Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Saskatchewan 22e 5e Discours du trône 6 février 1995 John Wiebe Lieutenant Governor Saskatchewan New Democratic Party Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members of the Legislative Assembly: It is an honour to welcome you to the Fifth Session of the Twenty-Second Legislature of Saskatchewan. As my government took office in the fall of 1991, Saskatchewan faced one of its darkest hours. A decade of deficit budgets had brought us to the brink of bankruptcy. An economy too dependent on outside investment for growth was creating jobs at less than half the rate of the 1970's. Farm families faced high debt loads and poor prospects. The training and long-term investments necessary to build a better future had been neglected, and too many young people had decided to seek hope and opportunity elsewhere. Our health care system was costing more and more, yet failing to deliver the health care services people really needed. My government's inheritance was a province racked with doubt and division. Much has changed in three short years. Today, this Assembly is presented with a legislative agenda which speaks not of deficits, but of sustainable balanced budgets; not of failed mega-projects, but of an expanding local business sector and job growth; not of debt-ridden farms, but of farm families who are enjoying their highest level of optimism in years. This session will see new investments in training and infrastructure to secure our long-term prosperity and advances in our world-leading health care renewal. In just three years, Saskatchewan has progressed from one of its darkest hours to a new day of hope and opportunity. All Saskatchewan people are proud of their contribution to making this new day possible. Financial Stability and Public Accountability In a few days, the Minister of Finance will submit the Estimates for the budget year beginning April 1, 1995. I am pleased to report that my government's deficit reduction plan is well ahead of its targets and that the Assembly will be asked to approve a balanced budget -- Saskatchewan's first in more than a decade. But responsible financial management calls for much more than a balanced budget in any one year. It requires an ongoing commitment to accountability from government, from public institutions and from elected officials. During this session, Members will be asked to approve legislation to set new standards in Canada for financial responsibility and accountability. The Balanced Budget Act will promote long-term financial stability and integrity in the administration of the province's finances. Since 1991 my government has made significant improvements in accountability and reporting requirements in the Crown sector. As always, further improvements can and will be made. One area where my government believes there remains room for improvement is in the setting of utility rates. People need to understand the process and to have confidence in it. Accordingly, my government will propose a new Utility Rate Policy during this session. My government has appointed an Independent Committee to make recommendations on the salary and allowances Members of this Assembly receive for the performance of their duties. The Committee is also mandated to recommend procedures to ensure that members are more accountable for these allowances. My government looks forward to the Committee's report, and is confident that it will provide the basis for a simpler, more accountable system that provides fair and reasonable compensation to Members. My government maintains that financial stability and public accountability contribute to growth and job creation through increased public confidence. This increased confidence has sparked a remarkable economic recovery in our province. Jobs and Economic Renewal Our population has increased steadily since 1992, and is now at its highest level in seven years. 12-thousand new jobs have been created in the last twelve months. In 1994 investments in Saskatchewan's oil and gas sector exceeded $1 billion. Retail sales are up 10 per cent. Export sales are up 16 per cent. Saskatchewan's economy has made a remarkable comeback, but much more must be done. My government will need to show the same focus and determination with the job challenge as it has already applied to the deficit challenge. My government's number one priority is job creation. Jobs sustain families. Jobs provide a future for our children. Jobs hold together the fabric of our communities and are the very building blocks of long-term prosperity and security. Through Regional Economic Development Authorities, Saskatchewan communities are finding local solutions to job creation and economic development. Nine authorities have already been created, and the early successes are exciting. In the Rosetown district, the new authority has helped to start twenty-four new businesses and create seventy-seven new jobs. In less than seven months the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority has helped to create 650 new jobs and encourage more than $40 million in new investment. The Assembly will be asked to continue funding for the establishment of new regional development authorities and to expand the range of services the authorities can offer. In Northern Saskatchewan, expansions at the Cluff Lake and Rabbit Lake uranium mines, and the construction of a new mine and mill at McLean Lake, represent significant levels of private sector investment and job creation. More than 400 additional people are currently working on new mining developments in the North and over 700 full-time jobs are expected when construction is completed. Northern residents currently represent 45% of the workforce, but our target is 60% northern employment new mining jobs. In the strategic sector of tourism, my government looks forward to the first full year of operation for the Saskatchewan Tourism Authority. My government is confident that our tourism industry is well positioned to take advantage of our many emerging opportunities such as the world-renowned T-Rex fossil discovery in the Frenchman River Valley. Our export-driven economy depends on a modern transportation system for continued growth and expansion. During this session members will be asked to pass The Transportation Partnerships Corporation Act to enable our province to enter into partnerships with communities, private business and other governments to modernize our transportation infrastructure. My government has committed $20 million for these new transportation partnerships. My government will introduce amendments to The Environmental Management and Protection Act to permit the establishment of a province-wide industry-led collection system for used oil, containers and filters. In addition to protecting the environment, this initiative will provide new jobs in the collection system and new business opportunities in recycling and reuse. My government recognizes the unique contribution that co-ops make to our province's economic and social well-being. During this session, my government