The provincial budget dropped at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, and since then, reactions from organization leaders have been pouring in.

 REAL President and CEO Tim Reid reacted to the PST being expanded to include entertainment and admission.

“The sport and entertainment industry was among some of the hardest hit by the pandemic. The last two years have been the darkest time the industry has ever faced,” said Reid.

Reid says he was surprised to hear the news of the expanded PST and knows it will affect REAL but doesn’t know exactly how.

“As the province’s largest sport and entertainment district, this change will impact our business operations and entertainment goers. The significance of which needs to be fully understood.”

Reid said that he hopes revenue from the PST can be reinvested into the entertainment and sports industry.

“There is currently a substantial infrastructure deficit in sport and entertainment facilities throughout Saskatchewan. We hope the revenue earned through the addition of the PST to admission and entertainment will help address this need and be reinvested.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders were also surprised to hear the PST announcement. Starting in October, those heading to Mosaic Stadium to enjoy a Rider game will now have to pay PST on their tickets.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders were also surprised to hear the PST announcement. Starting in October, those heading to Mosaic Stadium to enjoy a Rider game will have to pay PST on their tickets.

“Sports, arts, and culture were some of the hardest-hit industries by the pandemic over the past two years,” the Riders said. “As a not-for-profit sports team and despite rising inflation costs, we worked tirelessly to minimize the financial impact on our fans. Unfortunately, we know Wednesday’s decision will impact many in our community who are looking forward to coming together Rider game day and for the 2022 Grey Cup.”