Voters in the Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek riding will head to the polls on April 28, with three candidates vying for the federal seat.
Incumbent Conservative Party candidate Kelly Block faces challenges from NDP candidate Cheryl Loadman and Liberal contender Katelyn Zimmer.
Incumbent Conservative seeks re-election
Kelly Block, the Conservative Party’s candidate, is the current federal Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding.
Before entering federal politics, Block served two terms as mayor of the town of Waldheim.
Block was first elected in 2008 as MP for Saskatoon – Rosetown - Biggar area. She was re-elected in 2015.
As an MP, Block served on several standing committees and special committees over the past 14 years.
Block didn't respond to media requests for comment.
NDP puts forward business and policy expert
The New Democratic Party (NDP) has nominated Cheryl Loadman, an entrepreneur and educator with deep roots in public service. Currently a faculty member at the University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business, Loadman teaches international business and public policy and runs two businesses.
Her background includes executive roles at Saskatoon Services for Seniors and over two decades with the Saskatchewan government, including a stint as chief of staff to the finance minister under former Premier Roy Romanow.
Liberal candidate brings veterinary background to the race
Liberal hopeful Katelyn Zimmer, a second-generation veterinarian, is making her second bid for federal office after running in Moose Jaw – Lake Centre – Lanigan in 2021. A graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Zimmer has worked in mixed and small animal practice, bringing a science-based perspective to her campaign.
Zimmer moved to Saskatoon in 2005 to complete her bachelor of science degree in physiology. She graduated from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and has worked in mixed and small animal practice, as well as a locum veterinarian.
Riding history and redistribution
Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek was established in 2012 through federal boundary adjustments, replacing parts of Saskatoon – Humboldt, Saskatoon – Rosetown – Biggar, and Saskatoon – Wanuskewin. The riding first saw action in the 2015 federal election and has since been a Conservative stronghold.
Agriculture is the dominant industry in this area and issues such as the impact of tariffs will be important for the voters in the area.
The riding includes the fast-growing cities of Warman and Martensville, which means the challenges of population growth matter to the electorate.
The riding also has a number of potash mines within its borders, and issues impacting that sector are important for the voters as well.
With the election just weeks away, candidates are ramping up efforts to connect with voters.
With information from John Cairns.
