The spring sitting of the legislative session wrapped up today. It was Premier Scott Moe’s first legislative session as Saskatchewan’s new Premier and he said the government focused on the priorities of Saskatchewan people.
“I’m honoured to have completed my first spring session as Premier and I will continue to stand up for Saskatchewan as we face important issues including the fight against the federal carbon tax,” Moe said.
During this spring session, the Government of Saskatchewan launched a constitutional reference case in the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal challenging the federal government’s ability to impose a carbon tax on the province. The Government of Saskatchewan also continued to advocate for the construction of the federally-approved Trans Mountain pipeline.
“During this session, we also introduced and passed a budget that keeps our government on track to a return to balance next year, while still investing in the priorities of the people of Saskatchewan, like health care and education,” Moe said.
The government passed 60 pieces of legislation during the spring sitting, including: •Protecting the right to school choice by invoking the notwithstanding clause of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and legislation to provide certainty to parents and students that government can continue funding students who attend Catholic separate schools regardless of their religious affiliation;
•The framework to allow the federal government’s legalization of cannabis;
•Amended The Privacy Act for greater protection against the unauthorized electronic distribution of intimate images;
•Legislation to make consequences more severe for drivers who are impaired and who transport children;
•Legislation to allow the establishment of ride sharing services in Saskatchewan communities;
•Creation of an interpersonal violence leave of 10 unpaid days;
•Creation of a new provincial park in the Porcupine Hills area;
•Value-added agriculture incentives to improve investment attraction; and
•Updating animal protection enforcement.
“I think it was a good session for our government and the people of Saskatchewan, but now it’s time for MLAs to head back to our constituencies to continue listening to the people we represent,” Moe said.