Today, on the 22nd day of Saskatchewan’s provincial election campaign, the Saskatchewan Party leader and premier Scott Moe and NDP leader Carla Beck spoke to the media, highlighting their contrasting platforms in key campaign cities. Scott Moe addressed supporters in Prince Albert, while Carla Beck spoke in Moose Jaw, each outlining their visions for the province’s future.
Scott Moe’s Address in Prince Albert
Scott Moe emphasized the importance of voting in the ongoing provincial elections. Speaking from outside the Alfred Jenkins Fieldhouse, Moe urged citizens to exercise their democratic rights by participating in the advance polls, reminding them that they can vote at any polling station within their constituencies. The premier tied the act of voting to the privileges won through past sacrifices, referencing the 80th anniversary of D-Day as a reminder of the freedoms that Canadians enjoy.
Moe’s speech focused heavily on the economic future of the province. He outlined his party’s commitment to making life more affordable for Saskatchewan families by implementing tax reductions. According to Moe, nearly three-quarters of the Saskatchewan Party’s campaign promises involve tax cuts or credits, aiming to leave more money in the pockets of residents. He painted a sharp contrast between his platform and that of the NDP, stating that the opposition plans to increase government spending through “uncosted promises,” which he claims would ultimately lead to higher taxes for Saskatchewan families.
“The choice is clear,” Moe said. “The Saskatchewan Party’s platform is affordable, fully costed, and achievable, while the NDP’s plan has a $3 billion hole and would increase taxes or cancel necessary infrastructure projects.”
He also touched on local concerns, particularly the expansion of the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert. Moe warned that under an NDP government, projects like the hospital expansion could be halted, drawing a connection between economic policies and the future of community infrastructure. He asked voters to “keep the cranes up” and ensure the completion of such critical projects.
Moe’s appearance in Prince Albert was supported by local candidates from the Saskatchewan Party, including Alan Ross, Kevin Kasoon, and Eric Schultz, who have been actively campaigning in the area. Moe underscored the importance of electing these candidates to secure a bright future for the province.
Carla Beck’s Speech in Moose Jaw
NDP leader Carla Beck took to the stage in Moose Jaw with a sharp critique of the Saskatchewan Party’s leadership. Beck’s speech opened with a call for change, echoing what she described as a growing desire across the province for a new direction. “This campaign comes down to one question: are you ready for change?” she asked, adding that the answer from Saskatchewan residents is increasingly “yes.”
Beck outlined her party’s priorities, focusing on what she described as the Saskatchewan Party’s failures in healthcare, education, and the economy. She accused Premier Moe’s government of underfunding essential services, leading to what she described as Saskatchewan being “last place” in key areas like healthcare and education.
In contrast, Beck promised immediate action to address these issues if the NDP were elected. Her platform includes a pledge to hire more healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, to improve access to medical services and reduce wait times. Beck also criticized the government’s handling of healthcare, pointing out the strain on rural hospitals and the challenges families face when accessing care.
Beck also promised tax cuts, but her focus was on measures designed to help low- and middle-income families. She pledged to cut the provincial gas tax, which she claimed would save residents 15 cents per liter, and to eliminate the PST on groceries and children’s clothing by Christmas. These policies, she said, would provide immediate financial relief to families struggling with the rising cost of living.
The NDP leader also touched on education, another key point of her campaign, promising to hire more teachers and reduce class sizes. She announced plans to replace St. Michael School in Moose Jaw, with construction set to begin by 2025.
Beck’s criticism extended to accusations of corruption within the Saskatchewan Party. She pointed to a recent ruling that found the Saskatchewan Party guilty of “cashing in” on government contracts meant for vulnerable populations, a move she said highlighted the party’s “wrong priorities.” Beck assured voters that an NDP government would restore transparency and accountability to provincial politics, claiming her party is focused on the needs of Saskatchewan residents rather than personal or political gain.
Key Differences in Platforms
While both Moe and Beck emphasized affordability and healthcare, the differences in their platforms were stark. Moe’s Saskatchewan Party promises tax cuts aimed at bolstering the economy and leaving more money in residents’ pockets, while maintaining infrastructure projects like hospitals and schools. Beck’s NDP, on the other hand, focused on healthcare and education reform, with plans to increase public spending on these services to address what she described as underfunding and mismanagement by the current government.
With both leaders taking to the campaign trail in key cities, the 22nd day of the provincial election campaign highlighted the fundamental differences between the Saskatchewan Party’s fiscally conservative approach and the NDP’s promise of government intervention to improve social services. Voters in the province are being asked to choose between these two distinct visions as they head to the polls.
Final Push to Election Day
As Saskatchewan’s election enters its final stretch, both Moe and Beck are intensifying efforts to secure votes ahead of key deadlines. Voting Week, which runs from October 22 to 26, allows residents to cast their ballots between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., although no voting will take place on October 27. On October 28, the last day of voting, polling stations will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with mail-in ballots required to be returned by 8 p.m. the same day.
Once the polls close, the first preliminary count will begin on the evening of October 28. A second preliminary count will take place on October 30, followed by the final count on November 9. As the election draws to a close, both Moe and Beck are making their final appeals, aware that every vote in this crucial election could make the difference in shaping Saskatchewan’s future.