REGINA — Monday marks the return of the Legislature to action for what will be the final five weeks of sitting before the summer break.
MLAs were back in their constituencies last week for the annual weeklong Easter break. Despite that, it was still a very active week in provincial politics, with a number of major announcements from both the government and Opposition throughout the week.
Public safety was a major issue last week for both sides. The province touted the news that Provincial Protective Services was completing its final onsite assessment with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies — considered the “gold standard” in public safety accreditation, according to its news release.
The province said this is the last major step in the accreditation process, requiring PPS to demonstrate how its officers, training, equipment and operational practices support its mandate to protect Saskatchewan people, communities and infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Opposition NDP took aim at a lack of transparency over details of an investigation into a suspended member of the Marshals service over misconduct allegations. Opposition House leader Nicole Sarauer made it known last Friday that she planned to question Minister of Community Safety Michael Weger in Question Period, demanding the full release of records regarding misconduct allegations within the Marshals service.
Another issue expected to be important in the coming weeks is wildfire preparedness, particularly following devastating fires that impacted northern communities, including Denare Beach. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency held a news conference last week about its plans for the upcoming wildfire season. Minister Weger said at the time that the SPSA’s focus is “on preparedness, coordination, and keeping people and communities safe.”
Last week also saw power generation emerge as an important issue, as the NDP released its plan on the matter. A key aspect of its Grid and Growth plan included an emphasis on wind and solar and a move away from the government’s focus on extending the life of coal-fired plants in the province. Last week also saw the Rate Review Panel hold hearings in Saskatoon on SaskPower’s proposed 3.9 per cent power increase.
It is expected the NDP will continue to focus on the power issue and that SaskPower critic Aleana Young will continue to attempt to move for immediate second reading of her private member’s bill aimed at stopping the SaskPower and SGI rate increases. However, it is not expected those efforts will advance with the Sask Party majority.
Another issue expected to draw attention is last week’s closure of Prairie Harm Reduction in Saskatoon, with the NDP issuing a statement Monday calling for the rehiring of the 126 employees put out of work by the closure.
Last week was also marked by sad news in the province, with the passing of former lieutenant governor Vaughn Solomon Schofield.
Flags at the Legislature remain at half-mast, and a book of condolence has been set up inside the building for the public to sign.
Competing with the Legislature this week are the activities of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association convention in Regina, which is expected to put municipal issues, including revenue sharing and infrastructure concerns, back into the spotlight.
Several provincial politicians are attending the convention this week for speeches and meetings with municipal leaders. In a speech to delegates Monday morning, Premier Scott Moe indicated his government would continue to focus on priorities including trade, health care, including its Patients First plan, and addressing addictions and recovery issues.
On Wednesday, Moe and members of the provincial cabinet are scheduled to face questions from delegates as part of the annual bearpit session.
