Yesterday the 2019/2020 Saskatchewan provincial budget was released. The document revealed a modest surplus of $34.4 million, and a large list of funding increases across all government ministries.

There are a few items in the budget that will have a direct impact on the West Central Region. There were also a number of increases whose direct impact will be marginal, but still important to those that live and work in the region.

Here are a few of the highlights from the budget that will affect the West Central Region:

Saskatchewan North Battleford Hospital:

$13.7 million increase has been set for the Saskatchewan Hospital North Battleford. This investment represents more than 140 new beds to treat individuals with mental health and addiction challenges.

Physician visits:

The 2019-20 budget is increasing funding for physician services by $15 million. This funding will be used to pay for increased physician visits, and approximately fifteen new specialist physician contracts across the province.

Child Care Funding:

The budget includes a $1.6 million increase for child care programs. This includes an increase in funding to community-based organizations and an increase to funding for the Early Childhood Intervention Program.

Municipal Revenue Sharing:

Municipalities in the West Central region will have access to a modest increase in revenue sharing. The Municipal Revenue Sharing Program is seeing an increase of $25.4 million. Of the programs total $251.6 million, $71.1 million will be distributed to rural municipalities. $14 million has also be budget for improving the ‘Municipal Roads for the Economy Program.’

Highways and Infrastructure:

The region's largest direct impact from the budget will be seen on our highways. The 2019 budget provides more than $60 million to begin, continue or complete work on twinning and passing lanes.

The Twinning of Highway 7 at Vanscoy will be completed this year. Which completes the twinning of Highway 7 from Saskatoon to Delisle.

The construction of two sets of passing lanes on Highway 7 west of Rosetown is set to begin construction this year.

Five highway intersections have also been identified in the West Central region for safety improvements. Two of the improvements will be located on Highway 7 in or near Kindersley. The other three are to be completed on Highways 21 and 307 near Kerrobert and Coleville.

Crop Insurance Coverage:

This years provincial budget includes a number of enhancements to the Crop Insurance program. Higher coverage will be available on tame and native grazing land to better reflect the losses of producers experienced during a shortfall in forage production. There will also be continued support for the Saskatchewan 4-H Council through funding assistance.

Volunteer Tax Credit:

Finally, volunteer firefighters and emergency responders that have over 200 hours of service will be able to claim a $3000 tax credit in 2020. This is the only new tax credit program announced in this years budget.