The second session of Saskatchewan’s Thirteenth Legislature got underway today with the Throne Speech from the Lieutenant Governor, Bernadette MacIntyre. 

The speech began by highlighting the efforts of firefighters during this summer’s unprecedented wildfire season. To recognize their devotion, the government will be awarding the Premier’s Commendation Award to Volunteer, Municipal and Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency Fire Departments. 

Last year was also the year of the trade mission, as the Premier and his ministers attempted to resolve conflicts and seek out new trade partners. In the last year, trade missions were undertaken to Mexico, India, the United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Singapore, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Poland, Japan, South Korea, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. 

In an effort to reduce interprovincial trade barriers for goods and services, the government will introduce a new Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act.  This will encourage and spur freer trade within the country.  

The speech underlined the success of the government’s affordability measures, such as keeping Regina the most affordable Canadian city to live in, with Saskatoon not far behind. 

The government has also taken measures to keep Saskatchewan’s streets and rural communities safe and will continue to do so with the introduction of the Response to Illicit Drugs Act, The Compassionate Intervention Act, and The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act.  

During this session, the Province will amend the Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act to ensure support orders are enforced when a parent moves out of Saskatchewan and amend The Change of Name Act to prevent those convicted of serious crimes from changing their name. 

 The Saskatchewan Firearms Act will also be amended to protect Saskatchewan gun owners from financial liability resulting from federal firearm prohibitions and preserve their right to receive fair compensation. 

Some additional measures to be introduced in the coming session include The Building Schools Faster Act, new contracts for nurse practitioners, a $122 million investment in highways and airports in northern Saskatchewan, and The Tailgating Act, which will allow tailgating events at Mosaic Stadium prior to Roughrider games. 

The Throne Speech was followed by the Opening Day Blessing delivered by Fred Hill.

The Official Opposition was quick to make note of the fact that the speech didn’t touch on the federal tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. In a written release, NDP Leader Carla Beck stated that “Our producers haven’t exported a single shipment of canola to China and the Premier is missing in action.”