MLA Todd Goudy. (file photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Provincial Budget Reaction

Melfort MLA weighs in on Saskatchewan’s balanced budget

Mar 25, 2019 | 10:51 AM

Melfort MLA Todd Goudy said he’s happy to see a balanced budget for the province.

“I think for the future of the province, we always say it’s about the kids and it’s about the future of the province,” Goudy told northeastNOW. “If we can’t get the budget under control and balanced, how can we say that we really are caring about the future of the province.”

Goudy said there were some sacrifices to balance, but added it will pay off in the long run.

“Though we were able to not increase taxes, or add any new tax to balance the budget, we were able to get some big things accomplished this year,” he said. “I think everybody was satisfied. We knew we were all going to have to have a bit of a lean year to get back to balance, but it’s the right thing for Saskatchewan.”

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Some of the “big things” included a new mental health hospital in North Battleford, and the Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon. Funding went to the Alzheimers Society and new cell towers, including some in the northeast.

Another highlight of the budget was the new tax credit for volunteer firefighters, which Goudy said is well deserved.

“Basically the province just telling them how much we appreciate them, and how vital they are to our communities, that was a big one for me,” he said.

Despite the wins, there was one item left off for Melfort. The long awaited CT scanner for the Melfort Hospital was not included. Goudy said it still remains top of mind for him and he expects to speaks on the need for it during next year’s budget discussions.

“Just some of the priorities in the province this year have gone ahead of that,” Goudy said. “I will keep doing my best to keep reminding them that it would be a major benefit for this part of Saskatchewan.”

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6