By Canadian Press

Saskatchewan says COVID-19 factor in $2.4B deficit; no cuts coming

Jun 15, 2020 | 2:22 PM

REGINA — Saskatchewan’s finance minister says the COVID-19 pandemic is mostly behind a predicted $2.4-billion deficit this year, but the government won’t cut programs and services.

Donna Harpauer has tabled a full 2020-21 budget after presenting just expense estimates in March, because it was felt the pandemic and shutdown of services created too much economic uncertainty.

The government now says it expects to take in at least $1.2 billion less than last year due to measures to slow down the novel coronavirus on top of lower oil prices.

The government forecasts total revenues at almost $13.7 billion, while spending is earmarked at $16.1 billion.

Harpauer is characterizing the shortfall as a “pandemic deficit” rather than a larger, structural one.

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She says she’s confident revenues will rebound and the budget will return to balance in the next years without having to cut programs and services.

Stephanie Taylor, The Canadian Press