SASKATOON — Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck is not leaving one stone unturned and will not rely on several polls, which show they are ahead by a slight margin over the Saskatchewan Party with election on Monday, Oct. 28.
Independent pollsters like Liaison Strategies, Mainstreet Strategies, and Janet Brown Opinion Research either showed the provincial NDP up or having gained some footing in this election cycle. Healthcare and education were among the contested issues. The results also showed that the race to earn the majority to form a government remains tight.
During a poll conducted from Oct. 24 to 25, Liaison had the NDP leading 49 per cent against the 46 of the Saskatchewan Party with a margin of error of +/- 3.63 per cent. Mainstreet Research released a separate poll with the NDP at 49 and the Saskatchewan Party at 45. Last week, Janice Brown’s poll showed NDP support jumped to 40 per cent from 32 in 2020 while the Saskatchewan Party dropped to 45 from 61 in the previous election.
However, Beck said that although polls show positive results for the NDP, she would not bet everything on pollsters and believes the election is not over until the last ballot is counted once voting ends on Monday night.
“It is great to see a poll showing us with momentum. It shows us pulling ahead, but we still have people knocking on thousands of doors every day across the province. We can feel the momentum. We can see when the numbers of people turn out to vote, that there is momentum. That there is a want for change in this province, and people believe that change is possible,” said Beck.
“One poll alone, I don't think you should stake everything on any one poll. But when I see the momentum and the response we're getting on the doorsteps, I'm very encouraged. I'm saying to the Saskatchewan people that we are winning this thing. And you must get out to vote because we know the people of Saskatchewan are looking for change. I think that's just more evidence.”
Beck, who also joined Saskatchewan NDP Martensville-Blairmore candidate Tammy Pike to knock on doors on Friday, Oct. 25, said that they knew beating the incumbent government would be almost impossible, as they needed to win in electoral districts that are known Saskatchewan Party strongholds, such as rural areas.
“We knew going into this that we had a big mountain to climb, but we knew why. We knew who we were working for. We knew we would have to work our fingers quite to the bone. We've certainly got many bruised and scraped knuckles worn through shoes. We must knock on every door and pull every vote, but I am optimistic. The Saskatchewan people are telling us they want to change and are tired of the government trying to control them with messages of fear, lies, and division. They want hope, and there's good reason for hope. There's an incredible opportunity in every corner of this province,” said Beck.
“Solutions can be found, but they're not going to be seen by a government that, after 17 years, has stopped listening to and working with the people of this province. People have a choice in this election. Change is coming, and we can't wait. I do think it's possible. I think it's coming, and, you know, our message is not just for urban Saskatchewan. It's not just for a select few of voters. These priorities are delivering relief on the cost of living, fixing our healthcare system, investing in our kids and their education, and dealing with crime, mental health and addictions, which are rising right across this province. No matter which community you're in in this province, these are issues.”
Beck again urged the voters to consider what the Saskatchewan NDP would prioritize if given the chance to form a government. Their platform is built to help the province's people, regardless of their community.
“No matter where you live in this province or how you voted before, you have had a chance to look at our priorities. A platform that's been built with you. Know that your vote counts. This election is about the kind of Saskatchewan that we want, not only on Oct. 29 but the kind of Saskatchewan we want for our kids and our grandkids. People don't have to settle for fear and division. They can choose hope. They can choose that path for all Saskatchewan people. A thriving economy. Good jobs that pay the bills. A place where we take care of each other with good health care and ensure our kids get the support they need in school” said Beck.
“This campaign has been built to show the Saskatchewan people that we are ready to form a government and focused on the things that matter most to them. We've run an incredibly positive campaign showing Saskatchewan people where the problems are and the solutions because those solutions have been built. Our healthcare solutions have been built with healthcare workers. Our solutions in the classroom have been built with parents, school boards and teachers. Our solutions to what would benefit you most when paying your bills, like gas tax, groceries, and kids' clothing, come from Saskatchewan people. When we look at how we make our communities safer, those solutions have been built with communities, with those on the front line.”
She also appealed to undecided voters and those who have yet to cast their ballots to think about the people—their families and friends—they care the most when they step inside the voting booth on Monday.
“Think about the people you rely on, who are there for you when you need help. Think about what they need. Vote for that. In Saskatchewan, we have a proud history of caring for each other. Unfortunately, we all know someone who's waiting for surgery. We know friends struggling to make ends meet, choosing between gas and groceries, and taking on that second job. We all know children who are struggling and discouraged because they can't keep up because they don't have the support they need in our schools,” said Beck.
“I say this to the Saskatchewan people: We don't have to settle for where Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party have taken us or what they have on offer at this time. Last place in healthcare, and more cuts are coming to classrooms and hospitals. They're offering no relief on the cost of living until 2026. I don't think they understand the struggles of the Saskatchewan people. We can come together, and we can move forward. I care too much about this province and the people to settle for the last place. Together, we have the power to change things.”
