Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Saskatchewan 24e 1re Discours du trône 6 décembre 1999 John Wiebe Lieutenant Governor Saskatchewan New Democratic Party Mr. Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly: It is my pleasure today to welcome you to the First Session of the Twenty Fourth Legislature of Saskatchewan. Today marks an historic new beginning - a new dawning of optimism and hope. In September, the citizens of this province decided they wanted a fundamentally new approach to government. They said they want their representatives to stop shouting, to come to this place with open minds, prepared to work together again in the great tradition that built Saskatchewan. A great writer once said, "The real voyage of discovery consists, not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes." Today marks the beginning of just such a voyage, with the new eyes, the new vision, of a fundamentally new government. It is an historic coalition, with a four-year mandate to renew and strengthen our province's government. A coalition founded on a new spirit of co-operation and openness. It is common in a Speech from the Throne to review past accomplishments. But this is a brand new day. This is a day to talk about what still remains to be done. And there is much left to be done. Because too many of our families in Saskatchewan are still having a hard time making ends meet. Saskatchewan is blessed with strong economic growth and low unemployment. But too many of our children are still growing up poor. Too many of our families have waited far too long for a real increase in their take-home pay, and too many of our farm families are back to depression era incomes. We need to work together to build an economy that works for everyone. We need to do even more. Too many of our young people are still concerned about their futures. We must work to ensure every young person raised in Saskatchewan has fair and equal access to the very best education they can achieve. And we must work to ensure they have bright futures waiting for them - right here at home - when they graduate. We need to do more. Too many of our rural families are victims of a vicious trade war. We must work together for fairness for our farm producers - and we must work together to build a stronger, more diversified and self reliant rural economy, supporting prosperous rural communities with real futures, standing on their own feet. We need to do more. Too many seniors and too many families are still worried that our health care system will not be there when they need it. We must work to protect and enhance our health system. Medicare was pioneered in Saskatchewan by a CCF/NDP provincial government. Medicare was turned into a national program by a Liberal federal government. Now medicare needs to be protected and improved in Saskatchewan by a coalition government uniting both parties and working in partnership with Ottawa. And still we need to do more. Too many citizens are alienated from our province's public life. Citizens want the doors of this Legislature to be opened, and their voices to be heard within. And too many of our Aboriginal citizens remain excluded from our social, economic and civic life. First Nations and Métis people want to have the educational, employment and business opportunities they need to be full participants and contributors to our province's economy and society, while observing their traditions and culture. These are the challenges. HELPING FAMILIES MEET CHALLENGES The people told my government that its first order of business must be to help families make ends meet. My government is committed to helping build the economy; to reducing taxes; and to helping families. Building the Economy The people said to keep working together to build our economy. In the coming weeks, my government will spell out a comprehensive new economic strategy, Partnership for Prosperity, that will bring working people, businesses, communities, cooperatives and government together to continue building jobs and growth. This plan sets out a new roadmap - to build on our strengths; invest in research and development; promote better education and training; strengthen community economic development; improve infrastructure; reduce regulation and other barriers to growth; and streamline and improve services that promote jobs. My government will consult carefully with communities and partners to make sure this plan is right for our province - and then we'll roll up our sleeves and make it happen. To help us compete in the new economy, my government will introduce The Electronic Information and Commerce Act to promote growth in the expanding world of electronic commerce and Internet trade. Reducing Taxes The people said they want fair, sensible and sustainable lower taxes. So, my government will introduce a plan to reduce personal income taxes in the next budget. Our goal is to remove thousands of low income families from the tax rolls altogether - eliminating an important barrier to work, and promoting dignity and self-reliance in the most direct way possible. Our goal is to give every low and middle-income family real help to make ends meet, and to help all Saskatchewan families save for homes, raise their children, save for their educations, and secure good jobs. Our goal is a tax system that is fairer; that is simple and easy to understand; and that helps our province stay competitive in the world market. And tax reduction will be undertaken as part of a balanced approach, investing future surpluses into lower taxes; better services; and lower debt, always in the context of a balanced budget. We have heard many good ideas on how to improve our tax system. My government recently received the final report of The Saskatchewan Personal Income Tax Review Committee. We will be listening carefully to what the people of Saskatchewan tell us about the ideas contained in that report - leading to a tax reform plan in the next provincial budget. Helping Families As part of tax reform, steps will be taken to ensure tax fairness for all families - including those with a single income earner. My government will introduce legislation to implement family leave, to help families find time for necessities like a child's medical needs and school visits. My government will work closely with other provinces and the federal government to make a national children's agenda a reality. And my government commits today to increase funds for childcare in each of the next four years. Amendments will be introduced to The Child Care Act to help improve services. A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE The people also told us to ensure their children can look forward to a bright future - while staying right here in Saskatchewan. So, my government will work to provide opportunity for all, by improving education. Accessible Post-secondary Education for Families Everyone in Saskatchewan knows that higher education and job training are key to ensuring a bright future for our children in the 21st century economy. It is time