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Questions for Melville-Saltcoats candidates

Saskatchewan voters, including those in the provincial constituency of Melville-Saltcoats head to the polls Monday, Oct. 26.
Melville Candidates
Left-Right: Bonnie Galenzoski, New Democratic Party, Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan Party, Trever Ratti, Progressive Conservative Party.

Saskatchewan voters, including those in the provincial constituency of Melville-Saltcoats head to the polls Monday, Oct. 26.
To help voters know the candidates, and their positions on some key issues, Yorkton This Week/The Marketplace submitted five questions to each candidate via the email on the Saskatchewan Elections site, and asked them to submit their responses by Oct. 19; the questions and answers of those candidates who responded follow.

Q) Municipalities are suffering an infrastructure deficit, from town streets and water lines to rural roads and bridges. Would you be calling for additional funding to help municipalities if elected MLA?

Bonnie Galenzoski
– New Democrats
The Sask Party’s record of austerity has meant fewer projects and less funding to municipalities. Another term won’t change much--Scott Moe has already promised four more years of austerity.
The NDP committed to fulfilling the government’s ten-year SaskBuilds capital plan which includes investing in both regional and municipal infrastructure, like a new bridge and hospital in PA and a northern all season road to Wollaston. We’ll also take a SaskFirst approach to procurement--hiring local construction companies and creating jobs for hundreds of local workers.

Warren Kaeding
– Saskatchewan Party
Infrastructure investment is a priority for this government.  The Saskatchewan Party government recognized that some emergency infrastructure funding was needed, so we initiated the $150M MEEP program which provided funding to every municipality in the province, whether urban or rural. Municipalities spent on road improvement, street repair, replacing equipment and other municipal priorities.   Municipal Revenue Sharing continues to be enhanced and improved and is the envy of municipalities across Canada.  In 2020-21, funding increased by $27M to a total of $278M shared by every municipality, city, town and village throughout the province for investment in vital services and infrastructure.  We have also added a $2B stimulus funding that will go toward both smaller, short term projects as well as longer-term, large scale projects.  This will be invested in Highways, Health infrastructure, Education facilities across the province.  As well there will be $181M devoted to renewal projects to reduce deferred maintenance on projects which will include upgrades to local health care, education, airport facilities and other ministries assets such provincial parks, highways and central services assets.  We continue to partner with the Federal government to approve and administer $2B in major infrastructure investments through Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

Trever Ratti – Progressive Conservative Party
Yes, I will be calling for repairs of our crumbling infrastructure. Working in communities in our constituency I’ve noticed decay in roadways, sidewalks and railroad crossings that have frankly become a danger to the public. These problems are reoccurring and nothing seems to be done to correct them. My personal agenda is safer roadways, rail crossings and sidewalks in our constituency. I will put pressure on whatever government is in place, to address our smaller rural communities being deprioritized for so many years. Focused on infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. The Sask Party has done the bare minimum while overspending in the big cities, our home town businesses close and we fall into disrepair. I for one don’t believe they have any intention past the election to fulfill their commitments, it’s been plain to see while working, walking and driving in our constituency. This is a fact you can see with your eyes, or feel in your back as you cross a railroad track going to work at the mine. I’m not promising the world, just that it will be my number one priority.

Q) What would your government do to bolster healthcare in rural areas and keep facilities like rural ERs open, and doctors in smaller rural communities to serve local residents?

Bonnie Galenzoski
– New Democrats
Health care is our number one priority, but we know Scott Moe’s cuts and closures have put care out of reach for rural families. Chronic understaffing has made access to care difficult.  I spoke to someone who drove around to three different healthcare facilities just for a broken bone but ended up having to go all the way to Regina.
Not only would the NDP promise to reopen rural emergency rooms closed by the Sask Party, we would vow to not close anymore facilities. We would invest $10 million to address chronic short staffing and hire hundreds of doctors, nurses and continuing care assistants to ensure families get the care they need when they need it. Plus, we’ll work with rural communities on an aggressive recruitment program to hire skilled workers.
An NDP government would also create a panel of experts and community members to design a plan to improve access to health care in rural communities.

