Wednesday will mark the beginning of the spring sitting at the Saskatchewan Legislature, including the Throne Speech.
The Provincial budget for the upcoming year will also be delivered by Finance Minister Jim Reiter.
Last week, at the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) convention in Saskatoon, Premier Scott Moe offered a preview of what residents can expect with this year’s budget.
Moe said a goal is to have a primary health care provider for every person in the province.
“Not necessarily a physician, potentially a nurse practitioner, or there are other healthcare providers as well, and we’re actively looking at ways to expand the payment modules we have.” said Moe. He added, “So you have a choice of at who you can see, when you can see them and ensure that you have access to the healthcare and more importantly the primary healthcare provider that you need to see, when you need to see them.”
The Saskatchewan Premier added that education will is another area the Saskatchewan government will be focusing on with the budget, especially students from kindergarten to Grade three.
“We know that when a child is reading and writing at the appropriate level at grade three that their educational outcomes from grade four to twelve are going to greatly improve and the opportunities that they find in life, will also greatly improve.”
The Opposition Sask NDP plan on introducing an emergency motion to condemn Donald Trump for proposing the annexation of Canada and imposing tariffs on Canadian goods.
“This is a time for leaders to step up — I am proud to stand here with you today in unwavering support of this country that I love so much,” said Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck, noting that while she and her 26 Saskatchewan NDP colleagues have repeatedly condemned the comments made by Donald Trump and members of his Cabinet, Scott Moe has done no such thing.
“Moe was the last Canadian premier to speak out, the last to impose countermeasures, and had — by far — the weakest response to Donald Trump’s threats and insults,” Beck added.
“Let’s be strong. Let’s stand proud as the True North Strong and Free. We didn’t pick this fight but we cannot back down. Canada will never be the 51st state.”
House Leader Nicole Sarauer will introduce the motion. She commented, ““I see a rush of national pride right across my constituency and right across this province,” Sarauer said. “People are hanging our national flag from their homes. People are shopping local and celebrating local businesses. And people are shouting the national anthem at the top of their lungs.
“Let’s go into that Chamber and send a strong, clear and united message. Saskatchewan is not for sale. Canada is not for sale.”