The nine candidates who ran in the 2021 mayoral byelection spent almost $48,000 attempting to capture the mayor’s chair, with Clive Tolley — the eventual winner — spending the most during his campaign.
City hall released recently the candidates’ campaign expense disclosure statements for the Nov. 3, 2021 byelection. Those documents show the candidates spent $47,868.14 in their bid to become Moose Jaw’s new mayor, after incumbent Fraser Tolmie resigned following his win in the 2021 fall federal election.
Tolley spent $16,008 during the campaign, which was two to three times more than other candidates. His expense statements show that all his campaign funding came from contributions.
Of note, Richmond, British Columbia-based Carpere Canada donated $1,000 to his campaign. Carpere owns the Grant Hotel and is — and has — pursued several business deals with the City of Moose Jaw over the past few years.
Also, numbered company 101153015 Saskatchewan Ltd. donated $5,000 to Tolley's campaign. An internet search shows that business has an address of 330 Main Street North — Lions Creek Olive Estate — but on page 9 of the Saskatchewan Gazette where numbered companies are listed, it is actually a cattle feeding and land holding company. A 2021 news release from Bloomberg indicates that W. Shea Jameson owns this company.
Heather Eby spent $5,865.77 during the campaign, with $5,100 coming from outside contributions; Eugene Dionne donated the most with $2,000. Despite the loss, Eby retained her seat as a city councillor.
Crystal Froese spent $5,627.49 to become mayor, with $3,450 listed as contributions, although only $2,700 is recorded on her expense statement. Despite the loss, she retained her seat as city councillor.
Brett McAuley spent $3,128.38 during his campaign, with none of his funding coming from outside contributions, according to his expense statement.
Sam Morrison spent the second-most money with $8,274.61 expended, and $4,400 coming from outside contributions. However, only $3,150 in donations were listed on his expense form.
Kim Robinson spent $1,335.40 in his bid to become mayor, with none of his funding coming from outside contributions. Despite the loss, he kept his seat as city councillor.
Mike Simpkins expended $5,003.35 to become mayor, with his expense statement showing he received nothing in outside contributions.
Wayne Watermanuk spent $732.69 in his attempt to lead Moose Jaw, with none of his funding coming from contributions.
All the candidates’ expense documents can be found on the City of Moose Jaw’s website.
