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Spending Authority for 2026–27 Budget

Full Title:
The Appropriation Act, 2026 (No.1) Title

Summary#

This bill authorizes the Saskatchewan government to spend public money on programs and services. It covers a top‑up for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, and the main budget for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027. The goal is to give legal authority to fund government services like health care, education, social services, highways, and more.

  • Main change: Allows up to $654.878 million in extra spending for 2025–26 across listed ministries (Schedule A).
  • Main change: Allows up to $18.958 billion for 2026–27 across ministries and legislative offices (Schedule B), including $80 million for lending/investing under Advanced Education.
  • Funds must be used only for the purposes set out in the schedules and the detailed estimates they are based on.
  • Timing: Takes effect on assent and remains in force until October 31, 2027.
  • Accountability: The government must account for how the money is spent.

What it means for you#

  • Most residents

    • No direct rule or tax changes in this bill. It simply authorizes spending.
    • Public services (health care, schools, social services, roads, policing and safety, etc.) continue to be funded through 2026–27.

  • Patients and families

    • Health: Up to $8.48 billion in 2026–27 for the Ministry of Health. This funds health services, but the bill does not detail program changes.

  • Students and trainees

    • Education: Up to $3.14 billion in 2026–27 for schools.
    • Advanced Education: Up to $847.1 million in 2026–27, plus up to $80 million for lending/investing activities. This could mean student financial support or similar activities, but the bill does not specify programs.

  • People who rely on income assistance or social programs

    • Social Services: Up to $1.69 billion in 2026–27. The bill does not list specific benefits or rates.

  • Drivers and road users

    • Highways: Up to $763.6 million in 2026–27. This would likely affect road maintenance and projects, but details are not in the bill.

  • Farmers and agri‑business

    • Agriculture: Up to $660.8 million in 2026–27. This could support farm programs, but the bill does not list them.

  • Municipalities and local partners

    • Government Relations: Up to $832.0 million in 2026–27. This likely includes transfers or supports to local governments, but the bill does not specify amounts by program.

  • Businesses and non‑profits

    • If you deliver services under contract or receive grants, this bill provides the spending authority ministries need to fund those agreements, subject to ministry decisions and estimates.

  • Public servants

    • Ministries can spend up to the amounts in the schedules, only for the stated purposes, and must account for expenditures.

  • For the current fiscal year (to March 31, 2026)

    • Additional funds (up to $654.9 million) are approved for several ministries, including Health ($338.0 million), Agriculture ($103.8 million), and Social Services ($75.0 million), among others.

Expenses#

Authorized public spending: up to $654.878 million for 2025–26 (top‑ups) and up to $18.958 billion for 2026–27, including $80 million in lending/investing under Advanced Education.

  • 2026–27 major budgetary amounts include:
    • Health: $8.48 billion
    • Education: $3.14 billion
    • Social Services: $1.69 billion
    • Community Safety: $884.8 million
    • Government Relations: $832.0 million
    • Highways: $763.6 million
    • Agriculture: $660.8 million
  • Legislative offices (e.g., Legislative Assembly, Provincial Auditor, Ombudsman) together: $33.5 million (approx.).
  • Non‑budgetary lending/investing (Advanced Education): $80.0 million.
  • The act sets maximums; actual spending follows detailed estimates and program decisions.

Proponents' View#

  • The bill appears intended to provide the legal authority needed to operate public services in 2026–27 and to finish the 2025–26 year.
  • Setting ministry‑by‑ministry caps could be seen as supporting fiscal control and predictability.
  • Requiring that money be used only for stated purposes, and that spending be accounted for, could be seen as strengthening transparency and accountability.
  • Having the act in force through October 31, 2027, may help ensure continuity in government operations early in the next fiscal cycle.

Opponents' View#

  • One concern is that the act lists only high‑level amounts by ministry; it does not explain program‑level choices, service levels, or outcomes.
  • The bill itself does not provide performance measures or results reporting, making it hard to judge value for money from this document alone.
  • It is unclear from the bill why additional 2025–26 funds are required for certain ministries or how those extra amounts will be used.
  • The act does not explain how unspent funds are treated by October 31, 2027; readers must refer to other laws, estimates, or public accounts for those details.