REGINA — The Legislative Assembly headed back into session earlier today, with the delivery of the annual Throne Speech this afternoon.
Lieutenant-Governor Russ Mirasty delivered the speech to the house on Oct. 27, officially opening the 29th session of the Legislative Assembly in Saskatchewan.
“Our goal in this session is to build a stronger Saskatchewan,” said Mirasty in his speech.
The speech began with a focus on the province’s future path through the pandemic, with several mentions of health care highlights new and yet to come.
New promised legislation incoming from cabinet includes a bill to create a safe perimeter around hospitals, where protests will not be allowed.
Amendments to three existing acts are also on the table, including ones to better enforce child and spousal payments when the payee has moved out of province or is withholding, as well as changes to better protect against the sharing of intimate images.
Commitments to health care improvement also include more resources for mental health and addictions treatment, including 150 more addictions beds over the next three years.
Mirasty also spoke about the continually burgeoning economy, and the continued creation of job opportunities in the province.
The province plans to continue enhancing the Saskatchewan Value-Added Agriculture Incentive, as well as launch a Sustainable Saskatchewan brand to promote locally made products.
Crime reduction was another topic of interest, including new plans to increase policing efforts in both rural and urban Saskatchewan, including the addition of 60 new policing positions.
The province is also pledging the creation of a new Provincial Protective Services Unit, a trafficking response team, and a warrant enforcement team.
"This Throne Speech outlines an ambitious agenda for a strong and growing province," said Premier Scott Moe, following the speech. "Saskatchewan people know that our province's best days are still ahead, and our government will continue to work hard every day to reflect that optimism and confidence."
Protests outside cancel opening events
A large group of protestors reportedly gathered outside the Legislative Building prior to session beginning this afternoon prompted the Premier to cancel opening activities scheduled, citing potential safety concerns.
Moe was scheduled to take part in an outdoor ceremony alongside the Lieutenant-Governor, which was to include a vice-regal salute, inspection of the Canadian Forces Honour Guard and a 15-gun salute by the 10th Feild Regiment.
