Sask Votes 2020

Use the interactive map for instant riding-by-riding results after the polls close at 8 p.m.

The provincial election is set for Oct. 26. 650 CKOM will have the campaign covered from start to finish on this page with news, features and profiles as the parties vie for control of the Saskatchewan legislature.

What you need to know

What constituency do I live in? You can also check by viewing this comprehensive collection of maps.

Saskatchewan leaders’ debate

Click here to hear Wednesday’s debate between Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe and NDP Leader Ryan Meili.

Campaign Close-ups … and Personal

650 CKOM sent questionnaires to each of the party leaders to get details about them and their platforms. Some of the questions were political and others were personal in hopes of getting a glimpse at the individuals themselves. Here are their responses.

Scott Moe, Saskatchewan Party

Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe. (Lisa Schick/980 CJME)

Hometown

Shellbrook.

If you could sum up your life so far in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

I am fortunate to have spent my life and been able to raise my family in the greatest province in Canada.

What do you intend to do about the deficit and the ongoing impact of COVID-19?

The Saskatchewan Party has a plan to balance the budget by 2024 and has committed to no tax increases in the next term. That means we will increase revenues through growing our province, as laid out in our Growth Plan.

What bad habits did you pick up during the lockdown?

Maybe not a habit, but I will say that my office did its best to support local restaurants when they reopened. The food was great, but it wasn’t great for the waistline.

Staying on the COVID-19 front, do you think it is time for this province to adopt a mandatory mask policy? And did we react quickly enough when COVID first appeared here?

Nobody had gone through this before, but I think Saskatchewan people did a good job of flattening the curve. We were able to shut down less of our economy and reopen more than most other jurisdictions; that is why we have the lowest unemployment rate in Canada right now. We aren’t currently considering a mandatory masking policy in Saskatchewan but support the use of masks when physical distancing is not possible.

What is one thing you wish you could change about yourself?

I wish I were more disciplined in making time for my family. Krista and I each have busy careers and it is difficult at times to ensure we are staying in touch with our children and other family.

Since the last election we saw the Provincial Sales Tax added and expanded. Given the COVID debt would you provide any tax relief? Can you foresee the need for tax increases?

We have committed to tax relief in this campaign including reducing the small business tax to zero on the first $600,000 of earnings. We have also committed to tax credits for active families and on home renovations. Since forming government the Saskatchewan Party has removed 112,000 low-income people from the provincial income tax rolls. A Saskatchewan Party government is committed to no tax increases if re-elected.

What makes you hopeful?

Seeing young people who have chosen to stay in Saskatchewan or move back to Saskatchewan to build their lives and raise their families. I am hopeful that the next generation, our kids, will continue to have the opportunity to do the same.

Surgical and diagnostic wait lists are getting longer in Saskatchewan. What’s gone wrong and what do we do about it?

The Saskatchewan Health Authority reported this month that the last 10 per cent of surgeries postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic have now been scheduled and are due to be completed by the end of November. More than 90 per cent of postponed surgeries have now been performed. The pause on non-urgent and elective surgeries was brief and the quick and safe resumption of non-urgent and elective surgeries has been a priority of the Saskatchewan Party government.

A Saskatchewan Party government invested an incremental $10 million to reduce surgical wait times in the 2019-20 fiscal year and an additional $20 million in the 2020-21 budget. A Saskatchewan Party government will continue to invest in reducing surgical wait times and the reduction of wait times to a three-month target remains a key goal in the 2030 Growth Plan.

We know there is more work to do on this file and if re-elected it will continue to be a priority.

If you could have just one superpower, what would it be and why?

Speed! If I was just a little quicker I would probably be playing on Connor McDavid’s left wing.

Many complain Saskatchewan classrooms are overcrowded. What can be done?

Our Saskatchewan Party government is proud of our record of investment into education in our province. Provincial funding for K-12 education has increased by more than 37 per cent from $1.41 billion in 2007 to $1.94 billion in 2020. In the same period enrolment has increased 15 per cent. Since 2007-08, for every 20 new students, we have added an additional educator position.

