Throne Speech delivered in Regina

The Saskatchewan Party presented a Throne Speech, Dec. 5, to mark the opening of the 27th Legislature in the province.

"A few short weeks ago, my government presented the people of Saskatchewan with a clear, concise and forward-looking vision for our province," detailed the Speech.

"Voters responded by providing the government with its second mandate.

"My government is humbled by the confidence Saskatchewan people have shown them, and vows to approach the coming four years with an attitude of humility and service.

"My government vows to keep Saskatchewan moving forward, to keep its commitments and to work to achieve the vision outlined in the recent election campaign."

Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit said the Throne Speech is traditionally a foundation for the session ahead.

"It's basically laying out the plan for the following year," he said, adding the most recent Speech reiterated a message the Saskatchewan Party had put forward in the recent provincial election.

"It's pretty well a direct reflection of the (party) platform in the election A lot of the Throne Speech is building on what's been done over the last four years a lot of it is a continuation."

Ottenbreit said he is confident the Party will bring its platform to fruition over the next four years, based on what it accomplished in the last four. He said almost every promise met was carried out, and the framework is promising that will continue.

"I'm encouraged how much of our platform was in the Throne Speech," he said, adding it will not all be accomplished in the first year of the mandate, but the work will begin to achieve their promises over the next four years.

The Throne Speech laid out the Saskatchewan Party vision, which included:

a province of over 1.1 million people by 2015;

a province that is steadily eliminating its General Revenue Fund debt;

a place where young people get the best education and opportunities;

a place where seniors are treated with dignity and respect; and

a place where people with disabilities get the best care and support available in Canada.

Ottenbreit said it comes down to legislation which will ultimately "maintain the economic growth" the province has enjoyed in recent years.

By maintaining the economic growth the government will be able "to improve the quality of life for people in Saskatchewan," said Ottenbreit.

In terms of improving quality of life Ottenbreit said there were some important initiatives in the Throne Speech.

One such initiative continues work to assure affordable housing, said the MLA.

"My government also will introduce the Saskatchewan First- Time Homebuyers Tax Credit," detailed the Speech.

"Effective January 1, 2012, this new incentive will provide a $10,000 non-refundable income tax credit to all first-time homebuyers - creating savings of $1,100.

"This tax credit also will be available to people with disabilities looking to purchase a home that is more accessible.

"This First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credit is the next step in addressing housing affordability.

"It is a responsible and affordable incentive for those moving from renting to buying a home, resulting in more homeowners in Saskatchewan and freeing up more rental spaces for others."

Ottenbreit said the issue of housing is not easily solved, but the program is another step in helping people in a fashion affordable to government.

The Throne Speech also outline a whereby up to $120,000 in student loans for new physicians and up to $20,000 in student loans for new nurses and nurse practitioners will be forgiven for those agreeing to practice for five years in rural and remote communities.

Ottenbreit said it is initiatives such as that which will "go a long way to help health care specifically in smaller communities."