Throne Speech focuses on ‘Growth for Everyone’

by

Tanner Wallace-Scribner

The Government of Saskatchewan’s latest throne speech featured plans to expand healthcare, education, provincial autonomy, and measures to enhance public safety and reduce crime.

Premier Scott Moe said that the province is enjoying record new investments and leading the country in economic growth. The province’s population is reaching 1.2 million people this year.

Moe said that the Government is focusing on growth that works for everyone.

“That means reinvesting in health, education and affordability measures, paying down debt, and defending our economic autonomy, so Saskatchewan continues to grow and create jobs.”

“In a world plunged into uncertainty, Saskatchewan is a reliable, indispensable supplier of food, fuel and fertilizer to millions of people around the globe,” he continued. “My government is charting a course that ensures our economy continues to grow and that everyone in Saskatchewan benefits from that growth. More people, more jobs and more investment in government services. That’s growth that works for everyone.”

The throne speech listed numerous new projects and initiatives that the Government would focus on during the third session of the Twenty-ninth Legislature.

Healthcare

  • A new in-patient joint replacement facility in Regina is expected to begin operations by the end of 2023
  • The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation for a new Saskatoon Urgent Care Centre

Education

  • Creation of 200 new Educational Assistant positions in school classrooms
  • Creation of a new centralized online learning model to ensure all students can enroll in any course offered in the province, regardless of where they live
  • Funding for the Dene Teacher Education Program at the First Nations University of Canada and for scholarships for up to 25 students to study Indigenous languages;
  • Continuing work on the Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Saskatoon Campus Renewal Project, expected to be located in the vicinity of the University of Saskatchewan and Innovation Place

Affordability and Homelessness

  • Partnering with the Saskatoon Tribal Council and Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services on projects to address homelessness;
  • Introduction of The Accessible Saskatchewan Act to identify and remove accessibility barriers for those living with a disability;

Support for Ukrainians and changes to SLGA

  • Continued support for nearly 2,000 Ukrainians displaced by the Russian invasion, who now call Saskatchewan home
  • An increase of $7.5 million in the current year to the $10 million Creative Saskatchewan Feature Film and Television Grant Program, which is already fully subscribed to 13 film and television productions;
  • Legislation to allow municipalities to designate areas for safe consumption of alcohol in parks; and
  • It is exiting the retail liquor market and expanding opportunities for independent retailers.

Crime and Public Safety

  • Creation of the Saskatchewan Marshalls Service to work with the RCMP and other police services to enhance law enforcement throughout the province;
  • Adding eight new officers to the Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team in Prince Albert;
  • Adding a new Crime Reduction Team in North Battleford; continuing discussions with the Prince Albert Grand Council and the Federal Government about the creation of a self-administered First Nations police services; and
  • We are continuing to crack down on the illegal use of firearms while at the same time defending the rights of lawful and law-abiding gun owners.

Agriculture and Trade

  • The signing of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, along with the Federal Government and all provinces and territories;
  • Increased veterinary training seats;
  • Opening a new Saskatchewan trade office in Germany, joining trade offices in eight other countries that do significant business with Saskatchewan

SaskTel, SaskEnergy, SaskPower Investments

  • Continued expansion of rural internet service by SaskTel;
  • Development of 700 more megawatts of wind and solar power generation in south-central Saskatchewan by SaskPower;
  • Partnering on two First Nations solar projects;
  • Continued planning for small modular nuclear reactors, with Estevan and Elbow identified as potential sites;
  • Creation of a made-in-Saskatchewan carbon offset credit program
In the session, the Government will continue its focus on economic autonomy.
  • Introducing The Saskatchewan First Act to clearly define and defend Saskatchewan’s exclusive jurisdiction over natural resources and their economic future within the Canadian Constitution;
  • Amending the province’s Constitution by amending The Saskatchewan Act to state that
  • Saskatchewan continues to retain exclusive jurisdiction over its natural resources;
  • Continuing to press for greater provincial control over immigration, as has long been guaranteed to Quebec
  • Introducing legislation enabling Saskatchewan to collect its corporate income tax

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