More than $1.5 billion has been invested to build 57 new or replacement schools and 28 major school renovations. We also allocated $130 million from the capital plan for education infrastructure, including four additional new schools and two major renovation projects. This is in addition to the seven new schools and three renovations announced in the 2020-21 budget.

Would you rather go into the past and meet your ancestors or go into the future and meet your great-great-grandchildren and why?

I would rather go into the past to meet my ancestors. The grit, integrity and character of the people who went before us over the course of the last century is admirable. A conversation with them would be inspirational.

Is it realistic for Saskatchewan to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions? If so, how would we do that in a resource-based economy?

Our Prairie Resilience climate plan will reduce emissions by 12 million tonnes by 2030. Included in that plan are outcome-based performance standards that will protect competitiveness while reducing emissions. Saskatchewan industry is some of the most innovative in the world, and many are already moving to net-zero emissions strategies. Through SaskPower our government has committed to up to 50 per cent renewable power generation, including the use of Small Modular Nuclear technology.

Who is your favourite Beatle and why?

Not the Mountain Pine Beetle. As much as our efforts have been successful in battling it, it can really affect the forest region that I come from.

First Nations leaders and northerners tell us the latest suicide strategy isn’t sufficient. Should such a strategy do more? What can government do?

The prevention of suicide and supporting mental health is a priority for the Saskatchewan Party government. Our government released the Pillars for Life Suicide Prevention Plan in May to co-ordinate activities to promote life and reduce risk factors related to suicide. In September, the Saskatchewan Party government signed a letter of commitment with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and the federal government on mental health and wellness supports for Indigenous youth in Saskatchewan. There is always more work to do, and the Saskatchewan Party is committed to continuing investing in mental health supports.

What is the weirdest thing you eat that others would turn up their nose at?

Decaf coffee at any hour of the day.

What is the most unusual job you have ever done?

This one!

Ryan Meili, NDP

NDP Leader Ryan Meili. (Lisa Schick/980 CJME)

Meili’s questionnaire has yet to be returned.

Ken Grey, Progressive Conservative Party

Ken Grey, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan. (Dominick Lucyk/980 CJME)

Hometown

I was raised on the family farm near Colonsay. I lived for 30 years in Saskatoon and in 2013 I moved to Regina, where I now reside.

If you could sum up your life so far in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

An adventure. I have never been shy to try new things. I always try to give people the benefit of the doubt. I am someone who tries to work through partisan divides.

What do you intend to do about the deficit and the ongoing impact of COVID-19?

Really, we need to slow down the spending spree now going on. I’m not as huge believer in Keynesian economics as the Saskatchewan Party and NDP seem to be. We would make Saskatchewan an attractive place to invest, stabilize government spending and stop increasing debt accumulation. Modest tax cuts, initially, would put more spending power in the hands of our consumers.

What bad habits did you pick up during the lockdown?

Unfortunately, as a political leader during the day and a transit supervisor on weekends, my work levels went up during COVID and not down. My bad habit was working too much, which I am guilty of most of the time anyway.

Staying on the COVID-19 front, do you think it is time for this province to adopt a mandatory mask policy? And did we react quickly enough when COVID first appeared here?

I don’t believe mandatory masks are necessary and while not part of the question, I’ll say I think the time has come to end the state of emergency. I believe we have the knowledge and understanding of how to contain this virus that government’s heavy hand is no longer required. Further, the economy may rebound better knowing the government won’t institute more drastic lockdowns in the future.

What is one thing you wish you could change about yourself?

I wish I could balance work/home life better. I wish I could take better care of my health as I’m getting older.

Since the last election, we saw the Provincial Sales Tax added and expanded. Given the COVID debt would you provide any tax relief? Can you foresee the need for tax increases?

I addressed this in another question but a key part of our platform is PST relief. I can’t foresee tax increases, however we aren’t in charge of the spending spree currently going on so it’s tough to say if the government will be able balance this ship in the time frame it plans without tax hikes and significant program cuts.

What makes you hopeful?

I am always inspired by my faith in God.

