'It's an honour': Sask. Finance Minister Donna Harpauer only 2nd woman province's history to deliver budget

The first episode of CBC Saskatchewan's newest podcast On the Ledge features the person who will be front and centre on budget day.

Finance Minister Donna Harpauer is only the second woman in the province's history to deliver a budget and the first for the Saskatchewan Party. The first female finance minister to deliver a budget was former NDP cabinet minister Janice MacKinnon. 

"I am pretty nervous, people are quite surprised to hear I am a very nervous public speaker. I love the work behind the scenes but to get up and publicly speak is challenging for me," she said.

You can download episodes of On the Ledge at CBC podcasts, on iTunes or the podcast app of your choice.

Harpauer has handled several portfolios but admitted she was not a traditional choice as finance minister. 

"It's an honour to have been given the confidence of my cabinet and caucus and premier to be asked to do this job," Harpauer said.

She said the motivation comes from her children.

"I have three daughters and that's been a real motivator for me from the time I first got involved and how I've been able to overcome sheer fear at times of being in what I think over my, literally putting my head down and working very hard is to set an example for them." 

Harpauer also talked about the difficult budget process and why being a woman gives the Canadian tradition of wearing new shoes on budget day a "whole new perspective." 

About On the Ledge

On the Ledge is a weekly CBC podcast that makes Saskatchewan politics personal.

Each week, host Adam Hunter will talk to the people behind the stories.

The podcast will touch on the big headlines and take you behind the scenes at the Saskatchewan legislature. 

Follow the budget

CBC Saskatchewan will be home to all your budget coverage on April 10.

The provincial budget will be presented by Harpauer, starting around 2:15 p.m. CST. 

Watch online: Live-streamed analysis and reaction online at CBC Saskatchewan and CBC Saskatoon. 

Watch on Facebook: CBC's Adam Hunter and Stephanie Taylor will be live from the rotunda at the legislative building to bring you comprehensive coverage on the CBC Saskatchewan Facebook page. 

Watch on TV: Watch CBC Saskatchewan news, hosted by Christy Climenhaga, for context and analysis. The program runs 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. CST.

Check your TV service provider for channel or watch online.

Listen: Live on CBC Radio One (540 AM; 102.5 FM in Regina; 94.1 FM in Saskatoon) or listen online.

CBC Saskatchewan will be live from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on budget day. Tune in again on Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for additional budget coverage. 

Twitter: Follow CBC Saskatchewan and CBC Saskatoon on Twitter and join the conversation by using #skbudget18. 

Facebook: Follow CBC Saskatchewan and CBC Saskatoon on Facebook. 

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