Province Législature Session Type de discours Date du discours Locuteur Fonction du locuteur Parti politique Saskatchewan 20e 4e Discours du trône 29 novembre 1984 Frederik Johnson Lieutenant Governor Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan Mr. Speaker, Members of the legislative assembly, It is my privilege to welcome you to the Fourth Session of the Twentieth Legislature. This Assembly reconvenes at a time when the people of Saskatchewan face a number of crucial challenges and opportunities. The severity of this year's drought and flooding is responsible for severe economic difficulties in some parts of Saskatchewan. Unemployment remains a serious problem as well, although Saskatchewan continues to have the lowest level of unemployment in Canada. To deal with these immediate and major concerns my ministers will develop policies and programs based upon the traditional Saskatchewan values of self-reliance and cooperation. In this regard, my ministers will continue to rely on these values in order to ensure that the activities of my government facilitate the initiative and enterprise of our business community, protect our common heritage, and enhance the quality of health, education and social services available to the people of Saskatchewan. My government recognizes, however, that in order to be effective its policies and programs must also be developed in consultation with the federal government and the other provinces. Accordingly, my ministers are encouraged by the more open approach to federal-provincial relations exhibited by the new government in Ottawa. My ministers believe that economic renewal in Canada can only be achieved when the federal government and the provinces co-operatively develop national programs targeted towards job creation and other efforts that will stimulate the economy. WORLD AND NATIONAL ECONOMIES The prosperity of Saskatchewan also is dependent to a large extent on economic developments outside the province. Approximately 30 per cent of Saskatchewan's income is earned outside Canada, with another 15 per cent from the other Canadian provinces. The world economy is slowly recovering from the severe recession of 1981-82. The economic recovery in Canada is proceeding at a faster rate than in Europe, but is lagging behind the recovery in the United States. Unfortunately, the Canadian recovery is not yet strong enough to bring about a significant reduction in the national unemployment rate. Interest rates remain at high levels, hurting many sectors of the economy and dampening investment. SASKATCHEWAN ECONOMY The Saskatchewan economy weathered the world recession relatively well, but demand did fall off sharply in some key resource sectors. Recovery from the recession is now under way despite the recent negative financial effects of the drought on farmers and small businesses. Following my government's changes in the royalty tax structure, the number of oil wells drilled in 1983 was more than double the 1982 level. This year, a new record has been established, with more than 2,100 new wells drilled in the first nine months alone. For the period 1982 through to 1984, the changes to the royalty tax structure implemented by my government resulted in additional revenues of $193 million for Saskatchewan and the creation of 2,450 full-time jobs. On the investment front, new capital spending in Saskatchewan rose by 10.3 per cent during 1983, even though capital spending declined in the rest of Canada. Statistics Canada expects that in 1984 there will be a further increase in capital investment in Saskatchewan. RURAL SASKATCHEWAN Rural Saskatchewan experienced a difficult year in 1984. The depressed world market price of grain resulted in low returns on Saskatchewan agricultural products. Rising farm production costs left most farmers with reduced incomes, and some with difficulties in meeting financial commitments. Environmental factors produced additional hardships. Crop production for 1984 fell to 16.1 million tonnes, down about 20 per cent from last year's harvest. Receipts from production are expected to fall about $600 million as a result of this year's drought. When and where necessary, my government responded to the situation created by these problems by developing sector-specific policies and programs. The Northeast Saskatchewan Flood Assistance Program provided $7.5 million in assistance to some 1,800 farmers in the northeast. My government provided farmers and ranchers with assistance when the drought jeopardized water supplies and pasture conditions. In this regard, it provided assistance to move cattle to summer pastures and assistance to identify and develop alternate water sources. In concert with the federal government, my government also implemented the Prairie Livestock Drought Assistance Program which is providing $26 million to assist livestock producers. Farmers have welcomed the recent improvements to the Crop Insurance Program, a vital part of the safety net for the grain economy. My Ministers are working with their federal counterparts to ensure the necessary legislative changes for an early and substantial payout from the Western Grain Stabilization Fund. My Ministers also are exploring other co-operative, federal-provincial measures which may provide additional help for Saskatchewan farmers. In addition to the immediate financial difficulties caused by this year's adverse climatic conditions, Saskatchewan farmers continue to be burdened by the cost-price squeeze. Last spring, my government introduced an operating loan guarantee program for farmers to ensure they had sufficient funds to carry out their farm operations. Today, many farmers remain in business because of these loan guarantees. All of these measures I have mentioned will help alleviate the cash flow problems presently being experienced by Saskatchewan farmers and, in turn, protect the viability of the farm service sector so vital to rural Saskatchewan. 1984 has, however, been a particularly difficult year for farmers, and further government action Is required to protect the family farm. Accordingly, my government intends to introduce in this session comprehensive legislation to provide security for viable family farms jeopardized by uncontrollable costs, burdensome debts, and the impact of adverse weather conditions. My government is not prepared to see the security of the family farm endangered by short-term difficulties. My government is determined to provide Saskatchewan farmers with the opportunity to remain economically viable in the increasingly competitive and technologically sophisticated agriculture industry. WATER MANAGEMENT My government recognizes that we must begin to develop long-term solutions to drought and flood related problems through expanded programs in water management. The very dry conditions in southern Saskatchewan and the flooding in the northeast in 1984 are the most recent examples of two chronic problems that have plagued this province for decades. The Water Corporation will be increasing expenditures in 1985 and the years beyond in the water sector on capital works which will be of benefit to Saskatchewan. In addition, the Saskatchewan Water Corporation will continue to work closely with the agencies of the federal government to ensure their participation in the needed expenditures on planning, research, drainage control, irrigation development, and municipal water supply projects throughout Saskatchewan. These positive actions demonstrate my government's determination to resolve the long-standing water resource problems in the province, while at the same time expanding economic activity. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT During the coming session, my government will demonstrate its continuing commitment to improving the quality of life for all Saskatchewan residents. It will do so by ensuring that its services and its service delivery systems are effective, comprehensive, and community-based. My government is determined to uphold this commitment for the population in general and for special groups. In consultation with the medical profession, my government is committed to identifying the most appropriate means by which it can end the practice of extra-billing in Saskatchewan. The new Kinsmen Children's Centre will open soon in Saskatoon, and progress is being made on the new Regina Rehabilitation Centre, a $35 million project which will see an $18 million therapy wing under construction in 1985-86. My government will continue to develop major initiatives in the field of Mental Health services, including a new Mental Health Act to ensure that the rights of patients are adequately protected. My government also will continue to develop services for the elderly. In this regard, it will continue with its major commitment to special-care home construction by spending $25 million over the next five years. Furthermore, my government's Seniors Bureau will ensure that the needs and concerns of seniors are communicated to government and that government programming will be available to seniors. My government is committed to upholding the dignity of the individual, protecting our children, and preserving the sanctity of the family. In April of this year, my government presented a brief entitled Respecting Human Dignity to the Fraser Committee on Pornography and Prostitution. The brief expressed the view that there is a great deal of violence and degradation directed towards women in pornographic material. Consequently, the brief recommended to the federal government that it strengthen its laws and policies against pornography. Recently, Saskatchewan also submitted a brief to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission, requesting stricter regulations be implemented with respect to pornographic programming on pay-television networks. During the past year, my government undertook a comprehensive review of its Family Service Act and now is preparing new legislation emphasizing the prevention of child abuse, support for the integrity of the family, and the need for community involvement. It will, as well, continue to provide help in a co-ordinated, comprehensive fashion to women who are victims of family violence and to children in need of protection. Thousands of men and women, formerly dependent, now have the opportunity to regain their independence as a result of my government's continuing efforts to link job creation to skills development. My government is pleased to announce that the $12.6 million Saskatchewan Skills Development Program will channel 3,500 welfare recipients through our community college and technical institute system, providing them with the skills required to compete for jobs and to become self-supporting. This approach to human development reflects my government's commitment to effective, preventive programming designed to provide productive opportunities to all our people. My government also has been successful in linking skill training to the market-place. The Advanced Technology Training Centre was established in Saskatoon in June 1984 as a joint government-industry venture. This Centre will provide retraining opportunities during the next five years for approximately 1,000 technicians currently employed in our high technology industries. Previously, my government announced a major expansion to Saskatchewan's technical institutes. These institutions since 1982 have increased their capacity by 1,000 training places, and there are plans to provide additional capacity in 1984-85. In addition, my government is providing in excess of half a million dollars this year for the delivery of career counselling services in both rural and urban areas through the community colleges. This will enable individuals to make informed choices regarding career training and personal development. My government will continue to place a high priority on the flexibility and accessibility of the training provided to our residents. In this regard, it has developed, and will continue to facilitate, improved consultation with the federal government, labour, industry, and the public to ensure it is tailoring programs and delivery mechanisms to meet the needs of employers, employees, and the unemployed. EMPLOYMENT POLICY These training initiatives are but one indication of my government's determination to focus its energies on employment issues. The efforts of my Ministers have contributed over the last year to a provincial employment situation which is the best in Canada. These efforts could not have been successful without the cooperation and involvement of many businesses, municipalities, and non-governmental organizations. Programs of my government, such as the Industrial Incentive Program, the Saskatchewan Access Youth Employment Program, Opportunities '84, the Students-in-Industry Program, and the Saskatchewan Employment Development Program depend on this cooperation and involvement. With this assistance my government will have created close to eight thousand jobs for students, social assistance recipients, natives, and the unemployed in general over the 1984-85 fiscal year. Other government programs with a job creation impact such as government and Crown capital construction programs, support services for the development of employment cooperatives, the Seniors' Home Repair Program, and the New Careers Corporation will add to this total. These efforts will be redoubled to ensure that this strong performance is continued. My government has already announced the designation of a Minister responsible for Employment. This House will be asked to consider legislation establishing a government agency to assist him in his duties. The Minister responsible for employment, in concert with his colleagues, will be refining and elaborating the employment strategy of my government. In this regard, my government intends to place a special emphasis on employment development in the private sector. The members of this Assembly will be asked to consider in the coming session the programs required to implement this strategy, including innovative approaches in the area of employment and training for our young people. Another important element in this