to take the next step towards extending the frontier of accessible public education. My government will therefore act to make post-secondary education more accessible for families. The Minister for Post-secondary Education and Skills Training and the Minister of Education will consult closely with students, parents, educators and communities on the best way to implement this commitment in the next provincial budget. Elementary and High Schools My government will introduce a plan to place our K-12 education system on a sound and sustainable footing by, over time, assuming greater direct responsibility for financing education. To that end, my government commits today to increase its contribution, in steps, as finances permit, until the province funds its historic share of the cost of education. As the provincial contribution increases, education property taxes should be reduced. My government is committed to early intervention and support to ensure that our most vulnerable children have the opportunity to benefit fully from their schooling. To that end, my government will support and enhance Saskatchewan's award-winning Community Schools program and our Pre-Kindergarten program. In order for our students to thrive, they must have access to quality school facilities. My government will provide financial support for school construction and renovation projects across the province. We will continue to work with school boards to reduce overlap of resources, through initiatives like joint use facilities. We will work in close partnership with the Labour Force Development Board to ensure students are aware of future career opportunities and trends. And we will continue to review and improve our exemplary curriculum, to ensure students have the basics and more than the basics - the life skills to make a future for themselves right here in Saskatchewan in the 21st century. In support of these goals, my government will introduce The Post-Secondary Education, Training and Employment Services Act and introduce amendments to The Education Act and The Student Assistance and Student Aid Fund Act. FIGHTING FOR RURAL FAMILIES People across our province want their government to speak with one voice on behalf of our farm families and our rural communities. Saskatchewan farmers can compete with anyone in the world. Our products are of the highest quality and our practices among the most efficient. In spite of this, many of our province's farm families have hit upon difficult times. They are caught in a battle between two titans - the United States of America and the European Union - who are throwing the might of their treasuries into a fight for control of world markets. As a result, our farm families find themselves once again being squeezed by low commodity prices - the lowest since the 1930's. The issues are both complex and daunting. And they go beyond the power of a provincial government to solve them alone. The federal government must accept its responsibility to stand up internationally for Saskatchewan farmers. But there are steps my government CAN and WILL take to respond to these issues. Emergency Debate Tomorrow, my government will propose an emergency debate, in light of the federal government's response to Saskatchewan's farm delegation a few weeks ago. My government will then move that this Assembly's Standing Committee on Agriculture meet in this Chamber to hear the voices of farmers and rural leaders on this issue, leading to a vote on an emergency resolution. Provincial Action Committee on the Rural Economy My government will form a Provincial Action Committee on the Rural Economy that will include the rural and farm leaders who made up Saskatchewan's delegation to Ottawa. World Trade Talks Clearly, the current round of trade talks will be critical to resolving the problem of international trade distorting subsidies. My government will continue to aggressively press Ottawa to represent the interests of Western farmers at these meetings. My government will also appoint an eminently qualified and respected Special Advisor on Agriculture to support our province at the next round of trade talks and to help the federal government confront the protectionist policies of our trading partners. But success in the trade talks will come too late for some of our farmers. Therefore, we will continue to strongly urge the federal government to treat Saskatchewan farmers equitably, and to live up to its responsibilities by providing an immediate trade equalization payment. Provincial Steps to Help Farm Families All parties in this Legislature agree that the Province of Saskatchewan cannot compete with the treasuries of the United States or the European Union. However, my government will marshal its resources to do what it can to deliver a package of initiatives to help farm families cope with the worst effects of the current crisis. We will negotiate with the federal government to withdraw from AIDA, eliminate the federal red tape and put the province's contribution where it belongs - in the hands of farm families. This would provide over $100 million dollars in immediate relief to Saskatchewan farmers through re-direction of provincial AIDA funds. My government will work with producers and suppliers to find ways to reduce the high input costs facing farm businesses. My government will pursue steps to reduce the cost of crop insurance and enhance producer coverage. We will introduce a farm input costs monitoring program. And my government will help farm families through this crisis by ensuring that existing programs continue to be available to farmers who have made diligent efforts to meet their commitments. My government will ensure that farmers are not denied program benefits as a result of the current crisis by extending provincially administered farmland lease backs by three years. We challenge the federal government to do the same for its lease backs. And we will develop extended payment terms for crop insurance and Lands Branch customers having difficulty paying their bills as a result of the current income crisis. My government will also work to build a more prosperous future for the agriculture industry. In addition to negotiating with the federal government for enhanced farm safety net programs in the short term, my government will pursue a long term safety net program that can actually meet farmers' needs in disastrous situations like the one we currently face. Saskatchewan is making strides in value added processing, specialty crops and other unique and innovative areas of production. My government will support the long term success of the industry by working to extend availability of equity capital for processing and value-added activity in the agri-food sector. My government will also introduce amendments to The Department of Agriculture Act and The Farm Financial Stability Act, which will support increased diversification. Together, we will find a way for older farmers to retire with dignity and for our sons and daughters to take their place on the land and raise the children who