BUDGET 2026-27: HOW “PROTECTING SASKATCHEWAN” MATTERS TO RENTAL HOUSING PROVIDERS ACROSS OUR PROVINCE

BUDGET 2026-27: HOW “PROTECTING SASKATCHEWAN” MATTERS TO RENTAL HOUSING PROVIDERS ACROSS OUR PROVINCE 

On March 18, the Government of Saskatchewan tabled its 2026-27 provincial budget under the theme of Protecting Saskatchewan. For Rental Housing Saskatchewan (RHSK) and the housing providers, property managers, and industry we proudly represent, that theme resonates. Saskatchewan’s rental housing market is one of the most competitive and affordable in Canada. Protecting that edge requires continued policies that grow housing supply without undermining the providers and investment that makes it possible.  

The 2026-27 budget delivers on several fronts that matter directly to the rental housing sector and the tenants we house. 

“Saskatchewan’s affordability advantage doesn’t happen by accident,” said Landon Field, CEO of Rental Housing Saskatchewan. “It is the product of deliberate policy choices that keep costs manageable and attract investment. We are pleased to see measures that strengthen the entire housing ecosystem, from enhancing supports for those who need it most, to increasing timely access to justice, to growing housing availability through the extension of the Secondary Suite Incentive.” 

Secondary Suite Incentive: The Right Tool, Extended 

Of all the housing measures in this budget, the extension of the Secondary Suite Incentive (SSI) to March 31, 2027, is the one RHSK is most pleased to highlight. Nearly 1,000 new units have been added since the program launched in 2023. Secondary suites are infill by nature, adding rental supply in established neighbourhoods at a fraction of the cost of large-scale programs. 

“The Secondary Suite Incentive is smart and cost-effective housing policy,” said Field. “It leverages private investment, grows rental supply where people already want to live, and delivers results. Nearly 1,000 new units since 2023 speaks for itself. Extending this program is absolutely the right call.” 

The 2026-27 budget is a steady-handed document built for uncertain times. This budget avoids the tax increases and heavy-handed interventions like rent control that would erode Saskatchewan’s hard-won competitive edge and decimate housing affordability, while delivering real supports for tenants, meaningful judicial capacity, and a renewed commitment to the supply-side housing policies that keep this province’s rental market one of the best in Canada. RHSK thanks the Government of Saskatchewan for its continued engagement with the rental housing sector and looks forward to building on this foundation in the year ahead. 

Social Services: Stronger Supports Mean More Stable Tenancies 

The 2026-27 Social Services budget delivers a series of targeted investments that directly benefit renters and the housing providers who serve them. A $3.2 million investment expands the Saskatchewan Housing Benefit, increasing core monthly benefits by 20 per cent and providing a 40 per cent increase through the Supportive Housing stream for renters receiving stability support. SAID clients will see residential support benefits grow by 30 per cent over three years. For SIS clients, a new recoverable $1,000 utility arrears benefit will help prevent evictions. For those who require additional support, direct pay for rent and utilities is also available upon request. The budget also commits to new supportive housing spaces with expanded trusteeship capacity for income assistance clients, a commitment of RHSK views as one of the most impactful housing stability measures in the entire budget. $17.6 million will support repairs to provincially owned housing units and the creation of new affordable units through the Rental Development Program. 

“Trusteeship is a program that works,” said Field. “It gives income assistance clients the support structure they need to maintain stable housing, and it gives housing providers the confidence to house them. The promise to expand trusteeship capacity with additional spots, as well as increases to income assistance, is welcome news for everyone in the rental housing ecosystem.” 

Justice: Timely Access Means a Functioning Housing System 

The Ministry of Justice and Attorney General is investing nearly $269 million in 2026-27. A functioning rental housing system depends on a functioning court system, and this budget delivers meaningful capacity. Four new Court of King’s Bench associate judges, three new Provincial Court judges, and six new justices of the peace will be appointed to reduce backlogs and ensure disputes are resolved without undue delay. The budget also provides $3 million to continue the Court Modernization Project, including upgraded scheduling technology that will mean more predictable timelines province wide. 

“Rental housing providers and the families we serve rely on a well-functioning and efficient Office of Residential Tenancies,” said Field. “Timely access to justice and investments in community safety are paramount as rental housing providers continue to offer high-quality and safe communities for families. This budget expands the progress of adding Deputy Sherrif’s, funding the ORT, and expanding SCAN capabilities to keep our communities safe.”