The first sitting of the 29th legislature kicked off yesterday with the Throne Speech, delivered by Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty. 

The speech marked the COVID-19 pandemic recovery and campaign promises as top priorities for this government. 

In the speech, Mirasty said people need to continue to follow public health guidelines as we make our way through the pandemic. 

“Thank you to the people of Saskatchewan for working together to contain the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mirasty said.  

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

The speech also highlights some of the campaign commitments that the Saskatchewan Party made during this year’s provincial election. 

Some of those commitments included: 

  • 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; 
  • Increased supports for Deafblind individuals; 
  • Hiring 300 new continuing care aides to work in long-term care homes and home care; 
  • Reducing tuition costs by increasing the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship from $500 to $750 a year; 
  • Increasing funding to the Saskatchewan Veterans Service Club Support Program to $1.5 million a year; 
  • Adding 750 new child care spaces over the next four years; 
  • Restarting the Active Families Benefit to help families with the cost of children’s sports and cultural activities; and 
  • Increasing the Seniors Income Plan benefit to $360 a year over the next three years - four times what it was in 2007. 

Meanwhile, the speech did touch on Saskatchewan’s autonomy within Canada. 

“My government believes in a strong united Canada where every province and territory can contribute to our nation's prosperity and progress,” Mirasty said in the speech.  

“But we will always defend Saskatchewan within the Canadian Federation and we will take our own road when federal policies work against the interests of our province.” 

Two new pieces of legislation that will be introduced were highlighted: 

  • 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; and 
  • 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. 

Befoe the Throne speech, the MLAs elected Randy Weekes as the new Speaker. Weekes was first elected in 1999 and represents Biggar-Sask. Valley. He elected over the outgoing Speaker Mark Docherty.

The fall sitting of the legislative assembly is expected to last two weeks.