Deficit growing ahead of Saskatchewan’s June 1 budget

The provincial budget isn’t out for several more weeks, but already it doesn’t look good.
 
Premier Brad Wall confirms that the deficit is bigger than the $427 million forecast at third-quarter. 
 
“The budget that we will be introducing here soon will be higher than first thought,” Wall told reporters at the legislature Friday. “The same pressures that would force an adjustment for next year would also be brought to bear on this year’s budget.”
 
A deficit was first predicted at mid-year, and as oil and other resources prices fell, it has continued to grow. Despite that fact, the government has consistently stated the province will be back to balance within two years.
 
Wall responded as to whether that was still even possible.
 
“It is not off the table, we are going to get back to balance by [the fiscal year] 17-18.”
 
Wall is optimistic the economy has already begun to rebound.
 
“There is still comparative strength here. We’ve got the fundamentals right in this province and we are going to ensure that we also have a fiscally responsible budget.”
 
The budget will be delivered June 1.