Surgical and diagnostic wait lists are getting longer in Saskatchewan. What’s gone wrong and what do we do about it?

Over the years in health care, I’ve had the opportunity to talk to physicians all over North America. I hear the same thing from many of them: “If Saskatchewan gave us an opportunity to make money, we would invest in services there.” They all cited the heavy restrictions on direct billing as an obstacle. We need to understand physicians are more of a business than an employee and treat them as such.

If you could have just one superpower, what would it be and why?

This may sound sappy but I already have my superpower. It’s the love of my family and partner.

Many complain Saskatchewan classrooms are overcrowded. What can be done?

It seems to me long-term education planning is being done in a bubble in this province. We have schools that have just opened in new divisions that are already over full. We have schools in rural areas that graduate four students or less in a given year. We need to have education planning that involves municipalities, the department of education and local school administration so we can better plan for new schools.

Would you rather go into the past and meet your ancestors or go into the future and meet your great-great-grandchildren and why?

I’ve always been a history fan so I think the past would be more appealing. I’m worried I wouldn’t be able to understand the culture in the future.

Is it realistic for Saskatchewan to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions? If so, how would we do that in a resource-based economy?

I don’t think it’s realistic nor do I think it’s really necessary. The earth’s climate has never been static and likely never will.

Who is your favourite Beatle and why?

I’m just not a fan of any of them. Sorry.

First Nations leaders and northerners tell us the latest suicide strategy isn’t sufficient. Should such a strategy do more? What can the government do?

I have some ideas on this based on discussions I’ve had over the years with people at risk in this group. Clearly the biggest factor is education. Families, friends co-workers, doctors and teachers all need to recognize the signs of depression and know how to respond to the signs. Any survivor of suicide attempts I spoke to have said the response by family at all stages was key to survival. This is not applying blame to any group for a loss but their ability to identify a problem can go a long way to preventing the suicide from succeeding. The other thing that has to happen is non-hospital-based support must be free of charge to access, particularly in the follow-up stage after the attempt. Financial stress was identified by these people I know as a key reason they may think of attempting suicide again. It’s imperative the follow-up is easily accessible with little red tape.

What is the weirdest thing you eat that others would turn up their nose at?

I use ketchup in a lot of my foods.

What is the most unusual job you have ever done?

I think the days I was a sleep lab technologist was probably the job where I saw the weirder things. I’m not sure if the job itself was weird but it certainly felt out of the ordinary.

Naomi Hunter, Green Party of Saskatchewan

Green Party Leader Naomi Hunter. (Dominick Lucyk/980 CJME)

Hometown

Turtleford.

If you could sum up your life so far in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

Activism has been my life. I’m dedicated to solving the climate crisis.

What do you intend to do about the deficit and the ongoing impact of COVID-19?

Tax the rich and implement a Guaranteed Livable Income. The Green Party will strengthen local economies in our cities and in our rural communities by focusing on small businesses, both existing and start-ups.

What bad habits did you pick up during the lockdown?

None.

Staying on the COVID-19 front, do you think it is time for this province to adopt a mandatory mask policy? And did we react quickly enough when COVID first appeared here?

Yes, and no.

What is one thing you wish you could change about yourself?

I’d already be an elected representative.

Since the last election we saw the Provincial Sales Tax added and expanded. Given the COVID debt would you provide any tax relief? Can you foresee the need for tax increases?

Our strategy will foster new employment by creating green jobs supplying local food, retrofitting and constructing green buildings, producing local renewable energy sustainably, and supplying more of what Saskatchewan people need.

The expansion of the tax base that will come from such development is critical to the overall fiscal health of the province. One example of promising industries is the information technology sector, which is instrumental to growing new greener economies in our cities and rural areas. We will champion the arts, tourism and recreation as essential to building vibrant new economies in every corner of our province.

What makes you hopeful?

When I see kindness in the world. I think that everyone could be more loving.

Surgical and diagnostic wait lists are getting longer in Saskatchewan. What’s gone wrong and what do we do about it?

We need to re-prioritize health care in this province. Saskatchewan was the birthplace of universal medicare and it’s shameful it’s not what it used to be.

