By Canadian Press

‘Dumb mistake’: What politicians had to say during the Saskatchewan election campaign

Oct 27, 2024 | 6:02 AM

REGINA — Saskatchewan’s provincial election is on Monday. The Saskatchewan Party, in government for the last 17 years, is hoping for a return to power, while the NDP is fighting to move out of the Opposition benches.

Here are some memorable quotes from politicians during the four-week campaign:

“Very dumb mistake. One word and it can change your life … to the people involved, I offer my apology again. I wish I could bring it back. Unfortunately, I can’t.” — Saskatchewan Party candidate David Buckingham, after it came to light that he used a racial slur referencing a Black person in the government caucus office last year

“We very much strive to be a diverse and inclusive party, very much with the policies that we have enacted with the honour of forming government over the last decade and a half.” — Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe said in response to Buckingham’s apology

“I said things in my 20s that I don’t believe now whatsoever … my focus now is on being a positive influence in our society, and any music I’ve created in recent years has been devoted to that.” — NDP candidate Phil Smith, a former rapper, after the Saskatchewan Party criticized some of his lyrics as misogynistic, pro-drugs and pro-crime

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“If that’s what (Moe) wants to focus on, he can fill his boots … but we’re focused on the things that Saskatchewan people need.” — NDP Leader Carla Beck in response to the Saskatchewan Party’s criticism of Smith’s music

“I’m so proud of our province and all that we have been able to achieve together.” — Moe during the televised leaders’ debate

“I see opportunity in every corner of this province. But under Scott Moe and the Sask. Party, there’s too much opportunity being left on the table and too many Saskatchewan people being left behind.” — Beck during the debate.

“There will be a directive that would come from the minister of education that would say that biological boys will not be in the change room with biological girls.” — Moe said the campaign promise would be his first order of business if re-elected premier, as he had recently heard of a school change room complaint about the issue. The pledge was not part of the Saskatchewan Party’s platform document.

“”Politics is a difficult job. When you sign up for the job, you know that your public life will be open to scrutiny. Your children don’t sign up for that.” — NDP candidate Nicole Sarauer said in response to Moe’s change room promise, as it was revealed another NDP candidate’s children were the subjects of the school complaint.

“What appears is there was at least one bullet that was shot into their campaign office … we’ve seen this in the U.S. presidential campaign, not in a provincial Saskatchewan election.” — Moe said after holes were found in a window at the Regina campaign office of Saskatchewan Party candidate Rahul Singh. Police later said the damage was not the result of a firearm.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 27, 2024.

The Canadian Press