Throne speech focuses on COVID-19, election promises

As it has been in everyone’s lives for the past nine months, COVID-19 was a running theme through the new provincial government’s speech from the throne Monday afternoon.

The speech laid out the government’s plan and priorities for the coming months.

It started by thanking the people of the province for what they’ve already done to help mitigate the effects of the virus, and asked them to continue doing it.

The speech talked about new public health orders and more that could be on the way. It also talked about “historic investments” for things like protective equipment in health care, extra money for schools and a promise of more coming in December, and programs to support businesses and workers.

“In the weeks ahead, my government will continue taking action to address both the health and economic impact of COVID-19 while continuing to prepare for the distribution of a safe and effective vaccine, which the federal government has committed to deliver early in the new year,” Premier Scott Moe said in the speech.

Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty read out the speech to the Assembly, addressing the MLAs who were all masked for the first day of the fall sitting.

There weren’t any promises in the speech around help for small businesses hurt by the new health measures.

Speaking after the speech was delivered, Moe said it’s something the government is working on.

“We’re now working with individuals and people across the province as to what supports may be required in the days and the weeks ahead to ensure that we have every opportunity to be there for the people of the province,” said Moe.

He explained there may be supports for some but not for others; government officials will know more once consultations are finished.

“We haven’t committed to a date, we haven’t committed to making those investments, and we haven’t committed to exactly what those investments would look like. But we have made those when required in the days gone by,” said Moe.

“It’s a large conversation and it’s going to happen — it is happening — and if there are some changes that need to be made, this is a government that has shown that we will make those changes and we will continue to support the people of this province as we find out way through this pandemic.”

The speech included a promise to start fulfilling promises right away that were made during the election campaign. One of the first two bills that will be brought forward will be the new Saskatchewan Home Renovation Tax Credit, which will allow homeowners to get a credit of up to $2,100 on qualifying home renovations in the next two years.

A 10 per cent reduction on electricity charges is supposed to start Tuesday, and the small business tax rate will be cut down to zero for the next 2 1/2 years, costing about $189 million.

“By providing a tax reduction during this challenging time, my government is reinforcing Saskatchewan’s reputation as the best place in Canada to start and grow a business,” Moe said in the speech.

There are several new announcements expected to be made this fall or put into the spring budget. One is to expand the eligibility of the insulin pump program to everyone; currently it’s only available to those with Type 1 diabetes who are under 25.

The province will also cover the cost of continuous glucose monitoring for youths.

In the speech, the government also promised to cover $6,000 worth of supports for kids under the age of 12 with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. Currently, only kids under the age of six qualify for the money.

The government is also committing to hire more people to help those in the deafblind community, and to hire 300 continuing care aids to be spread between long-term care homes, existing home-care services, and expanding home care in rural and remote areas.

In the speech, the government also announced that the rural and remote minister will also now be responsible for mental health and addictions. It’s the first time in Saskatchewan that has been a separate, specific charge for a minister.

“This appointment is a demonstration of my government’s commitment to support those struggling with mental health and addictions challenges,” Moe said.

The government also said it will introduce initiatives from its Pillars for Life Suicide Prevention Plan, like training a mental-health first responder for every one of the province’s schools.

There was also a commitment to introduce two new pieces of legislation: One which would allow people who’ve been sexually assaulted in their rental unit to break a long-term lease, and another which would allow human trafficking victims to obtain protection orders quicker, allow for tougher enforcement, and allow for civil remedies.

NDP response to speech

NDP Leader Ryan Meili called the Throne Speech a “missed opportunity” on Monday.

In a list of items he feels were missed, Meili pointed out there were no supports announced for small businesses.

“This is not the time for government to be cheap with Saskatchewan people. This is the time to invest,” said Meili.

Moe has said the government is working on supports, but Meili said supports should have already been in place because businesses are struggling now.

“The fact that they’re still dithering and taking time instead of taking action as these case numbers are rising is just another example of a government that is too slow to react to a very serious situation,” said Meili.

Meili also pointed to a line at the beginning of the speech: “Saskatchewan has fared better than many places because our citizens have responded in characteristic fashion — with determination, resilience, strength and compassion.”

Meili said Saskatchewan was faring well for a time, but not anymore.

“This is not going well,” said Meili.

He said if the province had put in a short lockdown when it was called for by doctors, then it would nearly be over and cases would be coming down.

The NDP has been calling for months for more workers to be added in long-term care homes and the throne speech did make a promise to hire 300 continuing care aides for long-term care and home care. But Meili said they won’t be hired until next year, which is too late.

“A plan to hire 300 people six months from now, it’s a joke,” said Meili.

Meili did agree with the government in one thing in the speech, he said. Given the skyrocketing overdose numbers, he would also have created a new minister for mental health and addictions.