The Saskatchewan government’s 2025-26 budget includes significant investment in health care, infrastructure, post-secondary education, social services, community support, and public safety.
“This year’s budget will deliver better patient access and more responsive care for Saskatchewan residents,” said finance minister Jim Reiter to the assembled legislature.
The Ministry of Health will receive a record $8.1 billion, an increase of $485 million or 6.4 per cent.
Read more: Saskatchewan tech fund offers more
The Saskatchewan Health Authority will get $4.9 billion, up by $261 million or 5.6 per cent.
“This funding delivers better access to acute care programs and services,” said Reiter.
The province plans to reduce surgical wait times by performing 450,000 procedures over four years. Regina’s Pasqua Hospital will launch a robot-assisted surgery program as part of this initiative.
More than 100 acute care beds will be added at Saskatoon City Hospital to address capacity challenges. The budget also supports pediatric care expansions, additional dialysis services, and 170 paramedic positions across 58 rural communities.
Cancer care will see a $30 million boost to $279 million, ensuring access to oncology treatments and advancing a lung cancer screening program. Breast cancer screening eligibility will drop to age 43, and a second mobile mammogram unit will serve rural and northern areas.
On infrastructure, the budget includes investments to improve highways. Lloydminster is only mentioned once, and it’s in reference to the $436 million infrastructure budget.
“Passing lanes for Highway 10 between Fort Qu’Appelle and Melville, and Highway 17 north of Lloydminster” are planned.
Post-secondary students will see expanded support through a 20 per cent increase to the Graduate Retention Program, providing a maximum tax credit of $24,000 for graduates who stay in Saskatchewan. The program aims to retain skilled workers by offering financial incentives to graduates who contribute to the province’s workforce.
Social services funding will increase by 2 per cent, supporting programs for people with disabilities, income assistance, and family support initiatives. The government highlighted additional resources for foster care programs, affordable housing initiatives, and expanded disability support services to meet the growing needs of vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, municipal revenue sharing will reach $362 million, a 6.3 per cent increase. The City of Lloydminster is budgeting $2,959,777 from this fund for the year. Additional funding will also support shelter spaces and community outreach services.
Public safety remains a major focus.
“Over the last two years, we have invested $2 billion into community safety,” Reiter said. The Ministry of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety will receive $798 million, including $119 million for the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.
The Ministry of Justice and Attorney General will receive $271 million. Funding increases will also support the Municipal Police Grant Program, bolster RCMP operations, and expand the First Nations Policing Program.
“This budget continues our commitment to safer communities,” said Reiter. It includes resources to hire 100 new municipal police officers, 14 Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods personnel to target nuisance properties, and additional funding for the Saskatchewan Police College.
The Saskatchewan Marshals Service will also add 50 new positions with the service expected to become operational ahead of schedule. Further funding will support the Saskatchewan Border Security Plan, working with federal agencies to enhance law enforcement near the border.
Correctional facility upgrades include expanded capacity at Saskatoon Correctional Centre and increased supports for female offenders through the Elizabeth Fry Society.
Additional investments in second-stage housing and programs for survivors of interpersonal violence will enhance community support. Reiter said these initiatives will “create safer communities and strengthen justice services across Saskatchewan.”
Reiter said the budget focuses on “delivering affordability, improving access to care, and ensuring safer communities.”
Read more: Building in Saskatchewan leading county
