Gordon Wyant stopped in Yorkton last week to meet with potential voters and attend a meeting on urban municipalities.
Wyant, who is running for leader of the Saskatchewan Party, visited Yorkton on Oct. 3. He was in town to speak at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) meeting at the Gallagher Centre.
“We’re traveling around the province,” Wyant said. “[We’re] talking with [people] about issues that concern them, issues that matter.”
SUMA has been hosting meetings across the province at seven different towns. The tour began two weeks ago in Maple Creek and concluded in Davidson last week.
“It’s a chance to listen to concerns raised by [our] members,” said Gordon Barnhart, President for SUMA.
The tour is an annual event for SUMA. It’s an opportunity for the group to connect with members before their upcoming February conference in Regina.
“We like to touch base,” said Randy Goulden, who acts as director for SUMA’s East-Central district. “We’re a grassroots organization.”
Wyant has been following the meetings around Saskatchewan, talking with local leaders. It’s part of his Premiership campaign.
“This is a great chance to get out to meet people around the province,” Wyant said.
Wyant is the MLA for Saskatoon Northwest. He was elected to the position in 2010. He has served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General. He has also worked as the Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Power Cooperation and SaskBuilds. Wyant launched his campaign in August.
“I have a significant amount of experience,” he said. “My business background and my law background give me a unique set of talents to be the next leader of the party.”
When Premier Brad Wall announced he was stepping down two months ago, Wyant discussed the possibility of running for the position with his family.
“[We talked about] what being a Premier...would mean, not just for my family [and] my community, but the province as well,” he said. “That’s when we made the formal decision.”
If elected, Wyant plans to strengthen the economy and balance the budget by following his party’s guiding principles. He sees economic growth as the key to supporting social programs.
“This province has a great future,” he said. “I’m convinced we’ve only scratched the surface.”
Wyant is opposed to the recent tax change proposals from the federal government.
“It’ll have a devastating effect on...small businesses and the middle class,” he said. “We’re encouraging every individual to make sure their voice is heard in Ottawa.”
Wyant, if elected, hopes to be a leader who can address problems facing all Saskatchewanians.
“This is an important job,” he said. “A key part of renewal is getting out and listening.”
The SaskParty candidates will be hosting a debate on Oct. 19 in Swift Current.
