Sask. Finance minister totes balanced budget, P.A. projects not in focus

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“This government has supported healthcare to the tune of basically doubling the budget in the healthcare ministry since we took office in 2007.”

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In the 2006-7 provincial budget, by the NDP government at the time, $3.2 billion was allocated for healthcare. That number is now up to $5.2 billion in the 2015-16 budget.

“We know from a provincial perspective, the most important issue we hear constantly from our MLAs is highways.”

Doherty said he hasn’t yet received word on if the federal Liberal government will put a stop to any possible P3 projects in the province.

“I don’t want to speculate on that because I don’t know what the Federal government is going to do with respect to their infrastructure funding, so we should wait until the Federal government comes out, (saying) specifically what they’re going to do,” said Doherty. “So I don’t want to stand here and speculate what could or could not happen.

“Let’s wait and see what we’re dealing with—facts—and then we’ll know exactly what our position is.”

In the last week, Doherty has spoken in Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Regina as well. He said, the forums are beneficial as a way for him to keep in touch with people in different parts of Saskatchewan.

“I find them very useful. It’s always good to get out and find out what the priorities are with respect to those communities,” he said. “As the finance minister provincially, it’s important for me to get out and see and hear and understand the local issues around the province as well.”

As the provincial government gears up to once again focus on balancing budget, Doherty said they will do so with “continued expenditure management”.

“We’re not going to raise taxes, so the number one thing we can do as a government is to manage the expenditure side of the balance sheet,” explained Doherty. “That’s what ministers are working on, that’s what crown corporations are working on.”

In his speech to officials in Prince Albert, Doherty said they are more likely to spend money on infrastructure projects and tangible things rather than wages for public workers.

asoloducha@panow.com

On Twitter: @alex_soloducha