SASKTODAY.ca staff reached out to the candidates in all of Saskatchewan's ridings with a universal questionnaire. We will be publishing these results in order they were received.
Name: Denise Loucks
Age: 55
Running for: Maverick Party
Profession: Business owner
Currently residing in (city or neighbourhood): Canora Beach
Previous political experience:
None which is a good thing as most are tired of lifetime politicians
Who is your political hero? John Diefenbaker
What inspired you to enter the election race?
The disconnect from east to west is growing, and I am tired of the party politics being played.
What topics are most important to you in this federal election?
Our growing debt and the west being ignored.
Are you concerned about the short campaign timeline for this election?
No
What COVID-19 pandemic and federal supports to help businesses and residents are important to you?
Some of the programs started in the beginning were useful, but the larger corporations using them when they didn’t need to was very disrespectful to the rest of Canada and the people and businesses that needed help and still do.
· What Agricultural federal programs and initiatives do you feel are necessary to help support
farmers and ranchers? The Agri recovery program was a good start to help in this drought.
Is there an issue that people are focusing too much?
Focusing on whether their stance is right against others and discounting others feelings and fears during covid while we should be supporting each other and their choices.
Is there an issue that doesn’t get enough attention?
The debt. Covid is still with us, but that does not give the federal government cart Blanche to spend as they see fit. Why did you choose to run for your particular party? They give me the best hope for a future for us and western Canada by giving MP’s the voice to support their citizens. What people forget is the government is there as a voice for the people not to rule us.
What is the biggest issue facing your party’s chance at success?
Fear of change. But at the same time, most change in Canada has come out of the west. Our health system for example.
How will you engage and encourage young voters to participate in this election?
Through social media and taking the time to listen to what they want.
What is your party’s leader’s biggest flaw?
Personally, I don’t know Jay Hill, but I know him as a leader that I can turn to for great sage advice, and he has taken the time to talk with me as an individual whenever a question has arisen. I hope as time goes by that one day, I will be able to call him not just a leader but that of a friend.
Once elected, your job is to represent your entire riding. How do you plan on representing individuals who didn’t vote for you?
That’s easy. I will listen to anyone whatever they have to say, and our office will always be open to whomever walks through those doors.
What informs your political stance? What books, publications, relationships or experiences?
We all form opinions with the people we deal with, friends and family we keep in touch with. I can tell you that if you want a snapshot of the province regarding agriculture pick up the western producer besides the newest of technologies, they carry articles on trade issues, environment and day to day articles regarding producers, farmers any business that has dealings within western Canada and abroad.
What local project or service would you advocate for more federal spending?
Programs and therapists to help in mental health is something that needs to be made more readily available to help others that are in need.
What is something people don’t know about you?
I like to fish and target shoot with my husband when we get some downtime.
