There are four candidates running in the Batoche constituency in the upcoming provincial election on Monday, October 28.
Erin Nicole Spencer is the Sask United Party candidate in Batoche.
Along with her husband and two children, her family resides in Warman after she grew up in Prince Albert.
An entrepreneur, Spencer earned the Samuel McLeod Young Entrepreneur Award from the Prince Albert Chamber of Commerce with her lash extension studio.
She feels that experience has shaped her leadership skills and helped her commit to positive change.
Spencer decided to run as an MLA candidate because the province is at a pivotal moment that requires meaningful change.
Through her campaigning, she has heard concerns from residents who feel their needs aren’t being heard by politicians. With her experience of living in Prince Albert and Warman, along with her clients in the area, she wants to provide a voice to residents to make sure their concerns are heard.
If elected, Spencer will operate on five guiding principles:
-integrity
-transparency
-effective representation
-community driven action
-commitment to every voice in Batoche is heard and valued
Affordability
The cost of living is one pressing concern Spencer has heard from residents as she wants to bring relief.
Apart of the Sask United Party’s platform is to reduce the PST and to eliminate the Gas Tax.
“By reducing the PST from 6% to 3% we can help families save on everyday purchases.”
She added by removing the Gas Tax, fuel costs will decrease an essential cost for households.
Spencer said to help costs for seniors, the Sask United Party is committed to introducing a 65% reduction on property taxes for citizens that are 65 and older.
“This initiative will help our seniors stay in their homes and remain engaged in the communities that they love.”
Healthcare
The healthcare system is in crisis according to Spencer, noting the province is facing long wait times, closed emergency rooms and delayed ambulances, which is why the Sask United Party is advocating for serious reform.
Retaining healthcare professionals in Saskatchewan is a top priority for the Sask United Party, Spencer says.
“We must address by increasing medical school seats and residency spots in Saskatchewan, additionally we will introduce target recruitment strategies to attract nurses, doctors, and lab technicians from across Canada and we’re also committed to providing retention bonuses and competitive compensation to keeping our talented healthcare workers in Saskatchewan.”
Education
Another critical issue for Spencer, she believes that parents have an important role in their child’s education by introducing opt-in policies.
“We will actively engage parents in discussions around the curriculum especially around sensitive topics, parents deserve a voice in their children’s education.”
Spencer would also like to see the quality of education improved, noting Saskatchewan students rank near the bottom for Canadian students in math and reading.
“We need to ensure our children are learning the essential skills like reading, writing and mathematics as well factual understanding of history.”
Another key point of the Sask United Party’s platform is to empower communities by decentralizing government and giving more regional autonomy to local rural municipalities (RMs).
She says this would allow RM’s to have more control over funding allocations and believes local boards and RMs have a better understanding of community needs.
You can listen to the full conversation with Spencer below.