LONDON, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Wednesday announced a range of new plans by her government in the coming year, seeking to "create a new, fairer and more prosperous society."
Sturgeon presented the "Program for Government" to Scottish Parliament, saying "the biggest investment we can make in Scotland's future is in our people."
Key policy and legislative goals include a radical package of land reform, a 30 million pounds (47.36 million U.S. dollars) financial boost to government housing schemes, additional support to empowering communities, and a new target to help more people from disadvantaged backgrounds gain access to higher education.
Other government priorities consist of funding to ensure fair wages, increased job opportunities, a pledge to advance gender equality and more actions to better health care services.
"These plans aim to build a sense of shared endeavor about how we create a wealthier and more equal society. And it is founded on three key priorities -- participation, prosperity and fairness," Sturgeon said.
She added she intended to lead a government with the strongest focus on growing economy, protecting public services, tackling inequality and empowering communities.
"I intend that we will be the most open and accessible government that Scotland has had -- and these policies are the first step," the first minister noted.
Sturgeon is scheduled to speak to citizens online through a question and answer session on Facebook on Wednesday evening.
She was elected Scotland's first female head of government by Scottish lawmakers last week, succeeding the outspoken, veteran politician Alex Salmond.