will introduce amendments to The Co-operatives Act, 1989 to simplify registration procedures for co-operatives. I am also pleased to report that my government has concluded negotiations with Federated Co-operatives Ltd. and the federal government to financially restructure the NewGrade heavy oil upgrader in Regina. This agreement places the NewGrade project on a sound financial footing and provides for a more equitable relationship between the parties. During this session, The NewGrade Energy Inc. Protection Repeal Act will be introduced to complete this arrangement. Sustainable Resource Development Saskatchewan is blessed with an abundance of rich natural resources. Our future economic prosperity and the high quality of life our people enjoy depend on the wise use of these resources. My government has taken a leadership role to ensure that we sustain our natural resources for future generations while taking advantage of the many opportunities presented to us today. The Saskatchewan Energy Strategy: Security and Prosperity will be presented to the Assembly. This strategy identifies ways to strengthen economic growth through the responsible development of production, processing and transportation opportunities in our energy sector. Saskatchewan's forests are a valuable resource providing products, jobs and recreational opportunities second to none. This year Meadow Lake has been recognized by the Canadian Forestry Association as the National Forestry Capital of Canada. This award will heighten awareness of forestry's role in both the local community and throughout the province. Current forestry legislation does not provide the sustainability and environmental protection desirable today. My government has been working towards a long-term integrated management plan for Saskatchewan's forests based on the principles of ecosystem productivity, increased economic opportunities, public involvement and stakeholder co-operation. During the session, my government will propose a new Forest Resource Management Act, based on these principles. This proposal will lead to the complete overhaul of the existing legislation which will provide for the sustainable management of this important resource. Jobs and Agricultural Diversification Realized net farm income in Saskatchewan last year reached $925 million, the highest level since 1981. One of the reasons for this improved income picture is the willingness of Saskatchewan farmers to diversify. Our farmers have led Canada in diversifying their products and operations. Farmers want to devote even more resources to the diversification of their industry. The Agriculture Development Opportunities Act will provide a framework for evaluating and funding diversification projects. The legislation will encourage producers, producer organizations, the private sector and governments to develop partnerships in a variety of areas including biotechnology, food processing, and education and training related to agriculture. Recently, my government negotiated an improved Farm Safety Net Program for the 1995 crop year. The new program provides a meaningful, affordable level of risk protection for farm families without acting as a barrier to diversification. Other governments are currently looking to the whole farm stabilization approach as the basis for a new national support program. All Saskatchewan residents, farmers and non-farmers alike, support environmentally sustainable agriculture. During this session, my government will introduce The Agricultural Operations Act to help diversify our livestock sector and protect producers from unwarranted legal actions, while at the same time protecting our land and water resources. Despite the improvements in the farm economy, there are clouds of uncertainty on the horizon. The Crow Benefit remains under intense pressure and indications from the federal government give cause for concern. The elimination of the Crow Benefit would essentially wipe out the hard-earned gains that farmers have realized. This government will continue to continue to work with Saskatchewan farmers to protect their income and keep their costs down. Investing For Prosperity As we look to the 21st century, it is clear that our future prosperity will depend increasingly upon the growth of knowledge-based industries such as information technology, telecommunications and biotechnology. My government has identified our natural strengths in each of these critical sectors and has targeted each for strong growth and job creation. The development of information technology holds great promise for Saskatchewan. With a strong local base including Co-operative Data Services Limited, ISM Information Systems Management Corporation, TRLabs, and a new Software Technology Centre, Saskatchewan will continue to be a prominent, competitive player in this field. In telecommunications, Saskatchewan people are leading the way. Sask Tel has announced plans to make Internet, the computer network which represents the knowledge-based infrastructure of tomorrow, universally accessible to Saskatchewan residents at an affordable cost. Just as electrification in the 1950s made new opportunities possible for people in rural and remote areas, universal access to the Information Highway will make the opportunities of the future available to all. Not only are we using our expertise to develop new products and services here at home, we export this expertise around the world. In Europe, in the Philippines, and in Asia, Sask Tel International is designing and installing new communications systems and services. With thirty percent of Canada's agricultural biotechnology sector located in Saskatchewan, this province is recognized as this new industry's centre for excellence and expansion. It is estimated that this sector will generate $200 million in annual sales by the year 2000 and provide hundreds of new high technology jobs, while providing new markets for our agricultural products. In information technology, telecommunications and biotechnology my government is investing today for greater prosperity and new jobs tomorrow. Building Bridges to Independence In order to ensure that Saskatchewan people can take advantage of our growing economy and are better prepared for the future, they must have access to high quality education and training. My government believes that training and education are an important bridge to independence, opportunity and prosperity. In November my government announced Future Skills, a $10 million training program designed to help both workers and employers take advantage of immediate opportunities. Individuals receive the training they need for lasting employment, while employers benefit by working with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, regional colleges and communities to develop a skilled labour force. My government will also introduce The Private Vocational Schools Regulation Act, 1995 to improve consumer protection, emphasize program quality and enhance the shared responsibility of government and the private sector for regulation of the private vocational school