North Hunter is representing the Green Party in the riding of Weyburn-Bengough. Hunter, who lives in Weyburn, isn’t new to the world of politics. She ran in the 2020 provincial election under the Green Party banner and also ran in the 2021 federal election.
Hunter called for a renewed commitment to Saskatchewan’s historic leadership in healthcare, harkening back to the province’s role as the birthplace of Medicare. The Green Party, according to Hunter, aims to revitalize the healthcare system by expanding services to include universal pharmacare, dental care, and mental health care.
“We need to fulfill this vision for Saskatchewan and become the leaders when it comes to health care again,” Hunter remarked. She added that preventive care, which would be emphasized under the Green Party’s plan, could result in significant cost savings by reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
Hunter also highlighted the need for every resident in the Weyburn-Bengough area to have access to a family doctor and affordable prescriptions. With a focus on long-term health, Hunter believes these changes will ultimately save money and improve health outcomes for residents.
Addressing concerns about the cost of living, Hunter acknowledged that many Saskatchewan residents are struggling with rising expenses while wages stagnate. She linked this issue to a decline in buying power that began in the 1970s, emphasizing the need for sweeping reforms.
The Green Party’s affordability platform includes universal housing, education, and a basic income program. Hunter pointed to other countries that have implemented similar policies, suggesting that Saskatchewan must follow suit to remain competitive globally.
“Our competitiveness rises with the qualifications of our population,” Hunter explained. She argued that programs like universal education and public transportation would benefit rural areas, helping residents access higher-paying jobs and improve their quality of life.
Hunter expressed concern about the limitations of Saskatchewan’s current education system, particularly in rural areas. She noted that while high school was once sufficient to secure a good job, today’s workforce requires higher education. The Green Party plans to expand public education to include post-secondary institutions, ensuring that students are not held back by financial constraints.
“By 2030, 75% of jobs will require a bachelor’s degree,” Hunter stated, adding that the Green Party’s goal is to ensure that education is accessible to everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status. She emphasized the importance of investing in both university education and skilled trades programs to create a more competitive workforce.
Hunter was candid about the widespread mistrust in political institutions. The Green Party, she said, aims to tackle this issue by eliminating corporate influence in politics. To achieve this, the party limits individual donations to $1,000 and corporate donations to $5,000.
Additionally, Hunter championed the adoption of proportional representation, a system where the percentage of votes directly reflects the makeup of the government. She cited examples from other countries that have implemented this system, noting that it has helped restore public trust in politics.
“The largest voting bloc in Canada is the ‘We Stay At Home Party’ because people feel as if their votes do not matter,” Hunter said. She believes that proportional representation would reinvigorate voter engagement, giving residents confidence that their voices will be heard.
Hunter reported that her campaign has been well-received, though she acknowledged the challenges posed by misinformation and a growing disconnect between residents and politics. She is optimistic, however, that increased engagement and participation in the political process can bring about meaningful change.
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The voting in the 2024 provincial election starts tomorrow with advance polls opening at five locations in the Weyburn-Bengough constituency. Election day is October 28th, and we will have in-depth coverage of the vote and the results.