Sask. throne speech touts addictions supports, investment growth and expansion of policing

The Saskatchewan government's latest throne speech featured plans to expand policing and increase support for people dealing with addictions, but no new initiatives to deal with the pandemic's fourth wave.

Lt.-Gov. Russell Mirasty delivered the government's speech on Wednesday afternoon.

"Our most important and immediate task is dealing with the pandemic," the speech said.

"COVID-19 has proven to be an enormous challenge for Saskatchewan and every province and territory across Canada. The surge of patients caused by the fourth wave of the pandemic has put significant stress on our health-care system."

The government said it is grateful for the sacrifices made by workers in all parts of the health sector.

"The clear path to end this pandemic is through vaccination," it said.

The government said it plans to introduce legislation this fall to "prevent demonstrators from restricting access to hospitals."

Asked earlier in the day about how much COVID-19 would be mentioned in the throne speech, Moe said health-care funding "has been and will continue to be provided until the pandemic is over."

"COVID is still important for everyone," Moe said. "We still need to take it seriously, but there are other topics of conversation and policy that people want their government to deal with."

Opposition Leader Ryan Meili said the speech is a "deflection from fourth wave failures" of the government.

"What we need from this government is an immediate plan of action to address the crisis Scott Moe created."

Meili said the government was "living with their heads in the sand."

He said the speech does not include a plan for people affected by health-care cancellations or delays, and has no new support for families and businesses affected by the pandemic.

"We all want to focus on the future. That starts with getting the present right," Meili said. "If Scott Moe doesn't get the fourth wave under control, too many Saskatchewan people will no longer be able to participate in that future."