Lower Travel and Communications Spending in 2014-15

Released on October 29, 2015

The Saskatchewan government carefully managed expenses in 2014-15, including reducing travel and communications spending, while continuing to invest in priorities for Saskatchewan people.  Detailed financial information was released today in Volume 2 of Public Accounts.

Ministers’ travel costs were $355,065 in 2014-15, down $161,071 or 31 per cent from 2013-14 and down $622,607 or 64 per cent from 2006-07.  Spending on ministers’ travel in 2014-15 was the lowest since ministerial travel began being calculated separately in 1991-92.  That year, ministers’ travel spending was $428,000.

Overall, ministry travel costs were $38.2 million in 2014-15, down $1.4 million or 3.5 per cent from the previous year, and down $3.4 million or 8.0 per cent from 2006-07.

Ministry communications costs were $9.2 million in 2014-15, down $1.5 million or 14 per cent from the previous year and down $6.6 million or 42 per cent from 2006-07.

In total, the government reduced its travel and communications costs by nearly $3.0 million compared to the previous year and by $10 million compared to 2006-07.

The Saskatchewan government finished 2014-15 with a surplus of $62 million, according to the province’s year-end financial results.  Total revenue was $14.06 billion, down just $14 million or 0.1 per cent from budget.  Total expense was $14 billion, down $5.0 million or 0.03 per cent from budget.

To view the Public Accounts Volume 2, please visit www.finance.gov.sk.ca/public-accounts/.

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For more information, contact:

Jeff Welke
Finance
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6046
Email: jeff.welke@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-1185