If you could have just one superpower, what would it be and why?

I would want to suck carbon out of the atmosphere because of the climate crisis.

Many complain Saskatchewan classrooms are overcrowded. What can be done?

This appears to be a simple math problem, which more teachers could solve. Hire more teachers and aides, reduce class sizes and follow the recommendations by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation.

Would you rather go into the past and meet your ancestors or go into the future and meet your great-great-grandchildren and why?

The future.

Is it realistic for Saskatchewan to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions? If so, how would we do that in a resource-based economy?

Yes, it is possible. We need 60 per cent reductions within four years and 100 per cent reduction within 10 years. I intend to see a solar panel on every roof in this province.

Who is your favourite Beatle and why?

John Lennon because of his peaceful activism.

First Nations leaders and northerners tell us the latest suicide strategy isn’t sufficient. Should such a strategy do more? What can government do?

“The suicide prevention strategy released by the provincial government is the weakest that has ever been seen.” — Jack Hicks, adjunct professor at the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan who served as an adviser to the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations on the development of its suicide prevention strategy.

I want to legislate a strategy for suicide prevention that would require the Saskatchewan Health Authority to establish a provincial strategy for suicide prevention that recognizes that suicide is not just a mental health issue but a public health issue as well.

What is the weirdest thing you eat that others would turn up their nose at?

I like toast with haskap jam and green olives.

What is the most unusual job you have ever done?

I teach a fitness class on how to surf, and have 12 boards that people can use to learn how to surf, in the winter, in Saskatchewan.

Robert Rudachyk, Saskatchewan Liberal Party

Robert Rudachyk, leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party. (Saskatchewan Liberal Party/Submitted)

Rudachyk’s questionnaire hasn’t been returned yet.

Wade Sira, The Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan

Wade Sira, leader of the Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan. (Wade Sira/Facebook)

Hometown

No answer provided.

If you could sum up your life so far in one sentence, what would that sentence be?

It has been quite a ride.

What do you intend to do about the deficit and the ongoing impact of COVID-19?

Reduce the government costs, and lift the emergency measures.

What bad habits did you pick up during the lockdown?

None. I drive a semi and continue to work.

Staying on the COVID-19 front, do you think it is time for this province to adopt a mandatory mask policy? And did we react quickly enough when COVID first appeared here?

No, mandatory masks are an infringement of rights. The people have the right to decide. The government reacted in response to the information they had at the time.

What is one thing you wish you could change about yourself?

Nothing. Everything that has happened in my life to date has made me who I am.

Since the last election we saw the Provincial Sales Tax added and expanded. Given the COVID debt would you provide any tax relief? Can you foresee the need for tax increases?

Yes, we’re open to tax relief. We need the people and the economy to get back to work. There’s no need for tax increases at this time. We need the economy rolling again; in turn, it will boost the coffers.

What makes you hopeful?

The support of the people for this new party. It gives me hope and motivation that we are on the right track.

Surgical and diagnostic wait lists are getting longer in Saskatchewan. What’s gone wrong and what do we do about it?

As for what we can see from the outside of government, the current system works too short of operating hours. We need to review other options.

If you could have just one superpower, what would it be and why?

None. If I was to have some superpowers I would have been born with them.

Many complain Saskatchewan classrooms are overcrowded. What can be done?

The province needs to explore more options of education. Enhance the DLC system and school of choice. There is no easy answer. There is no one solution.

Would you rather go into the past and meet your ancestors or go into the future and meet your great-great-grandchildren and why?

Neither. You may not like what you learn of the past. As to the future, we are making that on Oct. 26.

Is it realistic for Saskatchewan to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions? If so, how would we do that in a resource-based economy?

No. The planet creates its own greenhouse gases. No matter how hard we try, this is unachievable.

Who is your favourite Beatle and why?

I do not like the Beatles.

First Nations leaders and northerners tell us the latest suicide strategy isn’t sufficient. Should such a strategy do more? What can government do?

The current system is not working. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over again and again expecting different results. We need to change this system. This can only happen when we can get together to find a solution.

