June 28, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Government announces surplus for last fiscal year

The Government of Saskatchewan has reported a surplus last fiscal year.

The provincial 2023-24 fiscal year ended with a $182 million surplus. Expenses were down $55 million, while revenue was up nearly $665 million. The 2023 budget initially forecasted a $1 billion surplus that did not come into fruition due to fluctuating resource prices and increased agriculture expenses.

According to the government, the increase in revenue can be attributed towards “significant increases in taxation and other own-source revenue” due to immigration and a growing economy.

Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said “At the same time, there was also a substantial increase in expenses throughout the year. This investment is necessary to support our growing province and the things that matter the most to Saskatchewan citizens – classrooms, care and communities. Fortunately,” she added, “we were able to finish the year in a surplus position due to the strength of our economy, which continues to see increased growth across a wide range of sectors.

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Abacus Data shows generational change in patriotism

Heading into the Canada Day long weekend, Abacus Data wanted to measure the levels of patriotism in the country, and how people feel about being Canadian.

“Two-thirds of Canadians express pride in being Canadian, with only 11% indicating otherwise. Interestingly, there is a notable generational difference in this sentiment. Specifically, 81% of Canadians aged 60 and older state they are proud to be Canadian, whereas 49% of those aged 18-29 and 58% of those aged 30-44 share the same sentiment. These findings underscore that Canadians, overall, maintain a strong sense of national pride, albeit with variations across different age groups reflecting diverse generational perspectives.”

When asked why they are proud to be Canadian, the top answers included the natural beauty of the country (70%), reputation as a peaceful and safe society (61%), and access to universal healthcare (58%) were the top choices. Conversely, when asked why they are not proud to be Canadian, respondents said it was economic hardship or lack of opportunity (55%) and disagreement with Canadian politics and policy was second (53%).

The poll also found that 1 in 2 Canadians felt they had a good quality of life compared to 14% of respondents saying the opposite. The poll also found that Canadians are optimistic about the future.

You can read the full poll here. Enjoy the long weekend and Happy Canada Day!

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Constituency Profile Series: Sponsored by Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA)

SUMA represents over 80% of Saskatchewan residents —cities, towns, villages, resort villages, and northern municipalities—that come together as one urban voice.

We’ve been here since 1905, advancing collective member interests with various government bodies, improving local governance, and fostering municipal growth. We are the urban hubs where you live, work, and play. We're where your children go to school, where you attend medical appointments at the clinic, and where you stop for coffee.

We are URBAN. To learn more visit www.suma.org.

Each week leading up to the 2024 election, The SKoop Political Briefing will highlight a constituency that has nominated a candidate from at least both major parties. Today, we look at Saskatoon Westview. This riding had no change after the provincial boundary commission. South of 8th Street and wedged between Saskatoon Southeast, Eastview, and University-Sutherland. Churchill-Wildwood is primarily residential.

The incumbent: David Buckingham was first elected in a surprise upset, defeating NDP leader at the time, Cam Broten, in 2016. He was re-elected in 2020. Buckingham serves as the caucus chair and various legislative secretary and committee roles. Prior to his election he was a truck driver and served as Mayor of Borden.

The challenger: The NDP held a contested nomination won by April ChiefCalf. ChiefCalf spent 19 years in La Ronge working for the Northern Teacher Education Program. She now works at the Indigenous Teacher Education Program at the University of Saskatchewan.

The takeaway: This is a likely Sask. Party win for Buckingham, but it will be close, and its a seat the NDP especially want to win back. Before Buckingham, Broten and NDP cabinet minister Eric Cline represented this area. In 2020, Buckingham won by over 1,000 votes.

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More news and info

• Tires from Sask. bound for Alberta recycling plant, says NDP (SaskToday)

• Liberal MPs say Trudeau must meet with caucus following byelection vote (CBC News)

• Sajjan says he relayed information on rescuing Sikhs in Afghanistan during chaotic fall of Kabul (CBC News)

• Alberta announces 2023 fiscal numbers, $4.3 billion surplus (Canadian Press)

• Alberta to opt out of federal dental plan by 2026 (Global News)

2024 Election Candidate Tracker