Premier Scott Moe and the re-elected Saskatchewan Party said the upcoming legislative session will focus on fulfilling campaign promises and continuing to address the coronavirus pandemic, during the Speech from the Throne on Nov. 30.
Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Russ Mirasty delivered the Speech from the Throne at the first sitting of the Legislative Assembly, addressing newly-appointed Speaker Randy Weekes, MLA for Biggar-Sask Valley.
Pandemic protocols
MLAs returned to session with a number of new safety protocols in place. Members must wear masks and follow a capacity limit of 50 per cent, with the 48 Saskatchewan Party MLAs rotating through the assembly. Desks are also now spaced out, with $12,000 of Plexiglas shields installed between them for added measures.
Mirasty began the speech by thanking the province, both government and citizens, for their efforts in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
“My government’s top priority during this session and in the coming weeks will continue to be working to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Mirasty during the Speech, hinting that more public health measures could be a possibility.
Election promises
The speech promised that the government plans to balance the budget by 2024, fulfil election campaign commitments, and work toward a “strong recovery.”
He then shared that the first two bills proposed will be to create the Home Renovation Tax Credit, where homeowners may claim a 10.5 per cent tax credit on up to $20,000 in eligible renovation expenses, and to reduce the small business tax rate to zero per cent, retroactive to Oct. 1. Both were campaign promises during the recent election.
The Sask. Party is also planning to begin work immediately on other campaign promises including cutting SaskPower bills by 10 per cent beginning Dec. 1, reduce ambulance charges for seniors and bring back the Community Rink Affordability grant.
Other campaign promises were also listed as priorities for the new government during this session, or in the 2021-22 budget this spring.
The speech also committed to fulfilling promises related to the ongoing pandemic as a top priority, including hiring 300 new continuing care aides for long term care.
Legislation
New legislation is on the table during this session. The government intends to put forth amendments to The Residential Tenancies Act, allowing people who have been sexually assaulted in their rental space to break their lease.
It will also introduce The Protection From Human Trafficking Act, which will allow victims to obtain expedited protection orders and for the enforcement of those orders. The new legislation would also provide civil remedies like the seizure of property and bank accounts, and the suspension of driver’s licenses.
The Sask. Party indicated it plans to continue pushing back against the federal carbon tax while implementing its own climate change plan.
The government also plans to open three more international trade offices, in Japan, India and Singapore, to join the office in China.
The first sitting of the legislative assembly is expected to last two weeks, with members to return for a longer sitting in the spring for the presentation of the 2021-22 budget.
