As most people know, election season in Saskatchewan has wrapped up. We experienced both a provincial and municipal vote within a two-week period. Once all the ballots were counted, Saskatchewan residents saw some significant changes to who their elected representatives are.
The Saskatchewan Party was re-elected for an unprecedented fifth term, but with a stronger NDP opposition. Municipal elections for the most part saw a change of leadership in many of the cities and towns across the province.
During the election period, the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association (SHCA) was advocating hard on behalf of our industry to ensure that those running for public office were aware of the necessity of having good infrastructure to keep the province growing.
Prior to the start of the campaign, SHCA had commissioned its own poll on what the priorities were for Saskatchewan residents. Respondents indicated that the top spending priorities should focus on health, education, cost-of-living and the economy. However, the next priority listed by those who were polled chose funding for infrastructure and road safety improvements.
A majority of the respondents – 63 per cent – agreed that the government should be spending more on fixing the roads in the province. SHCA will continue to advocate to all levels of government the importance of infrastructure funding and how it is key to our economic wellbeing.
Post-election, we saw a big change in the make-up of the provincial cabinet, with no pre-election ministers retaining their respective portfolio. SHCA is pleased to welcome back Minister David Marit to the portfolio of Highways. Marit previously held the post in 2016 and understands the challenges our industry faces.
We also look forward to working with the new leaders elected in many of the municipalities across the province. Both Regina and Saskatoon elected new mayors to lead those cities and SHCA will engage with them and the other new municipal leaders on the issues that impact our industry at a local level.
On Nov. 25, the newly-elected Saskatchewan Party government unveiled its Throne Speech, titled “A New Beginning.”
To us, new beginnings are new opportunities. While change can bring uncertainty to some, our association looks forward to working with all of the newly-elected provincial and municipal members to build the infrastructure needed to keep our towns, cities and province growing.
