The Saskatchewan Government is kicking off its fall legislative session with a throne speech that promises safety and a stronger economy.
Read more: Saskatchewan Government amends farmland ownership rules
The session kicked off with a throne speech delivered by Lt. -Gov. Bernadette McIntyre Oct. 22, in Regina.
The Saskatchewan Party, helmed by Premier Scott Moe, is promising to build a stronger economy, strengthening the Canadian economy, lowering the cost of living, putting students first, improving health care in the province, expanding childcare and dealing with addiction.
The ambitious promises highlighted the efforts to improve reading outcomes in Saskatchewan.
“Focusing on improving our k-3, kindergarten to grade 3 reading outcomes,” said Moe. “We’re working to support, building not only more schools faster in order to keep up with the growth that we have in our schools, but continue to work on supporting those very students through specialized support classrooms across the province.”
The provincial government is also looking to combat the pressures in emergency rooms.
“We’re building more urgent care centres to reduce the pressure on our emergency rooms,” he said. “As well as enhancing the opportunity for other innovative ways to deliver care like through virtual health-care options.”
The throne speech outlined a number of pieces of legislation that will be introduced including a new Compassionate Interview Act. This new piece of legislation will require individuals whose addictions are posing a threat to themselves and other to get the care they need.
Safety is a key component of the fall session for the government as a number of pieces of legislation will be introduced to combat crime and drugs.
The Response to Illicit Drugs Act looks to crack down on those who profit from drugs. The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act sets out to protect victims of online stalking. Amendments to the Change of Name Act aims to stop those convicted of serious crimes from changing their name.
Moe says his government will continue to work on keeping Saskatchewan affordable.
“At the same time, we will be working to ensure Saskatchewan remains the most affordable place to live in Canada,” he said.
Read more: Fischer, Reschny among leaders at WHL Cup
