With the 2024 provincial election just around the corner, voters in the Rosetown-Delisle constituency will have three choices at the ballot box. The full slate of candidates running on both sides of the South Saskatchewan River has been confirmed, setting the stage for a spirited election campaign. Here’s a look at the candidates vying to represent the Rosetown-Delisle riding.
Jim Reiter – Saskatchewan Party
Incumbent Jim Reiter of the Saskatchewan Party is running for re-election, having first been elected in 2007. Over his 17-year career as an MLA, Reiter has served in various cabinet positions, including Minister of Highways and Infrastructure, Minister of Health, and most recently, Minister of Energy and Resources.
Reiter’s platform emphasizes the Saskatchewan Party’s commitment to making life more affordable for everyone. The party has promised the largest income tax reduction since 2008, with plans to raise personal, spousal, child, and senior tax exemptions by $500 annually over the next four years. Additionally, they are focusing on increasing the Low Income Tax Credit, aiming to help families and individuals cope with the rising cost of living.
Reiter’s extensive experience in provincial politics, combined with his work in local governance prior to his MLA career, makes him a seasoned candidate with a focus on economic growth and service to rural Saskatchewan.
Sean Muirhead – Green Party
Running for the Green Party is Sean Muirhead, a Rosetown resident who moved to the area in 1996. Known for his compassionate approach and deep ties to the community, Muirhead is stepping up to advocate for the needs of voters, particularly those struggling with daily challenges. Living with a medical disability, Muirhead brings a unique perspective to the campaign, offering firsthand insight into the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens.
The Green Party’s platform, which aligns with Muirhead’s spiritual and social values, highlights poverty prevention and the introduction of a Guaranteed Livable Income (GLI). The party aims to ensure that all citizens have the financial means to meet their basic needs, including housing, food, and transportation. Muirhead’s advocacy for social justice and sustainability resonates with voters seeking comprehensive economic and environmental reforms.
Muirhead is also a founding member of the Congregational Wiccan Association of Saskatchewan and has served on the board of Sky River Temple, further demonstrating his commitment to diverse and inclusive representation.
Brenda Edel – NDP
Brenda Edel, the NDP candidate, is making her second run for office, driven by her passion for equity and social justice. As President of Barrier Free SK, Edel has been a leading voice in promoting accessibility for all Saskatchewan residents. Her advocacy has played a key role in pushing for legislation that ensures equal opportunities for everyone, particularly those with disabilities.
Edel’s platform critiques the current government’s policies, particularly their handling of healthcare and utilities. She has been vocal about the 11% increase in utility rates over the past year and calls for a government that prioritizes the well-being of all citizens. Edel has also promised to work toward the reinstatement of a rural transit service, which she believes is crucial for the many residents who face challenges traveling for medical appointments and accessing essential services.
In her campaign, Edel is positioning herself as a candidate for change, vowing to tackle issues of affordability and government accountability. She emphasizes the need for leadership that listens to and represents all citizens, not just the influential few.
Election Day Approaches
As the 2024 provincial election nears, voters in the Rosetown-Delisle riding are encouraged to review the platforms and candidates carefully. The election offers an opportunity for residents to choose who they believe will best represent their needs and values in the Saskatchewan Legislature.
Election Day is set for Monday, October 28, when residents across the province will head to the polls to make their voices heard.