The fall session of the Provincial Legislature opened yesterday with the Speech from the Throne.

     Lower taxes and debt reduction are the two items that Moose Jaw Wakamow NDP MLA Deb Higgins points to as the most important parts of the Throne Speech.

     Higgins says that, while Throne Speeches are generally short on details, this one deals with programs and services for next year without addressing issues that are facing people right now, such as the rising cost of housing, utilities, and transportation.  She says with a $3 billion surplus, the government should take more immediate action.

     Higgins was also concerned with what the province's plans for licensed childcare spaces are.  She says the province gets $7.5 million annually from the Federal government for the creation of childcare spaces, but have committed $1.7 million for that purpose in the Speech from the Throne.  She adds that it would be nice to see a more detailed plan and see when the rest of the funding will be rolled out to childcare facilities and providers.