Election in Saskatchewan: This is what experts thought about the leaders’ debate

Following the debate between Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe and NDP Leader Carla Beck, two local experts gave their insights into the event.

“There weren’t a lot of things that were unexpected,” said Tina Beaudry, a former Saskatchewan Party MP and cabinet minister.

“I think Ms. Beck’s job tonight was to get people to know her better, I think she did that well. I think Mr. Moe had to convince voters that it was really important to stay with the Saskatchewan Party.”

Wednesday night’s debate was Moe’s second debate and Beck’s first. The debate was moderated by Merelda Fiddler, assistant professor of Indigenous communication at the First Nations University of Canada.

Retired broadcaster and current Saskatchewan NDP campaign adviser Ian Hanna also contributed post-debate analysis, saying this debate was much tamer compared to the 2016 debate.

“This one was much better and I applaud them for that and I actually applaud both participants, both party leaders, they were generally respectful,” he said. “I think people have seen a clear difference between the two parties, and I think this will give some undecideds an opportunity to mark their ballot in a way that they feel more clear about.”

“I thought Carla Beck did well and I thought [Scott Moe]it was interesting. He has a record to defend and he tried to defend it.”

Moe and Beck discussed a variety of topics throughout the hour, including education, health, affordability and the drug crisis.

Both Beaudry and Hanna agreed that it was important to voters that Moe and Beck maintained their composure throughout the debate.

“I think that’s really important, especially when you’re running for the role of prime minister. People expect you to be able to behave calmly and rationally, and I think both candidates did that in this debate,” Beaudry said.

“There were certainly moments of passion. Mr. Moe has a great passion for business, for rural Saskatchewan… Ms. Beck has a great passion for education and she really brought that through there.”

Hanna said during the debate that there was a good balance between passion and professionalism among the leaders.

“Overwhelmingly, I didn’t see anyone go crazy, overact and start screaming. “So that was good, that speaks for both candidates,” he said.

Both Beck and Moe spoke about their campaign plans and what they plan to spend money on if elected.

“I think these two people have different views on what money is being spent and where it’s going, and I think that won’t change their supporters much,” Beaudry said.

Saskatchewan’s provincial election will take place on October 28th.

Election week in the province is scheduled to begin on October 22nd and run through Election Day, with the exception of October 27th.