MLA Report: Saskatchewan is an example to follow

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on December 20, 2019.

Saskatchewan, a wonderful neighbour! Like Alberta, a great provider of food, fuel and fertilizer. And they certainly support their Roughriders like no one else, even though they are not as successful as the Stampeders and the Eskimos. They also support their economy and next generations by ensuring budgets are balanced. “Sask. remains on track for a balanced budget for 2019, province says.” This was the headline in a CTV News article on Nov. 28. This is a terrific headline, and one that the government of Scott Moe should be very proud of. In today’s economic uncertainty, and with deficit budgets from all levels of government across Canada, this is a truly remarkable event. They need to be applauded for their fortitude and strategic planning to achieve this goal.

Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party have proven that with measured steps, and a commitment to fiscal responsibility, a government can keep spending under control while also providing world class services. They understand that not running a deficit and preventing debt accumulation is good for the economy, business, investors and our kids. The Alberta NDP released its shadow budget Dec. 9 and made absolutely no mention of the increased debt their numbers and spending would incur. To omit looking at deficit is simply negligent. The NDP say that the budget will spend more, and tax less on the middle class. Classic. No mention of the true cost to the taxpayer in terms of debt cost. Also, the cost down the road to our kids here in Alberta.

While we here in Alberta do not want our football teams to win less, we certainly must get behind following the Saskatchewan path to a balanced budget. We also know that a road to a balanced budget promotes stability for investors, growth in the economy, and a brighter future for Alberta’s citizens. We know that we can provide the best in educational, health-care services and other social services while bringing spending in line to match our revenues. That is our goal, to control spending while increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of our publicly supported services, and create an investment environment that attracts business to Alberta.

Saskatchewan has worked effectively to protect the economy, important front-line services and the next generation. I would like to congratulate our partners in Saskatchewan for delivering a balanced budget that protects front line services while also ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently. A surplus of $37.4 million will only help strengthen the provinces books and reduce the debt, which is already among the lowest debt-to-GDP percentage in the country.

Minister of Finance Donna Harpauer, says “The outlook for our economy remains positive… Economic indicators including population, employment, wholesale trade and non-residential building construction are up.”

But the Saskatchewan NDP are still trying to make this out to be bad news. After their years of mass cuts to frontline services in an attempt to pay off the growing debt, it is no wonder they are so unpopular in the province. Much like the NDP in Alberta, they are probably still upset about being fired.

However, I would again like to congratulate the Government of Saskatchewan on this great news. I hope that in three and a half years you can congratulate Alberta, and our strong UCP government on making the same accomplishment. Our goals are the same, a balanced budget, reducing deficits and their costs, increasing provincial revenues through industry investment and growth. We have the added goal of restoring the Alberta Advantage to our province.

Back to those Riders fans – it wonderful to see a province that supports their football team while only winning four Grey Cups, far fewer than Alberta’s 22 Grey Cups.

Drew Barnes is MLA (UCP) for Cypress-Medicine Hat constituency.

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