With a projected debt of 5.7 billion dollars by the end of this fiscal year, the Saskatchewan government has crept their spending up by nearly 2.7 million dollars per day when compared to last year.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has opted to bring back the Debt Clock, which hasn't been seen in almost two decades.
Todd Mackay, Prairie Director for the CTF says Saskatchewan will be running a 292 million dollar deficit this year, however it's not because of infrastructure spending.
He says,
"We have a deficit because we're not re-prioritizing unnecessary spending to pay for the things we need. Families and small businesses often have to tighten their belts by two or three per cent. It's time for the government to do the same."
The CTF also mentioned that Saskatchewan plans to borrow up to $700 million this year for infrastructure. And Provincial spending has increased 12.6 per cent since 2007-08 after accounting for inflation and population growth.
Most of this years debt can be attributed to the fires and the slumping price of oil.
Compared to other Provinces in Canada, Saskatchewan doesn't have too high of a debt rate.
The Debt Clock will be in Rosetown and Kindersley on November 6th.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
