Speech from the Throne highlights affordability, health, education
REGINA — The Saskatchewan government is promising a kinder, gentler tone as the Legislative Assembly gathers for its first sitting since the October election.
The Nov. 25 speech from the throne highlighted the Saskatchewan Party’s affordability promises but it also aims to address health care and education concerns.
“A new beginning starts with a clear-eyed appraisal of what is working and what is not working. My government will build on what is working. In those areas where it must do better, my government will do better,” said the speech read by Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty.
Read Also
Alberta crop diversification centres receive funding
$5.2 million of provincial funding pumped into crop diversity research centres
The government promised 450,000 surgeries over the next four years and surgical wait times of no longer than three months.
It will expand its specialized support classroom model, based on results in the eight pilot schools, to 200 more schools.
“A child’s ability to read at grade level by Grade 3 is the single greatest predictor of future academic success, because this is when they transition from learning to read to reading to learn,” the speech said, stating a focus on improving reading levels in Kindergarten to Grade 3.
More teachers, staff, money for school divisions and schools are also on the agenda.
On the affordability front, the government is promising the largest personal income tax cuts since 2008 by raising personal, spousal and child exemptions, and seniors’ supplements, by $500 per year for four years. It anticipates 54,000 people will no longer pay income tax.
It is also raising the low-income tax credit and extending the carbon pricing exemption on natural gas.
Home buyers and renovators will get tax credits, while disability and caregiver tax credits go up.
The government also plans to introduce a $5,000 Class 1 driver training rebate to offset costs of that training.
Among these and other promises is one to make the Legislative Assembly a place of vigorous debate and disagreement.
“But that debate and disagreement should always be driven by what is best for those we serve – the people of Saskatchewan,” Mirasty read. “It should never be driven by malice toward those on the other side or any individual who may serve here or anywhere in the province.”
The speech said the government will strive to improve the tone and decorum within the assembly.
Earlier in the day, Melfort MLA Todd Goudy was declared Speaker. The deputy speaker is to be elected on the second day of a new session. Blaine McLeod, from Lumsden-Morse, was the only candidate registered by the deadline.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
