By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
In spite of the 2026 Budget projecting an eye-watering deficit of $819 million, Warman MLA Terry Jenson says he would refrain from calling it a ‘bad news budget,’ as it protects many of the services that people rely on, such as health care, and provides additional resources to address the affordability crisis.
“I’m very happy with this budget, and I think the vast majority of people in Saskatchewan can take comfort in knowing the government of Saskatchewan is going to be there to protect not only health care, but also protect their communities and community safety, and providing additional affordability measures,” Jenson said.
On March 18, Saskatchewan Finance Minister Jim Reiter introduced the 2026 provincial budget, which forecasts $21.4 billion in revenue and $22.2 billion in expenses.
Notably, revenue is actually projected to increase by $361 million from the 2025-2026 budget due to gains in provincial sales tax revenue and federal transfers.
However, expenses have increased by $1.2 billion from the previous year, with health care expenses alone increasing by $416 million due to additional spending for system priorities, acute care, primary care, cancer treatment and continuing care.
In an interview on March 23 — just three days before the budget would be passed in the Saskatchewan Legislature by a vote of 33-18 — Jenson stressed the point that while no one wants a deficit, it was difficult to avoid with the uncertainty going on in the world right now between the U.S. tariffs and the unfolding conflict in the Middle East.
Even so, Jenson said Saskatchewan is in a “very good place” compared to other provinces who have come out with their budgets.
On a per capita basis, the Saskatchewan budget works out to $646 per person, while in B.C., their $13.3 billion deficit roughly equates to a cost of $2,340 for every man, woman and child.
Alberta’s $9.4 billion deficit also works out to $1,864 per Albertan, while New Brunswick’s $1.39 billion deficit amounts to about $1,611 on a per capita basis.
Also, Jenson pointed out (as Reiter did in his budget address) that they are anticipating getting back to a balanced budget within four years.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Jenson, who also serves as the Minister of Social Services, also highlighted the 4.4 per cent increase in funding for his own department, with the total budget coming out to $1.69 billion.
Jenson said a number of services were augmented in this budget, including a 50 per cent increase in funding (or about $7 million) for the Autism Spectrum Disorder Individualized Funding program and more than $20 million more for child and family programs. On the latter point, Jenson highlighted the work they are doing to prevent children from coming into the care of the government.
“We know that the best path forward, not only for the child but also when you talk about dollars, is maintaining the family to the best of our ability,” he said. “It’s the best thing, not only for the family itself but for the children that are affected.”
Jenson also called attention to a $3.2 million investment in the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit in order to help eligible renters better afford their rent and utility costs.
This will result in a 20% increase to the core monthly benefit and a 40% increase in monthly benefits through the Supportive Housing stream. As well, they have also doubled the benefit for individuals fleeing domestic violence.
“That’s going to really provide additional support to those individuals who are in a very vulnerable and very unfortunate situation,” he said.
One point the NDP has especially criticized the Saskatchewan Party government for in recent years is a lack of action on the homelessness crisis, which is reportedly reaching record levels in Saskatoon with nearly 2,000 homeless.
Jenson said that in 2023, the province announced a provincial Approach to Homelessness that included a two-year, $40.2 million investment into homelessness services and programs. In November, the province topped up the program with an additional $20 million over the next three years to allow the Ministry to continue its work with different community-based organizations and Indigenous partners.
Jenson said that money goes towards physical infrastructure like shelters but also the outreach services like those operated by the Saskatoon Tribal Council.
“We know that the work that outreach teams do is extremely important, because it’s those outreach workers who are finding these individuals that have no other place to go, and they’re working with them to either get them into a treatment program, or if they are very low-barrier, connect them to housing supports right off at the bat, as well as get them some help within the Ministry in terms of income assistance,” Jenson said.
Jenson pointed out that addressing homelessness is not only the job of his Ministry, but that of Mental Health and Addiction as well as Community Safety.
REVENUE-SHARING
On a final note, Jenson brought up the new funding that will be going to Warman and other nearby communities through the Municipal Revenue-Sharing Program that the province originally introduced back in 2007. Back when the program was started, Warman received about $485,000. This year, that amount will grow to $3.349 million, an increase of 589%.
“It’s money that comes to the City of Warman with no strings attached,” he said, noting that the amount was also well above inflation.
He also pointed out that Osler is getting $403,000 this year, an increase of 320% from 2007, while Hague is getting $287,000, a 290% increase. Hepburn is also slated to get $253,000, an increase of 354%.
“Each town and city can use that money for whatever they think is needed in their community,” noted Jenson. “It’s better if the local community identifies their priorities and then has the funds to address those priorities.”