By paNOW Staff

Wall extends PST exemption on children’s clothing

Nov 8, 2011 | 4:00 PM

Premier Brad Wall announced in a media conference on Tuesday that his government make good on their “first campaign promise” by Nov. 15, and extend the PST exemption on chidren's clothing from those under 14 to those under 17.

He said that he hopes the tax relief will make financial issues easier on families in advance on Christmas shopping.

The Sask Party will have a fall session of the legislature to identify legislation that they'd like to see passed in the spring. Wall did not set an exact date, but it will likely be in late November or early December.

A cabinet will be picked in the coming weeks. Wall told reporters that it will be filled with familiar faces so that those newly elected have time to learn.

“There are advantages to continuity.”

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He suggested that if changes are made, they will happen in June, when it's easier for new members to get used to their positions.

No rent control

Wall stated decisively that his government will not be “going down the road of rent control” in the next four years, but sympathized with renters and laid out some possible solutions.

He suggested advantages or rewards for landlords that give voluntary lenience for renters.

“Let's work with both sides to try to mitigate that increase,” he said.

“There's a sense of fairness at work here.”

The premier said he liked the idea of helping people to find more affordable places to live, in situations where other policies won't work.

Wall maintained that the first priority, however, is to pay off the debt.

Working with the opposition

Wall thanked all those who ran in the election during his media conference speech, especially NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter for “facilitating a debate and a choice,” and said that he thought the New Democrats had good ideas.

“We have a job to listen to good ideas wherever they come from,” said Wall.

“We'll be listening to those ideas, and to the people of the province.”

The premier maintained that the Opposition, which he feels can still be very strong despite having only nine seats, will keep the government accountable.

Relationships with unions

The Sask Party leader spoke to the ties between their government and unions, and promised to provide stable, long term employment and opportunities for them.

“We'll focus on serving the members of the unions just like we're focused on serving all the members of the province.”

Wall said that if there's opportunities to improve accountability and transparency for union members, his party will pursue them.

The road ahead

Earlier in the morning, the premier spoke on News Talk Radio’s John Gormley Live Tuesday morning. He says his goal is to for the Saskatchewan population to be 1.1 million people by 2015.

He also spoke about making the province debt-free.

“We would like to eliminate the general revenue fund debt. Certainly within a decade, speaking on behalf of ours and some subsequent government perhaps, and maybe sooner,” said Wall.

In his press conference in the afternoon, the premier stressed the importance of keeping the “Saskatchewan Advantage,” and that so far “we're weathering these current choppy seas very well.”

On Monday, the Saskatchewan Party took 49 of the province’s 58 seats. The NDP was elected in nine seats.

news@panow.com