Saskatchewan election: Two articles from Prince Albert

Wall sounds quite upbeat like a used car salesman urging people to "trade up". If they trade up though they will may end up paying for a new model clunker. Maybe they will trade again next election.
It will be interesting to see what Wall does about the mill agreement.
These artcles are from the Prince Albert Herald.Voters asking for change, says Wall


THERESA SERAPHIM
The Prince Albert Daily Herald




Saskatchewan voters are looking for a change, according to Saskatchewan Party Leader Brad Wall.

At a Monday rally, Wall compared the NDP to a vehicle that's not running well, prompting the owner to say, "I think it's time to trade up."

The same holds true for the current government, he said.

"There's a tired, old NDP."

Wall said there are possibilities in the area of health care.

"We see Prince Albert as the health centre it can be, as the health centre it must be."

The universal drug program that NDP leader Lorne Calvert wants to bring in is unsustainable, said Wall, adding it's "a plan that is the wrong prescription for health care in Saskatchewan."

The pulp mill situation is also an important issue, he said.

"We need leadership in Regina committed to ensuring there's a real solution for the mill," Wall told a room full of applauding supporters.

He came to Prince Albert because "this centre is very important, politically and economically," in the areas of energy, mining, forestry and agriculture, he said.

"We want to make sure we get a message out (that) the Saskatchewan Party has a dynamic role to play."

Wall said the approach taken by the NDP emphasizes scaring voters, but hope trumps that.

For example, he said to laughter from the audience, "every time you buy a ticket to a Saskatchewan Roughriders game, there is hope and there is fear. And you buy them anyway, because hope beats fear."

tseraphim@paherald.sk.ca

Much at risk in election, says Calvert

New Democratic Party Leader Lorne Calvert said he stopped in Prince Albert on Monday to "remind people about what's at risk" in Wednesday's election.

During a meet and greet at an NDP campaign office, Calvert said several issues are paramount, including tuition, a universal drug plan, property tax relief, and the future of the memorandum of understanding signed Sept. 12 with regard to the mill.

"Mr. Wall has made it clear he will not participate," said Calvert, adding "without this memorandum, there will be no mill."

Calvert said the Prince Albert ridings are "very important" for several reasons.

"We've had such strong leadership from Prince Albert over the years (and) Prince Albert does sit at the very hub of tremendous potential," especially in the forestry sector, he said.

Calvert said the city is also "so representative of the whole province of Saskatchewan (with) a beautiful and wonderful mix of First Nations and Métis people (which) represents much of what is very good about Saskatchewan."

Calvert stressed the importance of all eligible voters getting out to cast their ballot.

"It is such a precious franchise that we have," he said.

Actor/singer Tom Jackson, who attended the meet and greet, echoed that sentiment.

"We have a voice. We have to exercise that voice," he said, adding those who don't think their vote matters should remember change happens one person at a time.

Also, he said, "you're only two phone calls away from the prime minister or the premier."

tseraphim@paherald.sk.ca