September 20, 2024 | Advertise with us

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Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce to host multiple debates this fall

Saskatchewan political party leaders will be facing off in a televised debate hosted by the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce this fall.

CEO Jason Aebig shared the news on LinkedIn saying, “Guaranteed fireworks and real debate on the issues that matter most to Saskatoon’s business leaders and owners.”

The Provincial leaders debate is scheduled for October 15 and the Saskatoon Mayoral debate is slated for October 30.

The debates will be hosted by Margot Orr, Director of Policy and Government Relations at the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. The debates will also feature four moderators including tech lawyer Joe Gill, co-founder of Ryde YXE Shaina Lynden, CEO of 9Mile Brewing Shawn Moen, and communications professional Christina Cherneskey.

Tackling crime and safety, improving federal relations, growing the local economy, and fair taxation will be the themes of the debates.

At this point, it is unclear which party leaders will participate.

Sponsored by the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association

Learn more about the great work the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association and its members are doing at saskheavy.ca.

New polling shows Moe’s approval at two-year low

The Angus Reid Institute reliably publishes quarterly tracking of Premier approval, a metric that Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe typically finds himself at the top of.

The newest results released yesterday show Moe with a 45% approval, down 4% from the last poll in June. This is one of the lowest scores Moe has received during his tenure and the lowest approval in two years.

Angus Reid said, “Political contests in Saskatchewan have not been particularly competitive in recent years, with the Saskatchewan Party coasting to comfortable majorities in four consecutive elections since 2007. And while the incumbent party does look to have the inside lane over the opposition NDP, the gap between the two parties was seven points in August, the closest the two have been since the last election.”

The report continued, “Premier Scott Moe also sees his approval on a downward trend, with 45 per cent saying they approve of his performance currently. Ultimately, both the Saskatchewan Party and Saskatchewan NDP will have the opportunity to campaign and strengthen their positions on the top issues facing the province – health care, the cost of living, and the economy.”

The writ is expected to be dropped in just over a week. Two other Premiers are also heading into an election in October. British Columbia Premier David Eby is up 3% to 46% approval while New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs is the most unpopular in the country at just 30% approval.

Sponsored by Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce

Join the Saskatchewan Chamber for an in-depth discussion featuring prominent Saskatchewan political leaders.

On September 24, Hon. Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Trade and Export Development; Immigration and Career Training, and Hon. Jim Reiter, Minister of Energy & Resources, will offer the Saskatchewan Party’s perspectives on key issues. 

On September 26, NDP Leader Carla Beck will lead a discussion on her party’s vision for the province.

Learn more and register here.

Singh says NDP will not support Conservative non-confidence motion

The federal New Democrats will be voting to keep the Liberal government in power just weeks after ‘ripping up’ the supply and confidence agreement.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will be tabling a motion of non-confidence next Wednesday and if passed, it would trigger a federal election. Earlier this week Yves-Francois Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Quebecois said he would be voting in lockstep with the Liberals to defeat the motion and keep the government in power. When asked, the NDP did not say how they would vote.

Today, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh told reporters he would not be voting in favour of the motion, "New Democrats came to Ottawa to get stuff done, to work for people, to fight for people, not to play Pierre Poilievre's games. We're not going to let Pierre Poilievre tell us what to do."

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe was quick to tie the federal leader to the provincial party he faces in an election this fall, writing on social media “And there it is. The federal NDP, who have the full support of the SK NDP are going to vote to keep Trudeau in power and keep the carbon tax on our bills.”

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Constituency Profile Series: Sponsored by Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA)

SUMA represents over 80% of Saskatchewan residents —cities, towns, villages, resort villages, and northern municipalities—that come together as one urban voice.

We’ve been here since 1905, advancing collective member interests with various government bodies, improving local governance, and fostering municipal growth. We are the urban hubs where you live, work, and play. We're where your children go to school, where you attend medical appointments at the clinic, and where you stop for coffee.

We are URBAN. To learn more visit www.suma.org.

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 Moosomin-Montmartre. The largest centre in the constituency is the town of Moosomin. Other towns in the district include Grenfell, Kipling, Montmartre, Broadview, Whitewood, Rocanville and Wolseley.

The incumbent (party): Kevin Weedmark won a contested nomination to replace MLA Steven Bonk who is not running again. Weedmark is the editor, publisher, and owner of the World-Spectator, Plain & Valley, and Ag News. He is the President of the Moosomin Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Moosomin Housing Authority, and a member of the Community Builders Alliance and the Moosomin Economic Development Committee.

The challenger: Chris Ball works operating a mobile service truck for commercial tractor-trailers and farm implements and has been a member of the local volunteer fire department for 15 years. Ball has been an advocate for improved mental health support and suicide prevention efforts since he and his wife tragically lost their son in 2017.

The takeaway: This is a safe seat for the Saskatchewan Party.

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More news and info

• Correction: In yesterday’s newsletter we incorrectly said that Carla Beck’s Regina Lakeview nomination meeting will be on Thursday, September 26. It will actually be on Wednesday, September 25.

• Quebec premier calls on Bloc Québécois to help topple Trudeau government next week (Canadian Press)

• New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs kicks off provincial election campaign (Canadian Press)

• PM Trudeau to shuffle cabinet as Rodriguez quits to enter Quebec Liberal leadership race, source says (The Globe and Mail)

2024 Election Candidate Tracker