Lower Travel and Communications Spending in 2016-17

Released on October 26, 2017

The Government of Saskatchewan reduced travel and communications spending, carefully managing expenses in 2016-17 while continuing to invest in priorities for the province’s people.  Volume 2 of Public Accounts containing detailed financial information was released today.

“Our government is committed to closely managing expenses and spending less where we can to help address financial challenges, while maintaining needed services, programs and infrastructure for Saskatchewan people,” Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said.

Ministers’ travel costs were $311,000 in 2016-17 down $54,000, or about 15 per cent, from the previous year and down 68 per cent from 2006-07.  These are the lowest ministers’ travel costs in 25 years, when ministerial travel was first tracked separately.

Overall travel expense was $37.1 million, a decrease of $526,000, or 1.4 per cent, from the previous year and down $4.5 million, or about 11 per cent, from 2006-07.

Communications costs were $6.7 million in 2016-17, a reduction of about $2.7 million, about 29 per cent, compared to the previous year which included, provincial election-related costs, and down $9.1 million, or about 58 per cent, from 2006-07.

In total, government travel and communications expense is down $13.6 million, compared to 2006-07.

Public Accounts Volume 2 also provides details of ministry expense and revenue, and is available online at www.publications.gov.sk.ca/redirect.cfm?p=87687&i=104373.

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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