Welcome to the second session of the 25th Legislature of the Province of Saskatchewan. Welcome to the first session of Saskatchewan's second century.

Throughout 2005 Saskatchewan residents have enjoyed looking back over our rich 100 year history. Our centennial year provides an opportunity for us to remember our great successes and re-energize to meet future challenges.

In this session my government will enact legislation requiring this and future governments to eliminate the provincial debt within 25 years. In addition, no government will ever spend more than it earns in any given year. Never again will my government finance the public services of today on the backs of tomorrow's taxpayers.

Our province's second century must provide opportunities for our youth. That means that government must do its part to create an environment where businesses can flourish, create wealth and long-term, meaningful employment.

My government is launching a four year plan to improve the province's business environment. Effective immediately the province's corporate capital tax - which imposes taxation on companies regardless of whether they were profitable or not - is abolished.

Our general corporate tax rate will be harmonized with Alberta, and our provincial sales tax will be harmonized with the GST, thereby allowing Saskatchewan entrepreneurs to compete on a level playing field with other provinces.

No longer will entrepreneurs take their innovations elsewhere to flourish. In our second century, Saskatchewan will be a destination for business and not a stop-over on the way to another jurisdiction.

My government will hand over the reins of the economy to the people. No longer will the Saskatchewan government intrude unnecessarily into the lives of people. Later this year my government will put all public liquor stores up for sale and thereby provide valuable business opportunities for eager Saskatchewan entrepreneurs.

Wealth has never been created by governments and it never will be. Wealth is created when human beings are freed from the shackles of excessive taxation and regulation.

For far too long our K-12 education system has been funded on the backs of property taxpayers. My government recognizes that property taxes are an inefficient and unfair method of taxation that ought to be avoided at all costs. In this session my government will introduce a five year plan to increase the province's share of education funding to 75 per cent.

The measure of a society is the accountability of its democratically-elected government. No longer will Saskatchewan citizens be left on the sidelines until provincial elections are called. This session my government will enact the Citizen's Initiative Act which will allow the people to propose legislation through petition drives and grass roots advocacy and hold province-wide binding referenda.

My government will commit to holding a provincial election every four years to the day of the last provincial election. No more will my government curry favour with our own tax dollars in the lead up to a surprise election.

May divine providence continue to bless our province and guide this Assembly in all its deliberations. God save the Queen.