UNITY - Four candidates are hot on the campaign trail in the Kindersley-Biggar riding, speaking to voters, business owners and concerned citizens. For those who are still undecided, check out each of the candidates' platforms.
Cindy Hoppe - New Democratic Party
Cindy Hoppe is described as a resilient leader with a distinguished 45-year career in board governance. She has effectively shaped policies and programs for organizations and volunteers across the province.
Early in her career, Hoppe was the Farm Service Manager for the Landis and Tramping Lake Co-ops. While raising three kids and farming with her husband north of Biggar, Hoppe held many local and provincial board positions in the 1980s through 2000s. She was an RM Councillor for 10 years, serving as the Fire Department, Library and Long term care representative. She held elected seats on provincial health boards for 15 years. Hoppe was a school trustee for the Cando School from 2000 to 2005. Along with grandchildren, in 2014 her family grew as her church and the community welcomed a Columbian refugee family. She was the Saskatchewan Lay Representative on the ELCIC National Church council for six years and currently serves as chair of the Sask Synod. She has also been the chair of the Saskatchewan Craft Council since 2016.
In 2022 Hoppe received a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her many years of volunteer work in the community. She has been a board member for the local Credit Union, the Biggar and District Arts Council and is the choir manager for Prairie Notes.
Although they have retired from farming, she still spends every spring and fall replacing fence posts and hammering in staples. For over 40 years she has pursued Fibre Art, creating prairie landscapes close to home.
She is committed to building a brighter future for everyone in Saskatchewan.
Darcy Robilliard- Saskatchewan Green Party
Darcy Robilliard was born and raised in Regina.
Robilliard is a trained Occupational Health and Safety union steward.
"I believe in workers' rights and the union movement, and I promote the green Just Transition for fairness to workers as we mobilize to head off the extreme effects of climate change," he says. "Since our economy is rapidly changing, with sudden unfair gaps in opportunity, I also support putting in place a Guaranteed Liveable Income. If elected, this will be a high priority for me."
Robilliard says it is time for a change. "We have to come together as Canadians and Saskatchewan citizens to protect our children's future from climate collapse. We must preserve for them our clean air and clean water and the natural richness of our homeland. If only for this one reason, I hope you consider voting for me and the Saskatchewan Green Party."
Jason Zbeeshko - Sask United Party
Jason Zbeeshko grew up in the Biggar area where he graduated from the local high school. Being a hands-on type of person, Jason has worked in the heavy-duty mechanic field and spent many years working on oil drilling rigs in Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia and North West Territories. He then found his true passion in agriculture, and started working in sales and management positions for an ag retail location. Zbeeshko enjoys working with growers, helping them to successfully grow their crops.
Zbeeshko and his wife Amber settled into the community of Perdue where they currently reside with their two daughters. He says he has always been a community-minded person, having spent previous years sitting on the local ag society board, and is currently the president of the Perdue Museum and a councillor for the village of Perdue.
Outside his professional life, Zbeeshko says, he enjoys spending time with his family and making memories with his wife and two daughters.
Kim Gartner - Saskatchewan Party
Kim Gartner was raised on a family farm a short distance east of Macklin. Kim is married to his wife Colleen, and they have four children and five granddaughters.
Gartner has spent the past 36 years working in municipal administration, supporting local, regional, and provincial initiatives. As the CAO for the Town of Macklin for the past 31 years, Gartner has had the opportunity to work with dedicated local municipal officials from across west-central Saskatchewan. He is a past president of the Urban Administrators Association of Saskatchewan and has served as School Trustee for the Living Sky School Division for the past 18 years.
Municipal infrastructure and the provision of local services are key components to sustainable rural development, he says.
"Transportation, healthcare, education, protective services, and the provision of recreational opportunities are all areas of local concern," says Gartner.
In addition to his professional life, Gartner has been actively volunteering with numerous community organizations and has served as event coordinator for the World Bunnock Championships. He loves the game of baseball and spending time fishing in northern Saskatchewan.