will one day follow in their footsteps. BETTER HEALTH CARE The people have told my government they want health care services for their families to be protected and improved. Better Health Services My government will introduce steps to strengthen regional hospitals. These investments will allow citizens access to better health services closer to home - both taking the pressure off health facilities in Regina and Saskatoon, and making health care services more convenient for patients. Steps will be taken to improve emergency medical services, particularly in rural and northern Saskatchewan. We will also take steps to standardize ambulance fees. Legislation will be introduced to allow Licensed Practical Nurses to fully use their skills on the health care team. Steps will be taken to reduce waiting times for key health services. My government will work to expand home care services. An emphasis will be placed on the health of children and expectant mothers. My government will work in close co-operation with our partners to train, recruit, and hire more health providers. And we will work to develop clear, measurable, achievable, regularly monitored and regularly reported goals for health services. Governance The people have told my government to direct every possible dollar into front line care - and to make sure the health system is being properly run. To that end, my government will ensure that district boards are properly accountable to this Assembly for funds allocated to them by this Assembly. My government will work to clarify the roles and responsibilities of our partners in the health system -- simplifying governance; strengthening accountability; and ensuring that administrative costs are kept to a minimum. And my government will assume greater responsibility for negotiating collective agreements with health providers. In support of its health system priorities, my government will introduce amendments to The Health Labour Relations Reorganization Act and The Medical Professions Act, and replace The Licensed Practical Nurses Act. OPEN, ACCOUNTABLE AND RENEWED GOVERNMENT I said earlier that the people of Saskatchewan want their voices heard. They want to see their business done differently. Consultations and Legislative Committees As I have announced, in the weeks to come my government will be consulting citizens about a new economic strategy; tax reform and other budget priorities; accessibility to post-secondary education; and - through a provincial action committee - about the future of our rural communities. My government will refer a number of important issues to legislative committees for public discussion and consensus building, followed by action. This Assembly's Crown Corporations Committee will be asked to review and recommend legislation regarding a permanent body to review our monopoly utility rates. My government will ask this Assembly to establish a Special All-party Legislative Committee to recommend government, community and police action to address the issue of sexual abuse of children through prostitution. Also, my government will ask this Assembly to establish a Special All-party Legislative Committee on Tobacco Control to consider and report on the impact of tobacco use, especially by children and youth, and to recommend strategies to protect the public from the health risks of smoking. Clarifying the Offices of the Ombudsman and the Children's Advocate, and Updating the Provincial Auditor Act The Ombudsman and Children's Advocate Act will be amended to clarify their powers. My government will also introduce amendments to The Provincial Auditor Act to update this legislation. Government Accountability Citizens have the right to know more of what their government is trying to accomplish. To that end my government will begin to implement a comprehensive government accountability project. Government departments will clearly spell out their goals and achievements in annual reports to the people of this province. They will be accountable for their performance, and their achievements will be measured against key benchmarks. DIGNITY AND SELF-RELIANCE FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLE My government is committed to working with First Nations and Metis people so that they will be full partners in our province's economy and society - while preserving and building on their own unique heritages and communities. Our Saskatchewan is inclusive of all people - from the small northern community of Camsell Portage, to the wider Aboriginal community, and to the province as a whole. A real Aboriginal renaissance is occurring in Saskatchewan. Aboriginal people and institutions are building positive partnerships with businesses and governments. Now is the time to recognize, respect, and celebrate this renaissance and its contribution to our great province. In recognition and respect for Aboriginal institutions, my government will introduce The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies Act. OTHER KEY PRIORITIES Here are some other important priorities my government will act on in the coming weeks and months: · My government will provide funding for additional police officers to make our communities safer. · My government will introduce a forest renewal program, to plant at least 100 million trees over the next four years, and will increase its assistance to municipalities fighting Dutch Elm disease. · My government will begin a careful consultation with employers and working people on how The Labour Standards Act can be improved and updated - including measures to permit people to choose time off rather than extra pay for overtime - giving workers more choices as they balance work and family. · And my government will commission a full, independent review of SGI's no-fault insurance system. Details of this review will be announced in coming days. A NEW START The next provincial election is at least four years away. The people told us on September 16th to set aside the rancour and discord of the election just past; to stop shouting at each other and past each other; and to work together to better serve the people who elected this Legislature. They told us to work together to make it easier for families to meet challenges. They told us to work together to provide a brighter future for our children. They told us to work together to fight for our farm families. They told us to work together to protect and enhance our health system. They told us to open up government, to renew it, and to make it a partner with all of the people of Saskatchewan. And they told us they want First Nations and Métis people to be full partners in our province's economy and society. Working together to move forward, with balance and common sense, a step at a time - into the 21st century. I know the elected Members of this Assembly heard the people of Saskatchewan. I know the Members will keep faith with the people of Saskatchewan, and with the mandate that the people have given them. God speed to you all. God bless Saskatchewan, God bless Canada, and God save the Queen.