Debate fallout: A change in tone and ... cookies!
A FULLY BAKED PROMISE
Brad Wall announced Thursday that a Saskatchewan Party government would eliminate regulations preventing home-based food businesses from preparing low-risk foods like cookies, candy, pies and buns in homes and selling directly to consumers.
As it stands, home-based food producers can’t sell directly to consumers, nor can they advertise (other than by word of mouth or at farmers’ markets). They can’t even make a Facebook post.
In a release, Wall said the government “shouldn’t be getting in the way of a church group, community organization or individual who wants to make some money by selling homemade baked goods.”
The new regulations would apply to all non-perishable foods that would normally not require refrigeration.
The NDP called the idea a “fine part of a broader plan,” but said it was “all Wall has to offer.”
A party release said, “No amount of delicious pies or homemade perogies will help other small businesses grow and hire more workers; cookies and brownies won’t fund research and development; and fig squares and fritters won’t save the film industry that Wall drummed out of the province.”
FEW SIGN VIOLATIONS IN CITIES
In the three weeks since the provincial election writ was dropped and campaigning began in full force, the City of Saskatoon has dealt with only five complaints concerning illegal election signs that were either oversized or placed in inappropriate places.
The city says it is happy with the low number of complaints and has seen good compliance with local bylaws from all campaigns.
The City of Regina has not received a report of an election sign violation — yet.
EGGS BENEDICT WITH A SIDE OF DEBATE REACTION
At a Regina café breakfast with supporters the morning after Wednesday’s leaders debate, NDP leader Cam Broten said he was fine with the issues brought forward because he was “talking about the things that matter to families.”
Still, he was disappointed that some items, like the government’s approach to lower domestic violence numbers, didn’t come up for discussion.
Minutes after the debate wrapped up Wednesday, the NDP sent out a media release calling Broten the champion.
Wall pooh-poohed that Thursday morning when he met with supporters in a Regina campaign office, poking fun at that declaration and saying he didn’t know if anyone could call themselves a winner.
Using an NDP policy platform booklet as a prop, the Sask. Party leader turned up his criticism of the NDP a notch. But he “wouldn’t characterize that as an attack” on his major rivals, rather saying, “We’re going to aggressively present the choice.”
As the campaign enters its final stretch, Wall said you can expect to see candidates and their volunteers knocking on more doors than ever before and asking for votes.