Saskatchewan Election Day: Voters Head to the Polls

Saskatchewan residents are heading to the polls today to determine which party will lead the next government.

The Saskatchewan Party aims to secure its fifth consecutive majority after 17 years in power, while Carla Beck’s NDP is striving to regain control for the first time since 2007.

Despite recent electoral setbacks for incumbent governments in B.C. and New Brunswick, Sask. Party Leader Scott Moe remains confident about the election outcome.

“Our goal is to win 61 seats to achieve a majority government, which would require 31 seats,” Moe stated at a rally on Oct. 26, emphasizing the strength of the party’s 61 candidates running across the province.

The poll on Oct. 28 shows the NDP leading with 48 percent of the popular vote, while the Sask. Party follows closely with 47 percent. However, the Sask. Party is projected to have a slight advantage in seat allocation, with estimates suggesting they may secure 23 to 39 seats compared to the NDP’s 22 to 38 seats.

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At the time of dissolution, the Saskatchewan Party held 42 seats, while the NDP had 14. There were four Independents and one vacant seat.

Party Platforms

Moe has outlined plans for significant tax relief and continued opposition to federal carbon pricing payments to Ottawa. He announced intentions to index income tax rates to inflation, estimating potential savings of $3,400 for a family of four and $3,100 for a senior couple over the next four years.

During his campaign, Moe addressed the issue of school change rooms, promising to prohibit biological boys from using facilities designated for biological girls if re-elected.

Moe’s economic plan includes deficits in the initial two years followed by a projected surplus in 2027.

Beck has pledged to temporarily pause the gas tax and eliminate provincial sales tax on children’s clothing and specific grocery items.

Beck’s healthcare agenda includes improved access to diagnostic scans such as MRIs, mammograms, and CT scans.

Beck estimates that her campaign promises will require an additional $3.5 billion over four years and plans to achieve a balanced budget by curbing what she deems as “wasteful” spending by the Saskatchewan Party.

Contributions from The Canadian Press have been included in this report.