In this interview, candidates running to represent the University of Saskatchewan area share more about themselves and their positions

As October welcomes the fall season, election time comes around for the people to cast their votes. While some may feel indifferent during this period, it is important to remember that a few minutes at the ballot box can lead to substantial changes in the community. From people’s gripes about healthcare to complaints about the cost of living, students have the power to influence the society they live in, helping themselves and their fellow community members. To help you make an informed decision in the 2024 provincial election, held on October 28, interviews were conducted with both the SaskNDP and the SaskParty representatives for the District of University-Sutherland to shed light on what both candidates and their parties offer to the university community, the city of Saskatoon, and the entire province. 

Saskatchewan Party (SaskParty) – Ghislaine McLeod

Ghislaine McLeod, the candidate for the Saskatchewan Party (SaskParty), was born and raised in Saskatoon and has been involved in the University-Sutherland area for over 40 years. As a senior communication specialist at Cameco and the owner of Capital G Communications, McLeod has worked with different organizations in Saskatchewan. She was the Director of Communications for USask from 2004 to 2008. She is the President of the SaskParty University Constituency Association. Her role focuses on increasing and connecting members in the riding.  After winning a contested party nomination, she is currently running to represent the  Saskatoon University-Sutherland as a SaskParty candidate.

McLeod supports the party’s focus on ensuring there are pathways to lucrative jobs, especially for university students and providing access to financial support to reduce barriers. For example, if re-elected, the SaskParty pledges to increase the Graduate Retention Program benefit to $24,000 from the existing $20,000. The SaskParty also plans to raise the Saskatchewan First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit from $10,000 to $15,000. McLeod emphasized the importance of connecting with the university and community, stating that there is pride and opportunity and a connection with students and industries and sectors that they want to work in.” She mentioned that the SaskParty offers an optimistic outlook on this economy and their future in this province, “that there will be a job for you when you finish school, that there will be an interest in making sure that the education that you receive is marketable, and that you are connected to the opportunities that live here in the province and beyond. And truly if opportunities are not in the province [and you go elsewhere]I hope that you bring the experience [you gained] back.”

McLeod supports investments for safer communities such as the 17 million dollar government funding for safer communities and neighbourhoods announced on September 5th. “We need to work on how we have affordable options, and work with folks that need a place to stay, and [ensure] that we are working with not only people with addictions but to get the drugs on our street off of our street,” explained McLeod. If re-elected the SaskParty plans to extend coverage for Flash and Continuous Glucose Monitoring systems and supplies for adults 25 and under and seniors 65 and over with diabetes. As well as provide financial support for fertility treatment and its related drug prescription costs through a 50% tax credit on the price of the first treatment.

Saskatchewan New Democratic Party (SaskNDP) – Tajinder Grewal

Tajinder Grewal, the candidate for the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party (SaskNDP), has been living in Saskatoon for the past 25 years. He has made significant contributions to the scientific and cultural areas of Saskatchewan, including his time as Chief Scientist for Agri Commodities at SGS Canada Inc., his research at the USask Department of Plant Sciences, and his work at the Saskatchewan Research Council. Grewal was also one of the founders of the Punjabi Cultural Association of Saskatchewan. 

Growing up in India, he had access to public healthcare and education. However, by the time he had his son in the 1990s, many healthcare services in India were privatized and access to public education was nearly gone. He recalled his arrival in Canada, stating that he “saw the public healthcare system, public education, [and] I [Tajinder Grewal] was so amazed.” His son has since received all of his education in Canada. When he heard about the tentative privatization of Saskatchewan’s health care and education, he vowed to be politically active in order to protect these services.

The SaskNDP leader Carla Beck, has signed a letter for a No Tax Hike Guarantee, ensuring that if elected, the SaskNDP will not raise taxes and will suspend the provincial fuel tax for six months. The SaskNDP has also committed to removing the provincial sales tax from groceries and children’s clothing. Additionally, they plan to address the housing crisis through their proposed Landlord and Tenant Protection Act. The SaskNDP plans to invest two billion dollars over the next four years in K-12 education to reduce class sizes and hire more staff. Grewal explained that post-secondary education is important to both the SaskNDP and himself, stating that they would collaborate with USask and listen to university student bodies, employees and workers, to find effective solutions to existing problems. 

Beck explained that the SaskNDP aims to tackle crime by addressing the root causes which include mental health, addictions, and lack of housing. This involves investing in mental health and addiction services and filling vacant public housing units.  “[The SaskNDP] [has] to invest into social programs, we have to talk to the people who are running these social programs… we have to work together again, to understand these problems and fix these problems,” stated Grewal.

He also mentioned that if he wins his constituency,  he will work towards advocating for any issues raised at the legislature. “[My] job is to bring forward those issues no matter what. That’s my commitment and my promise to Saskatoon University-Sutherland. I will bring forward the issues that matter the most to the people living here in this constituency,” he expressed. The SaskNDP seeks to improve Saskatchewan’s standing in healthcare, with a proposed 1.1 billion dollar investment, incorporating the concerns of healthcare workers Additionally, Grewal intends to hire more nurses and doctors, and ensure that the Saskatoon City Hospital has a 24/7 emergency room.

After interviewing each candidate for the District of University-Sutherland, both expressed a willingness to reserve a seat for the people at the parliamentary table. Whether addressing concerns regarding crime or fostering hope for a more affordable tomorrow, take the time from October 22nd to October 28th, 2024 (except October 27th), to choose the candidate you see most fit.