Recently-elected MLA for Prince Albert Northcote, the Saskatchewan Party's Alana Ross, during the swearing-in ceremony last week. (Saskatchewan Party Caucus)

By Glenn Hicks

government

New P.A. MLA enjoys ‘surreal’ first moments in the legislature

Nov 30, 2020 | 5:12 PM

Newly-elected MLA for Prince Albert Northcote, the Saskatchewan Party’s Alana Ross – like the other political newbies in Regina – was given an introduction to the trappings of Saskatchewan power unlike any other previous sitting of the legislature.

On Monday, MLA’s were not seated directly next to each other and were separated by a sheet of plexiglass amid strict social distancing and health protocols for the official opening of the fall legislative session and the Throne Speech – which outlines the government’s plans going forward.

“We still had the formalities that we’re used to seeing, [but] it was bit of a surreal experience,” Ross told paNOW following the address by Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty. But she still enjoyed the occasion, noting that for her and others who are not familiar with the surroundings, it was all new.

“It was a wonderful experience to have gone through.”

The short fall session of the legislature will last two weeks. Ross’s turn to make her maiden speech – a response to the Throne Speech – will come next Tuesday. Last Wednesday the members of the House were formally sworn in, also a strange experience with limited people in attendance.

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“It’s such an honour and such a humbling experience to be here representing the constituents of Northcote. I’m very blessed to have been given that opportunity and I really encourage everyone to stay safe, follow the guidelines, and we’ll work through this together,” she said.

The opposition NDP has called the Throne Speech a missed opportunity lacking the urgent steps and clear plan needed to fight the second wave of the pandemic. But Ross says the government was elected on a promise to offer balance during what is a challenging time.

“Our government was re-elected with the mandate to make that clear committment; we campaigned on supporting the economic recovery of our province while all the time following the public health practices recommended Dr. Saqib Shahab.”

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow