REGINA, Sask. — Saskatchewan’s legislature officially opened its third session Tuesday with a ceremony steeped in parliamentary tradition, including a military honour guard inspection and a 15-gun salute outside the Legislative Building.
Lt.-Gov. Bernadette McIntyre formally opened the third session of the 30th legislature by delivering the Speech from the Throne inside the Assembly Chamber.
The outdoor ceremony began at 1:20 p.m., with Premier Scott Moe greeting McIntyre before she inspected the Canadian Forces honour guard. The two then proceeded into the Legislative Building alongside government representatives and other officials.
A planned Royal Canadian Air Force flypast by 15 Wing Moose Jaw was cancelled because of weather conditions. The traditional 15-gun salute still went ahead, with two cannons firing over Wascana Lake.
McIntyre described reading the Speech from the Throne as an honour and privilege, noting that the ceremony’s long-standing customs reflect the early days of democracy and the history of Saskatchewan’s parliamentary system.
Moe also highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying the legislature has important work ahead and that he looks forward to what can be achieved during the session in service to Saskatchewan residents.
The opening ceremony has marked sessions of the provincial legislature since 1906, when representatives of the legislature, executive and judiciary gathered for the first time to hear Lt.-Gov. Amédée Forget acknowledge messages of welcome to Saskatchewan’s place in Confederation from Parliament in Ottawa and other provincial legislatures.
The Speech from the Throne outlines the government’s priorities and legislative agenda for the session.
