It was pretty much a stay-the-course Speech from the Throne delivered Wednesday afternoon.
The speech, delivered in the legislature by Lt. Gov. Vaughn Solomon Schofield, outlined the objectives of Premier Brad Wall's government during the coming session.
It did not feature many surprises, but did contain some pledges and areas of focus for the government over the coming months.
Among the items is a pledge to amend the Personal Care Homes Act to allow for public disclosure of inspection reports.
A $10 million Urgent Action Fund was announced in response to a report this summer on care homes to address issues including more equipment, more baths, improved nutrition and improved responsiveness. As well, plans are to launch new home care pilot programs in Saskatoon and Regina.
On the heels of opening the first 24-hour Collaborative Emergency Centre in Maidstone earlier this year, the provincial government has outlined plans to expand to Spiritwood, Shaunavon, Wakaw and Canora.
It also outlined plans in education including the announcement made by Premier Brad Wall this week that nine new joint-use schools are being built using a P3 bundling approach through SaskBuilds.
On the issue of public safety the Throne Speech stated the Ministry of Justice has allocated more than $3 million to victim-based service programs that provide referrals to victims of crime, and by the end of the fiscal year those will be available across the province.
Also, the HUB community mobilization model, introduced last year in North Battleford, was cited for its continued success in Prince Albert. The Throne Speech stated overall crime there has fallen 18 per cent, violent crime is down 38 per cent and property crime is down 20 per cent since 2011.
The Throne Speech noted the model is also implemented in Yorkton, La Ronge, Moose Jaw, Estevan and Weyburn, and in the months ahead several other Saskatchewan communities will be looking at their own HUB programs.
As well, the Throne Speech outlined government plans to act on recommendations from the Legislative Assembly's Special Committee on Traffic Safety, a committee that included Battlefords MLA Herb Cox.
The Throne Speech pledged there will be a particular focus on tougher penalties for drinking and driving.
There was brief mention of Saskatchewan Hospital in the Throne Speech with respect to SaskBuilds and the possibility of P3s (public private partnerships).
"SaskBuilds is working with government ministries on the development of new schools, the new Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford, a new long-term care facility in Swift Current and the Regina Bypass project," it read.
"P3s will allow the government to advance certain capital projects more quickly while reducing costs."
Here is a rundown of other initiatives announced Wednesday:
A new program to enable some seniors with complex issues to receive house calls from physicians, nurse practitioners and other health care providers;
The launch of "hot spotting" pilot programs, which are to assist high-risk, high-use patients who repeatedly show up in emergency rooms;
A comprehensive plan to improve access to mental health and addictions services;
A new "student first" approach in education, which will include wide-ranging consultations with teachers, administrators, parents and students;
New anti-bullying measures in response to recommendations to be put forward by Legislative Secretary Jennifer Campeau, following consultations this summer;
$5 million investment over four years to improve Internet access and speed in schools through SaskTel's CommunityNet program;
Support for Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology as it becomes a polytechnic institution;
More highway twinning in high traffic areas with construction or pre-construction work happening;
Four new cellular sites in the north in Fond du Lac, Stony Rapids, Black Lake and Wollaston Lake;
Expansion of the HeadStart on a Home program to encourage construction of rental properties;
A new Life Lease Program though Saskatchewan Housing Corporation to improve housing options for seniors;
1,000 new training seats, including 300 new apprenticeship seats and 700 new adult basic education seats;
A Manufacturing Centre of Excellence;
An event hosting strategy through Tourism Saskatchewan;
A Saskatchewan International Future Scholarship for up to 20 students annually;
A Western Canadian Livestock Price Insurance Program for cattle and hog producers;
Amendments to The Saskatchewan Employment Act to include the province's essential services law;
Public consultations on the province's disability strategy; and
A new Lobbyists Act.
