UNITY - The Cut Knife-Turtleford constituency has four candidates running for a seat at the Legislature in the 2024 provincial election. These are the candidates who are hoping to be voted in on Oct. 28.
Clayton Poole - New Democratic Party
Clayton Poole is a railcar repairman and has worked in the oilfields, as a paramedic and carpenter.
He’s heard from people how hard it is to pay the bills, put food on the table and get the healthcare they need. He wants to be a strong advocate for the people of Cut Knife - Turtleford to make life more affordable.
Growing up on a farm, he understands the challenges that farmers face in the province. The long hours needed; the teamwork required to get the crop from seed to the bin.
He comes from a long line of public health care advocates, and if elected, would push to ensure all rural communities have the healthcare they need, when they need it. A Saskatchewan NDP government will invest to create more permanent full-time healthcare positions to ensure frontline workers can stay in their communities. As well as invest to hire more doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.
In addition, if elected, a Saskatchewan NDP government will cut the gas tax immediately on day one and cut the PST on groceries and children’s clothing, saving families money in time for the holiday season.
As well, they will connect communities with better road infrastructure, expand cellphone service, and prioritize Saskatchewan businesses and workers wanting to build lives on the farm and in our towns.
Poole says he will fight for the Cut Knife Turtleford constituency to make their voices heard."It’s time to get Saskatchewan out of last place," he says. "It's time for change."
James Thorsteinson - Saskatchewan Party
James Thorsteinson was born and raised on a mixed grain and cattle farm north of Waseca and went to school in Lashburn.He participated in many different sports, such as hockey, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, and rugby. He was also very active in 4-H and continues to volunteer and support this important organization.
"I am a strong advocate for mental health, and until recently, served on the Board of the Libbie Young Centre in Lloydminster, which provides housing, programming, and supports for people struggling with their mental health," he says.
Thorsteinson has worked in agriculture his entire life, and now operates a cow/calf and yearling operation, with wife Lana and three sons, on the same land his grandfather once ran cows on. He has also done some work as a contractor in the oil field.
"I am running for the Saskatchewan Party because I want to serve the constituents of Cut Knife-Turtleford," says Thorsteinson. "I believe in the people that live, work, and raise their families in the many different communities in this region. The farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and folks who work in the oil field are the backbone of our great province. We need to support these individuals, and allow them to succeed, not put up unnecessary roadblocks."
Thorsteinson also says he believes in the vision of Scott Moe, that Saskatchewan has a bright future, with its best days still ahead. "We have come a long way since we formed government in 2007, but there is still more work to do. By investing in the people of our province, and ensuring we have a strong economy, we can continue to provide the health care, education, and community supports that the residents of Saskatchewan require," he says.
Steve Gessner - Sask. United Party
Steve Gessner was born in Humboldt, as the eldest of five children. When he was five years old, his family moved from that farm to a larger farm, between the Battlefords and Wilkie in the Cut Knife- Turtleford constituency.
He and his wife Kathy have been married for nearly 40 years. They have raised two daughters and now have two grandsons and one granddaughter. Gessner and his entire family are deeply rooted in Saskatchewan and he is committed to giving back to his province for all of the benefits and opportunities it has given to him.
Throughout his career, Steve has worked in farming, heavy construction and transportation. He says his 25-year career on the highway has given him the ability to see what works and what doesn't work in all areas of our North American world. He is one of very few drivers who can say they have driven in 49 mainland U.S. states, all 10 provinces and all three Northern Territories.
After 25 years on the road, Gessner sold his trucking business assets and returned to his first love, farming.
He says his philosophy is to always ensure things are better when you leave than when you arrived. He takes this same attitude to politics. Gessner believes he brings a lifetime of real-world experience and common sense to the table. He is committed to putting Saskatchewan people first and ensuring they have an accountable advocate representing their interests in Regina.
Holly Ennis - Saskatchewan Green Party
At the time of publication, SaskToday.ca had not received a biography on this candidate.
