Sask. government promises to 'do better' in throne speech

The provincial government has promised to "do better" for the people of Saskatchewan in its fall speech from the throne with a pointed focus on health care and education.

Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty delivered the throne speech to begin the new legislative session.

Following last month's election, 61 MLAs will enter an abbreviated fall sitting expected to last up to three weeks.

Like the sitting, Monday's throne speech, entitled "A New Beginning," is much shorter than the typical speech from recent years. It reintroduces campaign promises made by the Saskatchewan Party government with a few notable additions.

The speech says members from both parties heard from voters who want the following:

"That message has been heard and my government will act on it," the government said.

Premier Scott Moe told reporters the speech and its contents matched campaign promises and the result of the vote.

"Voters delivered two messages this election," the premier said. "The majority voted for our plan for a strong economy and a bright future, but many others voted for change and it is now our job to deliver both." 

The government is promising a "clear-eyed" approach to what's working and what's not. Throughout the speech, the government pledges to "do better."

In health care, the government says it will "accelerate the hiring of health-care professionals and expand urgent care centres to ensure more people have better access to a doctor, nurse practitioner and other health-care professionals."

The government is promising additional urgent care facilities in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, North Battleford, and Moose Jaw.

Carla Beck, leader of the Official Opposition, described the throne speech as "more of the same" from the Saskatchewan Party. 

"Claiming to have heard voters' concerns while refusing to change course makes it clear that this is the same old Sask. Party government. People are tired of the same old song and dance from these guys. They want better than this," Beck said, in a news release. 

Beck says the province's residents want results now in order to address why Saskatchewan ranks last in per-student funding, emergency wait times and surgical wait times.