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NDP leadership hopefuls meet with Meadow Lakers

Oct 18, 2017 | 12:57 PM

The NDP believe the people of Saskatchewan are ready for a change, and the two candidates vying to lead the party both feel prepared to take on the challenge.

Ryan Meili and Trent Wotherspoon spoke to a handful of voters at Grace United Church yesterday. The event also served as the AGM for local NDP members.

A few of the topics covered included the province’s current debt, cuts to public service, education, health, the carbon tax, privatization of crown corporations, and truth and reconciliation.

Meili, a doctor by trade and the MLA for Saskatoon-Meewasin, spoke about his hope to establish pharmacare, or support for mental health services, dental and vision care. He said the cuts to the Saskatchewan Transportation Company (STC) were very short-sighted when it comes to health care.

“They didn’t look at all into the economic impact,” he said. “It’s costing thousands of dollars more to send people by medical taxi instead of by bus. I know that’s  a big issue in this area, and so much more for people who might have to leave small towns to access more services.”

Wotherspoon,  and is the MLA for Regina Rosemont, said there needs to be a restoration of the capacity of Saskatchewan companies to build roads.

“When we’re building roads, we need to make sure that we’re thinking of Saskatchewan companies first,” he said. “We need to make sure that we’re deriving the best value in economic benefit for our dollars. We have the capacity to build out Indigenous supply chains on these fronts, as well as training programs, not unlike the heavy machinery work occurring on Flying Dust.”

Wotherspoon said he was glad to make a trip to the area, and said even though the gathering was a small one, he feels support for his party is growing. He said the goal wasn’t just to stop the cuts or sell-offs, it was about building a better province. 

“We have a lot at risk in our province right now,” he said. It’s about delivering for Saskatchewan people, and building a province filled with hope, community, and reconciliation.”

Meili said he was thankful for the opportunity to visit the region and no matter what the result of the leadership race is, he feels the party has a strong vision for Saskatchewan. He said his party must now prove its the right choice.

“This meeting was so important, we learned more about what’s happening. We are ready to work as a caucus.”

 

kathy.gallant@jpbg.ca  

On Twitter @ReporterKath