Many hurting after budget
While there are no hikes in sin or sales taxes in the provincial budget, seniors, families and the poor didn’t escape unscathed.
Deep in the budget — on page 16 — is a brief outline of those who are hurting a bit more now.
Titled “Spending decisions,” the section is actually devoted to money that won’t be spent — with users of the Children’s and Senior’s Drug Plans out of pocket an extra $5 per prescription, the closure of a northern jail, reductions to some justice programs, funding axed for five urban parks, cuts to training programs, an end to the Active Families tax credit, and what some call “nickel and diming” of some social assistance programs.
“I don’t get it … It’s really picking on people that are trying to pick themselves up,” said NDP finance critic Cathy Sproule.
What Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said was about fairness and equity, Sproule called “mean spirited.”
Among the changes, the Saskatchewan Employment Supplement — which helps the working poor, particularly single-parent families — moved last year to “target those most in need” by not providing money for children over age 12. But those who were already getting the money for older children were “grandfathered” and retained the assistance. Grandfathering is now eliminated to save the province $2.5 million, at a cost to 1,100 families.
“There is a definite attempt at cost-saving on the backs of the most vulnerable people in the province,” said Peter Gilmer of the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry.
For example, an exemption that was allowed in the Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID) program will end, so now a rental housing supplement will count as income, potentially reducing additional shelter benefits.
“The potential of losing any of your shelter money is a huge thing right now,” said Gilmer, who called the move “hurtful.”
But Harpauer said there was “stacking” of programs, so some were getting more money than others. These “levelling” changes are only the start.
“We’re going to take a look and do a review of all of our programs to eliminate stacking where it makes sense and ensure more equity so to target those most vulnerable,” she said.
Many middle income families also took a hit with the elimination of a tax credit that helps with the cost of kids in cultural, recreational and sports activities. The province will save $5.5 million, affecting some 20,000 families.
“It’s one of those programs that just was not doing what it was intended to do,” said Finance Minister Kevin Doherty, who noted Ottawa also ended a similar credit.
He said it’s better to help community and charitable programs, such as KidSport, with upfront registration payment for low-income kids.
Justice and Corrections is another area feeling the budget pain.
The Buffalo Narrows Correctional Centre is closing. It housed up to 18 inmates, who will move to Prince Albert’s jail. Doherty said approximately 15 employees can bump into jobs at other facilities.
Doherty admitted there may be a “social cost” to moving those northern inmates further away from family support. “We’ll find out in time,” he said.
SGEU’s Bob Bymoen, whose union represents correctional workers, said it’s a big hit for a small, remote town.
“Today I just feel sorry for the employees and the community,” he said, explaining how the jail provided jobs for many residents, and not all will want to move. He also worries about moving more inmates into already overcrowded jails.
Other justice programs impacted include: the Aboriginal Courtworker Program, which helps those appearing in court, is losing more than half its funding; the budget for Alternative Measures, which diverts people from the court system, is dropping 20 per cent; and a grant used to investigate allegations of municipal police officer misconduct is losing two-thirds of its money.
Exact details on how those new cuts will be managed are still to come.