A short two-week session of the Saskatchewan Legislature is underway with the first item of business being the reading of the throne speech.

That speech which is entitled “Strong Saskatchewan” was delivered by Lieutenant-Governor Russ Mirasty on Monday afternoon.

Mirasty started the speech by saying the government thanks residents for working together to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The last few months have been difficult for everyone in our province and there are still challenging days ahead,” he read at the Saskatchewan legislature. “My government is urging everyone to continue to do what is necessary to limit the spread of COVID-19.”

Mirasty said Saskatchewan is confronting a challenge that is unique in our lifetimes, but we have experienced adversity before.

“Saskatchewan people are tough and resilient. We are steadfast and determined, we are compassionate and generous, we put others ahead of ourselves, we care for each other, come what may,” said Mirasty. “This is our province. This is who we are. Inclined to hope. Optimistic by nature.”

There are several things mentioned in the speech including a new Home Renovation Tax Credit and a move to reduce power bills by 10 percent as soon as possible.

Other commitments from the government as outlined in the speech include:

• Hiring 300 new continuing care aides to work in long-term care homes and home care
• Adding 750 new child care spaces over the next four years
• Increased support for persons living with diabetes by covering the cost of insulin pumps and
  covering the cost of Continuing Glucose Monitoring up to age 18;
• Extending individualized funding for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder up to age 12
• Increasing the Seniors Income Plan benefit to $360 a year over the next three years

The speech also thanks everyone in Saskatchewan for their efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 and said the ongoing response to the pandemic will be the government’s top priority during this session and in the weeks ahead.

The government also committed to the following new legislation in the Throne Speech:

• Amendments to The Residential Tenancies Act will allow those who have been sexually assaulted in their rental accommodation to unilaterally break a long-term lease
• The Protection From Human Trafficking Act will enable victims to obtain expedited protection orders, allow for the tough enforcement of those orders, and provide civil remedies including the seizure of property and bank accounts and the suspension of driver’s licenses.

There will be no budget during this short session.  The government says it will do that in the spring when there is a longer sitting.

The speech from the throne can be viewed here.

(With files from Moises Canales)