In an election which saw the Saskatchewan Party increase its majority in the legislature, local Saskatchewan Party MLA Greg Ottenbreit was re-elected handily in the Yorkton riding.
Ottenbreit describes it as a relief to have the election over with and be able to return to his job as the Yorkton MLA.
"I'm not the biggest fan of elections. I'm politically minded but I'm not really fond of cut and thrust politics. I just like getting the work done and helping people, and I'm looking forward to getting back to that part of the job," he says.
When it comes to his re-election, he also says that he worked hard and people believed he would continue to work hard for them in the next four years.
"I think people realize that you're here to help them, and it has nothing to do with NDP or Green Party or Liberal or Sask Party politics," Ottenbreit suggests.
With his party taking 49 of 58 seats, the Sask Party halved the number of seats held by the opposition NDP. Ottenbreit says that it's surprising since the province has always had strong NDP support, but it's proof that the government is doing the right thing for people.
"I think people are realizing that we're going in the right direction. Yes there are still gaps that people can fall through, but as a government we're doing our best to fill those gaps and help all people form a strong economy," he adds.
For the next four years, Ottenbreit says that in Yorkton the three main issues were healthcare, education and housing, and those will be his main focus. He says that work on doctor recruitment will continue in cooperation with the City of Yorkton and the Sunrise Health Region, as will work with the Parkland College and the introduction of new housing initiatives. He notes that some doctor recruitment initiatives introduced last term will start paying off as doctors begin to graduate.
It was a difficult election for Ottenbreit, with controversy surrounding comments made during the all candidates forum. He says it was a difficult time, but that the people who supported him helped him make it through.
"This is one of the top five difficult things I've gone through, even compared to some of the difficult things my family has gone through in the past. A lot of it was my own doing, and I'm grateful it's over. I'm looking forward to making some new relationships, mending some that may have been harmed, and working with my friends of different communities to see what needs to be done," he states.
There were a number of large upsets in the campaign, none larger than former NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter losing in Regina Douglas Park to Russ Marchuk of the Sask Party. Ottenbreit says that Marchuk will be a great MLA with extensive knowledge about First Nations education issues, and he also compliments Lingenfelter for his actions after his defeat.
"I'm just thankful to Mr. Lingenfelter for the service he has provided to the province, and for showing that leadership and stepping down, letting his party move on and rebuild. That shows true leadership," Ottenbreit says.
With the big gains, it will mean several new faces will be joining the government. Ottenbreit believes it will be a strong government over the next four years, and the new MLAs will bring a diversity and fresh perspective that will help the government do the best it can for the people of Saskatchewan.
