Sask. Party prioritizes affordability, civility with opposition in Throne Speech

The Saskatchewan Party government said it will prioritize affordability in the coming months during its Throne Speech on Monday, that officially kicked off a short two-week sitting inside the legislature.

The Saskatchewan Party government said it will prioritize affordability in the coming months during its Throne Speech on Monday, that officially kicked off a short two-week sitting inside the legislature.

After being given a fifth straight majority government on Oct. 28, the Sask. Party says it will work to address the cost of living for residents by introducing legislation that will include personal tax relief, aiming to save a family of four $3,400 over the next four years.

Monday’s Throne Speech, titled “A New Beginning” followed through on that promise, with several other affordability commitments announced, including many that were promised during the campaign period ahead of the election.

Premier Scott Moe says Bill 1 of the new session will be known as “The Saskatchewan Affordability Act,” which will enact the affordability commitments the party made leading up to the Oct. 28 vote.

According to the Sask. Party, that will include the largest personal income tax reduction since 2008, which will be done by raising the personal, spousal and child exemptions along with the seniors’ supplement by $500 per year in each of the next four years, along with “fully indexing tax brackets.”

“As a result, a family of four will save more than $3,400 over the next four years and a senior couple will save more than $3,100,” Moe said in the speech.

According to the Sask. Party, that will mean an additional 54,000 people will no longer pay any Saskatchewan income tax.