Brad Wall comes to the aid of Ethical Oil

Brad Wall is socking it to American environmental activists. This is consistent with the Premier' initiatives aimed at advancing the provincial economic boom. We can like expect to hear more about this from Premier Wall during the provincial election campaign and beyond as the Saskatchewan side of the oilsands revs into action.

Brendan Cross seeks Green Party leadership

No, this is not the theatre of the absurd, you read the headline correctly. Brendan Cross is running in the September 25 leadership race for the Green Party of Saskatchewan. Interim leader Victor Lau is also in the running. May the best man win!

No challengers yet in Weyburn-Big Muddy and Cypress Hills

According to the most recent information available, the Saskatchewan Party MLAs in Weyburn-Big Muddy and Cypress Hills don't have any nominated challengers yet. Dustin Duncan and Wayne Elhard are the two MLAs in question. It has been decades since an incumbent MLA was acclaimed in this province. We here at Sask Politics 1 will let you know if and when there is new information on candidates in either of these constituencies.

Saskatchewan NDP promise a second bridge for Prince Albert

The Diefenbaker Bridge in Prince Albert.

The Saskatchewan NDP have promised a new bridge for Prince Albert if they win the November 7 provincial election. For those of you who are not intimately familiar with Prince Albert, the city only has only bridge that spans the North Saskatchewan River. That bridge is the Diefenbaker Bridge, and it will have to be renovated sooner or later at great cost and inconvenience to the city. There were plans years ago for a second bridge at 6th Avenue East, but the land for the bridge was too expensive for the city to purchase at the time. I don't know if this issue will sway a lot of votes or not, but it will certainly get people in Prince Albert talking, since the city has needed a second bridge for a long time now.

Former NDP MLA savages party record on health care reform

This link will take you to the story. This can't be a very welcome development for the party that lays claim to the legacy of Tommy Douglas. The timing of Dr. Draper's comments is also likely unwelcome by the New Democrats, given that the party is a life and death struggle leading up to the November 7 election. On the other hand, NDP fortunes can't possibly get any worse - perhaps party fortunes will begin to rebound soon.

New Democrats respond to Praxis poll

 Saskatchewan NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter, image courtesy of Regina Leader Post

You can read about it here.
I thought the New Democrat response to the polling was fine, given how difficult the numbers are for them. They know this provincial election is an uphill battle, and they are honest about it. Saying that they want an issues-based campaign is a good way to go - the NDP may be able to boost their turnout on November 7 by drawing attention to issues that are important to voters.

A quick glimpse at the coming contest in Moose Jaw North

Moose Jaw North NDP candidate Derek Hassen, image courtesy of the Moose Jaw Times Herald.

This Moose Jaw Times Herald story on the coming contest in Moose Jaw North is worth your time to read. This is just a taste of the type of intense contests that will be underway in about a dozen seats this fall. Be sure to stay tuned to Sask Politics 1 in the days ahead, as we are just days away from launching our series on each of the 58 constituencies where ballots will be cast on November 7th.

When will the Sask Party stumble?

Will Chabun has written a very interesting piece about the future fortunes of the Saskatchewan Party. It is a very curious thing - the Sask Party has enjoyed a steady rise since its inception in 1997. It does not appear that the Sask Party will falter anytime soon. Anyhow, be sure to read on and leave your comments behind!

Elections Saskatchewan Website Completely Revamped

We are happy to report that the people over at Elections Saskatchewan have completely updated their website.

Finally!! Sorry, but it was fairly unattractive and onerous... not at all a place one would want to send a new or undecided voter, in hopes that they might get excited about politics.

The link for the site has not changed - it is still http://www.elections.sk.ca/ - but the look, feel and functionality has.

On first glance, it appears to be user-friendly and well-done. Bright colours and easy to understand, and follow, links make it a site one might want spend some time in.

This looks like a site that someone put some thought into to make sure it would appeal to 'normal folk' and politicos alike.

Well done!!