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Remember, the March 2015-16 budget forecast a $107-million surplus. By August, the slump in global oil prices had put the province into a $292-million deficit. The last word on the river of red ink staining the province’s books came on Feb. 29, when Finance Minister Kevin Doherty unveiled a $427-million shortfall and forecast a $259-million deficit next year.

The province was already more than $530 million off in its 2015-16 projections and once $700 million in infrastructure borrowing is factored in, the current deficit likely is far in excess of $1 billion.

The complete picture for this year and next won’t be revealed until the June 1 budget, but Wall, having ruled out tax increases during the campaign, is hinting at potential cuts to administrative costs in health care and education.

That’s a justified approach, as long as cuts don’t impact frontline services in these two areas that together consume 65 per cent of government spending.

But even if frontline education and health care get small funding increases in the budget, they might not be enough to address needs. Health regions, schools, universities and colleges were already struggling with funding. Many schools, for example, need English as an Additional Language tutors for hundreds of newcomer children, including Syrian refugees.

Ironically, we now have three more MLAs on the payroll at a time when the government needs to tighten its belt. That’s a $700,000 annual expense we didn’t need to incur; neighbouring Manitoba has four fewer MLAs despite its larger population.

Let’s hope Wall makes smarter spending decisions in his third term — and is more transparent about his government’s finances.

This editorial reflects the view of the Regina Leader-Post editorial board.