Premier Wall talks budget after caucus retreat

While there may be improvements to make, Wall said they’re also keeping a close eye on the financial side of the issues.

“We’ve seen the fallen oil prices, we know there have been some layoffs in Saskatchewan,” said Wall. “It certainly affects our budget in terms of the hundreds of millions in revenue that aren’t there. So we have to work a little bit harder to balance the budget—which we’ll do— but we also have to stay focused on the economy.”

He said they will continue with their growth plan and work to attract more investments in the province.

“We’re going to continue to focus on that to ensure that Saskatchewan maintains the leadership position – the growth position that we’re in so that was a big part of the discussion too,” said Wall.

Also note-worthy, they elected a new caucus chair.

“That’s important because the caucus chair also sits in the cabinet to make sure that we’re always hearing from the rest of the MLAs…even though they’re not all there in that room,” said Wall.

Wall said the current chair, Doreen Eagles, is stepping down to spend time with family and transition into retirement. Three MLAs are seeking the chance at the position but the winner has not yet been announced.

Provincial budget gets hit with “unique” expenses

According to Wall, their provincial budget this year will be more difficult to balance considering both the drop in oil prices and the large number of fires which will cost around $100 million – an unexpected cost which was not budgeted for.

Still, Wall said they’re extremely confident.

“My message today, and the caucuses’ agreement is, whatever has happened with these in-year changes, by the time the year ends we will balance this budget as we have the last seven budgets,” explained Wall.

Wall said the situation they’re in was the same in the past during floods and when potash sales collapsed in 2009.

He said it’s important for them not to be tempted with going into a deficit, saying they won’t necessarily make huge cuts to the budget but will treat it with, “restraint…significant restraint.”

Wall said they plan to keep their AAA credit rating intact.

When asked if they’ve considering allowing for a larger wildfire budget, Wall wasn’t definitive.

“It might adjust slightly higher, but you know, there was no way that anyone could’ve budgeted for this particular unprecedented fire season,” he said.

Looking back on the provincial fires, Wall said about 10 permanent homes and 90 cabins were lost, and other infrastructure was damaged. At this time, the value lost is still being assessed.

With the upcoming provincial election it’s no surprise that Wall and his government will focus on the economy.

“We’re proud of our record up to this point but we readily and freely acknowledge that we can do better for Saskatchewan people and I think that will be part of the debate and discussion in the months ahead and through the next election campaign,” said Wall.

Equalization payments and federal campaigning

Recently, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said people need not worry about equalization payments. This is a mentality Wall said he doesn’t share.

“I disagree with the Prime Minister, this is a federal election campaign and equalization program is a $17-billion federal program,” said Wall. “If you can’t talk about it now during a federal election, then when would you talk about it? Especially [during] a very long federal election [like] we’re in the midst of.”

He said he doesn’t think the payments are calculated fairly, citing hydro, because it isn’t included. He also said the lag in calculation is a problem considering it’s based on economic values from three years ago.

On the topic of federal elections, Wall said Saskatchewan’s voice will be heard.

He received approval from caucus to send a letter to all three major party leaders to get their positions on certain issues for Saskatchewan including energy issues, pipeline issues, and GMOs/ crop science. He said the Sask. Party will be keeping a close eye on the federal campaign to decide which party they think will best serve Saskatchewan.

With files from Khang Nguyen.

asoloducha@jpbg.ca

Follow on Twitter: @alex_soloducha

by Alex Soloducha

Premier Wall talks budget after caucus retreat

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