If the comments of NDP opposition leader Cam Broten are any indication, the spring sitting of the Saskatchewan Legislature could be a lively one.
The spring sitting kicked off Monday but Broten and other politicians were making the media rounds last week. Broten conducted a conference call Wednesday with media from throughout the province and continued with the theme that the Sask. Party government is failing residents on a number of fronts from cost of living to health care.
Prior to taking questions, Broten said the NDP's nine MLAs have been working over the last month to bring the concerns of residents to the legislature.
He added the message they are hearing is that although Saskatchewan is enjoying continued prosperity, that isn't translating into making life better for families in the province.
"What we do in legislature and what we do in politics, it can't simply be about the province doing well, it has to be about people in Saskatchewan doing well and getting ahead," Broten said.
With that in mind, the MLA for Saskatoon Massey Place said they plan to focus on healthcare, in particular seniors' care, education and cost of living.
"What we are doing is voicing the concerns we hear from Saskatchewan people," he said. "I'll use the example of seniors' care. Some of the most effective and powerful days we've had in the assembly is when families come and share their stories. I think of the Phillips' family, who used up their holiday time to care for their mother who was in a hospital bed. Once they used up their holiday time they actually had to pay a private care provider to go into the hospital at $1,000 a week just to ensure that their mom's basic needs were being met.
"It's not about us asking the questions, really it's about the stories and concerns we hear from Saskatchewan people."
Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles also spoke about the spring session and said one of the most pressing issues is the ongoing grain transportation crisis, which is crippling the ability of farmers to get their commodities to market.
"Well, immediately I think the grain transportation issue will be front and centre at the start. It's in a critical state right now," she said. "Our four-person team went to visit the railways and grain companies and travelled to Ottawa to discuss it and Bill Boyd even went back again to see if more could be done. We have to get all options on the table and if that means shipping grain south, so be it. The new commodities transportation hub at Northgate might hold a partial answer once it's operating."
One of the highlights of the sitting will be the presentation of the 2014 budget, which is set for late March.
Broten said he continues to have concerns about what he called the Sask. Party's lack of transparency and trustworthiness as it pertains to the province's finances. Asked if there were any items he would like to see, Broten was vague on details but hopes that healthcare will be a focus.
Eagles said she expects the budget to be a "careful one" considering the recent drop in potash prices, which has left a major hole in the government's revenue projections.
"I haven't been in discussion with the finance minister or other cabinet ministers lately since I was away for awhile, but I think the words we could use here are caution and balanced."
Broten was also asked about the status of twinning Highway 39 and said his party would continue to press the government for action.
"It's a busy road. Every time I am on it I am reminded of the steady traffic. Yes, it's about supporting the economy, but most importantly it's about ensuring that families and workers can get around in a safe way and avoid the tragedy that, sadly, has come too often."
Although the 2015 election is still a ways off, Broten was asked if he would follow Premier Brad Wall's lead and announce his candidacy early. Broten said he is more focused on serving the needs of residents and was not interested in a lengthy, American style campaign.
Eagles said the election is also on her mind and admitted she is having a difficult time deciding whether or not she will run again in 2015.
"At the end of this term I will have been the MLA here for 16 years. It's been an honour to serve. This is a very hard decision for me because this is my family in many respects so I'm really struggling with the decision to run again or retire. I still have the farm and my own family. I still love my job, so that makes it very difficult.
"If I decide to step aside I would make the decision, probably by this summer because it's only fair to leave with some notice and allow the local constituency and the party to have some time to organize a nomination process."
