It was busy and eventful for Cam Broten in his first week as new leader of the Saskatchewan New Democrats.
The new leader has already taken on the government in Question Period and has begun efforts towards unifying the party following his 44-vote victory at the NDP leadership convention in Saskatoon,
"It was very exciting to hit the ground running Monday, and keep going strong, that's what we'll be doing," said Broten to the News-Optimist Friday.
Activities included a shuffle of the shadow cabinet and new responsibilities for his caucus, including the naming of Trent Wotherspoon as deputy leader and of Cathy Sproule as house leader.
Former interim leader John Nilson was moved into the health critic area while David Forbes has been asked to take on a new role as critic for diversity, equality and human rights issues.
The new Opposition leader said the shuffle was done to match members to their areas of interest.
"I never want to miss an opportunity to strengthen our team and to ensure that critics are lined up with areas that they have a passion for," said Broten.
Broten outlined some of the priorities of the NDP opposition during this session of the legislature.
He said there would be three key areas they would focus on. One is the need for improved "accountability and transparency" by the Saskatchewan Party.
"That means admitting when mistakes have been made," said Broten, pointing to the elimination of the Film Employment Tax Credit and the move to add three new MLAs following the next election as examples.
A second area will be "strengthening and improving education, particularly K through 12," Broten said, talking about concern about large class sizes and the reduction of 350 educational assistants. Broten also criticized government over the accreditation problems facing the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.
A third area is "better and more options for long term care." with Broten citing one facility in Saskatoon where there are mold problems.
On issues facing the Battlefords area, Broten is closely watching plans for a new Saskatchewan Hospital and said "progress is not going as fast as it should be."
He pledged to watch the Sask. Hospital issue when the budget is brought down March 20 and said the NDP would be standing up for the speedy construction.
Broten also questions turning to public-private partnerships or P3s, saying, "those cost more in the long run."
He slammed the decision to cut the STC bus route from Blaine Lake to North Battleford, among three routes cut.
"Sask. Party needs to do a much better job of talking with residents, talking with businesses, talking with farmers before they cut programs," said Broten. He said such routes are important not just in an economic sense but also in a social sense - "people getting to medical appointments, people getting to their families."
As for the upcoming budget to be delivered by Finance Minister Ken Krawetz Wednesday, Broten was highly critical of the media campaign by the government in advance.
"The Sask. Party is spending $100,000, precious dollars, telling people to expect less and not get their hopes up. I think that's not what we need right now," Broten said, pointing to needs in the classroom as well as for long-term care.
