SOUTH SASKATCHEWAN RIVER - The full slate of candidates for the 2024 Provincial Election has been known for some time, and now, the names of those running on both sides of the Â鶹´«Ã½AV Saskatchewan River is official.
In this article, we'll look at each candidate in each respective riding and give voters some background information on them.
With the Â鶹´«Ã½AV Saskatchewan River running alongside the town of Outlook serving as something of a dividing point, two constituencies help comprise this west central area of the province.
In the west is the Rosetown-Delisle constituency where three candidates are in the running, including Jim Reiter of the Saskatchewan Party, Brenda Edel of the NDP, and Sean Muirhead of the Green Party.
ROSETOWN-DELISLE
Jim Reiter - Saskatchewan Party
Running as the incumbent in this election is Jim Reiter, who was first elected in 2007 and found himself re-elected in 2011, 2016, and 2020.
Having spent 17 years as an MLA, Reiter has also spent 15 of those years in cabinet when he was first appointed as Minister of Highways and Infrastructure. In June 2012 he was designated as Minister of Government Relations, as well as First Nations, Metis, and Northern Affairs. During his time in this portfolio he was also responsible for SaskEnergy and SaskTel. In August of 2016, Jim was appointed to serve as the Minister of Health, a position he held until November of 2020. In 2020, Jim was appointed as Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission, and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.
At the time when this year's election season had begun, Reiter was serving as the Minister of Energy and Resources.
Before he became involved in provincial politics, Reiter served in a number of positions with the Rural Municipal Administrators’ Association, including President. Reiter has also served six years on the U of R Senate, as well as worked in his community as a Justice of the Peace and Marriage Commissioner.
In its platform, the Saskatchewan Party is making promises of delivering the largest income tax reduction since 2008, with party leader Scott Moe announcing that a re-elected Saskatchewan Party government will "make life more affordable for everyone" by reducing personal income tax and raising the Low Income Tax Credit. This will include reducing income tax by raising the personal income tax exemption, the spousal exemption, the child exemption and the seniors supplement by $500 each year for the next four years.
Sean Muirhead - Green Party
Sean Muirhead moved to Rosetown in 1996, joining family who had lived in the area for generations. Known as a great listener, Muirhead is said to be someone who will make a fantastic advocate for the needs of voters in his riding. He lives with a medical disability, so he may understand more than most others the problems that ordinary citizens may struggle with. Muirhead has worked as a cook in restaurants in Rosetown for 28 years, making him well-known in the riding.
Mr. Muirhead’s spiritual beliefs led to him stepping up to be a Saskatchewan Green Party candidate. The 6 core values of the party, Participatory Democracy, Non-Violence, Social Justice, Respect for Democracy, Sustainability and Ecological Wisdom paralleled much of his religious beliefs. Muirhead helped found the Congregational Wiccan Association of Saskatchewan, and was on the board of Sky River Temple.
Among the highlights in the Green Party platform is their promise to prevent and fight poverty, including the implementation of a living wage, which is the minimum income necessary for a citizen to meet all basic needs such as housing, food, utilities and transportation costs. As well, the Green Party believes it's time to explore a major policy initiative in the form of a negative income tax or a Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI) for all. The use of a GLI is designed to eliminate poverty by ensuring that each citizen’s income does not fall below the level necessary to meet their most basic needs. The level of benefit is set at a livable income threshold, but at a subsistence level to encourage additional income generation.
Brenda Edel - NDP
Running for the Saskatchewan NDP is Brenda Edel, who is entering the political race for the second time after first running in 2020.
Running because of a deep passion for community and a strong belief in equity for everyone, Edel says that Saskatchewan yearns for renewed vigor and says that she's dedicated to propelling the province toward its fullest potential.
An active community member deeply rooted in advocacy, Edel is someone who champions accessibility for all, recognizing it as a cornerstone of inclusivity. Her role as President of Barrier Free SK has been instrumental in enacting vital legislation, ensuring that every individual can thrive in our province.
As well, she says that she is profoundly invested in shaping a future where our children inherit a fair, transparent, and accountable government. Edel says she refuses to tolerate deceit or complacency in our leadership. She's hopeful that she can help usher in an era of integrity, progress, and opportunity for all residents of Saskatchewan.
From the candidate:
​"Our current government is making it impossible to keep a healthy standard of living. This government has raised utility rates by 11% in the last year. Saskatchewan is a have province and should be prospering – instead too many citizens are still struggling.
