The Moose Jaw North constituency needs a stronger representative in the Saskatchewan Legislature who will advocate for students, seniors and jobs — and NDP candidate Kyle Lichtenwald believes he can do it.
Lichtenwald, 39, has lived in Moose Jaw for the past 15 years and has been a teacher for 12 years. He has been involved in many community organizations and has seen the need for a stronger government, including a better local voice that can help acquire and retain good jobs here and ensure local workers build projects.
“I want to have a strong future for our kids. I have five kids of my own, and it’s so important to me that we build a society where they have whatever they can imagine, so they have a strong future,” he said. “I want to make sure they have the best chance in life.”
There are several groups for whom Lichtenwald wants to advocate, including people struggling with mental health issues, seniors, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic as an institution.
He also wants to ensure good government jobs are created in Moose Jaw and remain here. He pointed out that during the last 30 years, the community has lost 190 provincial jobs while Prince Albert saw an increase in 900 government jobs during the same time.
“I want to know why Moose Jaw is being left in the dust,” Lichtenwald remarked. “Who’s going to stand up for the city? That’s why I put my name forward. I’m running to make a positive difference in people’s lives … .”
Lichtenwald believes the Saskatchewan NDP can bring necessary change, especially since he says it has a solid plan that supports schools and will reduce overcrowded classrooms. It will also ensure there is more per-student funding, which is important to him since he has seen how the Sask. Party has neglected teachers and students during the last decade and cut per-student funding.
Several big issues that Lichtenwald has heard on the doorstep include concerns about standards in long-term care homes, the desire for clean energy, concerns about the Sask. Party’s “wishy-washy” back-to-school plan, austerity cuts, and a lack of jobs in the community.
Residents are also bothered by issues with the Global Transportation Hub (GTH), the multi-billion-dollar Regina bypass project, debt, and attacks on the Crown corporations.
“They’re tired of only seeing insiders get ahead and out-of-province donors getting special deals,” he said. “People have concerns, but they’re also excited about the opportunities and vision that (NDP leader) Ryan Meili has for a healthy society.”
Lichtenwald taught Grade 5 at Sacred Heart School last year, but this year moved up to Grade 6 and has beeen teaching the same students as before. This has been beneficial during the pandemic, he said, since he has been a steady constant in the lives of students.
The Holy Trinity Catholic School Division is excited that Lichtenwald is running for politics, he continued, as the opportunity will let him meet people and model public engagement skills.
The elementary school teacher is taking time off from work so he can campaign full time.
Lichtenwald says residents of Moose Jaw North should vote for him because he is a friendly guy, is a good neighbour, has a caring heart, stands up for the underdog, and stands up when he sees something wrong.
“By investing in people, by lifting people up, we all rise up. The whole community becomes stronger, and then we’re able to look after our local communities and fewer people are left behind, instead of old ideas and promised cuts … ,” Lichtenwald added. “This election is a crucial point in the history of this province and we have an opportunity to do things better (and) to make lives happier and healthier.”
