Saskatchewan Budget Released

The 2010 Saskatchewan budget was tabled on March 24, 2010. Although it was presented as being a balanced budget, it required some borrowing from its Growth and Financial Security Fund (the rainy day fund) in order to meet that goal, otherwise there would have been a $174 million dollar deficit.

The budget contained little in the way of income tax changes or sales tax changes. Announcements were made with respect to cutting just over 500 government positions, many due to programs that were being wound down and some others due to attrition.

There were sin tax increases on both beer and cigarettes and there have been a limit established on tax-free cartons for First Nation smokers ñ decreased to one carton from three.

An end was also announced regarding subsidies available for universal chiropractic care which would save $10 million dollars a year. Low-income Saskatchewan residents will now be covered to a maximum of twelve visits a year. A three percent increase in health care spending was also announced.

For the most up-to-date information on tax forms and tax changes consult: EverGreen Explanatory Notes: Your online gateway to the latest changes at the Department of Finance and CRA.