We deserve accessible healthcare and a government that prioritizes our well-being over the wasteful spending of over one million dollars on attack billboards.
We need leadership that doesn’t outsource jobs for our Crown Corporations or invest in out-of-province businesses but focuses on strengthening the Saskatchewan economy and keeping jobs here for our youth.
We need a government that values all citizens, not just those with influence, and one that maintains public access to rural transit. During my 2020 campaign, I heard from many of you struggling to afford food while paying higher costs to travel for medical appointments and medicine. This is unacceptable. The removal of the STC bus system has deeply affected our community. If elected as your MLA, I will prioritize reinstating a transit service, fulfilling a basic need for rural Saskatchewan residents."
A YouTube video featuring words from all three candidates in the Rosetown-Delisle riding is available at youtube.com/watch?v=W4JrsuXhhBE.
DAKOTA-ARM RIVER
In the east, five candidates are seeking the vote of constituents, including Barret Kropf of the Saskatchewan Party, Jordan Wiens of the NDP, Darren Ebenal of the Saskatchewan United Party, Raymond L. Carrick of the Progressive Conservative Party, and Joseph Reynolds of the Green Party.
Barret Kropf - Saskatchewan Party
Having taken the reins as the Sask Party candidate in Dakota-Arm River after former MLA Dana Skoropad decided to leave provincial politics, Kropf is now hoping for the vote of the public to officially elect him into office.
A resident of Caronport, Barret has worked in the sports industry for over 30 years in both management and coaching roles across hockey, cycling, and football on a global stage. His leadership has been recognized through several Coach of the Year accolades and he has also led a number of championship winning teams.
One of the biggest issues in the province in 2024 is the battle between the provincial government and Saskatchewan teachers. Kropf gave his take on the matter in an earlier interview with this reporter, and also shared that health care and business sectors need equal attention in order to remain viable in the future.
"There's the low-hanging fruit when it comes to education and finding some peace in wanting to get that resolved," he said. "I do believe that the sides will eventually get to the table and will continue to understand and realize how amazing our teachers and administrators are, and the difference that they make, and the government side will continue to make sure that family values are protected and that kids are getting a great education. I also think there are two areas of concern. One would be, in the wider scope of things, health care. It's not just a medical thing as health care's a wide field and includes things like seniors, health care centers, and nurses who do great work, but it also includes things like emergency response services. This riding is surrounded by lakes, and so water rescue also plays a part in that. How do we care for people who are out on the water too? We also need to make sure that our agriculture and business communities are flourishing. If we're not making sure that those opportunities are protected and growing, we won't have the resources to make sure that health care and education are strong going forward."
Raymond Carrick - Progressive Conservative Party
Carrick has worked as a farmer for over 45 years, with beliefs that there is a need for more irrigation, a stronger health care system for rural Saskatchewan, and a more responsible government.
The Progress Conservative Party of Saskatchewan stands for the following:
A Heritage of freedom based on individual initiative, honour, integrity and moral responsibility.
Equal Rights under the law for all without discrimination.
Government as the servant, not the master.
Social progress based on the needs of people, not as a means to power.
Among the highlights in its platform is the PC Party's promises in relation to health care. If elected, their government makes claims that they will:
- Utilize retired nurses who are wanting to come back to work on a part time or casual basis to help fill the void and shortages in hospitals and health care settings.
- Reduce administration costs this frees up more money to put into beds, and front-line workers.
- Have the health authority made up of stake holders in health care this way focus is now placed on patient care and not administration.
- Increase the training spots for health care workers in the provinces, with a commitment to a percentage of seats reserved for students that were born and grew up in Saskatchewan including Indigenous students.
- Restoring rural health care by using practical nurse practitioners in their full capacity, by having clinic days in small communities, giving people especially seniors the opportunity to get general check ups and renew prescriptions, without having to travel to larger centers or cities.
Jordan Wiens - NDP
Wiens holds an MSc in Soil Science and a BSA in Agronomy, bringing a strong scientific background to his campaign as an agrologist. Outside of his work, Jordan spends time woodworking in his shop, curling, playing volleyball, skiing, and staying involved musically through different ensembles both as a performer and conductor. Wiens is deeply committed to improving healthcare access, supporting local agriculture, and enhancing educational opportunities within his community. His expertise in agriculture and dedication to rural issues is said to make him a strong advocate for the needs of Dakota-Arm River residents.
The NDP's platform takes a look at several key issues facing our province, such as the economy.
