Wall, Nilson list highlights of fall sitting
REGINA — Premier Brad Wall and interim Opposition leader John Nilson shared with reporters Thursday what they considered some of the highlights of the legislative assembly’s fall sitting, which concluded this week.
Wall’s list included:
• The mid-year financial report, which he said despite criticisms from the Opposition NDP and provincial auditor puts Saskatchewan in an enviable position; Presentthe government’s plan for reforming labour laws — Wall noted the government avoided pursuing things “we didn’t think we needed” given “labour peace and a strong economy;”
• Making more than 70 changes to the province’s liquor laws and allowing for three private liquor stores;
• Introducing legislation to allow a public share offering of part of Information Services Corp., which the premier thinks will allow it to expand elsewhere and still provide a return for the province;
• Taking steps toward introducing SaskBuilds and implementing other aspects of the government’s plan to fix infrastructure;
• Toughening penalties in orange zones;
• Increasing funding to fast-growing school boards.
The premier singled out low vacancy rates in Regina as one ongoing issue where “we’re not seeing results as quickly as we like.”
And Wall credited the Opposition for its efforts during the sitting: “The session worked well for Saskatchewan people because it featured an Opposition raising issues and a government that was acting on them, but maybe we were able to explore and expand the action because of the increased attention that came from the legislature. That’s a good thing.”
Nilson’s list included:
• The recent provincial auditor’s report, which he said confirms the NDP’s concerns about the government’s finances, particularly regarding rising overall public debt and spending levels;
• Protection for late-night workers, the asbestos registry and positions taken on refugee health — three areas where the NDP says it was pleased to see the government take action that addressed some, if not all, of the issues the Opposition raised;
Selling part of ISC, as well as some land and some houses owned by Sask. Housing, which the NDP says points to an ideology of privatization on the part of the Sask. Party government — “They seem to be not making the right choices,” Nilson said about those sales.
Going forward, the NDP says its priorities will continue to include examining the labour legislation, fighting for a second bridge in Prince Albert and pushing for road improvements, particularly in northern Saskatchewan.
“The whole session was based on us listening to the concerns that people had and then consistently asking questions around those concerns,” Nilson said. “We know that issues around the finances of the province are an underlying concern for everyone, so we need to ask those questions.”
The legislative assembly’s spring sitting starts in March.