U of R prof offers insight into provincial election campaign

With the writ dropping Tuesday, the province has jumped into a political race that’s to last the next four weeks.

Jim Farney, an associate professor of politics and international studies at the University of Regina, said there are a number of issues that are likely to be top of mind for voters this election — but he said COVID-19 will be an especially big one.

He said it’ll be the management of the crisis, but also getting out of the economic downturn.

On the fiscal side away from COVID, Farney said there are a lot of challenges and some long-term fiscal situations the province needs to adjust to.

“How do we get back to balance, but how do we stay balanced over the long term?” he asked.

Farney said voters will also be thinking about schools and whether they’re properly funded, mental health, the province’s relationship with First Nations people, and health care.

When it comes to high-level issues, Farney also points to the debt and deficit of the province, climate change, and what happens to us as we age.

As for what the parties will be focused on, Farney said Ryan Meili and the NDP have been a little more open thus far, making announcements every week or so on things like mental health and health-care issues. Farney said those could end up being wrapped up in a package that talks about a more caring society.

Scott Moe’s Saskatchewan Party has been a little more reserved, but Farney said looking at the recent infrastructure announcements — including the irrigation project for central Saskatchewan that was announced this summer — the Sask. Party will be focused on economic growth.

“(They’ll look at) however they can piece together a set of plans that promises us back on a growth-oriented economy story,” said Farney.

Farney said he could see the election going in more of a “Moe versus Meili” direction. But Farney also said since it’s the first election in 16 years without Brad Wall at the helm of the Sask. Party, that could create its own dynamic.

“This is (Moe’s) first election as premier, and so in a sense it’s not even a referendum on Moe versus Meili as much as it is a referendum on Moe and the Sask. Party,” said Farney.

Farney said there are a few ridings that could be particularly interesting to watch, including Regina Walsh Acres where there has been what he called a “tumult” over the NDP dropping its original candidate, Sandra Morin.

He explained that Moose Jaw Wakamow and the two Prince Albert riding will likely be close, as well as the ridings in downtown Regina and Saskatoon.

Farney said the university ridings could be interesting.

“(That’s) just because, with the universities on distance (learning due to COVID), the students won’t be there in the same numbers,” said Farney.

Saskatoon Meewasin, Meili’s riding, could also be close, said Farney. Meili won it in a 2017 byelection but the riding was held by the Sask. Party before that.