Federal Equalization
Year: 2018
Resolution
Whereas Saskatchewan’s natural resources have been used in the equalization formula for the benefit of all Canadian provinces; and
Whereas natural benefits in other provinces, such as easy access to hydroelectric power have traditionally not been included under equalization; and
Whereas other provinces have stood in the way of Saskatchewan getting its natural resources to market, while also asking Saskatchewan to do more with respect to climate change;
Therefore be it resolved that the SUMA advocate the provincial and federal governments to have all non-renewable resource revenue pulled from the equalization formula, and instead have these funds dedicated to infrastructure projects in Saskatchewan.
Provincial Response
Saskatchewan has not received an equalization payment since 2007-08. Equalization is strictly a federal spending program funded by federal taxation revenues. Though our Government has continued to call for technical improvements to the program, the establishment of the equalization formula itself is a federal responsibility.
