The first throne speech from the Saskatchewan Party government was light on agricultural content and action, said the opposition NDP.
Agriculture critic Pat Atkinson said given the hurt in the livestock sector right now she expected something “more meaty” in the Dec. 10 speech.
“I think the situation with rising grain prices and a rising Canadian dollar absolutely demand a response from the province,” she said. “The cupboard is not bare and I fully expected some form of response that goes beyond words into action.”
The speech, read by Lt.-Gov. Gordon Barnhart, said the government would work with Ottawa to find solutions.
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“The ministry of agriculture is aware of the difficulties now facing the industry as a result of a higher Canadian dollar and is already working to develop solutions,” he read.
Agriculture minister Bob Bjornerud said he has met with livestock producer organizations several times since he took office and continues to work with his federal counterpart.
“There seems to be a gap of the information that’s actually getting out to the front line and what’s available,” he said, referring to federal assistance already announced.
Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association president Dennis Fuglerud said he didn’t expect a specific program to be announced in the speech, given the government has only been in place for a couple of weeks.
