U of R prof has theory on leaders’ lack of stops in Saskatchewan

It’s roughly halfway through the federal election campaign and only one party leader has stopped in Saskatchewan.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau campaigned in the province last week, holding a town hall at the Delta Bessborough in Saskatoon.

On Saturday afternoon, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer is expected to make an appearance at the Saskatoon Farmers’ Market.

But after more than two weeks of the election campaign, many are wondering: What’s taking candidates so long to get to Saskatchewan?

According to Jim Farney, associate professor of politics and international studies at the University of Regina, it’s because the campaign is shorter this election and leaders are focusing on swing ridings, which aren’t as common in the province.

“For the NDP, Liberals and Conservatives, it’s mostly, ‘Where can we pull or push votes?’ ” he explained Friday. “Trudeau and Scheer are both really thinking they can (swing the vote) in rural Quebec and the Maritimes, so they’re spending a lot of time out there.”

As for leaders like the Green Party’s Elizabeth May, Farney noted it’s more about covering places where they’re not as known because spreading their message outweighs winning the election.

Because Scheer’s home riding is in Saskatchewan — he represents Regina-Qu’Appelle — Farney expects the Conservative leader’s stop in Saskatoon to be one of the easier ones on his tour.

“You kind of know what the questions are, you know the people and the issues; it’s easier than stepping out into somewhere you don’t know,” Farney explained.

Farney said it’s not likely Scheer will make any big policy announcements while in the Bridge City as it’s a good chance to rally party faithfuls by using his familiar anti-Trudeau and anti-carbon tax rhetoric.

“It’s a chance, in front of a friendly crowd, to come back to the same talking points that you’ve planned and used to define your campaign,” Farney said.

At 3 p.m. Saturday, Scheer is set to be at the farmers’ market located in Saskatoon West — the only riding the Conservatives don’t currently represent in Saskatoon.