Budget Debate (26 March 2024)

From Hansard (26 March 2024)

 

Budget Debate

Mr. B. McLeod: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What you’re about to hear, probably could call this McLeod 2.0 since we just had my namesake up a little bit ago, but hopefully it won’t be Groundhog Day and the same thing over and over again.

So thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the last 229 days of my life, which is the official start of my political career — or as my wife would say, my career diversion — I have done many things for the first time. But today I rise from my seat to deliver my first response to a budget, a budget delivered by the hon. member from Humboldt-Watrous that continues the excellent work of our Sask Party government, balancing the demands that come from a province experiencing incredible growth and doing it in a sustainable manner that positions Saskatchewan to lead the nation. In the process, delivering the second-lowest debt-to-GDP [gross domestic product] ratio budget in Canada, and a plan to balance the budget within the next fiscal year. An impressive record of service to our province, the member from Humboldt-Watrous leaves us in an envied position in the nation of Canada. Mr. Speaker, clearly she knows and understands that budgets do not balance themselves.

First of all I must spend just a few moments in retrospection. Taking on the role of an MLA is a privilege and a responsibility that is not taken lightly. At times you may feel like you have prepared well for the role, engaging in local boards, attending political meetings, events, taking governance training, door knocking, constituency meetings, industry service, and so much more. But I’m here to say that I really only had a small sense of what I was in for. Borrowing a quote from Alan Watts, “You cannot get wet from the word water.” And so I have jumped in and it has been the adventure of a lifetime.

I want to say thank you to all who have helped me get to this place, and a special thanks to those who helped me not only survive but to thrive in this role. I want to say thanks to my dedicated staff back in the constituency office, Brandy Magnus and Kelly Hinderager. Ladies, thank you so much for keeping everything organized, things running smoothly, and plans — and me — on task. To the constituency association and the continued excellent leadership, thank you for hanging in there and being . . . more than just hanging in there. Really, really participating in what we’re doing.

To our caucus staff, I want to say thank you so much for the great preparation that you help with, so thorough in every way, and really developing great friendships with you all. Thank you for that.

And to my family. None of us take on this role without support from family. My oldest son, Michael, thank you, Michael, for taking up the reins on the farm and making sure that I have nothing to worry about there. My son Mark, for your help in that as well and for keeping me grounded and the man that I am. And my daughter Jessica, thank you for your love and support as well in her role as a nurse in Royal UH [Royal University Hospital] in Saskatoon, RUH. I think she has the best job in the world, bringing babies into the world. I’m not sure what could be better. And to all of our kids’ spouses, thank you for your roles and involvement, your encouragement, your prodding, some of the things that need to be addressed — great feedback.

But most of all to my wife of 43 years this year, Marlie Beth McLeod, my love of my life, a patient woman for sure, but absolutely a rock for me. And thank you so much, hon, for all your love.

And to all my fellow caucus members, you have indeed made me feel very welcome in this place.

So let’s turn our attention to the Saskatchewan budget for ’24-25, entitled Classrooms, Care & Communities. Record funding to schools, health care, and municipalities, funding that continues to respond to a growing province and funding that is only possible because our government continues to build a stronger economy and a brighter future. Gone are the days of woe is us, the have-not province in Canada. We are charting our own course and will continue to lead our nation in growth and opportunity.

Now most people know that I’m a farmer, a dairy farmer to be exact. But regardless of the type of farmer, we all need many of the same things, actually all of the same things to make our crops grow. We need fertile soil. We need abundant sunshine, accurate seed placement, frost-free days, concise timing of seeding and harvesting, and we need adequate moisture. Most of all we need adequate moisture. And when the crop comes up, if the grasshoppers and insects don’t destroy it, we need good harvest weather, that absence of rain so quality is not compromised or destroyed. If one of these essential requirements is not met, the yield can indeed suffer and sometimes not even be there.

With all of these factors weighing against us, some might ask, why does anyone want to take the risk to farm? Thankfully there are many who do. And because they are willing to take that risk, we all have food to eat, milk to drink, and Saskatchewan continues to feed the world. It’s the principle of sowing and reaping, agreeing with the wise words of Jesus who said, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed; but if it dies it produces many seeds.

And just like farming, there are principles that need to be in place for the economy of Saskatchewan and any economy to flourish. We need vision to plan for the future. Not the kind of vision that says, no, you’ll never see a million people in this province.

We need economic policies that encourage investment, laws that protect each of us from wrongdoing, adequate resources including a well-trained labour force, investment capital, and regulation that allows a profit — not a dirty word — a profit. That’s a return on capital in order to reinvest and continue the growth.

I would submit to this House that the growth that we are experiencing right now is the result of the careful nurturing of all the items just listed, and an attitude in Saskatchewan of can-do, often known as the entrepreneurial spirit. Yes, Mr. Speaker, the people of Saskatchewan can and will continue to show the world what we are made of. We can be all that we want to be and take our rightful place in the great nation of Canada. Common-sense principles that say, let’s sustainably use the natural resources that are so abundant, let’s add value to all we produce, and let’s continue to build this great province.

