Sask. Party set to rally troops for 2020 election
Premier expected to focus on economy in speech at party’s biennial convention
SASKATOON Premier Moe is set to kick off the Saskatchewan Party’s 2020 election campaign when he addresses the party faithful for the first time since they elected him as their leader almost two years ago.
Moe will deliver the keynote address at the party’s biennial convention at Evraz Place in Regina on Saturday, the first such event since he defeated five challengers in the race to succeed Brad Wall.
His speech is an opportunity to energize grassroots volunteers and stave off any complacency that has developed in the ranks following a series of significant electoral victories.
“We have to take the approach that we need to contact every voter and humbly ask them for their vote, and ensure our candidates are out campaigning,” said Patrick Bundrock, the party’s executive director.
While the party is not saying much about its specific plans, it is understood that much emphasis will be placed on portraying Moe as a strong and stable alternative to Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili.
Polls have consistently placed Moe among the country’s most popular premiers, and insiders believe it will be an effective strategy against an Opposition leader they believe struggled to gain traction.
To have a chance of forming government next year, the NDP must win seats in rural areas — and big losses in three non-urban byelections last year suggest that could be difficult for the party.
We need to contact every voter and humbly ask them for their vote, and ensure our candidates are out campaigning.
The NDP plans to campaign on its new climate change plan, as well as a $15-per-hour minimum wage.
The Sask. Party campaign is also expected to focus on the economy, which its internal polling identifies as the top issue among voters. Meili has faced some criticism for his nuanced stance on pipeline construction.
Some insiders also expect Moe’s keynote will echo themes of national unity and a new direction for the country, topics he addressed in a fiery speech to the Regina Chamber of Commerce late last month.
The timing is apt, as the convention comes midway through the federal election campaign.
Moe has refused to publicly endorse any candidate or party, but the card-carrying Conservative has wasted few opportunities to attack Justin Trudeau’s Liberals and his policies align with those of Conservative leader Andrew Scheer.
Other conservative premiers, including Alberta’s Jason Kenney and New Brunswick’s Blaine Higgs, have been out stumping for Scheer.
According to Bundrock, the oneday event in Regina was originally scheduled for the end of the month but moved to avoid a conflict with the outdoor National Hockey League game at Mosaic Stadium on Oct. 26.
The convention will also feature a speech by Rona Ambrose, the former Conservative MP and cabinet minister who spent two years as the party’s interim leader before leaving politics in the summer of 2017.
Other items on the agenda include a tribute to the Sask. Party MLAS who are not seeking re-election and a “bear pit” session during which delegates can fire questions at the premier, cabinet ministers and backbenchers.
As of Wednesday, more than 350 people had registered to attend, Bundrock said.