Released on February 6, 1995
The government of Saskatchewan today presented the speech from thethrone to open the fifth session of the Twenty-Second Legislature.
The speech was read by Lt.-Gov. Jack Wiebe.
"In just three years, Saskatchewan has progressed from one of its
darkest hours to a new day of hope and opportunity," the speech said.
"All Saskatchewan people are proud of their contribution to making this
new day possible.
"Today, this assembly is presented with a legislative plan which speaks
not of deficits, but of sustainable balanced budgets; not of failed
mega-projects, but of an expanding local business sector and job
growth; not of debt-ridden farms, but of farm families who are enjoying
their highest level of optimism in years."
The speech said this session will see the following announcements
relating to financial stability and public accountability:
ù the assembly will be asked to approve a balanced budget,
Saskatchewan's first in more than a decade; and,
ù a Balanced Budget Act will be introduced to promote long-term
financial stability and integrity in the administration of
Saskatchewan's finances.
"My government's number one priority is job creation. My government
will show the same focus and determination with the job challenge as it
has already applied to the deficit challenge. Twelve thousand new jobs
have been created in the last 12 months. Saskatchewan's economy has
made a remarkable comeback, but more must be done."
In the area of job creation and economic renewal, the speech outlined
the following:
ù the introduction of JobStart, a new employment and training
initiative for young people;
ù the assembly will be asked to continue funding for the
establishment of new regional economic development authorities and
to encourage the authorities to expand the range of services they
offer;
ù the Transportation Partnerships Corporation will be established to
encourage new partnerships to modernize our transportation
infrastructure; and,
ù amendments to The Environmental Management and Protection Act
will be introduced to permit the establishment of a province-wide
industry-led collection system to provide new jobs and business
opportunities in recycling and re-use.
The speech said that agricultural diversification will continue to be a
priority:
ù an Agri-Food Innovation Fund Act will be introduced to encourage
producers, the private sector, co-ops and governments to invest in
a variety of areas including biotechnology and food processing;
and,
ù an Agricultural Operations Act will be introduced to help the
livestock sector and protect producers, while sustaining land and
water resources.
The speech also talked of the government's continued commitment to
ensuring sustainable health care. The speech noted that:
ù for the first time in history Saskatchewan citizens will elect
their district health boards; and,
ù community-based and home-based health services will be greatly
expanded in the coming months as part of the second phase of
health reform.
"Saskatchewan people look to our centennial in the year 2005 with
confidence," the speech concluded. "Confidence in our financial
stability, in our economic recovery and job potential, in the future of
our health system. But perhaps most importantly, Saskatchewan people
look to the future with renewed confidence in themselves and their
ability to build a better future together."
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For more information, contact:
Dave Burdeniuk
Media Services
Regina
Phone: 787-6349