More than 50 per cent of the current MLAs are new in Saskatchewan. Jordan McPhail is one of them. (Submitted photo/Jordan McPhail)

By Derek Cornet

provincial politics

McPhail says Northern Sask. ignored in 2024 Throne Speech

Nov 25, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Cumberland NDP MLA Jordan McPhail isn’t impressed by the Throne Speech released by the Saskatchewan Party on Monday.

“After 17 years of the Saskatchewan Party, we see very much of the same coming from this Throne Speech, no relief for northern people, not a whole lot of mention of northern at all, and all I can say, [its] the same old Saskatchewan Party coming out of this Throne Speech,” he said.

Details in the Throne Speech highlight the provincial government’s plans to increase the population to 1.4 million, get $16 billion/year in private capital investment, increase value-added revenue to $10 billion and double forestry sales to $2.2 billion.

In the area of health, Premier Scott Moe promised to expand access to urgent care with new centres announced for Prince Albert, North Battleford, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon. Moe has committed to ensuring that every resident will have access to health care by the end of 2028.

In the area of education, the government promised two key things: increased support for complex classrooms and funding targeted at getting an increased number of students reading at their age level by Grade 3. Earlier this year, eight schools were selected to pilot a ‘specialized support classroom model’. Two of the schools were in Prince Albert and another two in North Battleford.

Heavy snow causing issues

Travel not recommended in Melfort area

1h ago

byelection

McDougall on the ballot in upcoming Air Ronge byelection

2h ago

Winter continues

Snow forecasted for Prince Albert, Humboldt

6h ago

McPhail believes the Throne Speech shows the provincial government doesn’t think northerners are worthy of investment.

“We see resources come across the northern highways and coming out Northern Saskatchewan and it would be nice to see our government take that to heart and put some resources back in,” he explained.

“Anything for folks in Northern Saskatchewan would be great. When we look at the urgent care centres they are talking about, it would be great to see one of those in Northern Saskatchewan.”

McPhail is calling for immediate relief for people in Northern Saskatchewan. He noted that includes suspending the gas tax as soon as possible, which would save consumers 15 cents per liter at the pumps.

Read more about the 2024 Saskatchewan Throne Speech online here.

– With files from Susan McNeil

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

McPhail says Northern Sask. ignored in 2024 Throne Speech

What's Trending