Warren Kaeding
– Saskatchewan Party
The Sask Party is committed to ensuring that communities in rural Saskatchewan continue to grow and thrive both economically and socially.  We have introduced new programs to encourage health professionals to work in rural Sask including forgiving up to $20K in student loans for new rural nurses and nurse practitioners.  We have invested in 3 innovative Collaborative Emergency Centers, including one in Canora.  They provide 24/7 model of enhanced day-time/extended hours access to primary care and night time access to emergent/urgent care provided by an RN, a paramedic and access to an on-line physician.  We continue to support the SIPPA program which has contributed to over 900 new doctors coming to the province since 2007.  Doctors serving in rural Saskatchewan continue to get a financial benefit serving rural communities.  We will continue to invest in building new facilities such as hospitals and care homes.  We will continue to invest in regional colleges, such as Parkland Regional College, so they are able to provide local training for emergency medical responders,  primary care paramedics, continuing care assistants, first year dentistry, medicine, optometry and pharmacy, nursing – degree and masters and practical nursing.  This will continue to enhance local training to support local healthcare.

Trever Ratti – Progressive Conservative Party
We plan to open health care facilities and smaller healthcare centers. We also plan to increase the number of healthcare services that can bill the government, in order to help healthcare facilities expand their businesses. Form agreements with ambulances to perform some minor walk in medical care.

Q) COVID-19 is going to have health and economic impact beyond even the next year. What would your government do to support people while the pandemic goes on, and what do we need to do for the coming recovery period?

Bonnie Galenzoski
– New Democrats
Life was getting harder for Saskatchewan families, but COVID-19 made it even worse. Scott Moe and the Sask Party failed to respond to the needs of families, businesses and industries. Our economy was already failing, but the Sask Party’s pandemic austerity made things even worse.
Our recovery plan focuses on building a healthy society and a strong economy that invests in people. We will ensure that children remain safe with smaller classrooms, that seniors stay in their homes longer with an expanded home care program, that minimum care standards are set for long-term care and that we have effective supportive programs for those with mental health and addictions needs.
Now is not the time for cuts. New Democrats understand that for every dollar invested in services for families nearly $2 are put back into economic growth and our health care and social service systems save $6-$10.

Warren Kaeding
– Saskatchewan Party
Despite the challenges of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Saskatchewan’s economy has been resilient.  Although many businesses had to temporarily close or curtail business through the spring and early summer, Saskatchewan had one of the smallest declines among provinces regarding retail trade, merchandise exports, and number of hours worked.  In this area we have been very fortunate with minimal lost hours experienced by our large employers such as Mosaic, Nutrien, Grain Millers, Harvest Meats and many others.
We have provided many supports to small business, education facilities, childcare and our health care support workers.  This may have involved emergency payments, wage top ups and extra funds for supporting safe learning environments for our students.
We continue to allow many Crown employees to work from home.  We have provided extra emergency shelter for those requiring it.  We have provided extra support for caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities, changed policies around lay-off notices and made it easier for workers to access job protected sick leave.

Trever Ratti – Progressive Conservative Party
We would strive to make the provinces business tax the lowest in the country. We will also introduce a manufacturer’s tax credit that companies can qualify for if they move their business to Saskatchewan, with additional incentives to set up in rural areas. This is a priority for the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan.
We will continue to monitor situations that occur in our workforce and make adjustments as necessary.

Q) With a continuing trend toward fewer rural residents, what will you do, if elected, to ensure agriculture remains a priority for the government?

Bonnie Galenzoski
– New Democrats
I have strong rural roots, having been raised on a farm in Saskatchewan and establishing a career working in governmental agriculture supports. To ensure agriculture remains a priority for government, the NDP will be reviewing the AgriStability formula and push to reset thresholds so more producers can benefit.  The NDP will also be reviewing supports to help new and/or young farmers become established.  We will be working to enhance rural connectivity to ensure every resident in rural Saskatchewan has access to reliable cell coverage and high speed internet, which will allow producers to take better advantage of new technologies and keep on top of their businesses.  Enhanced rural connectivity will also help keep producers safer in remote areas.  Through the Renew Saskatchewan Program, the NDP will work with producers to assess needs and develop renewable energy strategies that will lower costs to farmers.   
Warren Kaeding
– Saskatchewan Party
Agriculture will always be one of the pillars of Saskatchewan’s economy.  Saskatchewan is Canada’s second largest agri-food exporting province.  We expect $1.5B in new agri-food exports once the Canada-European Union Free Trade Agreement is fully implemented.  Since forming government, we have grown markets significantly in China, Japan, Mexico and Brazil.  The Ministry of Trade and Export Development was developed to grow relationships with our current export markets and diversify our customer base.  We recently announced the opening of provincial trade offices in Japan, India and Singapore.
We will continue to support rural municipalities through the Municipal Revenue Sharing program, which provided almost $80M last year.  We have spent nearly $9B building and repairing highways since 2007. Our goal is to build and upgrade another 10,000 km of highways by 2030.
We will continue to focus on encouraging value-added agriculture to develop.  Over 300 companies currently employ over 5000 people who export over $5B in goods every year.  Our 2030 growth plan has set a goal of growing agri-food exports to $20B.  We want to see annual private capital investment of $16B.
We will continue to provide and improve risk supports such as Crop Insurance, Western Livestock Price Insurance and support Agri-Stability programs.

Trever Ratti – Progressive Conservative Party
Our manufacturers’ sales tax credit is designed to give initiatives to companies to do some value added manufacturing in rural areas. We believe Saskatchewan provides a great opportunity for businesses to utilize reasonably priced real estate, while drawing on an amazing labor force. Although I’m not a farmer personally I have many family members who do farm, many of my friends farm and I realize how important farming is to Saskatchewan. I will always be an advocate for hard working middle class people, of which I believe the farming community to be the back bone of Saskatchewan.

Q) Why do you believe you are the best candidate to represent your riding over the next four years?

Bonnie Galenzoski
– New Democrats
Melville Saltcoats Constituency is a diverse constituency.  As such, the constituency requires someone who understands diversity and can lead to a future that includes everyone.  While on the campaign trail, constituents tell me it means a lot to have a candidate with a strong rural background, a university degree, years of government experience and the ability to understand and embrace new technology.  On the doorsteps, I can empathize with constituents-- like the struggle to raise a family on minimum wage and unaffordable child care rates.  I know how difficult it can be for people without supports to reach their full potential.  My time volunteering in helping immigrants settle into Saskatchewan showed me how difficult that transition can be, but how important those skilled workers are to our economy. Serving on a small community board in various roles means I know the difficulty in accessing and raising funds in a rural area.  I know and believe in Saskatchewan people. Our provincial Motto is – “From Many People Strengths” and I know that by Putting People First we can achieve a stronger Saskatchewan and that is what I bring to this constituency.     

Warren Kaeding
– Saskatchewan Party
I am very appreciative of the fact that the constituents of Melville-Saltcoats had the confidence to choose me to be their representative for the last four years.  Whenever anyone asks whether I enjoy the work, I emphatically state, “I absolutely do.”  You wake up every morning wondering what new and interesting situations you will be encountering today.  The experiences that I have had over the last four years as an MLA, Committee Member, Legislative Secretary, and as a Cabinet Minister have provided me with insight into how to make things better for our constituents.
My background in Agriculture, my experiences in working with Crown Agencies, urban and rural municipalities, my involvement with First Nations and Metis communities, Seniors and Rural and Northern healthcare has provided me a tremendous working knowledge of how all of those fit and work within government.
There are a lot of unfinished projects that have started throughout our constituency.  Being provided another four years to serve as your MLA would ensure those projects have continuity and are seen to completion.
I have had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with many constituents during the last four years and know there are more interesting people I have yet to meet.

Trever Ratti – Progressive Conservative Party
All the candidates represent each of our political parties agenda. We all strive to represent our constituency in a positive manner. I will not say I’m “the best” candidate, I will only say that I believe Myself, along with the Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan, have set forth the best platform for a prosperous Saskatchewan. I will hold myself and my party accountable to what we have promised in our campaign, while working hard to improve infrastructure, wellness and prosperity to the people in my constituency. After all I am a proud member of the constituency I wish to represent.