Sask. premier prefers to focus on promising economic trends in 'State of the Province' speech
Taking the stage in a city that has been the province's hotspot during COVID-19's fourth wave, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe delivered his "State of the Province" speech.
Last week Moe revealed some ICU patients would be transferred to Ontario to help relieve pressure on Saskatchewan's healthcare system and miltary help was announced for the province over the weekend.
Moe, while acknowledging the province is finding its "way through what's been a very, very tough fourth wave of COVID-19," signaled he wanted to focus on positive economic trends.
"The progress that we're seeing as we deal with significant challenges in this global pandemic," Moe said.
The keynote address at a Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce luncheon comes ahead of Moe's forthcoming throne speech scheduled for Wednesday.
Before he started his speech, Moe joked that he's "still struggling on when to shake hands and when not to shake hands" as Nutrien CEO Mayo Schmidt wrapped up the premier's introduction and handed off the podium.
Moe began by praising Schmidt's recent appointment to the potash giant's top job before pivoting to the pandemic and the challenges it has posed for businesses.
"We're living through a lot in a very short period of time, it hasn't been easy," Moe said.
He thanked health-care workers and reiterated his stance that unvaccinated people are responsible for the current COVID-19 surge in Saskatchewan.
Moe also referenced calls for limits on gathering sizes to help lower the number of new cases and stave off a potential winter surge in cases as more people spend time indoors.
Moe said he didn't think it would be right to impose "sweeping restrictions or sweeping orders" on those who have "done the right thing" by getting vaccinated.
The Premier spent the bulk of his speech trumpeting positive economic stories.
"I think we should all be focused on our future as we find our way to better days," Moe said at one point.
New canola crushing plants in Regina, a resurgent forestry sector and the success of Saskatchewan technology firms were among Moe's highlights as he made his case why "this coming decade will be Saskatchewan's decade."
The premier got a chuckle from the audience at one point when he alluded to a forthcoming "helium action plan" to help the industry grow in the province.
"I just want be clear I'm not announcing that program today, I'm just going to float that trial balloon out there and see how it goes."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.