Ahead of Monday’s provincial election, The Forum reached out with an interview request to each of the parties and/or candidates running in the local constituency of Moosomin. Responses were received from all Saskatchewan Party and NDP candidates, as well as the lone independent candidate in the area, while inquiries with the Progressive Conservative and Green parties, who are also fielding candidates locally, went unanswered.
Ken Burton used to help get Saskatchewan Party candidates elected. This time around, he’s running for the New Democratic Party in the Moosomin constituency around because he believes the party he once backed has lost its way, and isn’t being represented as it once was.
The 66-year-old retired farmer from Kipling put his name on a provincial ballot for the first time because he didn’t like the idea of “writing off this constituency to the Saskatchewan Party.”
“When we start doing that, we give them the notion we have become a one-party system and when they figure that out, they begin to treat us much differently,” Burton said. “I think we are seeing evidence of that. I think this area generally is being taken for granted under this Saskatchewan Party government and that bothers me. That’s why I put my hat into this race. I’ve been asked by many people to do it.”
Burton assisted former long-time Saskatchewan Party MLA Don Toth in his election campaigns, and knows all too well the area has never elected a New Democrat in modern times. So much so, the New Democrats have had troubles finding local candidates to run in the area in past elections.
“Even if I don’t become the first (NDP MLA for Moosomin), which is a distinct possibility, I think it’s important that I run,” Burton said. “The NDP party needs a voice out here and it also needs a set of ears. If people aren’t comfortable with the policies of the current NDP, we need to be able to take that message to them as a constituency because, one day, they will be in government. We want to be able to give them that message, and help them develop better policies.”
Burton said he didn’t consider running under any party aside from the New Democrats, because the platform released by the left-leaning party “represents the values that I have.”
“Don is a friend and a neighbour and I continue to support the things he did for this community,” Burton said. “But we are not seeing the same service from the current MLA (Steven Bonk) so that’s why I agreed to run.”
Burton hoped to paint the constituency orange by talking with people as much as possible under the COVID-19 conditions affecting all candidates. It’s forced him to go old school, relying on the telephone to call people, purchasing advertisements, and mailing his platform to voters.
“The things which are important to me as a rural resident – I’m a senior now — are health care, education of course because I have grandchildren, and the economy in rural areas,” Burton said. “I’m much more comfortable having the NDP address those issues as they arise, as a result of my concerns. I don’t see it happening with the Sask Party.”
Burton has not run for office before at a provincial or federal election, but has earned three terms on local conservation and economic boards in the RM of Kingsley.
“I have a great interest in conservation and local development,” Burton said. “My experience is not limited to that. I also have experience with other boards in town, such as the curling club in town, the local cemetery, and Lions Club. I have lots of experience in the local community and providing services on behalf of people. I think that’s invaluable to someone running for provincial or federal office.”
Having recently sold his farm, keeping enough land to have a couple head of cattle just to stay in agriculture, most might consider ways to enjoy their free time. Maybe plan a vacation, or enjoy a slower pace. Burton chose to run for office instead.
“You know what really triggered this was this spring, with (Premier) Scott Moe triggering this election at a time when I think it was pretty obvious we were going to be in a pandemic,” Burton said. “I think he had a solid plan to put himself and his party first by calling an election. He had solid advice from the Saskatchewan Health Authority indicating the pandemic was much more serious than he was willing to see at the time. That was the trigger point when I decided to become involved. This party was no longer about serving the people of Saskatchewan or even its supporters at that point.”
