MOOSE JAW — Voters in Moose Jaw got a firsthand look at their political hopefuls during the Moose Jaw and District Chamber of Commerce candidates’ forum at the Grant Hall Hotel on April 22.
Moderated by Chamber CEO Rob Clark, the forum offered a platform for each candidate to speak directly to constituents, highlighting key issues and outlining their vision for Moose Jaw’s future. Here is a look at the replies to a few questions.
Fraser Tolmie (Conservative Party)
Fraser Tolmie defended his record as the incumbent MP, emphasizing his efforts to fight what he called “bad federal policy” affecting everyday Canadians.
“I’ve been fighting against this carbon tax… hospitals have been paying carbon tax, and this is affecting their budget,” Tolmie said, citing the financial strain on local municipalities and institutions.
In response to the question of how he will better integrate municipal votes into federal decision-making, Tolmie framed federal policy as a burden on local communities.
“Let’s talk about carbon tax… it’s been downloaded onto the provinces, and now municipalities are paying more to pave roads and replace water lines,” he said.
Tolmie cited examples like the Prairie South School Division losing over $2 million due to rising costs tied to federal policy.
When asked how Tolmie would represent his constituents, he emphasized open communication, making himself accessible through phone and email, and described his role as a servant to the community. He said his approach is focused on transparency and advocating for constituents’ practical needs.
In his closing remarks, Tolmie said: “Our job is to be your voice in Ottawa, not the other way around… This is a position of servitude, not status.”
For more information, visit FraserTolmieMP.ca.
Britt Baumann (New Democratic Party)
Britt Baumann defended social programs and criticized Tolmie’s voting record.
“He voted against $10-a-day daycare, against the dental plan, and against Pharmacare,” Baumann said. “I’ll fight to keep those programs and expand them.”
Stressing the role immigrants play in Canada’s essential sectors, Baumann said, “One in four health care workers is an immigrant. Without them, the system would collapse.”
In response to the question of how she will better integrate municipal votes into federal decision-making, Baumann expressed frustration over what she sees as a failure of federal-provincial negotiations, pointing to the breakdown in talks over $10-a-day daycare in Saskatchewan.
“We need to carefully work on that and make inroads so that the people of Saskatchewan can get what they need,” she said.
When asked how Baumann would represent her constituents, she responded by criticizing past votes by Tolmie, arguing that what matters most is what candidates actually vote for.
Baumann also warned against policy decisions that overlook working people.
“I’ll fight to make sure you get to keep your dental care, your daycare, and that we cut taxes for workers, not billionaires,” she declared in her final pitch.
For more information, visit BrittBaumann.NDP.ca.
Mike Gardiner (Green Party)
Mike Gardiner took a reflective tone, tying immigration and sustainability together.
“Most of us have an immigrant background, but we must recognize the land we live on was taken from Indigenous peoples,” he said, adding that “We need immigration, but we also need to build our infrastructure first.”
Gardiner emphasized grassroots representation and praised the Green Party’s policy of never enforcing party whips: “Having the ability to vote your conscience is key.”
In response to the question of how he will better integrate municipal votes into federal decision-making, he underscored transparency and communication as foundational principles.
“Open, honest communication, transparency, and accountability — these are all words we throw around, but they have incredibly important meaning,” he said.
When asked how Gardiner would represent his constituents, he said he’ll vote based on his conscience and the needs of his constituents, adding that “It’s actually in the constitution of the Green Party that they’ll never (use a) whip.”
In closing, Gardiner encouraged voters to think long-term: “I hope we’re all good listeners. Look into universal basic income and electoral reform. These are ideas whose time has come.”
For more information, visit GreenParty.ca/en/Candidate/Mike-Gardiner.
Tabitha Mukamusoni (Liberal Party)
Tabitha Mukamusoni highlighted the importance of immigration for rural sustainability, referencing her own journey as a new Canadian.
“We need immigration because it strengthens our economy,” she said. “Gravelbourg High School was going to close, but international students saved it.”
In response to the question of how she will better integrate municipal votes into federal decision-making, Mukamusoni emphasized relationship-building across government levels.
“I will make sure our government collaborates with the municipal government, provincial government, and the communities I will be representing,” she said.
Stressing her immigrant background, she added, “I want our voices to be heard. I came here nine years ago, and I’ve seen the value immigrants bring to small communities.”
When asked how Mukamusoni would represent her constituents, she responded by saying that her role would be to “defend the interests of the population from Moose Jaw and the people of Saskatchewan.”
“I want to be the voice for Moose Jaw… and for rural Saskatchewan,” she concluded.
For more information, visit TabithaMukamusoni.Liberal.ca.
Chey Craik (People’s Party of Canada)
Chey Craik delivered the strictest immigration policy among the candidates, proposing a moratorium on new permanent residents.
“We will drastically reduce immigration until housing and economic issues are resolved,” Craik said, calling for stricter background checks and a focus on economic migrants only.
He criticized both major parties (Liberal and Conservative) for failing Western Canada: “For 150 years, it’s been the same back-and-forth. We’ve had Conservative representation here — what have they done for us?”
In response to the question of how he will better integrate municipal votes into federal decision-making, Craik delivered a defiant response, calling for a rollback of federal influence.
“We need to stop the overlap between levels of government… stop federal intrusion into provincial and municipal jurisdictions,” he said.
When asked how Craik would represent his constituents, he replied: “I will not be guided by a party whip… I will speak to the people in our constituency and I will vote according to my conscience,” highlighting his independent stance.
“Vote your voice, not their fear; together, let’s rewrite history,” he concluded.
For more information, visit PeoplesPartyOfCanada.ca/Candidate/Chey-Craik.
Voters in Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan will head to the polls on Monday, April 28.
