SASK. THRONE SPEECH
Controlling COVID-19 is top priority
The re-elected Saskatchewan Party government is pledging to protect lives and livelihoods amid surging COVID-19 cases, but the NDP Opposition said the attempt to do both as cheaply as possible is succeeding at neither.
The two sides quarrelled following Monday's speech from the throne, which outlined the government's agenda for the new legislative session. It promised to quickly implement the Saskatchewan Party's campaign promises, beginning with a Saskpower rebate and a home renovation tax credit.
Though it offered nothing new on COVID-19 restrictions or supports, the speech put the pandemic at the top of the priority list.
“Saskatchewan is facing the most difficult moment of the pandemic to date. 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 Lt.- Gov. Russ Mirasty, reading from prepared remarks.
“At the same time as we are working to protect lives, my government is also taking steps to protect livelihoods,” he added.
“We can, and will, do both.”
But NDP Leader Ryan Meili saw a speech out of touch with the challenges facing the health system, people and businesses amid the worst phase of the pandemic so far. He called it a “missed opportunity.”
“Scott Moe's inaction is putting lives and livelihoods at risk all across Saskatchewan,” Meili said. He argued that now is the time to spend some of the $260 million budgeted as a contingency buffer.
“If the contingency isn't now, when is it?” Meili asked. “This is not the time for this government to be cheap.”
Moe told reporters his government is still consulting with business about further supports, though he couldn't say when, how or even if they're coming. Meili accused him of “dithering.”
The throne speech contained few surprises for those familiar with the Saskatchewan Party's election platform, though it clarified some timelines. SaskPower customers will see power charges drop by 10 per cent starting Tuesday. The government's first bill will implement a tax credit offering up to $2,100 in savings for home improvements.
A temporary small business tax cut is also on the way, as are hikes to scholarships and supports for people with diabetes.
The speech promised new legislation to help survivors of sexual assault get out of leases and a bill to get “tough” on human trafficking. Neither were in the Saskatchewan Party platform, but they're hardly uncharted territory. The only other innovation was a promise to put a trained mental health first responder into each of the province's 744 schools.
The speech mainly touched on familiar Saskatchewan Party themes, promising trade offices and export-driven growth. It said pursuing further provincial autonomy will remain a priority for the government, but did not reveal any new ideas for how to do so.
The Buffalo Party showed up that morning to press its case for autonomy — and its skepticism about public health measures. Leader Wade Sira addressed a crowd of roughly 60 people on the steps of the Saskatchewan Legislative Building just hours before Mirasty spoke. No masks could be seen among the protesters, and some carried signs with slogans like “Unmask the truth” and “No more lockdowns.”
Several former Buffalo Party candidates questioned the need for masks. Richard Nelson, the Buffalo Party's candidate for Cut Knife-turtleford, suggested that only older people should live according to the new normal meant to control the spread of the virus.
“If you are not 70 and you are not in long-term care, please enjoy your life. Go back to living it, and spend Christmas with your family,” he yelled.
When informed about the Buffalo Party messaging, Moe said it's “disappointing” to hear a political party is “not willing to follow the public health protocols.”
Meili's comments were more cutting.
“Holding an anti-mask round in the midst of a surging number of COVID-19 cases, that's like holding an anti-seatbelt rally in the middle of a demolition derby,” he said.
Mirasty ended his speech by urging Saskatchewan people to remain committed to the fight against COVID-19.
“Saskatchewan is confronting a challenge that is unique in our lifetimes,” he said. “But we have experienced adversity before. How we dealt with that adversity, and what it showed us about our character, should give us confidence in our ability to overcome.
“We will prevail in Saskatchewan. We will get through this, stronger than ever.”