REGINA — The Saskatchewan government tabled its latest budget on Wednesday. Here are some of the highlights:

— A deficit of $273 million, with total spending pegged at just over $20 billion.

— An extra $1 billion for health, education and communities.

— An $11.4-million operating increase for training seats in health jobs, including nursing.

— About $235 million to redevelop Prince Albert Victoria Hospital and replace Weyburn General Hospital.

— About $7 million to continue hiring for the Saskatchewan Marshals Service ahead of a targeted 2026 start date.

— A $5.5-million deposit on four air tankers to replace its aging wildfire-fighting fleet.

— Crown land grazing rates frozen at 2022 levels to assist producers dealing with consecutive years of drought.

— Almost $80 million for water infrastructure, including money for the Lake Diefenbaker Irrigation project.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2024.

The Canadian Press