Voting in any election can be a daunting task, but that has been amplified in the year 2020 by pandemic protocols and increased uncertainty about the leadership in our province. Health care is at the forefront and our health care system has been the focus for several months.
Families are concerned by our overburdened long-term care facilities and staff. Rural hospitals and clinics have been faced with the threat of closure and disruptions in service during a time when we need access to care more than ever.
Parents throughout our 27 school divisions have been overwhelmed by the current situation in classrooms across our province, whether it be related to COVID concerns and how our schools have adapted, class sizes, or resource shortages.
MLAs in “safe seats” are under no serious pressure to deliver benefits or any notable action to their constituents. Unfortunately, in a “safe seat” electorate, a lot of people do not feel like their vote will count, so they don’t bother casting a ballot at all.
These are volatile times and the upcoming provincial election could turn out to be far more competitive than anyone is anticipating.
You have the choice to vote for who will ultimately represent our constituency’s concerns. If you want to see change, you must vote for a chance to have other voices heard. Voters need to make an informed choice, not just a comfortable or familiar one.
We in Wood River need a voice in the legislature influencing what is going on in our hospitals, in our long-term care facilities, in our clinics and in our schools. NDP candidate Roger Morgan has lived in small-town Saskatchewan his entire life. As an educator and expert in delivering distance learning, he knows firsthand the impacts of cuts to our education system.
He has heard the concerns of residents about the impact the uncertainty of our rural health care options has on families. His leadership has been exemplified through his roles in municipal politics and as a dedicated volunteer to keep programs in our community thriving.
Applications to vote by mail must be received by October 15. Advanced polls will run from October 20 to 24 from noon until 8:00 each day. Polling stations open on election day, October 26, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
In whatever way you choose to exercise your right to cast a ballot, vote! Ensure our concerns are heard by our leaders. Keep democracy alive.
Candace Brisebois
Kincaid, SK
