By Greg Nikkel
Questions ranging from funding for education to the proposed new hospital for Weyburn, to how to ensure an election win in 2020, were debated by the six candidates for the leadership of the Saskatchewan Party at the second-last debate held before the deadline for memberships.
The debate was held on stage at the Cugnet Centre in Weyburn on Thursday evening, with a full contingent of media from Regina on hand for the event. The candidates included the newest one, Rob Clarke, along with Scott Moe, Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Alanna Koch, Gord Wyant and Ken Cheveldayoff.
The debate was mostly cordial and quiet, until the very end when Clarke raised the issues around the Global Transportation Hub land controversy, saying that those involved with that should be charged, including any of his fellow candidates who may have been involved.
“This is what the NDP is going to be attacking,” said Clarke. “We have to address this as a party. Those who are responsible shouldn’t be in caucus, they should be charged.”
Former deputy premier Ken Krawetz moderated the debate, and he posed 12 questions that were formulated by local and provincial members of the party. The first question brought up the issue of the three-year wait for the proposed acute-care hospital for Weyburn, and asked if any of them would be supporting this hospital going ahead.
Beaudry-Mellor said if she is elected as the new leader, the first thing she would do is take an inventory of health care services and figure out where the greatest needs are before moving on them.
Moe noted he has worked as a volunteer in his home community to raise funds for a health care facility, “so I understand the anxiety.” Residents can take comfort with the dollars that have been spent, with new facilities like the Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon, and the replacement of the Saskatchewan Hospital in North Battleford, he said, and “we need to move on this hospital when we’re able to.”
“Hospitals should be a priority not only in Weyburn but throughout the province,” said Clarke. “If the money is in the budget, we should build a hospital here in Weyburn as soon as possible.”
Cheveldayoff noted the government has built new facilities in Swift Current, Moose Jaw and North Battleford, and said Weyburn and Prince Albert are in need of hospitals “in the near future”. He added that growing the economy “is the way to do it.”
Koch said the government should make use of the inventory list they have and to invest where the need is greatest. She acknowledged the work done in the local community in raising funds for the new hospital, and added, “We need to make sure we can pay for it. What I’m committed to is when we have a balanced budget, we should move ahead to build the hospital.”
“Health care delivery is vitally important,” said Wyant, adding that in his mind, a priority should be in employing the newest technology to make the delivery of health care the most efficient it can be.
One question came from a teacher who noted that the government has put dollars into building schools, but “has fallen short” in putting dollars into teachers and education aides for the classroom, and the candidates were asked how this was going to be addressed if they are elected as leader.
“We need more assistance for teachers, and for those who teach English as a second language. We also have to address classroom size,” said Clarke.
Cheveldayoff noted he held a “day of listening” to education professionals, as he invited teachers and other educators to tell him what is needed in this province, noting that Comp teacher Karen Kennedy-Allin was one of those who attended.
“We need to ensure school boards are doing all they can to find efficiencies where they can so that teachers have the resources they need,” said Koch, adding she would depend on their expert advice as to what the priorities should be.
“Schools don’t teach, teachers teach,” said Wyant, adding that he would ensure teachers in the classroom have the resources they need.
Beaudry-Mellor paid tribute to the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation and the school boards association for both opening a dialogue about education.
Moe pointed out there has been investment in schools, but acknowledged that “there needs to be more” put in to support the teachers in the classroom.
Each of the candidates were asked what their number one priority would be on their first day if they are elected as leader and premier, whether it’s provincial or federal.
“I think we need to grow the economy so we can have more money for our priorities,” said Cheveldayoff, noting he would set up a commission similar to the Vick Commission to look at all taxes, “so we have the foundation for growth for all programs going forward.”
He would give this commission a 60-day deadline so that the government can set their priorities for another 10 years of growth.
Growth would also be the focus for Koch as the basis for everything, “so we’re putting investment where it’s needed. It’s the foundation of what we’re doing, and I would make sure the team gets behind it.”
“I believe the greatest challenge is the social issue of mental health and addictions. These are economic issues that has a direct impact on the economy,” said Wyant, pointing out that 60 per cent of people in correctional institutions have mental health issues.
Beaudry-Mellor said her first priority would be to build a team and a vision of what the government should be doing, noting that there have been many good ideas put out during the leadership campaign.
“We have to mine the best ideas from this race. We’ve talked to people across this province, so we should put those ideas to work,” she said.
Moe agreed, noting he would bring forward his team of 22 MLAs to talk about the ideas raised from the leadership race and determine what the priorities should be.
Clarke put forward the idea of a $100 million stimulus package to get the economy going again by creating jobs, and insisted that of all the candidates, he was the only one with any practical ideas like that for government.
