REGINA — Recent drought and wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic have heavily contributed to a rise in Saskatchewan's deficit.

The government has released its mid-year financial report that shows a deficit of $2.7 billion, which is an increase of $97 million from the 2020-21 budget.

Expenses were up $2.5 billion over the budget.

The most significant expense was in agriculture, with $2.1 billion spent on crop insurance and drought relief.

Another $250 million was needed to address pressures in the health-care system brought on by the fourth wave of COVID-19.

Another $101 million was due to wildfires, which emerged during a dry spring and summer, and additional costs related to the pandemic, including personal protective equipment and hotels for those who needed to isolate.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 29, 2021.

The Canadian Press