The government of Saskatchewan wrapped up their spring sitting of the legislature, the second since its fall election. While the fall sitting was shortened to just two weeks due to the election, the spring sitting was an opportunity for the legislators to meet for the full period.
We talked with Estevan Big-Muddy MLA and Minister of Rural and Remote Health, Mental Health and Addictions, and Seniors, Lori Carr, about what they accomplished over that time.
"It was actually a really busy spring session. Our government has implemented all of our campaign promises, and we actually have the only balanced budget in Canada. Of course, there are a lot of factors that can come into that with what's happening around the world today, but so far, so good."
Some of the notable examples of the work they've done according to Carr includes amendments to the Construction Codes Act to help municipalities dispose of structures, introducing fentanyl, methamphetamines, and hypodermic needles as categories of street weapons in the Safe Public Spaces Street Weapons Act, and new regulations under the Trespass to Property Amendment Regulations, allowing police to enforce the act immediately onto individuals partaking in activities such as public intoxication and drug use.
For the southeast, Carr says that safety and affordability are key concerns, and that's something they worked on.
"We were able to pass legislation that helped us keep our campaign promises, such as increasing the caregiver tax credit by 25 per cent, as well as a small and medium enterprise investment tax credit for individuals. We have the first-time homebuyer's tax credit, which will be increased for people. So all things that go towards affordability and helping individuals in their day-to-day lives."
Healthcare is also important, as Carr says that in her new roles, she'll be touring the province to check over many different hospitals.
"I'm going to be exceptionally busy this summer, obviously with my new role as mental health and addictions and really remote health. I'll be touring healthcare facilities, long-term care facilities, addiction centres, really trying to talk to those staff and individuals that are running the facilities face-to-face and understand exactly what's going on out there, what their needs are, what's working well, and maybe what needs to be tweaked."
The Saskatchewan NDP, meanwhile, tried to get legislation introduced which would raise the threshold for a referendum on leaving Canada and remove the power of the provincial Government to impose such a vote. As the spring sitting has concluded, leader Carla Beck says they've missed the opportunity.
“We needed this legislation to send a signal to investors that Saskatchewan will remain part of Canada,” Beck said. “Scott Moe and the Sask. Party have jeopardized jobs, investment and head offices. I fear they will spend the summer buddying up to separatists and clearing the runway for a vote on leaving the country."