It was a busy fall session in the legislature for the Government of Saskatchewan. 

The session, which wrapped up last week, saw the province release a growth plan and also introduced numerous pieces of legislation. 

Everett Hindley, MLA for Swift Current, said that the highlight of the session was the growth plan they released. 

"Some of the things that are positives are things that are part of the growth plan. Key targets of a population of 1.4 million, 100,000 more jobs in Saskatchewan increasing exports by 50 per cent and increasing our ag value-added venue to 10 billion dollars. Those are things that are important parts of the growth plan, and they are significant to Swift Current and southwest Saskatchewan." 

"There are new targets for oil production as well that we are going to try and achieve as well as continue to advocate for increased pipeline capacity and getting our product to market. Some of the bits of legislation that were introduced weather it's changes to the Tobacco Control Amendment Act, which brings vaping products in line with existing tobacco legislation or the opioid damage and healthcare recovery act." 

Hindley said that an important piece of legislation they introduced would see stiffer penalties for distracted drivers.

"We've seen changes that were made with respect to impaired driving, some fairly serious and significant penalties," he said. "Starting in February is when the changes to distracted driving will take effect. Some fairly steep fines that will be in place for those offences just because we are not seeing the message is getting through to everybody. It's improving but not enough. There are still far too many people that are driving distracted." 

Looking forward to the spring session, Hindley said that they would introduce more from the growth plan, but the main focus will be the budget. 

"The growth plan was a key part of the fall session as well as a number of targets that were part of the growth plan. You will see more of the specific details start to come out in the spring session," he said. "We will have the budget that comes out in the third week of March, and that will probably include initiatives that will form a basis of the growth plan as well." 

He added that other significant legislation that was introduced was the continued investment in the Partners in Employment program with the Swift Current SaskAbilities branch, education framework for the next decade, and funding to help with surgical wait times.

For more information on the newly introduced legislation click the links below:

Amendments to Saskatchewan’s Tobacco Control Act Passed

New Funding Looks To Reverse The Increase in Surgical Wait Time

Growth Plan Looking to Boost Population With Various Changes

Increased Parental Leave Included in Amendments to Saskatchewan's Employment Act

Province Releases Education Framework Plan for Next Decade

Partners in Employment Program in Swift Current Receives Government Investment

Stiffer Penalties For Distracted Drivers

Premier Scott Moe Discusses Increasing Saskatchewan's Oil Production