenues to dip, including China’s previous tariffs on Canadian canola products. Those duties have now mostly been removed.

Moe told reporters Tuesday that global uncertainty is never far from his thoughts.

“As I wake up in the morning, (I’m) somewhat nervous about turning on the news to see what has happened over the night,” he said.

He cited the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which has caused oil markets to surge and higher gas prices at the pump.

“The price of oil has moved 80 per cent in less than a month and fertilizer prices are being impacted as well. The global uncertainty really does cause me some pause,” Moe said.

But he said his government won’t cut services or raise taxes.

Moe said the budget will include more dollars for health care, and spending will build from a recent plan that aims to add more nurse practitioners, lower wait times and expand virtual appointments.

“(The budget) is very much an effort to protect Saskatchewan services,” he said. “If there’s one thing I’ve heard in the health-care conversation ... is that we need better access.”

His government also won’t make cuts to a revenue sharing program with municipalities, he added.

Reiter said the budget will also focus on the province’s efforts to address affordability issues.

“Affordability was, I would say, the focal point of the 2024 election and we are going to deliver on all those promises,” he said.

The Opposition NDP has said the Saskatchewan Party government should cut gas taxes to provide some relief at the pump.

“People who have to get their kids to the dance competition or to the hockey tournament, they’re really feeling the pinch,” NDP Leader Carla Beck told reporters. “Here’s a way that they can offer some relief.”

Asked if the province would consider cutting the tax, Moe said the province has provided relief by reducing personal income taxes and adding tax credit programs.

On the budget, Beck said she doesn’t have much confidence in the province’s numbers.

Last year, the province projected a $12-million surplus, but it quickly turned red with the latest update showing a $427-million deficit.

Reiter’s shoes, which are black, were meant to signify a surplus last year.

“What I fear what’s in this budget is more rate hikes, more tax increases for the people of this province,” Beck said.

“This government, you know, works really hard to spin ... to put a message out. I wish they’d worked that hard at actually delivering some relief for people in this province.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 17, 2026.

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press