Melfort MLA Todd Goudy discusses this week's budget and more (File photo/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Melfort MLA

Goudy discusses provincial budget, challenges stemming from COVID-19

Jun 18, 2020 | 11:00 AM

A local MLA is sharing his thoughts on this week’s provincial budget, and the challenges that COVID-19 has presented to the province.

Melfort SaskParty MLA Todd Goudy told northeastNOW the pandemic has been a difficult time for businesses and families.

The challenges also extend to the province’s bottom line, as the government is forecasting a $2.4 billion deficit for this fiscal year.

“It was interesting to be a part of the whole process of putting together the original budget before COVID-19 hit, and it was exciting, we had a balanced budget and it was my first chance of being part of that whole process,” Goudy said. “To have that all blown up on us was pretty deflating.”

Goudy said to see how the province is persevering in spite of it all is encouraging. He added Saskatchewan was the first jurisdiction in Canada to put forward a completed post-COVID budget, and things are going pretty well despite everything that has happened.

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MLA’s returned to Regina to start a brief three week session on Monday, with the budget tabled that afternoon. Goudy said it’s good to be back in the Queen City and back to work, though the premier, the cabinet and other staffers have been working hard in the background throughout the pandemic.

A key item in Monday’s budget, as it was in the original pared-down budget earlier this spring, was the approval of funding for a CT Scanner in Melfort. Goudy said the Melfort MLA’s before him including Rod Gantefoer and the late Kevin Phillips, and others, worked very hard in lobbying for a CT Scanner.

“I’d say that’s maybe the highlight for us this year, for sure,” Goudy said.

The legislative session will wrap up July 3.

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cam.lee@jbpg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974