SASKATOON — Liberal candidate Katelyn Zimmer, a second-generation veterinarian, is once again throwing her hat into the political ring, making her second bid for federal office in the riding of Carlton Trail–Eagle Creek. Zimmer previously ran in the neighbouring riding of Moose Jaw–Lake Centre–Lanigan during the 2021 election.
A graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Zimmer brings a scientific lens to politics, having spent the past decade working in both mixed and small animal practice across Saskatchewan. She moved to Saskatoon in 2005 to complete a bachelor of science degree in physiology before earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2014.
“I love connecting with people and building relationships through my work as a veterinarian, and this translates from the exam room to the doorstep,” she said.
Zimmer said her decision to run stems from a deep sense of civic duty as well as a desire to offer voters a meaningful choice on the ballot.
“Representation is vital to a thriving democracy,” she said. “Voters deserve a meaningful choice on the ballot, and I aspire to provide that option for them. Lately I’ve been feeling especially patriotic, and I need to know I’ve done everything I can to ensure the strength and unity of our country.”
Key issues: Trade, affordability, and national unity
As she tours the expansive riding—comprising cities, towns, First Nations communities, farms, and acreages—Zimmer said concerns over Canada’s trade relationships are front and centre.
“Our largest trading partner has become unpredictable, unreliable, and imposed tariffs which have increased the cost of groceries, farm inputs, vehicles, and other essential and non-essential goods. These tariffs are also impacting the demand for and value of our key commodities, such as energy, potash, grain, and other agricultural products. Strengthening trade relationships and ensuring that we can efficiently transport our resources to markets are vital to managing the cost of living for everyone in our riding.”
Zimmer also points to affordability as a top concern among voters.
“There is also concern about the cost of living, tariffs, and other issues such as pensions, housing, climate, education, and healthcare that impact them directly in their day-to-day lives,” she said.
She voiced support for national programs like $10-a-day childcare, emphasizing the need to ensure such initiatives are both accessible and effective in rural and urban communities.
Zimmer said she is proud to campaign under the leadership of Mark Carney.
“I am proud to be running as part of Mark Carney’s team, because he has a plan to address affordability, and he has the character and experience to stand up to Donald Trump and his unjustified tariffs.”
National unity is a recurring theme Zimmer says she hears on the campaign trail.
“It is heartening to hear that national unity is at the top of everybody’s mind, and I think this speaks to the selflessness of prairie people. It is clear to me that our national identity is a central issue in this election.”
She said she believes Canada’s sovereignty and national identity are central issues in this election.
“This belief inspires me support Canadian businesses, explore our beautiful country, and advocate for policies that strengthen our nation.”
