Todd Goudy (left) and Lorne Schroeder (right) are the SaskParty and NDP representatives in the Melfort constituency for the 2020 provincial election. (file photo/northeastNOW Staff and Facebook/Lorne Schroeder)

By Mat Barrett

2020 General Election

Rematch in Melfort constituency for October general election

Sep 29, 2020 | 5:36 PM

A rematch is shaping up in the Melfort constituency when it comes to the October general election in Saskatchewan.

Premier Scott Moe announced the dissolving of the legislative assembly on Tuesday, Sept. 29, signaling the start of the campaign. In Melfort, the SaskParty once again has chosen Todd Goudy as its nominee, and the New Democratic Party nomination will go with Lorne Schroeder.

If those names sound familiar, there’s a reason, Goudy and Schroeder were also candidates in the 2018 byelection in the riding to replace the late Kevin Phillips. Goudy ultimately won that byelection with 79 per cent of the vote.

In this election, Goudy said it’s on a bit happier and exciting terms, saying that the previous nomination felt different as he was “replacing a friend” at the time.

“This one’s a lot of energy, a lot of excitement, and kind of a fun time,” Goudy told northeastNOW. “I’m sure enjoying it so far.”

Twist on a classic

Regina board game designer puts new spin on crokinole

6h ago

Spring in Saskatchewan

Calm, dry weather expected across much of Saskatchewan over Easter weekend

7h ago

Tribute projects

Progress on Humboldt Broncos memorial continues eight years after tragic crash

7h ago

As for Schroeder, he said in the 2018 election, the NDP didn’t have a leader at the time, just an interim one.

“The electorate now has had a couple of years to see Ryan [Meili] and to get to know him a little bit,” he said. “And I’m excited about that.”

Schroeder said he wants to get the party’s platform and ideas out to the public and let them make a decision.

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the main topics of conversation for most politicians this election, and more specifically, how to recover. Goudy said he and the SaskParty want to make sure the books get balanced, especially since the province held a balanced budget prior to the pandemic.

“We’re going to get right back at balancing the books,” he said. “And that’s part of our mandate, and I think that’s part of why Saskatchewan has chosen the SaskParty to lead politically.”

Schroeder said the NDP wants to “invest in the people of Saskatchewan” and keep business and money in the province. He said investing in Saskatchewan’s youth is key, specifically helping kids before they are school aged.

“We know that illiteracy and poverty are directly linked to high health care costs, and high incarceration,” Schroeder told northeastNOW.

The SaskParty has said they want to keep taxes low, and Schroeder said that’s a good thing, but “cutting services is a tax.”

Another major topic for the NDP this election is health care, specifically for Schroeder, in the rural areas. Speaking of his own personal experience with the current health care system, he shared he’s been waiting several months for surgery.

“Even before COVID, there was long waiting lists” he said. “Now that’s even exasperated more with COVID.”

Schroeder said they want to invest in that sector and try to get more resources to the rural health care sector.

Goudy said now that they’re in the four-week stretch to election time; he’s excited to hear what the concerns of the constituents are in the Melfort area.

“I think it’s a great time of the four-year cycle, getting back to the people,” he said. “Hearing what’s on their hearts and what’s on their minds. If there’s things you’ve done well, and if there’s things you need to improve on, you’ll hear that too.”

Voters head to the polls on Oct. 26.

–

mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6