Saskatchewan finance minister opts for 'symbolic' black shoes on budget day
Saskatchewan's latest budget will be presented during a time of tumult as tariffs and uncertainty define the province's relationship with its largest trading partner.
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, Finance Minister Jim Reiter displayed a hard copy of the 2025-26 provincial budget without cracking it open or giving the assembled media any major hints about what was inside.
The budget — subtitled 'Delivering for you' — is to be presented on Wednesday afternoon at the Saskatchewan legislature.
As for what the slogan means, Reiter said the budget would focus on campaign promises by Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party that were designed to target 'priority areas.'
This budget was created amid erratic tariffs from the U.S. on all imported Canadian goods as well as retaliatory Chinese tariffs on canola.
Reiter called it 'difficult' to plan for a fiscal year in the current economic climate.
'It adds so much uncertainty,' he said while showing off his new shoes — a budget day tradition. 'I wasn't sure I was going to do this. They're going to be symbolic. I would just say this folks: they're black, and I'll let you read into that what you will.'
In the language of budgets, if something is said to be 'in the black,' it conveys a surplus.
A budget that's 'in the red' indicates a deficit.
Asked to elaborate on the meaning of his shoes, Reiter just said 'they'll look good with my black suit.'
Reiter also explained to reporters that his shoes were made in India by a company headquartered in the United Kingdom, a direct acknowledgment of the current pressures posed by U.S. and Chinese tariffs.
Long before the current time of trade wars and reciprocal actions against the U.S., mid-year financials in November projected the provincial deficit had ballooned to $743.5 million from the $273.2-million shortfall forecast in the 2024-25 budget.
Higher crop insurance payments were cited by Reiter, who is presenting his first budget as the new finance minister. Also, in the lead-up to the budget, the Government of Saskatchewan authorized up to almost $1-billion dollars in additional spending by way of cabinet special warrants.
Wednesday also signals the resumption of the first session of the 30th legislature, with MLAs sitting for the next 30 days. The session began with a 10-day sitting late in 2024 after the provincial election.
Mandryk: Big government spending a given for upcoming Saskatchewan budget
Mandryk: Sask. government spending a billion dollars more with little explanation
alsalloum@postmedia.com
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