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 beingskipped this time because the vote is so near.

Among the bills set to bedebated today is theMRI facilities licensing act, which will allow the expansionof private diagnostic scans.

Premier Brad Wallsaid last month that legislation dealing with foreignfarm ownership, conflict of interest in local governments, and amendments to essential services legislationwill also be debated.

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

For theirpart, 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, butafter the election it will be slightly more crowded, with 61 members.