strategy will be to respond immediately to the need for winter employment. Winter is typically a time when the economy slows down and unemployment rises. Immediate priority will be given to increasing opportunities for employment during this winter. My government shortly will be announcing new funding to stimulate activity in both the public and private sectors. The employment strategy of my government must, however, go beyond such specific measures to consider and deal with questions fundamental to the economic future of all Saskatchewan residents -- young and old, male and female, employee and employer. There are no simple answers to these fundamental questions. Almost half of Saskatchewan's unemployed are unskilled and untrained young people. More and more people are coming to Saskatchewan in search of employment opportunities lacking elsewhere. Women are becoming increasingly important contributors to the overall economy with their own unique mix of needs for employment opportunities. The very nature of employment itself is changing under the impact of international events and changing technologies. We, in Saskatchewan, must learn to respond to these events by adapting our traditional industries as necessary and by exploring the potential of new industries that may arise. The provincial government has a key role to play in this response, but others must be involved as well. Discussions will be required with the federal government in order to improve the co-ordination of federal and provincial employment and training programs. Dialogue with major actors in the private and public sectors of the economy, and with the public at large, will be established to ensure that policies match the employment needs of both employers and employees. My government believes that all of us must work together to explore every avenue that promises meaningful employment to our people on a sustained basis. In consequence, a further priority will be to ensure that the government's job creation efforts are consistent with, and support, the long-term economic development policy of the province. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT My government believes that Canada's economic potential can only be realized through a co-operative national effort that will allow the two orders of government to develop common solutions to the country's economic and social problems. My government intends to cooperate fully with the federal government and the other provinces to ensure a successful First Ministers' Conference on the Economy to be held here in Regina early next year. My government actively sought the opportunity to host this important conference because of its belief that Saskatchewan and Western Canada have a very real contribution to make to the economic growth of this country. Indeed, the agenda for the First Ministers' Conference on the Economy addresses Saskatchewan's priorities for economic renewal. In this regard, the agenda for the conference will focus on training, increasing investment in Canada, building on regional strengths, and developing an internationally competitive Canadian economy. Saskatchewan expects to make a significant contribution to the conference in the anticipation that major, new directions will be established. My government is committed to the development of joint federal-provincial initiatives aimed at encouraging economic development in Saskatchewan. In 1984, Canada and Saskatchewan signed an Economic and Regional Development agreement under which approximately $250 million in joint programs have been initiated. This agreement represents a cooperative process of economic development in Saskatchewan and ensures that the federal government's economic policies build on Saskatchewan's inherent strengths. Economic activity in Saskatchewan has continued at an encouraging pace. My government's Major Projects Inventory now monitors $9 billion in large-scale construction being planned for implementation over the next five years. My government is working hard to ensure that Saskatchewan firms reap the benefits of these projects. These major projects are important. However, it is the health and prosperity of individual businesses across this province that will ensure the continuing growth of the Saskatchewan economy. Sound, well-managed enterprises, built on our strengths, and spanning all sectors of the economy, will make by far the most significant contribution to economic performance and output. My government is committed to ensuring that these enterprises function in an environment which is conducive to growth and development. In this regard, my government has initiated a number of policies and programs to help our small-business community realize its potential and meet the challenges of the 1980's. The spring budget this year introduced a comprehensive program for industrial development. The program included tax reductions for manufacturing and processing, sales tax exemptions for prototypes, tax credits for venture capital creation, and innovative industrial incentives for job creation and capital investment. These successful programs have provided an integrated approach to support economic growth. For example, commitments to date under the Industrial Incentive Program indicate that the program will meet its twelve-month target of 1,500 permanent jobs and more than $40 million in new capital investment in manufacturing and processing. The Venture Capital Tax Credit Act is encouraging the supply of Saskatchewan investment funds to small businesses in need of capital. This kind of assistance promotes the introduction of new technologies, products, and services, and creates jobs. These policies and programs reflect my government's continuing commitment to the creation of permanent job opportunities through sound economic growth. SASKATCHEWAN HERITAGE 1985 1985 will be a special year for Saskatchewan and its people. My government has designated the year as Saskatchewan Heritage 1985 and the theme "Commemorating our Past, Building our Future" expresses the spirit of this year. Saskatchewan Heritage 1985 will be a year for the people of Saskatchewan to commemorate the accomplishments of our history, to recognize Saskatchewan's youth as a special resource with which we will build the future, and to honour the contribution of native culture to Saskatchewan through our remembrance of the North West Rebellion. In preparation for Saskatchewan Heritage 1985, my government will be facilitating the development of heritage committees and undertaking a number of promotional programs outside the province to attract visitors to Saskatchewan. CONCLUSION Various other legislative measures will be placed before you for your consideration. The public accounts for the last fiscal year, together with estimates for the year commencing April 1, 1985, will be submitted to you. I leave you now to the business of the session, with full confidence that you will favourably discharge your duties and responsibilities. May Divine Providence continue to bless our province and guide this Legislature in all its deliberations.