Private MRI scans on agenda as Saskatchewan MLAs return to Legislature

Provincial politicians will return to the Saskatchewan Legislature today, and a bill to expand private MRI scans is on the agenda.

The 25-day sitting will be the last one before the spring election, which is set for April 4.

Normally, the fall sitting starts with a throne speech, but that's being skipped this time because the vote is so near.

Among the bills set to be debated today is the MRI facilities licensing act, which will allow the expansion of private diagnostic scans.

Premier Brad Wall said last month that legislation dealing with foreign farm ownership, conflict of interest in local governments, and amendments to essential services legislation will also be debated.

The government is also pondering changes to the alcohol retailing system. However, Wall has said the government would not sell any existing liquor stores unless it has campaigned on such an idea.

For their part, the Opposition New Democrats say they have many questions for Wall's Saskatchewan Party government dealing with schools, seniors care, and government waste.

A private members bill proposed by NDP leader Cam Broten, the buy local day act, is also on the assembly's orders of the day for Oct. 13.

There are currently 58 MLAs (49 Sask. Party and nine NDP) in the Legislature, but after the election it will be slightly more crowded, with 61 members.