Indigenous economy, reconciliation and mental health and addictions are priorities for the Scott Moe government, as Lt. Gov. Russ Mirasty delivered the first Speech from the Throne since the October provincial election.
To help strengthen the Indigenous business sector, the province plans to create the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corporation.
“This new corporation will provide up to $75 million in financing to Indigenous communities and organizations interested in making equity investments in resource development projects,” said Mirasty.
The province is encouraged by private sector investment of nearly $1 billion dollars into the northern forestry industry, which is expected to create more than 3000 new jobs.
Mirasty highlighted the government’s work with the Cowessess First Nation on a new child welfare agreement, which will see Cowessess administer child welfare services for its members.
The Ministry of Social Services will also look to increase culturally relevant programming. “As part of that effort, the Ministry is expanding the Opikinawasowin program that offers culturally appropriate child welfare services to Indigenous families requiring support,”Mirasty said.
Mirasty explained that the entire province was shocked and saddened by the discovery of 751 unmarked graves at the former Marieval residential school earlier this year. The provincial government dedicated $2 million to aid First Nations in their own investigation of unmarked graves.
Over the next three years, the province will look to expand addictions treatment detox spaces by 150, building on treatment services in Estevan.
In an effort to decrease rural crime, police officers in several communities, including La Ronge will see the creation of Crime Reduction Teams.
The Throne Speech comes as the province battles a fourth-wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought the health care system on the cusp of collapse. Mirasty thanked the front line health staff for their tireless efforts over the pandemic and encouraged people to get vaccinated.