The writ dropped on October 10, and local Saskatchewan Party MLA Greg Ottenbreit chose to officially open his campaign headquarters the next day. The incumbent candidate is hoping to get re-elected this November.
The Sask Party is going to stand on economic growth, Ottenbreit says. He believes the party's record as a provincial government is strong and will be something they can stand on for the next election.
"What the Sask Party is about is creating economic opportunities. Not only to get business to come to the province and get a strong economy, but the end result is what are you going to do with that strong economy? The end result is to make a better quality of life for all those in Saskatchewan. Help those who need help, but also provide opportunities for those that can engage in the workforce. Plus, opportunities for our children, that's why I got involved years ago, it was because I knew there was not enough opportunity for my kids in the province, and many of my friends' kids were leaving, and I just knew we just weren't living up to our potential and that there had to be a better way," he says.
This election will see a smaller platform, Ottenbreit adds, because the party doesn't want to make promises they can't keep. He says that the goal is to continue down the path started four years ago.
"Adding on to what we've done, expanding on areas where we've seen gaps, and continuing on with the momentum we've had and the programs we had, and start building on them, to make sure there is help for those with disabilities, to make sure there's support for seniors, and to have support for those who need help for those who need it through a strong economy," Ottenbreit predicts.
While the party has had plenty of support in the area, Ottenbreit says that voters can't become complacent, no matter what poll numbers might suggest.
"We know the NDP is vocal about the polls and how strong they are, and I know that drives up the active participation of the NDP voter, but also can create apathy in our own voters. That's our biggest enemy, if our voters don't come out. If everyone shows up we'll be fine, but there's no guarantee on that."
The NDP's main campaign points involve housing and potash royalties. The Yorkton MLA says that on the first point, he believes the party has had a strong record in housing, building new units in a number of different categories, with more initiatives underway.
"It's not everything we've needed, but our record is pretty good.
"Plus, you look at other things that we've done, partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, they're working on their third home in Yorkton, and some of the other projects we have to encourage construction in affordable housing and construction of family housing in general," Ottenbreit says.
When it comes to resource royalties, he says that the formula in place is one that has seen success and he believes should stay steady.
"I know the NDP will talk about that repeatedly, but I will stand by the numbers. Right now, Saskatchewan has among the highest royalty rates in the world. Twenty-two per cent real royalty rate on potash, our next competitor is eleven per cent in the kingdom of Jordan, and our next competitor in Canada is New Brunswick at six per cent. We are very high as it is, granted they are here because we have a good workforce, we have the transportation in place, we have some of the best and most easily accessible potash in the world, and that's why they're here with the high royalty rate we have. Granted, they have a reduced rate on their royalty while they're building the capital investment."
The reduced rate for initial investment is something that is paid back as an increased number of jobs and spending in the province. Ottenbreit says it is like any tax write off for capital investment, and the end result of increased employment and the many spin-offs pay for themselves.
"If you tie in the resource royalty rate, plus what they're paying already, the real tax that they're paying to the province on the potash that they're pulling out of the ground is close to 40 per cent," he explains.
In the city itself, Ottenbreit says healthcare is the big issue. He also says the Saskatchewan Party government is working with the municipality for recruitment, and has developed ways to attract and retain physicians province-wide.
After that, the people he has talked to are concerned about housing and expanding Parkland College. He predicts initiatives in both areas will go smoothly, and says that there has been discussions in both areas.
"It's been a pleasure being the MLA for Yorkton for the past four years. It's been a steep learning curve, I've learned a lot, I think we've done a lot of good, and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to serve for another four years should the voters so wish," Ottenbreit concludes.
Saskatchewan votes on November 7.
