Saskatchewan.

AuthorUrsulescu, Stacey
PositionLegislative Reports - Report

Since the spring sitting began on March 4, 2013, there have been rule changes, the establishment of a Special Committee, a new Leader of the Opposition, the Budget presentation and the passage of a Private Members' Public Bill.

Rule Change

Two rule changes are of note. First, a provisional rule change now allows the composition of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts to consist of eight Members including two opposition Members for the duration of the Legislature. Prior to the rule change, there were seven Members on PAC with the ratio of members being six government Members and one Opposition Member with the Opposition Member as Chair. The second rule allows, the Government House Leader, Jeremy Harrison, who is a Member of Executive Council but not a Minister of the Crown, to act on behalf of Ministers for the transaction of government business and to respond to questions during Question Period.

Special Committee

A Special Committee on Traffic Safety has been appointed to conduct an inquiry on matters related to improving traffic safety and reducing fatalities. The Special Committee on Traffic Safety is seeking recommendations from the public on improving traffic safety and reducing fatalities caused by impaired driving, distracted driving, excessive speed, intersection safety, and/or wildlife collisions, as well as education and public awareness issues related to traffic safety. The Committee is planning public hearings in 12 communities and has been ordered to report its recommendations by August 30, 2013.

New Leader of the Opposition

On March 9, 2013, the New Democratic Party held its leadership convention. Cam Broten won on the second ballot. Mr. Broten was subsequently appointed Leader of the Opposition and named Trent Wotherspoon as the new Deputy Leader. John Nilson previously served as Leader of the Opposition on an interim basis since the last general election. Buckley Belanger was previously the Deputy Leader.

Commonwealth Day

The Saskatchewan Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association held its annual dinner on Commonwealth Day this year. Senator Raynelle Andreychuk made the keynote address and spoke generally about the Commonwealth of Nations, its history and the diversity of membership among the nations. She then discussed renewal of the Commonwealth including her role as the Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. The committee was requested to conduct a hearing process...

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