麻豆视频

The Throne Speech for the new session of the Saskatchewan Legislature was read last week, and it is again a 'stay-the-course' document said local MLA Greg Ottenbreit.

"The Throne Speech is quite a general document," he said, adding it tends to reaffirm the direction of the government's 2020 and beyond document which is the foundation for growth in the upcoming years.

Ottenbreit added the Throne Speech certainly highlighted "the economic strength of the province."

"More people are working in Saskatchewan than ever before," stated the Speech.

"In June, employment hit a record high of 577,000 people working in our province.

"In July, unemployment hit a record low of 3.2 per cent - the lowest unemployment rate ever recorded.

"In September, Saskatchewan had the lowest unemployment rate and the fastest rate of job creation anywhere in Canada.

"Saskatchewan people are earning more than ever before and they are keeping more of what they earn, thanks to lower taxes."

Ottenbreit said the world is aware of the strides being made economically in the province, as witnessed by Moody's New York now giving Saskatchewan the highest rating possible in terms of economic rating.

Such a rating means if the province were to want to borrow money it could do so at better interest rates, said Ottenbreit, adding it might even save interest on existing debt moving forward.

From the Speech, "Because of my government's commitment to sound financial management, Moody's recently upgraded Saskatchewan's credit rating to triple-A - their highest possible rating.

"In providing the upgrade, Moody's said: "Saskatchewan's triple-A rating reflects the province's fiscal discipline and sustained low debt levels, which underscore prudent financial management practices."

Ottenbreit said Saskatchewan's now diverse economy is opening markets for products around the world, adding that too was a theme for the Speech.

"Since 2007, Saskatchewan's exports have increased by 63 per cent, while manufacturing shipments have climbed by more than 50 per cent," detailed the Speech.

"Surging demand for our products has created unprecedented opportunity for workers and businesses, and attracted people from across the country and around the world."

The growing access to diverse markets has helped stabilize the economy, said Ottenbreit.

Oil is now only about 10 per cent of the economy, and potash 15, so when those markets downturn the impact in Saskatchewan is buffered by sectors such as forestry, manufacturing, science and technology and health care technology, said Ottenbreit.

The diversified economic strength has helped the government keep on its primary target, said Ottenbreit.

"The biggest thing we always keep mindful of is a balanced budget," he said, adding it remains a basic principle the government must continue "living with its means."

Like the average person, a government must continue "doing the best it can with what it has," he said.

As Ottenbreit stated, the Speech was about staying the course.

"In this session, my government will continue working hard to keep Saskatchewan strong," it stated.

"A strong economy is the foundation of a strong province with an excellent quality of life for its entire people.

"A strong economy means we are better able to meet the challenges of growth in health care, housing, education and infrastructure.

"My government will continue taking the right steps to encourage economic growth."