system. In a few days my government will present this Assembly with the details of JobStart, a new initiative to help young people make the transition to the workplace. This new program will focus on young people who need training to get a first job or summer employment to finance their education. It will help young people on social assistance who need skills to prepare them for employment opportunities. It will also assist young people who face barriers to taking training or finding jobs. JobStart will help to ensure that our young people have the opportunity to live, work, and build their futures here at home. New technology holds great potential to help meet the diverse learning needs of Saskatchewan people. Distance education has a central role to play in providing equitable and affordable access to education throughout our province. During the coming year, my government will increase the number of its distance education training sites and continue to work with educators to expand the range of educational programs and training. While these ideas and investments will create new opportunities for most, they will not in and of themselves overcome the barriers which prevent too many in our society from sharing in our prosperity. My government is determined to break the poverty cycle and to build new bridges to independence for families in need. Investing in children and families will continue to be a high priority for my government as we work to enhance support and prevention services through Canada's first Child Action Plan. During this session my government will also proceed with several initiatives designed to improve the child care system. These will include an education campaign to help parents choose safe, quality child care, pilot projects in rural and northern Saskatchewan and additional assistance for special needs children requiring higher levels of care. Ensuring Sustainable Health Care A diversified, dynamic economy and a well-trained work force are critical to the sustainability of our quality of life. Nowhere is sustainability more important than in our health care system. Saskatchewan people are developing a new health system -- a sustainable system -- that focuses on maintaining good health and preventing injury, as well as treating illness. As a first step, we needed to integrate and co-ordinate all the health services available in the community. Two years ago, my government started this process by replacing over 400 different health boards with 30 health districts. In April my government will complete the structural transition with the transfer of approximately 1,400 Health Department staff to the districts. This transfer will give health boards a full range of health services to meet the needs of people in their districts. To accommodate the transfer of departmental employees amendments to The Medical Profession Act, 1981 will be introduced to extend special licences to psychiatrists and medical health officers employed by the district health boards. With the valuable assistance of the Health Services Utilization and Research Commission, districts are now in a position to offer more appropriate services for people. We are now able to redirect our health investments into community-based services to better meet people's real needs. The benefits of our health renewal process are just starting to unfold. We are now in a position to invest in a broader range of comprehensive community- and home-based services. New investments will be designed to expand the quality and range of services available in or near the home. Some will be new services designed to keep people healthier and independent longer, while others will be institutional replacement services. My government extends its deep appreciation to the people of Saskatchewan for the hard work and energy they have shown during the renewal process. During the coming year, Saskatchewan citizens, for the first time in history, will be called upon to elect their district health boards. This will mark the achievement of a primary objective for health renewal - community decision-making and local control. My government awaits with interest the recommendations of the Select Committee on Driving Safety. The eight member all-party committee has spent several months examining a variety of issues associated with driving safety. The Committee's recommendations will make an important contribution to the wellness approach by preventing injuries and reducing the loss of life on Saskatchewan roads. Once again, Saskatchewan is leading the way in health renewal as we move closer to our goal of creating a sustainable system which offers everyone appropriate health services in or as close to home as possible. Saskatchewan people can now feel confident that their health system will meet both the needs of today and the emerging needs of tomorrow. Saskatchewan's Anniversary This year marks the 90th anniversary of Saskatchewan's entry into Confederation. In our tradition, these celebrations will be modest, community-based and volunteer-driven. At a time when others are working to pull this country apart, Saskatchewan's celebration of provincehood takes on a special significance. Perhaps the single biggest celebration will take place in November, when the Grey Cup comes to Saskatchewan. The 1995 Grey Cup represents an important opportunity to promote our province to visitors from across North America and is a tribute to the hard work, spirit, and commitment of Saskatchewan's volunteers. In recognition of the 90th anniversary and the true spirit of Saskatchewan people, my government will introduce amendments to The Provincial Honours and Emblems Act, 1988 to create the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. Conclusion The agenda presented today is evidence of just how remarkable a comeback Saskatchewan has made in three short years. Saskatchewan will be the first province in Canada to introduce a balanced budget and provide a long-term plan to maintain financial stability. Our economic growth rate is one of the strongest in the country. We are investing in industries which hold great promise for future growth. We are developing innovative training programs to ensure that our people can take full advantage of these opportunities. And, as the world watches, Saskatchewan has secured the future of medicare and is providing new services that will keep people healthy longer. Saskatchewan people are justifiably proud of how far we've come. Today, Saskatchewan people look to our Centennial in the year 2005 with confidence -- confidence in our financial stability, in our economic recovery and job potential, in the future of our health care system. But perhaps most importantly, Saskatchewan people look to the future with renewed confidence in themselves and their ability to build a better future together. I leave you now to the business of the session, with full confidence that you will favourably discharge your duties and responsibilities. May Divine Providence continue to bless our province and guide this Legislature in all its deliberations. God save the Queen.