What is the weirdest thing you eat that others would turn up their nose at?

Beef liver and onions. I have to order it, when by myself, at a restaurant. All alone, just me and my beef liver and onions.

What is the most unusual job you have ever done?

At a pig barn. I artificially inseminated the sows and gilts.

A look at the leaders

Scott Moe, Saskatchewan Party

Scott Moe has been premier since January 2018, when he was chosen by the Saskatchewan Party to replace the retiring Brad Wall.

Moe was first elected to the Saskatchewan legislature in the 2011 provincial election and serves the Rosthern-Shellbrook constituency. He has served as minister of environment and advanced education.

Moe was born and raised in the constituency on a grain farm between Shellbrook and Parkside. He and his wife Krista live in Shellbrook with their two children.

Moe has a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan. He has worked with the Economic Development Corporation, the Shellbrook and District Health Services Project Inc., and the Shellbrook and District Physician Recruitment Committee.

He enjoys getting outside and has volunteered with local hockey and softball associations.

Ryan Meili, Saskatchewan NDP

Ryan Meili was first elected to the Saskatchewan legislature in a byelection in March 2017. He is the MLA for Saskatoon Meewasin.

He became leader of the NDP in March 2018.

Prior to his political career, Meili was a family doctor and worked in Saskatoon’s core neighbourhoods. He lives in the city with his wife Mahli and their two children.

Meili grew up on his family’s grain farm southwest of Moose Jaw, but has called Saskatoon home for more than 20 years.

He attended Vanier Collegiate in Moose Jaw before going to the University of Saskatchewan, where he studied Human Anatomy and Languages.

Meili’s first attempt to attend medical school was rejected. He then travelled to South America for five months to experience life in the developing world.

Ken Grey, Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan

(Ken Grey/Facebook)

Ken Grey has been the PC Party’s leader since November of 2018.

Grey was born in Saskatoon and raised on his family’s farm near Colonsay.

After graduating from high school in Colonsay, he attended the University of Saskatchewan before completing the special care aide program at SIAST.

Grey worked in long-term care for nine years before becoming a a registered sleep technologist at Royal University Hospital for eight years. He now works as a supervisor at Regina Paratransit.

A father of four and a grandfather of five, Grey has volunteered with his community association and his church and currently serves on the board of an non-governmental organization for the disabled.

Grey is a candidate in Regina Walsh Acres.

Naomi Hunter, Green Party of Saskatchewan

(Naomi Hunter/Facebook)

Naomi Hunter was elected leader of the Green Party on Feb. 29.

A product of Turtleford, Hunter runs her family’s haskap farm with her father in the summer near Prince Albert. She spends the rest of the year teaching fitness classes for seniors.

Hunter ran for the Green Party of Canada in the Regina-Lewvan constituency in October’s federal election, finishing fourth.

She’s to run in Regina Elphinstone-Centre in the upcoming provincial election.

Robert Rudachyk, Saskatchewan Liberal Party

(Saskatchewan Liberal Party/Submitted)

Robert Rudachyk was named the Liberal Party’s interim leader on Sept. 28.

Born in Saskatoon and raised in Weyburn, Rudachyk graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a science degree in 1990.

The father of two is active in his community in Saskatoon, serving on the Mayfair School Community Council and with his local community association.

Rudachyk is to run in the constituency of Saskatoon Westview in the upcoming election. In the 2016 election, he ran in the Saskatoon Riversdale riding.

Wade Sira, The Buffalo Party of Saskatchewan

(Wade Sira/Facebook)

Wade Sira took over as the interim leader of the Buffalo Party – formerly Wexit Saskatchewan – in July after founding member Jake Wall stepped down.

Sira was born in Saskatoon, attended Hanley Composite High School and then went to the University of Saskatchewan. He now works as a semi driver and Class 1 driving instructor.

Sira, who has a 12-year-old son, volunteers as a coach, umpire and referee in local sports leagues.

He was elected a municipal council reeve in 2016 and served as a representative to the Saskatchewan Advisory of Municipal Assessment (SAMA).

He’s running in the Martensville-Warman constituency.