Last week Saskatchewan Finance Minister Jim Reiter unveiled the Saskatchewan 2025-26 budget with a modest but noteworthy forecasted surplus of $12 million. It’s a cautious yet significant achievement in a time marked by economic uncertainty, as an ongoing trade war with the United States continues to cast a shadow over the province's financial outlook.Revenues are projected to hit $21.1 billion — a six per cent jump from last year. Meanwhile, total expenses are expected to reach $21 billion, reflecting a $909 million increase from the 2024-25 budget. Despite these rising costs, the government is touting the balanced budget and small surplus as a testament to strong financial management.As the spring sitting of the Legislature gets underway, running through April and into May, all eyes will be on how the province navigates its affordability commitments while maintaining fiscal responsibility.But with economic headwinds blowing from south of the border, can Saskatchewan continue to balance the books while supporting those who need it most?We chat with Stakeholders about the budget and what it means for municipalities. ***************************************************Chapters: 0:00 - Opening 0:04 - Introduction 09:33 - Interview with Government Relations Minister Hon Eric Schmalz13:07 - Interview with Saskatchewan NDP Critic Jared Clarke 18:22 - Interview with SUMA President Randy Goulden25:31 - Interview with SARM President Bill Huber 29:04 - Interview with Maple Creek Mayor Michelle McKenzie 34:36 - Interview with Weyburn Mayor Jeff Richards 39:06 - Interview with Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers 46:25 - Interview with Chief Constant of James Smith Cree Nation 51:18 - Interview with Chief Longman of George Gordon First Nation 56:43 - Closing Remarks 57:43 - Credits***************************************************Support The Show Today: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/support-the-showJoin The Show: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/be-part-of-the-show ***************************************************Listen To The Show: Apple: https://apple.co/41p5I2ISpotify: https://bit.ly/3tkvb0E Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/crossborderinterviewswithchrisbrown***************************************************Follow Us On Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossborderpodcast/Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/crossbordernetwork.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@crossborderpodcast Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CrossBorderInterviews/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crossborderinterviews/ Website: https://www.crossborderinterviews.ca/Municipal Affairs is Part of The Cross Border Network©2025
