Fringe parties add spice to Sask. Election

Not a great deal of spice it seems as they do not seem to be much of a factor. However, it is always interesting to see what other parties and policies are involved. The Liberals are a bit more than a fring party. They may pick up some seats. There is not too much detail about any of the policies but I guess the marijuana party's platform is clear.

Fringe parties add a little spice to the election

JASON SMALL
The Moose Jaw Times Herald

This whole provincial election has been the duel of two major parties, with the odd sprinkling of the Liberal party thrown in to at least give the illusion.
But despite the obvious fact that only two parties have any legitimate chance at forming government on Nov. 8, there are more than just the NDP, Sask. Party and Liberals in the 2007 Saskatchewan election.
We’ve now seen the Green party surface locally with candidates in Moose Jaw Wakamow and Thunder Creek. As of Wednesday, the party had 36 candidates in the province’s 58 ridings.
Of the other four parties, there is the revived Progressive Conservative party, running its leader, and former P.C. cabinet minister Rick Swenson, who is seeking his old seat in Thunder Creek.
The P.C. party denounces the Sask. Party, which was created by P.C.s and Liberals in 1997. While the party’s website doesn’t indicate there are many other candidates in the election, Swenson has a big enough draw that he could do some damage to incumbent Lyle Stewart in the election in the battle for votes on the right.
The Western Independence Party is pretty self-explanatory. The party firmly believes that Western Canada should separate from the rest of the country. There is also a national version of this party.
While some people might think Western independence is a little kooky, the party has a handful of candidates ready to push its message and a good website explaining the party’s message.
Then there is the Saskatchewan Marijuana Party. This party’s mission should be even more self-evident — it’s against the prohibition of marijuana.
So far, there isn’t much indication on the party’s website of candidates for the election but they’re probably taking it easy.
Of all the parties, the biggest mystery appears to be the Saskatchewan Democratic Action Party.
The party’s website is under construction. It says “Vote SDAP 2007” but you can’t get any information about the party.
I did find a video on Youtube that says: “In case you were wondering what the Saskatchewan Democratic Action Party stands for . . .” Then, after watching a party logo spin around for a few seconds it says: “We make no apologies. Everyone gets a say. Vote SDAP 2007.”
Huh? That’s it? Oh well, it’s not likely this phantom will contribute much, if anything to the election, but at least it’s contributing a little humour, even if it’s unintentional.
As for the rest, at least some of the lesser-knowns seem serious about getting their message out, even if it won’t be heard very loudly.

Jason Small can be reached at 691-1255.