CANADA NEWS – Saskatchewan is gearing up for a pivotal election on Monday, and as the final day of campaigning unfolds, both the Saskatchewan Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP) are pulling out all the stops to win over voters. The race has emerged as one of the closest and most competitive in nearly two decades, with significant implications for the province’s future governance.
Scott Moe, the leader of the Saskatchewan Party, is aiming for a fifth consecutive majority, having held power for 17 years. Meanwhile, Carla Beck, representing the NDP, is striving to reclaim leadership for the first time since 2007. Political analysts are noting a marked shift in voter sentiment, indicating that the traditionally dominant Saskatchewan Party may face substantial challenges, particularly in urban areas.
Charles Smith, a political studies professor at St. Thomas More College, stated, “The parties are much closer than they’ve been in 17 years. For the first time in well over a decade, the NDP is competitive in ways they haven’t been.” This sentiment reflects a growing momentum for the NDP, which has been resonating with voters dissatisfied with the status quo.
Tom McIntosh, a political scientist at the University of Regina, highlighted that while the Saskatchewan Party still holds a structural advantage, the enthusiasm and campaigning spirit of the NDP are palpable. He remarked, “The NDP are the sort of happy warriors of the campaign,” contrasting this with the more subdued energy from the Saskatchewan Party, which appears to be grappling with the weight of incumbency and the prospect of a reduced majority.
Daniel Westlake, a political studies professor at the University of Saskatchewan, warned that while the Saskatchewan Party may lose urban seats, it could still emerge as the governing party. “I’m hesitant to predict anything with any kind of certainty, but right now, it looks like a race where the Saskatchewan Party probably loses seats but still forms government,” he explained. The party’s stronghold in rural areas may help counterbalance potential losses in cities like Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert.
As the election approaches, polls indicate a tightening contest, although the NDP faces an uphill battle in translating voter support into seat wins. To secure a majority in the 61-seat legislature, the NDP would need to dominate in the three largest cities and capture additional seats elsewhere. At the time of dissolution, the Saskatchewan Party held 42 seats, while the NDP had 14, along with four Independents and one vacant seat.
Key issues dominating the campaign have included health care, affordability, and crime, with both parties presenting contrasting solutions to these pressing concerns. Notably, Scott Moe has stirred controversy with a recent pledge to prohibit “biological boys” from using school change rooms designated for “biological girls.” This commitment was made in response to a complaint involving two boys using a girls’ change room at a southeast Saskatchewan school. Critics, including Beck, argue that such a ban would increase vulnerability for already marginalized groups, pointing to a need for policies that prioritize inclusivity and support.
Beck has made it clear that she aims to repeal a law requiring parental consent for children under 16 who wish to change their names or pronouns at school. She emphasizes the importance of addressing pressing issues like classroom sizes, health care access, and the rising cost of living, including gas and groceries. “Voters want the next government to focus on more pressing issues,” she asserted.
Political experts suggest that Moe’s change-room policy is designed to appeal to social conservatives who may be considering alternatives like the right-wing Saskatchewan United Party. However, McIntosh noted that such issues may not be top priorities for the broader electorate, stating, “Where it does motivate people, they were likely already going to vote Sask. Party anyway.”
On Saturday, Scott Moe reflected on the challenges faced by incumbent governments, referencing the recent defeat of Blaine Higgs’ Progressive Conservatives in New Brunswick, where the party lost power after six years. In Saskatoon, he acknowledged the uphill battle ahead. “Incumbent provincial governments have had it tough,” Moe stated, highlighting the changing political landscape in Saskatchewan.
Beck, however, is buoyed by a sense of change among voters. “I’m not taking anything for granted,” she said during a rally in Saskatoon, emphasizing the need for grassroots campaigning and personal engagement. “I know we’re going to have to knock every door and pull every vote, but I am feeling optimistic,” she added, signaling a renewed energy within the NDP ranks.
As the final campaigning day unfolded, both leaders made last-minute appeals to voters. Moe’s platform promises broad tax relief and a continuation of withholding federal carbon levy payments, projecting an additional cost of $1.2 billion over four years. His administration claims that tax reductions could save a family of four up to $3,400 over four years, with targeted credits for families and children engaged in sports and arts.
Conversely, Beck accused the Saskatchewan Party of using fear tactics to cling to power. “This province belongs to the people of Saskatchewan, not any politician,” she declared during a speech in Regina. “We are better than this, and we know damn well you deserve better than this.” She has pledged to enhance funding for health care and education, suspend the gas tax, and eliminate the provincial sales tax on children’s clothing and select grocery items.
Beck’s platform is projected to cost an additional $3.5 billion over four years, with a commitment to balancing the budget by the end of her term. Her proposals highlight a stark contrast to Moe’s governance, with an emphasis on addressing the immediate needs of families and communities across Saskatchewan.
As voters prepare to head to the polls, the atmosphere in Saskatchewan is charged with anticipation and uncertainty. The outcome of this election could reshape the province’s political landscape for years to come, making every vote count in what is poised to be a historic election. With the Saskatchewan Party’s longstanding dominance under scrutiny and the NDP’s resurgence evident, the stakes could not be higher for both parties as they seek to secure a mandate for the future. The decisions made at the ballot box will resonate throughout Saskatchewan, impacting the lives of residents and the direction of provincial policy in the years ahead.
