The leaders of the two parties who are considered the front-runners in the Saskatchewan provincial election took to the debate stage Wednesday evening, fielding questions from a panel of four journalists, while trying to make their case to the voters of Saskatchewan.
The format of the debate provided Saskatchewan Party leader Scott Moe and NDP leader Carla Beck a chance to make an opening statement and then fielded eight questions from the panel. When answering the questions, the leaders had 45 seconds to provide an answer, followed by three minutes of open debate for each question.
The panel included CBC reporter Adam Hunter, Global TV anchor Brendan Purdy, CTV reporter Alison Bamford, and Postmedia columnist Murray Mandryk. The moderator for the debate was First Nations University of Canada professor Merelda Fiddler-Potter.
Over the course of the hour-long debate, the two leaders sparred over their platforms, with Moe pointing to their record in government, and emphasizing Saskatchewan is the most affordable place to live in Canada. Beck countered with concerns that have been raised in areas such as affordability, healthcare, education, and policing.
For the most part, the debate was cordial and respectful, with few instances of the leaders speaking over each other. The first time when it did start to get a little heated was after Moe commented on the NDP's education platform.
The Saskatchewan Party leader stated the NDP have promised to increase education funding by $2 billion over four years, and asked how the $200 million a year added up to that amount. Beck retorted by saying it is an additional $200 million a year, each year, which will end at $2 billion by the fourth year.
The second time was on a question about economic growth, particularly in rural areas. Moe claimed one of the issues that is hampering rural growth is the federal government, and alluded to the provincial NDP working with the federal government. Beck answered that Moe was spending more time focusing on the federal government than issues affecting the province and that she would stand up for the people of Saskatchewan if elected.
Throughout the 60-minute debate, both parties outlined their plans and attempted to poke holes in the other leader's platform.
In her final statement, Beck stated she has heard the people of Saskatchewan are fed up, and are saying it is time for change.
Moe countered by saying there is more work to be done, and the Saskatchewan Party has a plan to get the work that needs to be done, done.