Campaigning in this year’s provincial election is a much different experience than four years ago for Sask. Party MLA Tim McLeod, who — as a rookie candidate — worked to win people’s votes during a worldwide pandemic.
The coronavirus had been circulating for nearly seven months when the provincial election began in October 2020, which meant candidates — because of health restrictions — had to stand six feet away from people and give elbow bumps instead of handshakes.
“It was a different feel,” McLeod recalled.
Four years later, campaigning is more personable for the Moose Jaw North incumbent since he can have more face-to-face conversations and attend in-person gatherings.
“People now have heard of me and are able to give me some feedback on things that they’ve seen over the last four years and what they’d like to see moving forward,” McLeod said.
The first-term MLA’s desire to serve the public is motivating him to run again. He acknowledged that public service is not easy and requires sacrifices, but — with support from family and friends — he believes he has more to give and wants another opportunity.
One thing McLeod has enjoyed about being an MLA is interacting with people, hearing their concerns and attempting to help them find solutions. He pointed out that he did similar work as a lawyer, so he views his roles as an MLA and minister much the same way.
McLeod has served as the minister of mental health and addictions, seniors and rural and remote health since August 2023 and says the experience has been great. This role has enabled him to visit communities and attempt to address their concern.
Meanwhile, he says being a cabinet minister complemented his duties in the constituency, and contrary to the NDP’s accusations of him being regularly absent, he hasn’t struggled to be present in the riding. Instead, he says his work with the health minister has benefitted Moose Jaw “to a great extent.”
The incumbent MLA pointed to the province’s action plans on mental health and addictions and human resources, which helped hire 88 more nurses, 56 more care aides and 12 more lab technicians in Moose Jaw over the past two years.
During this election, affordability and cost of living are two topics that McLeod has heard from residents. He says the Sask. Party has campaign promises to address these issues, such as reducing taxes, increasing benefits for families, enhancing the graduation retention program and increasing seniors’ benefits.
“… the people of Saskatchewan, if they give us the honour to form government once again, can expect that those will happen swiftly,” he said. “This is a party that has governed for 17 years, and when we make promises, we keep them.”
McLeod thought the provincial government was on the right path since its investments had helped Saskatchewan grow. He acknowledged that there have been growing pains, which is why the province has built — and will continue to build — more hospitals and schools to address these issues.
“And with a strong economy, I think we have a very bright future,” he remarked.
In Moose Jaw, McLeod understands that homelessness and shelters are important issues, based on conversations he’s had and town hall meetings he’s attended.
He noted that opportunities exist for the province and community to collaborate and for the government to work with city hall to share responsibilities with the delivery of services. He pointed to the year-old action plans on mental health and addictions and homelessness as evidence that the province is addressing these issues in Moose Jaw.
Despite city council’s claims that the province is responsible for addressing homelessness and addictions, McLeod said finger-pointing didn’t accomplish anything since all three levels of government shared this responsibility. Moreover, he meets regularly with Moose Jaw’s MLA, mayor and city manager to determine how to address these concerns.
McLeod’s campaign office is in the former Rainbow Retro office on Main Street, while his contact information is [email protected] or 306-694-2024.
