Elaine Shein is Managing Editor of the Western Producer.
Five years ago, on Sept. 15, 1990, a 100-page-plus document appeared promising a vision for Saskatchewan’s future, reflecting “the values and aspirations of Saskatchewan people.”
This was unveiled a full year before the provincial New Democrats swept to power over the Conservatives, claiming 55 of 66 seats, and began their downsizing of government, balancing of provincial budgets and introduction of health-care districts.
While rarely if ever mentioned now, the document presented the thoughts of the province’s people at the time, and may have paved the way for some changes that have occurred.
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Leading the Way: A Blueprint for Saskatchewan emerged from the “hopes and dreams” of people who appeared at a series of 108 public meetings held in the province during May and June, 1990.
Some of the statements about health sound hauntingly familiar five years later: Consumers, as well as those who administer health care institutions and delivery services should be held accountable and be given information to make wise health-care decisions. Also, health-care facilities must have the most effective and efficient system.
In the areas of education, health, social programs, emergency services, government services and a few others, it was recognized that:
“The establishment of new facilities, closing or changing the mandate of old facilities and scrutiny of activities and budgets must be done on a regional basis. … Since board members would be from within the region, it would be easier to demand and receive accountability.”
In 1995, there continue to be heated debates about NDP-created health districts and the accountability of health board members as elections loom.
For government accountability, it was suggested there be free votes in the legislature, plebiscites and a recall mechanism.
Remember recent votes on gun control, health changes or other sensitive issues federally and provincially – while more politicians are risking the wrath of their party colleagues and do obey their conscience and constituents, it is still politically frowned upon to do so.
The primary goal in the 1990 document was clear: the province needed to have a balanced budget and be debt-free by 2015.
The people asked for tough measures, including opportunity for deficit financing, and implementation of a special tax going towards the accumulated debt.
Saskatchewan’s people during the past five years have faced some of the highest taxes in the country, but begrudgingly must admit their government’s tough cuts and high taxes led the province to become the first in the country to present a balanced budget.
It was on this record – and no fancy promises of tax cuts or fuel rebates – that won a second term in office for the NDP earlier this year.
However, the monster debt still remains.
The 1990 paper stressed there needed to be accountability in all levels of government and within all publicly funded institutions, “including those that deliver health care and education.”
The cries for accountability continue to be echoed in 1995, and won’t go away. They’ll be louder as school and hospital closures continue to occur.