It is only because we have a strong, vibrant, and growing economy that we are able to make the investments in classrooms, care, and communities, investments that will provide our families with the best education possible, health care that everyone deserves, and communities that we can all be proud of. Economic growth provides the foundation to build all of that and more.

So, Mr. Deputy Speaker, let me speak to the budget themes. First of all, classrooms. Saskatchewan’s 27 school divisions will receive 2.25 billion in school operating funding for the ’24-25 school year. That’s a record increase of 180 million, 8.8 per cent over last year. And yes, that is sorely needed. It is a commitment to deal with the massive challenge of classroom sizes and complexity. It is predictable, transparent, and written into a contract with the Saskatchewan School Boards Association. Our teachers and students deserve this, and it will be delivered.

Alongside the 180 million increase in operating funding is the equally important budget line of 216 million for pre-K [pre-kindergarten] to grade 12 capital projects, up a whopping 41.8 per cent from last year. You cannot deal with class size without building more schools, more room. And the list includes ongoing funding for 11 projects and 11 major renovations. That’s 14 schools, ongoing funding. Funding for planning nine new schools and two renovations. 25.8 million for relocatables, which is over and above the additional 32 million announced for relocatables late in ’23-24.

And, Mr. Speaker, education doesn’t stop at the high school graduation. An increase of 3.7 per cent for post-secondary, 793 million, providing more space and opportunities for Saskatchewan students to train and pursue careers in Saskatchewan, right where they belong.

Our government’s graduate retention program, one of the most important programs that I’ve seen in my children’s lives, has benefited 81,600 students to date — to date — to the tune of 739 million in tax credits. And it will continue to provide 20,000 in tax credits to post-secondary students who live and work in Saskatchewan. All of my children and their spouses have benefited from that program and have stayed and are here in Saskatchewan. That’s wonderful.

Health care highlights. With population growth comes the absolute requirement to invest in health care. This budget should make it very clear that our government is determined to provide Saskatchewan residents with the best care possible — a record 7.6 billion, an increase of 726.4 million, up 10.6 per cent. Lots of things are up.

The emphasis will continue to be put on recruiting and retaining through the health human resources action plan, and so vitally important in the area that I serve. We will continue to deliver on the commitment to add 250 new or enhanced permanent health care providers in our rural and remote locations. 11.4 million continues to support the significant seat expansions that were previously announced, things that are so needed. Occupational therapy, speech language pathology, and physician recruitment programs at the University of Saskatchewan are all included.

And, Mr. Deputy Speaker, record capital investment of 516.8 million for facilities and equipment. That’s up 179 million. The list includes Prince Albert Victoria Hospital, Weyburn General, La Ronge long-term care, Regina General Hospital parkade, specialized long-term bed replacements in Regina — all of that delivered to the people of Saskatchewan.

And let’s talk about cancer. How many of us have dealt with cancer? And how many that we know in our families that have dealt with cancer. In my own family and extended family, just in the last year both my father-in-law and my mother-in-law. So an increase of 26.1 million to Saskatchewan Cancer Agency to ensure effective and timely treatment options. Total record budget of 248.9 million for cancer.

A 3.5 million increase for breast cancer care and screening is welcome news. This includes technology enhancements, new imaging equipment, and the establishment of the breast health centre in Regina, much-needed facility. Far too many women have suffered with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and this initiative will provide a significant boost to support patients and health care providers.

Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to read a really significant quote from Sarah Wright, a breast cancer survivor, in an interview that she did with the CBC [Canadian Broadcasting Corporation] on March 20th, 2024, the day after the breast health centre funding announcement was made. And here I quote:

It’s really exciting to see that the centre is going to bring all of us together. It will be a much simpler process for ladies and take out the guesswork which is very scary when you are waiting months and months. All of that ends this fiscal year.

And, Mr. Speaker, the largest funding increase in Saskatchewan history for communities, 340.2 million in unconditional support for municipalities in the province, an increase of 14.2 per cent from the previous year. As our economy grows, municipalities receive a predictable share of that growth. That is making a difference in all of our communities in Saskatchewan.

How does that relate to numbers on the ground, Mr. Deputy Speaker? Just a couple quick examples. The community of Lumsden in 2007 and ’08, when this program was first introduced, received $157,644. In ’24-25 they will receive 509,131 — 3.2 times more than when that program started. And right at home where I live, in the RM [rural municipality] of Caron No. 162, ’07-08 they received 59,740. This year, $196,000. Amazing.

Here’s what Her Worship Mayor Sandra Masters of Regina had to say on the Greg Morgan Morning Show on CJME on the morning after the budget address. And I’ll quote them both.

Greg Morgan:

How did you appreciate or not appreciate the budget? I think you kind of did appreciate it.

