Saskatchewan budget: Firefighters, organ donors win; teachers, students less so

REGINA — The Saskatchewan government tabled its 2019-20 budget Wednesday. Here’s an idea of who will be happy and who might not be as pleased.

WINNERS

Volunteer firefighters: The budget introduces non-refundable tax credits for volunteer firefighters and first responders who serve at least 200 hours.

Rural drivers: The deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash last spring caused the government to speed up plans to spend a total of $65 million on intersection safety over five years. About $13 million is to come this year.

Organ donors: The province promises to spend more than $500,000 to create an organ donor registry by next year.

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Taxpayers: There are no new taxes or tax increases.

LOSERS

Educators: Although the province is giving school divisions $26 million more than last year, the Opposition NDP says classrooms and teachers are still not receiving the supports they need.

Post-secondary students: Operating grants for universities and colleges are being kept at 2018 levels.

Taxpayers: There is no relief for residents paying a six per cent provincial sales tax that was added to more items last year.

The Canadian Press