REGINA – The throne speech by the Saskatchewan government went ahead as planned Wednesday despite some initial concerns over security.
Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall told reporters there were thoughts of delaying the speech as events unfold in Ottawa, but he decided against it.
“We will proceed,” said Wall in a speech during assembly. “We have work to do. It is the work of the democracy. Let us be about that work. And even as we do it, might we send a message today to anyone who would harbour some dark conspiracy that this democracy in our country might be intimidated or silenced. We will simply never let that happen.”
“Democracy in Canada has fallen under attack,” he went on to say. “Those who perpetrated the attack no doubt are motivated by a hatred that is very strong. They should know this; Our resolve is stronger. Our strength is greater. Our freedoms have faced threats before and our nation has always prevailed.”
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While some of the events surrounding the speech were cancelled, there was no lockdown of the Legislative building.
The outdoor and public portions of the opening ceremony of the Legislature were cancelled, along with a scheduled flyover by 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
Uninvited guests were not allowed in the visitor’s gallery for the speech and all tours of the building were cancelled.
Regina police performed scheduled sweeps the building.
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While Wall doesn’t believe there is any threat to his own personal safety, he may consider additional security measures for getting into the building including metal detectors.
Opposition leader Cam Broten would like to see metal detectors installed and says he doesn’t see them as being too restrictive.
“If we had metal detectors or those types of steps in place, we could ensure if people want to come they could be screened appropriately and then everyone could be safe,” Broten told reporters. “That’s something we should look at so everyone can be safe.”
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