April 5, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Who will challenge Regina Mayor Sandra Masters?

When Regina mayor Sandra Masters announced last month that she will seek re-election this fall, it’s likely a lot of political followers immediately wondered: who, if anyone, will challenge her?

One would not be surprised if either Dan LeBlanc or Andrew Stevens, both current city councillors, announced a mayoral campaign. Both councillors have sparred with the mayor over the past term, and LeBlanc or Stevens would have significant support from progressive voters in the city (and anyone else not happy with how Masters has performed as mayor, for that matter).

Stevens, along with a constituent, brought forward a lawsuit against City Manager Nikki Anderson in late-2022 after administration did not include the cost of fixing homelessness as a line item in the budget. The pair were represented by Leblanc who is also a lawyer. Masters called their lawsuit “disgusting” with undertones of sexism. But, Masters and Stevens have also worked together to spearhead a revitalization project in North Central Regina.

At this time, Masters is the only member of City Council to officially announce their intentions for the fall, leading some to speculate if other councillors are also contemplating throwing their hats into the ring, or if they are waiting to see who announces first.

In Saskatoon, former Mayors always seem to run for re-election (see Don Atchison), and the rumour mill in Regina has swirled that former mayor Michael Fougere has perhaps considered a comeback bid.

Regina Youtuber Ryan Doka told the Leader-Post that he would be running for Mayor and received the endorsement of JustBins.

Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association

Moe, Beck spar on social media over PST

Focusing on affordability, Premier Scott Moe took a swipe at the NDP on social media on Thursday, saying that the PST now is “3% lower than it was under the NDP, when it was as high as 9%.”

NDP leader Carla Beck was quick to refute the Premier’s claims, posting on Twitter (X), “Growing up with cattle, you learn pretty quick to spot bull…”

MLAs are back in session on Monday and political watchers can expect the dial to be ratched up more and more between the parties as they enter the last six weeks of session before they break for the summer and the 2024 election this fall.

Sponsored by Insurance Brokers Association of Saskatchewan

Constituency Profile: Moose Jaw North

Leading up to the 2024 election, The SKoop Political Briefing is highlighting constituencies that have nominated a candidate from at least both major parties. Today, we look at Moose Jaw North. The constituency includes all of Moose Jaw north of Caribou Street, north until the eight-mile road that borders the Lumsden-Morse constituency. The new boundaries include additional rural areas.

The incumbent: Tim McLeod. McLeod was first elected in 2020 and currently serves as the Minister of Rural and Remote Health, Mental Health, Addictions and Seniors. In 2020 he received 63% of the vote and is a well-known lawyer in the community.

The challenger: Cheantelle Fisher. The NDP acclaimed Fisher late last year. She works for Moose Jaw Food as a client resource manager. The NDP have won this seat in the past.

The takeaway: This is a riding to watch, but is likely a Sask. Party hold. Moose Jaw is one of the places where NDP leader Carla Beck is looking to make inroads outside of the two major centers, but McLeod is a popular cabinet minister and is currently ahead in the polls. Both parties have won this constituency before.

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More news and info

• Hope fades as standstill between STF, province persists (Regina Leader-Post)

• Draft of Saskatchewan’s pronoun policy gave teachers discretion for at-risk students (CTV Regina)

• Politicians in the Wild: Prince Albert NDP candidates Brost-Strom, Rancourt out doorknocking

• Sask Party schedules 4 upcoming nominations, NDP schedule 1

2024 Election Candidate Tracker