REGINA, Sask. – The business community as well as municipalities are pointing to infrastructure and investment as highlights of the 2026 Federal Budget.
Thw Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce has issued a statement saying it is pleased that Budget 2026 “delivers on several of the Chamber’s advocacy priorities.” They pointed to the previously announced Productivity Mega Deduction, Bill C-39 (the Building Canada Strong Act), and the Trade Diversification Corridors Fund.
The Chamber news release pointed to trade-enabling infrastructure, including West Coast gateway projects such as Roberts Bank Terminal 2, and the Port of Vancouver Gateway Strategy. They also pointed to $55.3 million over two years to advance digital trade
They also pointed to the Canada Growth Incentive and enhanced small business rollover, which they say will encourage founders and investors to reinvest in Canadian companies. They also point to the $1 billion Agri-food Project Finance Fund and a $150 million Food Security Fund for small and medium-sized businesses, and said they welcome a commitment to “reduce red tape across the agricultural supply chain will support Saskatchewan’s food producers and processors.”
The deficit remains a concern, although the Chamber said this year’s projected deficit of $62.3 billion is lower than forecast in the spring, and that the budget “targets balancing day-to-day operating spending by 2027–28.” The Chamber says it is encouraging a “clear timeline and measurable commitments” to overall fiscal balance.
“Budget 2026 sends a clear signal that Canada is serious about strengthening our domestic economy and competing with our G7 peers, said Prabha Ramaswamy, CEO of the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce.
”Faster approvals, stronger trade corridors, and greater provincial flexibility to meet labour-market needs matter to businesses in every sector of an export-driven province whose products reach markets around the world. The next step is implementation and a clear path to fiscal balance. Saskatchewan businesses are ready to do their part.”
Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association said in a statement that it is “satisfied overall” with the 2026-27 Budget. They said in their news release the Feds’ priorities align with much of their advocacy work, and show promise for continued growth and investment in Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities.
The particularly pointed to the commitment of $1.5 billion over nine years through the Build Communities Strong Fund to expand, retrofit, and rehabilitate recreational facilities and ice rinks across Canada. SUMA pointed to their several trips to Ottawa over the last year to advocate for infrastructure funding and other items, and welcomed the inclusion of these in the budget.
“SUMA is encouraged to see recreation infrastructure included in this budget, an investment we have consistently advocated for with the federal government on behalf of Saskatchewan’s urban municipalities,” said President Randy Goulden in a statement.
“SUMA will continue to advocate for further dedicated funding, delivered in a flexible format, to support the many forms of infrastructure urban municipalities across Saskatchewan provide. Specifically, a tri-party funding agreement between municipal, provincial, and federal governments would ensure that communities could have long-term access to the funding they need to maintain the places where our province’s residents live, work, and play.”
SUMA also is welcoming the federal funding agreements with provinces and territories for mental health and addictions services and home and community care, and $44.7 billion over 11 years to expand non-market housing.
SUMA also said they were pleased to see funding allocated to the RCMP Heritage Centre, the Globe Theatre, and the NorthWest Regional Recreation, Event and Emergency Protection Complex in Beauval, along with a commitment to designate the RCMP Heritage Centre as a national museum.
They said these investments in cultural, heritage, and community assets “play an important role in preserving and showcasing our shared history at both the provincial and national levels. They also serve as key drivers of tourism, economic activity, and community pride across Saskatchewan's urban municipalities.”
