No new taxes, but higher drug costs in 2016-17 Saskatchewan budget

REGINA – The Saskatchewan government tabled a $14.5-billion budget Wednesday for the 2016-17 fiscal year. Here are the highlights:

— Deficit forecast to be $434 million, with a plan to balance the budget next year.

— No new taxes or tax increases.

— A $20-million boost to reduce surgery wait times.

— Elimination of funding for parks in five cities.

— Elimination of a tax benefit for families with children in cultural, recreational and sports activities.

— $1.7 billion for government capital projects, with $1 billion of that financed through borrowing.

— More than 1,300 kilometres of provincial highways to see repairs or upgrades this year.

— A special commissioner to be appointed to recommend options for fewer health regions and more efficient delivery of services.

— Some 66,000 families with children and 120,000 seniors to pay more for medicine as drug plan increases to $25 from $20 per prescription.