The North’s only MLA will be looking for affordability, employment and increased services in next week’s Speech from the Throne.
Cumberland’s Doyle Vermette said the cost of living is high in many northern communities. “You look at affordability, the cost of living up here, our jobs, like there’s so many things that we need from our government to assist us into partnership, and I’ll be watching to see what exactly it’s in there,” said Vermette. “ We look at the addictions, the mental health issues we are faced with here. It’s just unreal.”
Lt. Gov. Russ Mirasty will deliver the Throne Speech next Wednesday. This will be Premier Scott Moe’s first opportunity since winning the election in October to outline his government’s priorities.
In June, the Cowessess First Nation announced the discovery of 751 unmarked graves at a burial site at the former Marieval residential school. The First Nation said it identified many of the remains.
Since that announcement, several other Saskatchewan First Nations have been using ground-penetrating radar to search grave sites near local residential schools. The province pledged $2 million to support research into undocumented deaths and burials on formerly federally operated residential school locations in the province.
Vermette said the Throne Speech should mention reconciliation and advancing First Nations and Metis interests.
Recently the provincial government announced timber allocations for forestry products companies in Prince Albert. The operation of mills is expected to significantly create more jobs for the region.