MARTENSVILLE - Scott Moe was facing more questions on the campaign trail Monday over his pledge to prevent biological boys from using change rooms of biological girls in schools.
The Sask Party leader had made that pledge last Thursday in Regina, which he emphasized on Monday was a response to a reporter’s questions on the issue.
When asked what the policy would look like and how it would be enforced at an event in Martensville Monday, Moe responded this “is not a topic or a policy that I brought up.”
“I answered a question at a media avail in Regina. I answered that question very specifically with respect to what the policy of the Saskatchewan Party is. It’s a policy that is grounded on the fact that we will endeavour to support each and every student in each and every classroom, in each and every school, in every community across this province.
“I never once spoke to any of the individuals, nor will I, nor should anyone. And with respect to the policy, I answered a question that was bought by the media, and I was very, very clear. And I don’t have any further comment that is necessary with respect to that. If you want to know more about what parents feel, then I encourage you to do so. You'll have to ask them. If you want to know what the NDP‘s policy is, you’ll have to ask them the same question as well. I have no further comment. I’ve been clear in answering the question that was asked of me on what the Saskatchewan Party policy is, and it's one that is most certainly focused of supporting all students — each and every student across the province.”
Moe was pressed further about when and how he heard about the incident in question. He indicated it was “maybe a day before that that we there were some discussion that come through our room. The timelines are, they are what they are. I was asked the question. We're a party and myself that are vying for public office, and I answered that question as clearly as we can. And I think I can’t be any more clear with respect to, the policy of this party has and the fact that it’s a policy that is rooted in supporting all children in every classroom and every school in every community across this province. There’s another party running in this election and they should be asked the same.”
The story of the change room incident has been lighting up social media in recent days, with allegations circulating online that an NDP candidate had been involved.
When asked Monday about accusations that the Saskatchewan Party had played a part in leaking out the information, Moe said “no.”
“I’ve said each and every time that I’ve been asked that this should not be a discussion about people. I said that the first time, I’ve said it every time I’ve been asked that. And I won’t be part of discussing any individuals involved in this."
Last Friday, the NDP’s Nicole Sarauer had characterized the change room issue as a "divisive tactic that Scott Moe and the Sask Party are using."
When asked at that time if an NDP candidate was involved, Sarauer replied: “Unlike others, I'm not going to be outing any children. Politics is a difficult job. When you sign up for the job, you know that your public life will be open to scrutiny. Your children don't sign up for that."
When asked about whether this was a personal attack by the Sask Party on the NDP, Sarauer had replied “that’s a good question for Scott Moe to answer.”
The Saskatchewan United Party has also sounded off about the controversy. Sask United Leader Jon Hromek has posted on the X platform about the change room story, in which he questioned Moe’s commitment on the issue.
“It’s common sense. Women and girls deserve safe spaces where biological males are not allowed,” he posted. “But Scott Moe is “willing to be corrected”... He won’t enforce female safe spaces just like he didn’t enforce the Parents’ Bill of Rights.”
Sask United candidate Nadine Wilson, seeking another term in Saskatchewan Rivers, posted: “Scott Moe and Co. have again proven that it takes an electoral force like Sask United to push them in the right direction, especially regarding student safety and parental rights in education. We play an indispensable role in Saskatchewan. Vote Sask United so we can continue our work!”
With files from Jon Perez
