The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is slamming the Saskatchewan government for overspending by almost $1 billion in 2024-25, accusing it of breaking spending promises and failing to rein in debt.“Taxpayers can’t afford a government that keeps breaking its spending promises,” said Gage Haubrich, Prairie Director for the CTF. “The government needs to keep spending in check and use any extra cash to pay down Saskatchewan’s mountain of debt.”.Budget 2024 forecasted $20.1 billion in spending, but the newly released public accounts show the government spent $21.1 billion — about $970 million more than projected.Nine of eleven departments went over budget, including an $8.5 million overspend in the “general government” category.While government revenues rose by about $994 million compared to initial forecasts, debt still climbed significantly. Saskatchewan’s debt hit $21.7 billion at the end of the fiscal year — $648 million higher than anticipated..Taxpayers also paid $699 million in interest charges last year alone.“The government is already wasting hundreds of millions of dollars per year on debt interest payments because it’s repeatedly failed to control spending and keeps borrowing more money,” Haubrich said.“Finance Minister Jim Reiter needs to stop spending money as fast as it comes in and work to reduce the cost of government for taxpayers.”
