Both the Saskatchewan and Battlefords Chambers of Commerce are largely in support of this year's provincial budget. (File photo/CKOM)

By Josh Ryan

Business impacts

Sask Chambers react positively to budget

Apr 8, 2021 | 12:27 PM

The Government of Saskatchewan’s budget announcement on April 6 received a largely positive review from the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce and its network of local chapters across the province.

Key among the budget’s highlights was billions of dollars in healthcare funding, including $6.5 billion that covers items like PPE, lab capacity and physician costs. Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve McLellan said it’s important to focus on health and safety protocols first and foremost.

“Once the pandemic is less of a concern, we expect the province to renew and increase its focus on the transition to economic recovery and building resilience into all we do in Saskatchewan,” he said.

Battlefords Chamber of Commerce COO Linda Machniak said there weren’t many surprises in reading through her initial read of the budget, adding that the province had to balance between the expenditures required for the pandemic and investment for recovery.

“I think there has to be somewhat of a steady-as-she-goes balance there,” Machniak said. “I would suggest that they had some very difficult decisions to make, but kept the bulk of Saskatchewan businesses and people on an even keel.”

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Machniak said it’s good to see the initial forecasted deficit of $2.43 billion for the province is now slated for $1.87 billion. Other aspects the chamber was pleased with included moving forward on reductions of corporate income tax rate, which was a campaign promise, as well as $3.1 billion in capital investments, which could translate to jobs and rebuilding the economy when major projects get under way.

“There’s things that will keep going forward for businesses, that’s positive,” Machniak said.

In her initial review, Machniak said she didn’t see anything glaringly missing, though she noted that the absence of further funding of the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) is a concern for some, depending on the length of the pandemic. However, she added that there will be other means for municipalities to obtain funds via provincial programs. She expects that after going through the documents of the budget more carefully, they will have a clearer picture of how areas like the Battlefords will be impacted..

“There’s lots of groups where we know there’s more money that could be used,” she said. “But there’s probably more that will come out in the next few months.”

Additionally, Machniak said she will keep a close eye on vaccine rollout, in the hope that it’s completed in the next few months and will allow some easing of restrictions.

“That will be important as we go into summer [for businesses].”

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josh,ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports