Responding to the Speech from the Throne
I was honoured to present a reply to the Speech from the Throne last week on behalf of the constituents of Moose Jaw North. This year’s Throne Speech looked ahead with optimism to a new decade of growth in our province. I certainly share that optimism recognizing the abundant natural resources and ingenuity of our citizens. I’m confident that with appropriate policies in place to support growth; the resourcefulness of the people of Saskatchewan will make that growth happen.
It has been such a privilege to be part of a record era of growth in Saskatchewan. The new decade of growth will rest on the foundation of the incredible progress that has happened over the past decade.
This was my last reply to the Speech from the Throne as the MLA for Moose Jaw North, which bought some reflections on the advancement of our province since I was elected in 2007. At that time, our population in Saskatchewan was barely one million. We have since experienced record-setting population growth that now exceeds 1,170,000 residents. In 2007 Debbie and I had two grandchildren, a number which has grown to eight over the last decade. Population growth within my own family has followed the Saskatchewan trend.
The official opening of the Regina Bypass last week was an exciting event where MLAs left the Legislature to celebrate this very significant milestone. The Regina Bypass is the largest transportation infrastructure project in the province’s history and will help to keep Saskatchewan growing. Opened on time and on budget, the Bypass will boost our provincial economy through the efficient movement of goods, by reducing traffic congestion and by improving safety.
There are so many growth opportunities here in this province. Imagine a Saskatchewan where much of the primary agricultural production is processed here. Measures to increase agricultural value-added exports to $10 billion by 2030 will be part of the discussion during the fall legislative session.
In my reply to the Throne Speech, I spoke about moving forward with our Prairie Resilience Climate Change Strategy. We will discuss harnessing the power of our abundance; abundant wind, abundant sunshine, and abundant uranium.
The Legislature routine will pause on November 6th to pay tribute to all the men and women who gave their lives serving Canada and to those who continue to serve our country today. 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. We are reminded of the determination and courage of the men landing at Juno Beach, in the face great danger.
Here in Moose Jaw the Remembrance Day Service is especially significant because of the presence of 15 Wing and the Saskatchewan Dragoons. All those who come to our Service in uniform are willing to serve or have already served their country. Many faced dangerous situations. We appreciate their commitment and also owe a debt of gratitude to their loved ones who supported them. Thank you to all in Moose Jaw who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces or Protective Services. Thank you to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59 who have been organizing our Remembrance Day Service for the past 60 years. I hope all in Moose Jaw will do our part by filling Mosaic Place on November 11th to honor those who serve, those who have served, and pay tribute to those who have given their lives for peace and freedom. It is important we never forget.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.