Response from Mayor Sandra Masters:

We know what we have been advocating for over the last couple of years. The fact that we have in the kitty the municipal revenue transfer of 42 million, it means a few million more dollars for the city of Regina. That’s incredible news.

She couldn’t quit rushing to get all the news out that she wanted to say. She continues:

The investment in health care in the city of Regina as a centre to serve southern Saskatchewan, those are all incredible. Big news in terms of schools.

Back to Greg Morgan:

Nothing that you are disappointed in?

Mayor Sandra Masters:

No. It’s more expansion for supportive housing, for emergency shelter. We are really pleased with the investment in the city.

Incredible, incredible.

Mr. Speaker, that is a voice that resonates across all of Saskatchewan, from Lumsden to Morse in my constituency to every city, town, village, and rural municipality in our province. And why is this possible, Mr. Speaker? To borrow words from the budget address, it’s possible because it’s entirely driven by the strength of our economy. Incredible.

Mr. Speaker, communities remain strong because of the people that live in them, where they live, work, play, and raise a family, and I’m very proud to say that Saskatchewan remains one of the most affordable places in Canada to do just that. Our government is committed to keeping it that way. So here are some of the affordability measures. In this budget, we reaffirm our commitment to no new taxes or tax increases. We have among the lowest personal income taxes in the country. Continued relief from reduced education property tax — not something to be just thrown away and say, hey that really didn’t matter. That was significant.

Active families benefit; children’s drug plan, including help to fund insulin pumps and glucose monitors; 4.7 million increase to autism funding; 17 million to deliver the first full year of the Saskatchewan employment incentive program which will help deliver more affordability to low-income families; and 43 million to targeted seniors’ care initiatives which is going to make a significant difference. And that list goes on, Mr. Speaker.

All of this is possible because of our strong, diversified, and growing economy. Every day as I make the drive from my home in Caron to the city of Regina, I see first-hand, first-hand, the economic investment. Along the entire corridor from Regina to my hometown, I see new equipment dealerships; construction companies; livestock facilities supplying service to our cattle industry; veterinarian office; a pork processing plant — Donald’s Fine Foods, $60 million investment, 200 jobs; mining investments; canola crushing at the Global Transportation Hub, 350 million from the company of Cargill; Great Plains Power Station in Moose Jaw; Red Leaf Pulp, planned expenditure of 350 million.

And here’s one that I really love. K+S Potash. I can see it. It’s not quite in my constituency, but I can see it every time I go by. It’s actually in the . . . member right over here. What’s your . . .

An Hon. Member: — Arm River.

Mr. B. McLeod: — Arm River. That one always escapes me. From Arm River. K+S chased out by an NDP government with the failed experiment of nationalization 40 years ago. They’re back — 3.25 billion in investment in 2015 and on, producing potash again in our province. My drive reminds me of all the jobs associated with that investment and it tells me that rural Saskatchewan will remain strong and continue to be the backbone of our economy.

And so we continue to invest in unprecedented ways in agriculture. Spending will be up 4.1 per cent, fully funding crop insurance and AgriStability, important programs for the farmers in Saskatchewan; 89.4 million for strategic initiatives under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. That’s super important. The development of new — new — irrigated acres and support for improved energy and water efficiency of existing systems. Finally, finally we will begin to see the fulfilled vision of those who had the foresight to build the infrastructure of Lake Diefenbaker. That, Mr. Deputy Speaker, will make a difference to agriculture in Saskatchewan.

Growth, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that allows all the benefits I have talked about — good jobs, great careers, vibrant and thriving communities where families can grow and flourish. Now there is one piece of growth, Mr. Speaker, that we could do without. Along with our government, 7 of this country’s 10 premiers also recognize the damage that will be done when the carbon tax increases or grows by 23 per cent on April the 1st. And by their own admission, the feds have absolutely no idea whether or not it is actually reducing emissions. No idea at all. That is an April Fool’s tax if I’ve ever heard one.

Last month’s power bill on my very own farm . . . I want to do some comparisons here. Power bill, not natural gas, strictly power. The carbon tax portion of the power bill was $492.45. When I add 23 per cent to that, it will make it $605.71. One farm, my farm, one month. We’re not on annualized billing, and so that amount is pretty indicative of what I’ll pay over the next 12 months — $7,268.52. Unbelievable number. I could invest that money in making our operation much more sustainable in a few areas and I think it would return much more dividends than that.

And it’s not lost on the people of Saskatchewan that a membership in the Sask NDP Party automatically confers membership in the federal NDP Party, and they are the only reason we may possibly have to endure another 18 months of Trudeau 2.0 and this ridiculous tax that makes all of life more unaffordable. That kind of growth in costs we can do without, Mr. Deputy Speaker.

So today I’m proud to stand in this magnificent House and affirm my support of the 2024-25 budget. I will not be supporting the amendment put forward by the party opposite, but I will support the motion put forward by my colleague from Saskatoon Willowgrove and will be happy to vote in favour. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.