The best part of Christmas is being able to set aside the difficulties of the year and imbibe in some holiday spirit (or in my case, spirits).
This is my annual tradition, along with this particular column where I dole out the Christmas cheer of nothing but thanks and positivity for our politicians.
Let us begin with Premier Scott Moe who deserves something under his tree for his diligence in standing up to Ottawa and the federal government when it comes agriculture and fighting the highly unpopular carbon tax.
While no one can deny this was also the politically popular thing to do, further thanks to Moe for understanding that his role as a Canadian premier also means working with Ottawa. His newfound co-operation with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland sends a loud message to the separatists that this country still works.
Further thanks to Moe for his 2030 vision of 100,000 more jobs in Saskatchewan and a population of 1.4 million. It’s a lofty and noble goal, but one that builds on predecessor Brad Wall’s 2012 vision of growth for the province.
For this, let’s also offer Christmas cheer to economy and trade minister Jeremy Harrison who has had a big role in framing this plan and for his diligence promoting our commodities and product on foreign excursions.
But perhaps the biggest gift under the tree should go to Finance Minister Donna Harpauer, who appears to be righting the listing finance ship. We went from a potential $1.2-billion deficit three years ago to a balanced budget this year — a tremendous achievement at a when oil prices have plateaued to less than $60 US a barrel, potash isn’t really selling like it once was and agriculture is suffering from tough growing conditions.
Speaking of agriculture, kudos to minister responsible, Dave Marit, for guiding our province’s farmers through tough times, including a a potential trade war with China over our canola.
But perhaps the most unlikely development in 2019 was NDP Opposition leader Ryan Meili’s push for having the carbon tax removed from the cost of natural gas used in grain drying. It’s a good thing when politicians step out of their philosophical boxes and look at issues as a matter of needs.
Other NDP opposition members deserved of something include Trent Wotherspoon for his diligent fight on removing the provincial sales tax from construction labour costs, David Forbes for pushing the government on democratic reform, including caps on political donations and the need for by-elections and Cathy Sproule for holding the government’s feet to the fire on Global Transportation Hub.
That said, Christmas is about family, so how about something special for Nicole Sarauer. She became the first woman to bring her newborn baby into the legislative chambers as a result of a new law she pushed the government to pass.
Sarauer also deserves credit, along with also-deserving Justice Minister Don Morgan, for getting new laws to protect vulnerable women. Morgan also deserves kudos for spearheading a new trespassing law. While controversial, it affords farmers and other landowners greater protection of their properties.
The core of any government is it’s health and education — both of which saw additional funding in the spring budget.
To this, congratulations to Education Minister Gord Wyant, who withstood the NDP’s daily efforts to make education funding an issue.
(But perhaps credit to NDP critic Carla Beck for emphasising the need to limit classroom side.)
And credit to Health Minister Jim Reiter for added spending on addictions and mental health issues.
Good health to Herb Cox, Lyle Stewart and Greg Ottenbreit who all have been battled cancer in recent years.
And to all, a Merry Christmas and the best in 2020.
Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics for over 22 years.
