Saskatchewan Legislature opened a new session on Wednesday with the Speech from the Throne. 

The focus of the speech heading into the new session focused mainly on managing through the end of the pandemic, on economic development, and job creation opportunities in the province. 

Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty presented the Throne Speech, saying that it was a tough time for the people of Saskatchewan. 

"This decade has not started the way anyone was expecting. Like every other province and country, Saskatchewan has been on an uncertain journey and we have more roads to travel. But we will complete our journey together and the 2020s will still be Saskatchewan's decade,” Mirasty said. 

Some of the economic projects that the government is seeing come to fruition include a potash mine, three new canola crushing plants, Canada’s first wheat straw pulp facility, and a new seeder assembly facility. 

"The highlight for me was the fact that it pointed to the billions of dollars that Saskatchewan is attracted to new investments and job opportunities, despite the fact that we've been going through a pandemic," said Moose Jaw North MLA Tim McLeod.

Moose Jaw Wakamow MLA Greg Lawrence talked about how Saskatchewan has continued to the strong economy.

"I attribute that to the working people of Saskatchewan and the businesses that are here. It's the government's job to create a friendly environment for business and we've done that," he said. 

The speech also included plans to address crime in rural areas through increased police presence and the increase of addiction treatment beds in the province. 

The government's plan is to add 60 new police positions as well as create a Provincial Protective Services Unit and Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team. 

The plan includes the creation of new Crime Reduction Teams in Meadow Lake, La Ronge, Lloydminster, and Moose Jaw. 

The province plans to introduce bills to combat money laundering and enact the Trespass to Property Act to increase penalties for repeat offenders and make it easier for landowners to seek damages against trespassers. 

A bill will also be introduced to prevent demonstrators from blocking access to hospitals.