Saskatchewan voters prepare for federal election

With the writ now dropped, attention turns to Saskatchewan’s 14 ridings.

Currently, the province is represented by 10 Conservatives, two NDP members, one Liberal and one independent.

It is anticipated that some of the major issues debated in this campaign will have a big impact in Saskatchewan.

The provincial government has taken a strong stance again the Liberal government’s climate change plan, even taking the issues to the Supreme Court of Canada.

That case may not be necessary if the Conservatives win power, a party that has campaigned against a carbon tax.

The climate change plans being put forward by each party will be at the forefront of voters’ minds as the prairie provinces, particularly Saskatchewan and Alberta, fight to see greater support for pipelines in order to get Canada’s oil to tidewater.

The oil and gas sector, including those in the Saskatchewan’s southeast, have been greatly impacted by the downturn in the industry and stalled pipeline projects.

Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector will closely monitor what the election will mean for Canada’s relationship with China. Right now, China has banned imports of canola and beef.

That has limited the trade Saskatchewan farmers get the benefit of, which will be at the forefront of their minds as they head to the polls.

Trust likely will also be a feature for Saskatchewan voters as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces questions over his role in the SNC-Lavalin case and the fact the ethics commissioner has now twice ruled Trudeau breached ethics regulations.

Candidates

While not all candidates in Saskatchewan’s ridings are yet known, there are some with higher profiles than others.

Ralph Goodale, the lone Liberal in the province, has served since 1993 and is seeking another term.

Two provincial politicians, who until Wednesday morning had seats in the legislature, are seeking to move to federal politics. Corey Tochor stepped down as the Speaker in order to run for the Conservatives, alongside Regina’s Warren Steinley.

Tochor and Steinley resigned their positions on Wednesday morning. Due to the timing, their provincial seats won’t be filled until the 2020 provincial election.

Perhaps the MP who has garnered the most headlines is now-independent Erin Weir. Weir was expelled from the federal NDP after allegations of harassment. But voters in Regina-Lewvan will now have a new face representing them as Weir has decided not to run again.

But the Saskatchewan MP with the most attention this campaign — and likely the most travelling to do — is Andrew Scheer. The Regina-Qu’Appelle MP, who has served since 2004, is now the leader of the Conservative Party.

He is hoping to unseat Trudeau but recent polls have them tied.

Much like Trudeau, Scheer will face questions about his record as a video from an old House of Commons debate was shared by Goodale questioning Scheer’s position on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.

Canada goes to the polls on Oct. 21.