A Lumsden-area woman has entered the race to replace outgoing Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski, who plans to retire after 17 years as the party's representative of the Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan constituency.
Kathryn Pollack, who lives on a family farm in the Rural Municipality of Lumsden, decided to run for politics because she wants to secure her children’s future so they can grow up in a country with opportunities and united in outlook. She has watched with growing concern and frustration over the last few years with the decisions the federal government has made and wanted to see something different.
It was several months ago when the idea to run for politics crystallized in her mind, she explained. She was speaking with an acquaintance who had inside knowledge that Lukiwski did not plan to run in the next federal election, which caught her attention.
“Timing, of course, is everything in these opportunities, and so that was sort of the inkling and door opening in terms of me thinking, ‘Oh, this could actually be the time I go for it,’” Pollack said.
Another factor Pollack considered about running for the nomination was she believes she is in the right stage of life to take on this challenge. She has a family with two sons, so she wasn’t able to consider politics when they were younger. That’s changed, though, since they are now teenagers and can look after themselves.
Pollack believes she would be a good candidate since she is not a career politician but is passionate about Saskatchewan and Canada. Born and raised in rural Saskatchewan, she appreciates her heritage and the values and work ethic her parents instilled in her.
“I bring a fresh perspective and new outlook and I would say a lot of enthusiasm,” she said. “I’ve proven myself in the private sector and public sector in leadership roles.”
Pollack — currently the chief procurement officer for the provincial government — has worked as a land agent and community engagement specialist in mining, oil and gas, and utilities and has a good understanding of those parts of the Saskatchewan economy, she continued. Being a land agent is about listening to others and reaching the root of issues.
“I’m a very pragmatic person,” she stated, noting her professional experience, leadership skills and educational background can make a difference.
Pollack also has high-level experience working with decision-makers in the public sector, which she believes is valuable since she understands how public policy, laws, regulations and legislation are formed. Moreover, this knowledge can be beneficial in understanding how federal committees, cabinets and the Opposition work.
“At the end of the day, what people want from their elected representatives is not a bunch of talk and flowery promises, but they want to see things turned into tangible action,” she said.
The main priorities upon which Pollack would focus if elected include supporting families to be healthy and prosperous, supporting small businesses as they exit the pandemic, tackling government spending and debt, and securing Canada’s supply chains.
Addressing western alienation is also a topic Pollack would attempt to address. She noted that this problem is real and many people in Western Canada and Saskatchewan feel their concerns are being ignored. Many people are also angry that the federal government introduced several bills that target the energy sector.
For more information about Kathryn Pollack, visit www.kathrynpollack.ca or her Facebook page.
