Provincial Point of View
December 10, 2019

2019 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM PREMIER SCOTT MOE

See Premier Moe's Christmas video message here.

Christmas is an exciting time of the year. It is a time to celebrate, a time to enjoy the company of family and friends.

It is a season of generosity, a time of giving and a time to give thanks. And there is so much to be thankful for, here in Saskatchewan.

I am grateful for the people that I have met during my time as Premier: inspiring people, compassionate people, strong people.

People like Cassidy Evans.

Cassidy is an 11-year-old girl from Saskatoon. Cassidy was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when she was only four years old. Life for Cassidy and her family changed forever that day.

But how we respond to adversity, how we deal with the challenges in our life, can define who we are.

Cassidy and her Mom and Dad, they talked about how they could turn Cassidy’s diagnosis into something positive.

Cassidy decided to start a lemonade stand – to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research - and to raise awareness and to encourage others who also had the disease.

That was in 2013, when she was only five years old.

Six years later, Cassidy’s Lemonade Stand is still going strong. In fact, the stand is now a truck that travels to events across Saskatchewan. And Cassidy has branched out – she sells jewelry and other merchandise on her website – CassidysLemonadeStand.com.

All proceeds go to Cystic Fibrosis research and awareness and, so far, Cassidy has raised $100,000.

And she’s done this all the while dealing with the demands of Cystic Fibrosis.

It’s hard not to be humbled by what Cassidy and her family have done. And what’s even more humbling is to know that there are so many other Cassidy’s in Saskatchewan: people with a disposition of the heart whose first priority is helping others, even though they may be bearing a heavy burden themselves.

This the Saskatchewan that I have come to know. This the Saskatchewan that I am proud to serve. And this is the Saskatchewan I will always defend.

Our province is a hopeful place. And hope is the central message of the Christmas Story.

More than 2000 years ago, the Christ-child was born, and our world changed forever. That child grew up to be a man, who showed us what loving others is all about.

He showed us that every person matters. He inspired with his example – a life lived with humility, with courage and with compassion.

He sacrificed everything for us.

The Christmas story reminds us to look around, and to lend a helping hand where we can, to give a little extra to those in need, to comfort those who are lonely or discouraged.

And to do this, not just on one day, but on each and every day, all year long.

So, from my family to yours and on behalf of my colleagues in the government of Saskatchewan, I want to wish you the very best this holiday season.

“May the spirit of Christmas bring you peace.
The gladness of Christmas give you hope.
And the warmth of Christmas grant you love.”

Merry Christmas everyone.

2019 CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR RUSS MIRASTY

Tansi. Hello. I’m honoured to represent Canada’s Queen in Saskatchewan, and to share some thoughts with you at this special time of year.

First, I want to thank everyone who has given Donna and me such a warm welcome to their communities. We’ve taken part in many events, and at each one, we’ve been very impressed by the generosity of Saskatchewan people. Our province relies on volunteers, and I want to thank everyone who donates their time to improve their community.

I also want to acknowledge the men and women who serve in our military, and as police officers and first responders. We rely on you, and we are grateful for your service.

I’m often asked about Reconciliation. I’m encouraged by how many people truly want to see change. I continue to believe that relationships are the key. My thanks to everyone who is reaching out to others, and trying to see things from a new perspective. We are only at the beginning of this journey, but I am hopeful.

Donna and I are looking forward to seeing more of our beautiful province, and meeting more of our remarkable people in the coming year.

I warmly invite you to join us in Regina on January 1 for our New Year’s Day Celebration at Government House. Everyone is welcome!

Season’s Greetings, from my family to yours.

mitho-makosīkīsikanisik kahkithaw nītha ikwa niwīcāyāmākanak kitatamiskātinān.

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM THE LEADER OF THE OFFICIAL OPPOSITION

Like a lot of kids in small-town Saskatchewan, I grew up playing hockey. Not particularly well, but I had a great time, piling into my parents van with my teammates. Lacing up to hit the ice and celebrating with a rink burger, win or lose.

One night, on the way home from practice in Coderre, the weather turned from falling snow to a howling blizzard. We were about a mile from the farm when we just couldn’t see the road anymore. My oldest brother got out and walked in front of the van to try and guide us. That worked for a little while, but before long we wound up in the ditch, my mom and us three boys. It was a pretty scary moment.

But before we knew it, along came a truck from the neighbour’s farm. When we didn’t call after passing their place, they came looking for us.

Now, the neighbours didn’t want to be out that night. Nobody would, but they sure weren’t going to let us sit in the ditch and freeze.

This is the kind of thing Saskatchewan people don’t blink an eye at - we’ve all been there, either giving the help or receiving it, it’s part of who we are. Particularly at Christmas.

In the heart of what can feel like a pretty long, dark winter, Saskatchewan people step up in so many ways, whether it’s shovelling a neighbour’s walk, boosting a stranger’s battery or serving a meal to those less fortunate. Saskatchewan people care and we show it.

When we think of these acts of kindness, we also think of all the people hard at work during this holiday season, the firefighters and health care workers, folks working in retail or at their own small business, the crown workers and equipment operators keeping our roads clear and our power on, making sure the rest of us are warm and safe. Again and again, Saskatchewan people care for one another and we are grateful for all they do.

These days, it’s tempting to focus on differences, on what divides us. At Christmas, we remember that every person matters, that everyone is worthy of our kindness and our help.

So however you celebrate, in the spirit of peace and love, hope and kindness, from my family to yours: Merry Christmas Saskatchewan and have a Happy and Healthy New Year.

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