Cameron Robock had perhaps harboured a desire to be more involved in the political scene for awhile, but it was a six-hour emergency ward ordeal at a Regina hospital that convinced him it was time to see if he could make a difference on that level.
Robock was elected as the NDP candidate for the Estevan Constituency in the next provincial campaign, capturing the uncontested nomination at the party’s annual meeting in the UMWA Hall on Feb. 7.
“It was this little guy who convinced me,” said Robock, nodding toward his two-year-old son Leo who was busily engaged, playing with his mother Angela following the formal portion of the meeting.
“He took ill while we were on the road and after more than six hours in the emergency room at Regina General, we decided to bring him back to Estevan where he got the help he needed once we got him here,” Robock said. That experience confirmed, in his mind, the provincial medical system was breaking down even further, not getting stronger, and he wanted to be part of a team that could bring about some change.
But he knows, he said, it’s a tough battle since electors in the local constituency have been firmly behind the local Sask. Party candidate Doreen Eagles in the previous elections.
“Doreen is a fine lady. She has done a good job for us. I have no issues with her at all, but she’s retiring now, and it’s time to breathe new life into Saskatchewan. There are too many people in this province who still can’t make ends meet,” he said.
“There is a lack of front line workers in health care. Too many on the administration side,” he said.
About 20 people were in attendance to see Robock get the nomination nod and also return as the constituency president, a role he will relinquish once the next campaign commences.
Frank Quennell, the former NDP MLA for Saskatoon-Meewasin, was also in attendance and spoke briefly to the members who heard from treasurer Wilma Poage that they had performed admirably over the previous year, moving from a deficit of $21,000 with the provincial body, to a surplus of over $2,000 heading into a new fiscal year.
“The members did it with a lot of hard work and commitment,” said Tom O’Sullivan, a member of the executive who chaired the AGM.
Quennell told the Mercury the provincial NDP is not interested in creating an urban/rural split situation, playing one against the other in a bid to reclaim rural votes lost over the years.
“Instead we’ll go after them for such things as inattention to students and educational needs, the thought that Mr. Wall would rather implement the notwithstanding clause than negotiate with unions, disgruntled seniors and their families and the loss of dignity when it comes to senior care and affordable housing. There are enough issues out there for both rural and urban voters and candidates,” he said. “Most of all, we have to ask, ‘where did the money go?’”
Later in talking with the Mercury, Robock said the essential services act was an area the current government was weak on and the local NDP membership agreed, making it an item to be addressed through resolution at this spring’s convention.
“We have a bit of money in the bank now that we didn’t have last year and that makes this a whole lot easier,” said Robock.
Leonard Haukeness was installed as treasurer, while Astrid Friesen was re-appointed secretary and O’Sullivan was elected vice-president. Darcy Wright and Angela Robock established as councillors. A half dozen voting delegates were selected for the AGM with the book being left open for the executive to appoint up to four more.
The resolutions that the local NDP will be fine tuning to present at the AGM includes a need to continue pressure on Highways and Infrastructure officials to move forward on the twinning of Highway 39 and 6 (south), affordable housing needs, an end to P3 models to build schools, opposition to the notwithstanding clause in the right-to-strike situation and immediate termination of the Lean contracts and programs that they claimed was costing the government more than it was saving.
“We deserve better than what they’re giving us with Lean. The government is simply replacing bad choices with more bad choices,” said Robock.
“If this government wants to take away your right to strike, then there is only one way you can go and it starts with your vote. Look beyond today, prepare for something better. I’m ready for the challenge, but we must work together,” he said.
“After seven years of high oil revenues why have we sunk back to having to put up with hallway medicine in our major hospitals. We had the SMART meter fiasco that cost millions more and the Lean losses. They blew our heritage and boom opportunities. It’s time for change,” said Quennell.
“I think we’ve done some good things here today,” said O’Sullivan after adjourning the meeting. “We’re willing to address any business put before us honestly and transparently.”
Quennell said the NDP have now nominated 21 candidates for the next provincial election that could come in early November. He said the party hoped to have most of the 61 candidates needed to fill out a full slate by the end of spring.
