Portage MLA David Faurschou says he's looking forward to hearing the throne speech and notes the game plan the new first minister has for the province is vitally important because we face considerable challenges here in Manitoba. 

Faurschou says we will receive fewer transfer funds due to the weak economy in both Ontario and Alberta and this will have a great impact on the programs and services Manitoba can offer. 

He adds he hopes the government recognizes the perils faced by hog and cattle producers who are struggling to make ends meet. 

Faurschou says he also hopes the province recognizes the importance of supporting our post secondary educational institutions, especially in light of the decade long tuition freeze which was put in place by the NDP. 

He notes the opposition feels it's vital for the province to get on top of a number of social issues facing the citizens of Manitoba, including a crisis in housing for persons with modest incomes and the escalating number of children in care. 

Faurschou says during the coming session he personally plans to reintroduce whistleblower legislation to protect those who come forward with information about potential government wrongdoing. 

He adds because of the late start this year  he believes the legislative assembly will have to be called back to conclude the debate of the throne speech.