This year the Saskatchewan government鈥檚 throne speech was easy to predict, a continuation of the campaign promises made during the election in October. Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit said that was the goal, to immediately start doing what they said they were going to do.
鈥淭hat mentality goes back to Premier Brad Wall, his ideas for the next 100 years. If people remember back in 鈥�07 when we formed government, it was a very focused approach to fulfilling those commitments. This is another example where Premier [Scott] Moe wants to continue with that momentum, that philosophy of the Saskatchewan Party, and fulfill those commitments.鈥�
The throne speech was focused on provincial impact, said Ottenbreit. He noted that some highlights were the home renovation tax credit, a ten per cent reduction to SaskPower bills, reduced ambulance charges for seniors and reintroducing the community rink affordability program.
There are also new supports for people with diabetes, those on the autism spectrum, and deaf-blind individuals. There is also a continuing care aid increase to add supports through long term care. 聽
There will be efforts to reduce tuition by increasing the Saskatchewan Advantage scholarship, and increased funding for legions as they are hit hard by COVID-19.
鈥淚t鈥檚 all supports for people, whether responding to COVID or just making life more affordable.鈥�
COVID-19 is at the top of people鈥檚 minds, and Ottenbreit said that while different people have different ideas, their response was meant to be a balanced response, trying to make life more affordable while also providing more medical support.
The home renovation tax credit is meant to spur investment, and Ottenbreit said that it鈥檚 part of an overall trend for people to start spending more money at home, whether it鈥檚 on recreation products or home improvements.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 going to be something that is quite well utilized.鈥�
Another commitment made is a small business tax break. The rate will be set at zero, and slowly return to normal over the next two years. The goal is to help the businesses hit hard by COVID-19.
鈥淎ny way we can help, we鈥檙e definitely going to try to do that.鈥�
Ottenbreit said they鈥檙e still working towards a balanced budget, though naturally COVID-19 through a wrench into a planned balanced budget this year, and he said they鈥檙e proud of still having a low debt-to-GDP ratio and a great rating from Standard and Poor鈥檚.
