Federal candidates ready at election starting line

Just hours after the election was officially called, the feeling between some of the party candidates in Regina was like night and day.

Liberal candidate Susan Cameron was visibly excited on Sunday morning with lots of laughs as she spoke about the 36 days ahead.

“This is a great chance for Regina to return a voice to Ottawa, a strong informed voice, and to have representation at the table where decisions are being made,” said Cameron.

Conservative candidate, and MP until Sunday, Michael Kram was on the other side of the spectrum on an election. He said he was frustrated and disappointed.

“Here we are, less than two years from the previous election, and Justin Trudeau has quite cynically tried to get a majority government by calling an early election. It’s unfortunate but I guess I will say I am disappointed but not surprised,” said Kram.

He believes government needs to focus on getting out of the pandemic.

Kram will be defending his 2019 win in Regina-Wascana. Kram won by about 7,000 votes, turning the seat blue after 26 years under Liberal Ralph Goodale. When asked about his confidence, given the riding’s history, Kram said he tries not to worry about things beyond his control.

“Whatever the other names are on the ballot, that will sort itself out. I’m just focused on having good conversations with the voters and listening to their concerns,” said Kram.

Cameron will be fighting an uphill battle in the Regina-Lewvan riding. Conservative Warren Steinley won with just over half the vote in 2019, getting nearly double the votes cast for the NDP in that riding and more than quadrupling those cast for the Liberal candidate.

“Yes, it is a challenge here in Regina-Lewvan, as throughout all of Saskatchewan. But this riding has not always been Conservative, it has gone to progressive voices as well,” said Cameron, pointing out it had been an NDP seat before Steinley won it.

She said many people had tried to talk her out of running.

“They said that Saskatchewan was too conservative now, that it’s too great a risk professionally and personally, and I’ve been hearing from a lot of progressive voices that are seeking a voice in government, and that has me 100 per cent resolved to give this my all and to give Regina the chance to have that voice back in cabinet, back in caucus, that we lost in 2019,” said Cameron.

The last federal election was only 22 months ago but a lot will be different this time around because of the pandemic. There aren’t currently any mandated restrictions in Saskatchewan but COVID-19 is still spreading in the community.

Cameron said the pandemic will have to be taken into account while campaigning — they have masks handy inside the office, they’re cleaning more and sanitizer is available for her team.

“We will, most certainly, seek to keep in mind the health of our volunteers and everyone that we’re speaking to,” said Cameron.

Kram has had to change his strategy a bit from what’s served him in his last two campaigns. He said in the past, he’d go right up to people to shake their hands and chat.

“Now, I’m typically ringing the doorbell and then taking two steps back, two metres back, so I’m mindful of other people’s personal space and still practising social distancing,” said Kram.

Both candidates have already been speaking to people in their ridings. Despite having had two elections last fall, with many people preoccupied with COVID-19, both say voters have been engaged.

Kram said he’s focusing on the post-pandemic economic recovery when talking to people on the doorstep.

“We have spent a lot of money during this pandemic, the debt is up past $1 trillion, so in addition to getting out of the pandemic, (I’m looking at) getting out of the debt from the pandemic as well,” said Kram.

Cameron said she’s focusing on growing the economy, climate action, and inclusion. But she also spoke a lot about the need to get a representative from Saskatchewan back in government.

“We’ve really missed having a voice in cabinet, in caucus since 2019. Western farmers, local businesses, charities, non-profits, our families have all been underrepresented at that table and that needs to change,” said Cameron.

The election is set for Sept. 20.