Saskatchewan’s Finance Minister Donna Harpauer delivered the province’s 2024 budget today. The budget introduces new tax credits for the oil and gas and mining industries, as well as approximately $255.2 million in targeted funding for First Nation and Métis people and organizations, an increase of $6.1 million over 2023-24. This targeted funding includes a $91.2 million investment from gaming payments to support Indigenous-led social and economic initiatives in Saskatchewan, as well as an $800,000 investment for grassroots organizations and communities developing and delivering projects that contribute to preventing violence, building safety, and fostering the wellbeing of Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit people.
The ministry also implemented new approaches with community partners to enhance services to individuals experiencing homelessness and those at risk of homelessness. This includes the continued implementation of the Provincial Approach to Homelessness, supported by an
increase of $16.7 million. $7.2 million of that increase is to support ongoing emergency shelter operations across the province and $9.5 million is capital investment to continue to develop supportive housing spaces in Regina and Saskatoon.
The Income Assistance Mobile Workforce will also place up to 10 more ministry employees on-site at select community-based organizations to support clients where they are. Lastly, Approximately 150 more clients will receive trusteeship and money management services to help
them pay their rent and other bills each month. In 2024-25, community-based organizations across government will receive a $18.1 million increase in funding. The ministry will provide an additional $13.7 million to the third-party service providers it contracts with to effectively meet the needs of the community.
Additional budget highlights include:
- $21.6 million for First Nations on-reserve policing and enhanced policing (Corrections, Policing and Public Safety);
- $20.1 million for First Nations and Métis preventative supports (Social Services);
- $19.8 million for Indigenous post-secondary education, including Indigenous Language Teacher Education Programs (Advanced Education); and
- Continued investment of $400,000 for First Nation and Métis community partnership projects and sponsorships (Government Relations).
See the new budget for yourself on the government’s website: