Party leaders remain energized as Sask. election nears halfway mark

Saskatchewan’s election is now nearing the halfway point, but the first full week was not without its drama.

The NDP replaced four candidates because of comments made on social media, but ended the week in Saskatoon with leader Cam Broten launching the full platform.

“I think it cuts to the hearts of what families care about,” Broten said.

But the social media comments weren’t the only issue brought up about candidates. Both the NDP and the Sask. Party revealed candidates who had been convicted of drunk driving offences.

While Broten has campaigned before, this is his first election as leader of the NDP. Despite the bumps along the road, Broten maintains, “I’m energized”.

“Being out, around the province, it is a real thrill.”

The leaders of the two major parties have been criss-crossing the province, making stops in not just the two major cities, but Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Swift Current.

The Saskatchewan Party made announcements regarding health, highways and graduate housing.

A self-confessed political geek, Brad Wall contends he is having a lot of fun this election.

“I like campaigning. It is a great chance to meet people, go to small communities,” he told reporters. “It is an intense opportunity to tour for 27,28 days. You get to be all around the province. I enjoy that.”

And even with a significant lead in the polls, Wall still enjoys the race.

“It is competition. We have competing ideas. We want Saskatchewan to be a better place but we have different ideas on how to get there. I like that. I enjoy presenting our ideas.”