August 23, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Angus Reid polling shows

Angus Reid has released a new round of polling data providing a deep dive into Saskatchewan voter intentions ahead of the provincial election.

The horserace numbers show a race getting closer, with the report indicating this could be the closest election since the Saskatchewan Party came to power in 2007. If an election were held today, 49% of voters would support the Saskatchewan Party and 42% would support the New Democrats. According to the polling, the NDP has leads in both Saskatoon and Regina, while the Sask. Party leads outside of the major centres.

These overall numbers do show a difference in voter intent compared to the recent Insightrix Research polling, which showed the NDP leading 48 to 47.

Regarding how people view the government’s performance, the report says, “Many are dissatisfied with the current Saskatchewan Party government’s performance on several key files. Two-thirds – including a majority living outside of Regina and Saskatoon – believe the government has performed poorly on health care (66%), inflation (66%), and public safety (67%), three of the top issues as selected by those living in the province.”

The polling confirmed that most residents support the government’s decision to remit the federal carbon tax. Health care is the top issue for voters of all parties, followed by inflation and cost of living.

Premier Scott Moe remains popular in the province with a 49% approval rating.

NDP leader Carla Beck is more favourable where the NDP has support, in Saskatoon and Regina. The NDP leader is unfavorable in rural Saskatchewan which is tied to the popularity of her party.

The full report can be viewed here.

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Sask. Party nominates candidate in Saskatoon Riversdale

The Saskatchewan Party held a nomination meeting in Saskatoon Riversdale last night and local members acclaimed Olugbenga Fakoyejo as their candidate.

Fakoyejo holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics, alongside certifications in investment, financial planning, climate risk, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) from the Canadian Securities Institute, the Investment Funds Institute of Canada, and the Corporate Finance Institute. He currently works as a Senior Financial Advisor with Scotia Bank.

The party needed to find a new candidate after incumbent MLA Marv Friesen announced his departure from the provincial scene earlier this summer. The NDP have nominated local lawyer Kim Breckner as their candidate.

Fakoyejo is the 59th of 61 candidates nominated by the Sask. Party ahead of the provincial election. The party now only needs candidates in Moosomin-Montmartre and Regina Douglas Park.

The next nomination currently scheduled is for the NDP in Swift Current on August 27.

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Wyant releases safe streets plan in Saskatoon Mayoral race

The Mayoral race in Saskatoon will be one to watch as former MLA Gord Wyant, city councillor Cynthia Block, and former Mayor Don Atchison vie for votes.

This week Wyant released his platform for safer streets in Saskatoon. In a tweet, he said “Saskatoon is broken. Streets are worse than ever, and many don’t feel safe. You can't have well-being without safety.”

Wyant’s five-point plan includes addressing hot-button issues and committing to relocating the Fairhaven shelter. He also pledged to open expanding police services and creating two police precincts, on both the east and west sides of the city. He also committed to advocating for greater support from social services.

Taking a dig at his opponent, Wyant said, “I won’t rely on endless studies or task forces. We’ve studied these issues. It’s time for real change in Saskatoon.”

A few weeks ago, Block announced that her plan would include a Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness. Her statement on homelessness read “The homelessness crisis is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, making it difficult for service providers and policymakers to keep pace. No Mayor or City Council is going to solve this alone. We need to work with other orders of government, community partners, and residents. I don’t have all the answers, but if we work together - all of us - I know we can find a better way forward.”

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Each week leading up to the 2024 election, The SKoop Political Briefing will highlight a constituency that has nominated a candidate from at least both major parties. Today, we look at Regina Walsh Acres. This rural riding includes the neighbourhoods of Normanview and Walsh Acres. Due to boundary changes, it will also include parts of Coronation Park and Argyle Street.

The incumbent: Jared Clarke is a biologist and a father, and the Saskatchewan NDP MLA for Regina Walsh Acres. Before being elected in a by-election in 2023, Clarke taught elementary school with Regina Public Schools for eight years.

The challenger: Liaqat Ali was born and raised in Pakistan, and he immigrated to Regina with his family in 2013. He worked in various retail and customer service positions before starting his own company in 2017, which he still operates.

The takeaway: This is a likely NDP seat. Both parties have won this riding multiple times since 2003. Clarke won the by-election with 54% of the vote and the NDP continue to poll strong in Regina. This riding has elected notable figures Sandra Morin, Warren Steinley, and the late Derek Meyers.

More news and info

• Saskatoon proposes $1.22B in unsecured funding for arena project (CKOM News)

• Canadians want to protect Canadian workers by joining the US & Mexico in the fight against Chinese dumping of steel, aluminum and EV’s (Spark)

• Sask. athletes compete at Paris Paralympic Games (SaskToday)

2024 Election Candidate Tracker