Unpopular Saskatchewan budget hangs over leadership race to replace Brad Wall
REGINA — Retiring Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall’s austerity budget from last spring has not been popular with voters and whoever takes over from him could still have to deal with the fallout.
The budget cut library and education funding, as well as grants to municipalities and money for funeral services for poor people. It raised the provincial sales tax and added it to things that had been exempt such as children’s clothing and restaurant meals.
The measures were part of the Saskatchewan Party government’s effort to tackle a $1.3-billion deficit.
Shawn Davidson, president of the Saskatchewan School Boards Association, says the impact on students will be great if there are deeper cuts and he hopes whoever becomes the next premier recognizes that.