Radville -
It was an energy of hope, prosperity and excitement that filled the room as a capacity crowd entered the banquet hall at the Beefeater Inn for the Saskatchewan Party Constituents Dinner on Wednesday, September 9th. On behalf of the event hosts, the Estevan Constituency Association, Bernie Bjorndalen, President welcomed everyone and served as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
Mr. Bjorndalen introduced many of the attending dignitaries including; Premier Brad Wall, MP Ed Komarnicki, MLA Doreen Eagles and many of her Party MLA colleagues.
The entire attendance, lead by Estevan Idol, Blair Wrubleski, joined for a resounding rendition of 'O'Canada' followed by an insightful Grace lead by Ken Sholter and comments from Estevan Mayor, Gary St. Onge.
Once Dinner was served, MLA Eagles introduced Premier Brad Wall, saying of him "Premier Wall has a genuine passion for this province." As he took the stage, to a resounding standing ovation, it was this passion that engaged the audience for his eloquent, articulate, witty and insightful address.
Premier Wall began by quoting Albert Einstein who once said "Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you need to keep momentum." Premier Wall reinforced the Sask Party's commitment to keeping this province on balance by generating sustainable momentum for the economy, health care, infrastructure, energy and agriculture. Premier Wall, with a firm, committed voice and with his arm raised, said when speaking of agriculture and the commitment the administration has to supporting the entire ag industry, "We are not going to forget from whence we came," to which the room responded with booming applause.
Since taking his seat at the head of our Province, the Sask Party administration has met and exceeded many of their campaign promises. Through their leadership, we also see Saskatchewan flourish during this global recession. Today in Saskatchewan, the population is increasing, there are more people working and there is definitely an optimistic light in these living skies. A manifestation of the commitment and passion the entire caucus has to doing the things that will propel Saskatchewan into sustainable prosperity.
To the business community Premier Wall said "We will keep the barriers to growth down" as an open invitation to encourage business investment to our economy, he continued, "As long as you are investing in good faith and good will in your Saskatchewan business, you can expect the same from the Sask Party Government," triggering another resounding applause from the audience.
With a proven record of success including; retaining over 500 new and qualified nurses, finding permanent solutions to income and property tax challenges, fixing long standing social problems, reducing debt by over 40% all the while leaving an unprecedented cash surplus, Premier Wall's claim that the best days for Saskatchewan are ahead, was readily embraced by the audience.
In closing, Premier Wall articulated the strong position Saskatchewan has created for itself, with a reference to an acquaintance who has long traveled the country facing questions like "Why are you still in Saskatchewan?" and now faces no such queries. Instead she is asked about the many opportunities that lie in the rolling hills, across the golden plains and throughout the living skies of this great province!
In his final words, Premier Wall was supported as the entire audience stood and applauded and he in a sincere, strong & passionate voice, as though echoing the thoughts of everyone in attendance, declared "God Bless our Province!"
