Saskatchewan Throne Speech promises new decade of growth for province
A new Saskatchewan Growth Plan to continue the “sustainable economic growth” since the Saskatchewan Party took power was promised in the Throne Speech at the Legislature Oct. 23.
The plan to ensure another decade of growth to 2030 will target population growth to 1.4 million from the current 1.17 million and will target 100,000 new jobs adding to the record 593,000 now working. “The new growth plan will outline our government’s growth goals for the new decade,” said the speech read by Lieut.- Gov. Russ Mirasty. Continued growth will allow increased spending on programs, said the speech.
With a focus on resources — agriculture, mining, oil and gas — the new plan will be released in the fall sitting.
Among the goals will be increasing agricultural value-added exports to $10 billion, by expanding and finding new markets.
Much of the Throne speech was devoted to listing past accomplishments and increases in spending during the last 12 years. Among new measures planned the government promises:
• Investigating modular nuclear power for emissions-free power.
• More funds to reduce surgical wait times.
• Tougher penalties for distracted driving.
• Amending the Lobbyists Act to accept recommendations by the Registrar of Lobbyists.
• Creating a $10 million economic development fund for coal-producing communities of Estevan and Coronach to find replacements for coal mines that close in 2030.
• Action to improve safety of First Nations children and reduce the number of children in provincial care
• Better enforcement of child support maintenance orders.
• Implement Clare’s Law which allows police to tell people asking about potential victims of personal violence.
• Maintaining the constitutional court challenge to the federal carbon tax.
• Increasing parental work leave by eight weeks.
• Legislation to regulate vaping and vape products.
• Increased rural crime protection and gang policing.
• A new Fisheries Act to fight introduction of invasive aquatic species.
• Consultation on development of a new carbon offset framework.
• Continued development of highway passing lanes to increase traffic safety.