Top-Up Funding for Public Safety and Research

Summary#

This bill gives the Saskatchewan government legal authority to spend up to CAD $420.9 million during the 2025–26 fiscal year (ending March 31, 2026) for needs not covered in the main budget. It is an “appropriation” law, which means it authorizes spending; it does not create new programs or rules.

• Total new spending authority: up to $420,925,000 from the province’s General Revenue Fund.
• Main areas funded: Corrections, Policing and Public Safety; Government Relations; Saskatchewan Research Council.
• Money must be tracked and reported by the government.
• Takes effect on assent and remains in force until October 31, 2026.

What it means for you#

• Residents

  • Helps keep public safety and correctional services running (for example, custody facilities and related public safety work).
  • You should not see new taxes in this bill; it only authorizes spending from existing provincial revenues.
  • Spending is capped “up to” the listed amounts, so not all of it may be used.

• Municipalities and community partners

  • Funds the Ministry of Government Relations, which works with local governments and community groups. This supports provincial services delivered with or through municipalities.

• Workers and industries that use Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) services

  • Supports SRC’s applied research and laboratory services used by businesses and public bodies (for example, testing and technical support).

• Accountability

  • The government must account for how the money is used, which supports public reporting after the fiscal year.

Expenses#

Estimated one-time spending authority: about CAD $420.9 million for 2025–26.

• Corrections, Policing and Public Safety: $335,796,000
• Government Relations: $17,129,000
• Saskatchewan Research Council: $68,000,000
• Notes:
  • These are maximum amounts; actual spending can be less.
  • Funding covers the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026; the act stays in force until October 31, 2026 to close out accounts.

Proponents’ View#

• Keeps core public safety services funded so facilities, policing support, and emergency-related work continue without gaps.
• Supports cooperation with local governments through Government Relations, helping communities receive provincial services.
• Invests in the Saskatchewan Research Council, which backs industry and innovation with practical research and testing.
• Provides the legal authority needed to pay bills already approved in the government’s estimates.
• Includes accountability, since the government must record and report how the money is spent.

Opponents’ View#

• The act itself is brief and does not show program-level details, making it hard for the public to see exactly where the money will go.
• Questions about priorities: a large share goes to corrections and public safety compared with other needs some may prefer.
• Concern that “top-up” appropriations suggest budgeting gaps that should have been handled in the main budget.
• Risk that departments may rush to spend before deadlines, which could affect value for money.
• Calls for clearer, more granular reporting on outcomes tied to these funds.