The end of 2019 brings me to reflect on the highlights of the past year. Through both blessings and challenges, the year certainly was not mundane.
In January, I gave notice to Premier Moe that I would continue to represent Moose Jaw North through to the end of my current term, but would not be seeking re-election. It has been a tremendous privilege and honour to serve the constituents of Moose Jaw North, but for the constituents, my family and myself, I feel this is the right decision.
During the Spring Session in March, the Government presented a balanced budget while maintaining social programs with increases to Social Services, Education and Health. The announcement of a new joint-use school in Moose Jaw to replace the aging structures of Empire, Sacred Heart, St. Mary’s and Westmount was most welcome.
2019 was an extremely difficult year for the agriculture industry as the seasons appeared to be opposite of what would be considered normal; with too little moisture in the spring, then too much moisture for the harvest season. International trade disputes in countries like China and India that were out of the control of our provincial government added to the agricultural challenges.
Despite those challenges, harmful federal policies including the imposed carbon tax, and international economic trade headwinds, Saskatchewan did better than our budget forecast. We are $3 million above the budgeted surplus at mid-year as a result of careful spending and priority investments. Though challenges remain in some sectors, economic indicators including population, employment, and wholesale trade are up.
Other highlights for the province were the completion of major infrastructure projects including the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford, the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon and the Regina Bypass.
September 22 marked the 50th anniversary of our Saskatchewan flag. It was a pleasure to once again meet the designer of our flag, Anthony Drake and his wife, Joan when they visited from England in July. Our office was a sea of yellow and green for an Open House celebration on September 20.
There were a number of memorable highlights for our community of Moose Jaw. The return of the Moose Jaw Air show after a 15-year hiatus was a huge celebratory event. A few weeks later, we said goodbye to Col. Denis O'Reilly, who was instrumental in bringing back the Air Show, and welcomed Col. Ron Walker as the new Commander of 15 Wing.
A historic event happened in September when the last remaining residents moved out of Valley View Centre, marking the end of institutionalized-style living for people with intellectual disabilities in Saskatchewan. Collaboration with families ensured the success and well-being of residents as they moved into communities of their choice.
Moose Jaw will look forward to an economic boost with the November announcement that the construction of the Moose Jaw natural gas-fired power station will go ahead.
It was a positive year for tourism in Moose Jaw, thanks to some good-natured rivalry with Norway about the tallest moose in the world. This created a lot of fun, and with new antlers, Mac the Moose is now once again the world’s tallest moose.
I hope each of us can look back at 2019 and see more blessings than obstacles. As we begin the year of 2020, my wife, Debbie, and I wish you and yours a blessed, healthy and prosperous New Year.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
