SASK RIVERS – The Sask New Democratic Party candidate for Sask Rivers is veteran and lawyer Doug Racine.
Racine told Â鶹ÊÓƵ.ca via email that his roots with the NDP in Saskatchewan run deep.
"My grandmother talked fondly of attending Tommy Douglas’ church and of working on his election campaigns," said Racine in the email.
Racine said he grew up in a family of 7 children; one of whom is his twin. Three of his sisters became farmers and as a result, he was never a stranger to helping with harvesting.
Racine said he resides in the riding of Saskatchewan Rivers with his wife, Cindy Hanson. They have two adult children.
Racine worked with local people to initiate the research that led to the establishment of the Fish Lake Metis Historical Site near Christopher Lake.
Racine is a military veteran of 12 years; including a peacekeeping tour. In 1990 he left the military and completed a law degree and held a successful law practice for 25 years.
What do you see as priorities for your area?
Healthcare, education and improved infrastructure. If small towns are to thrive, they need adequate funding for infrastructure and connectivity— both physical and virtual.
What is your plan on:
Affordability
Eliminate the gas tax on day one. Cutting PST on children’s clothing and groceries.
Health
The NDP will invest in Saskatchewan’s healthcare, treat healthcare workers as part of the solution; train professionals in the province and improve primary healthcare services.
Education
We will hire more teachers and education workers to ensure every child has the attention and support they need; respect teachers, school boards and education workers and work with them as partners to improve education and address classroom size and complexity. The NDP will take Saskatchewan out of last place per capita for funding of education by investing moderately in public education for the next 4 years.
Public Safety
Partner with the RCMP to hire 100 more front-line officers and scrap the costly Marshall service. Instead invest in mental health and addictions.
Highways
End wasteful projects and invest in rural municipality infrastructure.
What is your stance on the federal Carbon Tax?
This is a federal issue but our leader, Carla Beck has made it clear the NDP does not support the federal carbon tax.
Most pressing issue effecting your constituency?
After three months of door-knocking — healthcare, affordability and community safety have emerged as the key issues in Sask Rivers.
