'It's an honour': Sask. Finance Minister Donna Harpauer only 2nd woman province's history to deliver budget

The first episode of CBCSaskatchewan's newest podcast On the Ledgefeatures the person who will be front and centre on budget day.

Finance Minister Donna Harpauer is only the second woman in the province's history to deliver a budget and the first for the Saskatchewan Party. The first female finance minister to deliver a budget was former NDP cabinet minister Janice MacKinnon.

"I am pretty nervous, people are quite surprised to hear I am a very nervous public speaker. I love the work behind the scenes but to get up and publicly speak is challenging for me," she said.

You can download episodes of On the Ledge atCBCpodcasts, oniTunesor the podcast app of your choice.

Harpauerhas handled several portfolios but admitted she was not atraditionalchoice as financeminister.

"It's an honour to have been given the confidence of my cabinet and caucus and premier to be asked to do this job," Harpauer said.

She said the motivation comes from her children.

"I have three daughtersand that's been a real motivator for me from the time I first got involvedand how I've been able to overcome sheer fear at times ofbeing in what I think over my, literally putting my head down and workingvery hard is to set an example for them."

Harpaueralso talked about the difficult budget process and why being a woman gives the Canadian tradition of wearing new shoes on budget day a "whole new perspective."

About On the Ledge

On the Ledge is a weeklyCBCpodcast that makes Saskatchewan politics personal.

Each week, host Adam Hunter will talk to the people behind the stories.

The podcast will touch on the big headlines and take you behind the scenes at the Saskatchewan legislature.

Follow the budget

CBC Saskatchewan will be home to all your budget coverage on April 10.

The provincial budget will be presented byHarpauer, starting around 2:15 p.m. CST.

Watch online:Live-streamed analysis and reaction online atCBC SaskatchewanandCBC Saskatoon.

Watch on Facebook:CBC'sAdam Hunter and Stephanie Taylor will be live from the rotunda at the legislative building to bring you comprehensive coverage on theCBCSaskatchewanFacebook page.

Watch on TV:Watch CBC Saskatchewan news, hosted by Christy Climenhaga, for context and analysis. The program runs 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. CST.

Check your TV service provider for channel orwatch online.

Listen:Live on CBC Radio One (540 AM; 102.5 FM in Regina; 94.1 FM in Saskatoon) orlisten online.

CBC Saskatchewan will be live from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on budget day. Tune in again on Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for additional budget coverage.

Twitter:FollowCBC SaskatchewanandCBC Saskatoonon Twitter and join the conversation by using#skbudget18.

Facebook:FollowCBC SaskatchewanandCBC Saskatoonon Facebook.

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