A spring sitting of the legislative session wrapped on May 31, that transitioned in Scott Moe as Saskatchewan’s new Premier. Moe said the government focused on the priorities of Saskatchewan people. “I’m honoured to have completed my first spring session as Premier and I will continue to stand up for Saskatchewan as we face important issues including the fight against the federal carbon tax.”
“Premier Moe is doing a great job. Obviously, the leadership role was new for him, and this past session was a transition year for our government,” said Dustin Duncan, MLA for Weyburn-Big Muddy.
“The Premier had a big role in the decisions for the spring budget, and we are on track to present a balanced budget next year,” said Duncan.
During this spring session, the Government of Saskatchewan launched a constitutional reference case in the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal challenging the federal government’s ability to impose a carbon tax on the province. The Government of Saskatchewan also continued to advocate for the construction of the federally approved Trans Mountain pipeline.
“Our government continues to stand on the fact that the proposed federal carbon tax is not the right way to go, especially for Saskatchewan,” said Duncan. “Provinces should be allowed to launch their own carbon tax and Saskatchewan can achieve significant emission reductions through our own Saskatchewan Made program.”
“The current federal carbon tax proposal unfairly penalizes on province, and would have negative budget effects to other provinces, so it is important that we take a stand on this issue,” added Duncan.
The government passed 60 pieces of legislation during the spring sitting, including: Protecting the right to school choice by invoking the notwithstanding clause of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and legislation to provide certainty to parents and students that government can continue funding students who attend Catholic separate schools regardless of their religious affiliation; The framework to allow the federal government’s legalization of cannabis; Amended The Privacy Act for greater protection against the unauthorized electronic distribution of intimate images; Legislation to make consequences more severe for drivers who are impaired and who transport children; Legislation to allow the establishment of ride sharing services in Saskatchewan communities; Creation of an interpersonal violence leave of 10 unpaid days; Creation of a new provincial park in the Porcupine Hills area; Value-added agriculture incentives to improve investment attraction; and Updating animal protection enforcement.
“During this session, we also introduced and passed a budget that keeps our government on track to a return to balance next year, while still investing in the priorities of the people of Saskatchewan, like health care and education,” said Moe. “I think it was a good session for our government and the people of Saskatchewan, but now it’s time for MLAs to head back to our constituencies to continue listening to the people we represent.”
Ryan Meili, the new leader for the NDP opposition, had a steep learning curve his first year, but felt the NDP had a strong session. “We pointed out some of the troubles with this year’s budget, and last year’s budget, especially in regards to the cuts to schools, health, mental health, social services and seniors care.”
“When you put money into early childhood development, when you put money into mental health, when you put money into those core services that make a difference in people’s lives,” said Meili. “Not only do you make a difference in peoples lives, you also grow the economy.”
The NDP opposition also forced a repeal of Bill 40, which would have allowed the province to sell up to 49 per cent of a Crown corporation without public consultation. Meili said it is important to protect Crowns from all types of privatization.
MLAs will still be working from their home communities during the summer, and many are planning to visit around their constituency to meet residents and hear what is the mind of the people of the province. Both parties are planning for the next provincial election.
