Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan on track for $262M deficit

Half-way through the financial year, the Saskatchewan government is running a $262 million deficit.

Province recently clawed back millions from post-secondary institutions

Saskatchewan is on track for a $262 million deficit, according to the mid-year financial update. (Peter Mills/CBC)

Half-way through the financial year, the Saskatchewan government is running a $262 million deficit.

Revenues for the fiscal year that began April 1 are down by about $369 million, thanks to low oil prices, according to the mid-year financial update released Monday.

Meanwhile, spending is up by nearly $100 million because of the northern forest fires earlier this year.

Finance Minister Kevin Doherty said he continues to look for places to cut back on spending.

The province has already clawed back millions of dollars from post-secondary institutions in recent months.

Health regions are also cutting jobs and reducing the number of surgeries performed.