The party's economic plan focuses on job creation, supporting local businesses, and ensuring Saskatchewan workers and companies are prioritized for public infrastructure projects. Key areas of the plan include the following points:
Prioritizing Saskatchewan Workers
The Saskatchewan NDP’s Hire Saskatchewan Plan will ensure local workers and companies are hired for public infrastructure projects. We will also raise the minimum wage, so Saskatchewan’s workers are no longer the lowest-paid in the country.
Small Business Tax Freeze & Loan Program
The Saskatchewan NDP will cancel the Sask. Party's small business tax hike and will launch a start-up loan program, giving new entrepreneurs access to $40,000 to start and build their business right here in Saskatchewan.
Job Training and Connectivity
The NDP will increase funding for short-term training programs in high-demand sectors like construction and trucking.
Joseph Reynolds - Green Party
A person with previous experience in elections, Reynolds was the Green Party candidate in Walsh Acres for the recent by-election, and he also represented the Saskatchewan Green Party in 2020 as the party's Battlefords candidate.
Reynolds is from Treaty 5, Land of the Swampy Cree Tribal Council, near the Pas, Manitoba. He came to Regina in 2001 to attend the SK Indian Federated College, and as an anti-poverty, anti-war and Indigenous rights activist, he has attended and served at rallies and events with the SK Coalition Against Racism, End Poverty Regina and Regina Peace Council.
Joseph promotes the Saskatchewan Green Party platform’s initiatives for the clean natural energy, clean air and clean environment that the party says all people deserve.
Nonviolence is one of the Green Party's bullet points in its plan, with a belief that "security should not rest mainly on military strength but on cooperation."
The party has declared a commitment to nonviolence and a culture of peace and cooperation between states, inside societies and between individuals as their basis of global security.
The Green Party says that this requires the following:
Comprehensive concept of global security, which gives priority to social, economic, ecological, psychological and cultural aspects of conflict, instead of a concept based primarily on military balances of power.
Global security system capable of the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.
Removing the causes of war by understanding and respecting other cultures, eradicating racism, promoting freedom and democracy, and ending global poverty.
Pursuing general and complete disarmament including international agreements to ensure a complete and definitive ban of nuclear, biological and chemical arms, anti-personnel mines and depleted uranium weapons.
Darren Ebenal - Saskatchewan United Party
Ebenal, a husband, father and farmer who was born in Craik and raised on a farm near Davidson, has always been passionate about sports, both playing and coaching. This led him to his first job as a Recreation Director for the Towns of Davidson and Biggar. During this time, he furthered his education and earned his Local Government Administration Certificate from the University of Regina.
After a career in local government, Darren returned to his roots to help his father with farming. To support this transition, he worked in the oil patches across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia, eventually advancing to the position of Driller, showcasing his skills and dedication to his family and farming.
As Darren’s family grew, he took a position as an underground operator with PCS Allan. Throughout his career there, he served as a Safety Supervisor, Training Supervisor, and Captain of a Mine Rescue Team.
Currently, Darren is farming full-time with his oldest son.
Darren’s commitment to common sense policy is inspired by his educational background in local government administration and his work in the industrial sector.
The United Party's platform, also called their "blueprint for change", includes a number of points related to the cost of living, education and the economy, but perhaps one of the more interesting takes is the party's stance on crime.
Declaring a "war on crime", the party's law and order stance includes the following bullet points:
Supporting Law Enforcement
We believe that our courageous law enforcement officers should be supported and provided with the tools and resources necessary for them to effectively carry out their duties. We will increase funding for departments, enhance recruitment efforts, build specialized task forces, and set clear targets to ensure our officers are well-equipped to serve and protect our communities.
Cracking Down on Drugs and Violent Crime
We will establish a specialize task force to target drug dealers and gangs with relentless determination, dismantling their networks and cutting off the supply of illegal substances that devastate our communities and tear families apart. Working with local law enforcement officials, we will restore law and order to Saskatchewan one arrest at a time.
Zero Tolerance
We believe in zero tolerance policy for violent and repeat offenders. As a result, we will end the current catch and release justice system. We will direct prosecutors to pursue maximum sentences for those convicted of serious crimes and appoint judges who prioritize the needs of victims and their families over the excuses of criminals. By taking these decisive steps we can ensure that justice is served and that our communities are better protected.
Now that you've gotten to know all the candidates and their respective parties a little more, Saskatchewan residents are encouraged to explore the parties and their platforms in order to make an informed decision later this month.
Residents of Saskatchewan will make their voices heard when Election Day arrives on Monday, October 28.
