As noticed in the picture above, Biggar-Sask Valley MLA and Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Randy Weekes was in attendance at a special event with Premier Scott Moe. Just recently the two spent a great afternoon with Biggar business owner, Town Councillor, and constituency Executive member Nicole Hoppe at the Saskatchewan Northwest 2022 Regional Meeting in North Battleford.
That was just another part of a busy week for Weekes, as he also helped usher in another new session of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly with the 2022 Speech from the Throne last Wednesday.
West Central Online was honoured to be in attendance at the Speech as Weekes' special guest and asked the 27th Speaker about his role specifically in the recent proceedings.
First off before his guest's arrival for the speech, Weekes was part of a historic moment as opposition member Nathaniel Teed became the first openly gay MLA to be sworn into the Legislature.
That was an early duty for the Speaker, as Weekes detailed exactly what goes into Throne Speech Day for someone in his position.
"I'm going to start here in in a few minutes by welcoming the Lieutenant Governor and the Premier," said Weekes as he found some time for an interview prior to performing his tasks at Legislature, "There's an event outside, where my wife and I will welcome them into the Legislative Assembly. Then I will be part of our regular parade clerks and pages that will be escorted into the chambers. There's some formalities, the black rod, and different things that you'll see."
Weekes continued.
"Then I announce that the Lieutenant Governor is coming in," he said, "The governor will come and sit in the chair on the desk and read the speech from the throne. After that when he leaves, I take my seat in the chair we start session by prayer like we always do."
A celebratory tea took place after the ceremonial proceedings, that featured more than just government speak as the house was given a special blessing.
Now with business resuming, the first week after the Speech is in reply. All members will get to speak to the Throne Speech, and then continue with routine proceedings as well with question period and member statements and other things like that.
Throne Speech Day is the most important date towards the sitting calendar, with the only exception being Budget Day, which will come down in the spring.