THRONE SPEECH OPENS 2ND SESSION OF THE 25TH LEGISLATURE

A province where no one is left behind on the path to opportunity, a province with an unbreakable social fabric, built on the foundation of diverse and growing communities and a green and prosperous economy: this is the vision of the Lorne Calvert government for the 2nd Session of the 25th Legislature, the first session of Saskatchewan's second century.

"It is the goal of this government to have the children of our centennial grow up leading healthy, active lives and benefiting from high quality education," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "We want them to live and grow and reach adulthood proud of, and involved in, their communities, proud of this province and its diversity, and proud to be full participants in Saskatchewan's prosperity."

Today's Speech from the Throne, read by her Honour Lieutenant-Governor Lynda Haverstock, continues the government's vision of Saskatchewan as a "have" province with heart. Session highlights include:

• ensuring a green and prosperous economy by balancing the budget and paying down debt, taking actions on the recommendations from the Business Tax Review Committee, acting on the results of the recent Green Strategy consultations, developing and implementing climate change and energy initiatives, and providing further investment in programs that support participation of more youth and Aboriginal people in the labour market and business sector;

• ensuring a foundation of diverse and growing communities through new initiatives such as the Building Communities Fund to meet the economic development, cultural, social and recreational needs of the province; and

• ensuring an unbreakable social fabric through legislation that supports safe communities, through significant new funding to community-based organizations that offer a critical array of services for children and families, and through initiatives that provide Saskatchewan students with access to affordable, high quality learning, skills training and apprenticeship opportunities that build careers in this province.

"Throughout 2005, Saskatchewan people have been celebrating with tremendous pride 100 years of what is unique and wonderful about our province," Calvert said. "Our government is building on that pride with a vision that puts forward a legacy for our children. Above all, we are ensuring today's children have a safe, healthy and prosperous future, right here at home."

The entire Throne Speech and a card highlighting key elements of the speech can be accessed on the Government of Saskatchewan website at www.gov.sk.ca.

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Jay Branch Media Services Regina Phone: (306) 787-6349