Released on December 10, 2007
Growth and opportunity. Security and compassion. Keeping your word.
Those are the values of Saskatchewan people and those will be the values of the new Saskatchewan government, as outlined in today's Speech from the Throne opening the first session of the Twenty Sixth Legislature.
Premier Brad Wall said the Saskatchewan government will be committed to a growth agenda, but that growth is not an end in itself.
"We need a growing population and a growing economy to secure the future," Wall said. "That means more opportunity for Saskatchewan people, but it also must mean a better, safer and more secure life for everyone in Saskatchewan."
Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon Barnhart read the Speech from the Throne outlining the government's priorities for the session and for the next four years, which include:
- stronger balanced budget legislation known as The Saskatchewan Growth and Financial Security Act;
- tuition rebates for post-secondary education students who stay in Saskatchewan following graduation;
- the creation of Enterprise Saskatchewan - a new partnership to ensure sustained economic growth;
- changes to ensure balanced labour legislation;
- increased funding to post-secondary institutions;
- increased property tax relief;
- a commitment to train and hire more doctors and nurses;
- a new Active Families Benefit to assist families with the cost of cultural, artistic and sports activities;
- more police officers;
- more addictions treatment beds;
- a commitment to meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets; and
- mandatory instruction in First Nations Treaty history in the K-12 curriculum.
"If you think this sounds a lot like our election platform, you're right," Wall said. "During the election, we said what we would do. It is now time to do what we said."
Wall said his government is blessed to be entering its first legislative session at a time of tremendous prosperity and optimism in the province.
"Today in Saskatchewan, there is an overwhelming sense that our time is now," Wall said. "The task of our new government is to ensure that we turn the current economic boom into long-term growth and prosperity, and that all Saskatchewan people enjoy the benefits of more opportunities and a more secure life."
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For more information, contact:
Kaeli Madill
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6281
Email: kaeli.madill@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-541-7052