With the premier and his new cabinet sworn in, the new administration under Brad Wall can get down to the business of running Saskatchewan, as they prepare for their first session of the Legislature in December.

With the dust settled from the provincial election, it is interesting to note Wall is basically going with his most experienced MLAs, particularly those who have been part of the Sask Party since its founding.

Given this new administration is the biggest shakeup of government in 16 years, the experienced MLAs will help in putting his best foot forward, though how well suited to their respective portfolios remains to be seen.

It is a very different direction and task for them now; since forming, the Sask Party has been the main opposition party to the NDP, where it's all too easy to criticize and say this or that should have been done; now, the power and the responsibility is in their hands, they need to develop a real plan of action and enact it, as they've been talking about all along. Wall did move quickly on a couple of his election promises, making fixed election dates a reality right from the start, and implementing his promise in regard to the PST on used vehicles.

The southeast area is well-represented in the corridors of power. The MLA for Weyburn-Big Muddy, Dustin Duncan, as a relative newcomer to politics, was named the chair of the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies, while two other MLAs from this area were named to cabinet: Don McMorris, MLA for Indian Head-Milestone, is the Health Minister, while Dan D'Autremont of Cannington is the minister of Government Services, and is responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, as well as the Information Technology Office.

McMorris will certainly have his hands full as health care is and continues to be a top concern for many residents, especially in rural areas. The job of recruiting and retaining enough health care professionals is a daunting task for whoever takes on this portfolio.

For Duncan, his committee will be keeping an eye on what the Crowns and central agencies are doing, with many residents wondering if there will be privatization enacted as the NDP feared.

An issue that could be checked up on is whether the government will help small businesses with the cost of removing underground fuel tanks, an issue that has arisen here in Weyburn. If there is no provision for assistance, then perhaps as the government they can make that happen now. Another local issue is the use of safety equipment on school buses; the NDP never acted to make the use mandatory across the province, so now is the time to act and help protect our students.

To be sure, there is no shortage of issues, local and provincial, and the new cabinet now has a chance to prove whether they are up to the task or not. - Greg Nikkel