Sask. politicians back at legislature as Moe, Meili now lead

Saskatchewan’s politicians are back at the legislature Monday afternoon as the spring session gets underway.

This session will have an entirely different look and feel.

Not only is Scott Moe now premier and Ryan Meili head of the NDP but there are three new MLAs arriving and a new Speaker will need to be elected.

It will be the first opportunity to gauge the dynamic as Moe and Meili square off for the first time as newly-minted leaders.

“I think you’ll see two new leaders finding their water wings or their sea legs as it were, with one another,” Moe said.

Meili won’t be the only headache Moe must face.

In the upcoming weeks, he will release the first budget of his administration, one already forecast by the finance minister to be a “tough” one. 

Moe is signalling he would like to do things a little differently than last year.

“We need to continually reach and talk to those that may or may not be affected by the decisions that are made, and to collaborate in the lead up to that so that we are fully aware and there is no unintended consequences,” Moe maintained.

Although not expected prior to the April 10 budget, the government will have to finally reveal its plans for the legalization of cannabis.

“It is very active within our caucus and making some of the decisions that we have to and we’ll be releasing those as soon as we can,” Moe confirmed.

Meili is excited for the challenge that lies ahead as leader of the opposition. He was elected as an MLA just a year ago and now sits across from Moe.

Whatever issues are raised over the coming weeks, he contends his team is ready.

“I’m so excited for the roles this team has and the ability to get running here,” Meili said.

This legislative session is scheduled to last until the end of May.