Speaking on The Evan Bray Show Monday, Premier Scott Moe hinted the upcoming provincial budget may run a deficit, saying he doesn’t think any provinces will have a balanced budget this year. (Image Credit: file photo/CJME News Staff)

By CJME News Staff

budget talks

Premier Moe hints at ‘challenges’ in upcoming provincial budget

Feb 23, 2026 | 2:02 PM

Premier Scott Moe didn’t give any numbers, but did suggest his provincial government may table a 2026-27 budget in a couple of weeks that’s in the red.

Speaking to guest host Taylor McPherson on The Evan Bray Show, Moe answered a question about the recent $650 million in extra spending by talking about the upcoming budget for next year.

“I have spoken to many of (the other provinces) – I don’t think you’ll see a balanced budget across the nation. Now, in saying that, I think you’ll see Saskatchewan’s be stronger – stronger than virtually any other province,” said Moe.

The premier pointed to the recently tabled budget in B.C., which raised some taxes and had a $13.3 billion deficit.

“In Saskatchewan, we’re not going to see that level of deficit by any stretch; however, we are going to see some challenges, specifically on the revenue line,” he explained.

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The recent special warrants from the provincial government, if added to the $427 million expected deficit that was reported in the province’s mid-year update, would bring the province to a $1.077 billion deficit for the year. The third-quarter update for the current year is often presented at the same time as the budget for the coming year.

The provincial government begins building its budget months in advance, and Moe said this has meant the government has had choices to make.

“We’re not to hire and fire people in health care or in education on the price of a barrel of oil, and so we’ve got a choice to make,” said Moe. “And the choice that we are making going into this budget is how do we ensure that we are being as fiscally prudent as we can in a very uncertain time and protect Saskatchewan services that we have been investing in for a number of years.”

He said his government is going to protect Saskatchewan services.

The 2026-27 Saskatchewan provincial budget is expected to be released March 18.