SASKATOON — Mayor Cynthia Block welcomed the increase in the city’s share of municipal revenue sharing under the 2025-2026 provincial budget released by the government on Wednesday, March 19. The government allotted $362 million for MRS, an increase of 6.3 per cent, or $22M, from last year.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan’s biggest city, will be getting $66.5 from the MRS, reflecting a 6.3 per cent increase from its share in the previous budget.
Block said the increase would ensure the City of Saskatoon would provide the services the residents need and are expected to during an uncertain time in the province and the country with the threat of tariffs by the US, Canada’s southern neighbour and largest trading partner.
“I am grateful the provincial government came through with record municipal revenue sharing. We live in very uncertain times, so to have this kind of certainty for our city’s budget will help to meet the priorities set in our 2025 budget,” said Block in a statement sent to SaskToday.
“This is good news as we work to deliver the critical services and infrastructure our residents expect ... Knowing that we have that revenue going to our cities is a real relief, and I’m grateful for that.”
She added that MRS’s formula was well-established and was calculated by city administration before last fall’s budget.
The Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce also welcomed the provincial budget's non-refundable Small and Medium Enterprise Tax Credit, which was proposed at 45 per cent. The tax credit would benefit small and midsize businesses.
“This budget provides the stability and climate for our businesses to remain competitive and resilient in light of the tariff challenges we may face. By providing certainty and shoring up the capacity of our biggest job creators, Saskatchewan is well positioned to weather any economic threats that may be on the horizon,” said Chamber CEO Jason Aebig.
In a statement, the Chamber said the tax credit’s inclusion shows the provincial government’s commitment to recognizing the role of small and midsize businesses in helping Saskatchewan’s economic growth.
The tax credit will also help small and midsize businesses access capital, enhance their operations and create employment opportunities to support their long-term sustainability.
Also, the small business tax rate will remain at one per cent under the budget to help businesses become more stable. The province has the highest annual income threshold, with local businesses earning up to $600,000.
