Saskatchewan.

• Author: Woods, Margaret
• Position: Legislative appointments

In anticipating the opening of the Second Session on November 7th, Premier Lorne Calvert announced that Len Taylor will assume the duties of Government House Leader from Harry Van Mulligen. Mr Taylor will remain as Minister of Government Relations while Mr. Van Mulligen will concentrate on his Finance ministry duties.

On October 14th, Premier Calvert announced the appointment of two new members of his cabinet. Eldon Lautermilch (Prince Albert Northcote) was named to the Highways and Transportation portfolio, with the additional responsibility for the Saskatchewan Transportation Company. Mr. Lautermilch had previously served in the cabinets of Roy Romanow and Mr. Calvert. Graham Addley (Saskatoon Sutherland) resigned his position as Deputy Speaker in order to accept the position of Minister of Healthy Living Services. His primary focus will be implementing initiatives related to Project Hope, a three year government program to prevent and treat substance abuse. Mr. Addley had previously served as Legislative Secretary to the Premier on Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment.

The election of a new Deputy Speaker took place on the second day of the session on November 8th. With only one name submitted for consideration, Doreen Hamilton (Regina Wascana Plains) was elected by acclamation. Ms. Hamilton is the first woman to serve in any of the presiding officer positions. She had previously served in the cabinet of Mr. Calvert with responsibilities for Liquor and Gaming, Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation, Public Service Commission and Wascana Centre Authority and the Status of Women. More recently, she was the Legislative Secretary to the Premier for the implementation of the Voluntary Sector Initiative.

The mild November weather permitted the traditional Honour guard and gun salute that mark an official legislative opening to take place outside on the grounds in front of the Legislative Building. The proceedings then moved indoors where a citizenship ceremony welcomed fourteen new Canadians. These new citizens joined Members, representatives of the judiciary, the general public and school students to hear the Speech from the Throne.

The Speech focused on the Government's vision of Saskatchewan as a "have" province with heart--"a province where no one is left behind on the path to opportunity, a province with an unbreakable social fabric, built on the foundation of diverse and growing communities, in a green and prosperous economy."...