There were occasions in last night’s provincial leaders debate when both were stuck to provide a straight answer. The NDP’s Ryan Meili didn’t relinquish many details on how he’d pay for all the spending promises including new hires in health care and teaching. While the Sask. Party’s Scott Moe never answered directly despite repeatedly being asked if he regretted not meeting with Tristan Durocher who commenced a 44 day fast and set up outside the legislature to raise awareness about suicide.

The two covered topics such as the economy, mental health and addictions and the COVID-19 pandemic.

While he spoke on his party’s plan which includes balancing the province’s budget by 2024, Moe also targeted the NDP by saying they have 4 billion dollars in unaccounted spending and a total spending plan of 6.7 billion dollars. He says it’s not a line of attack, but a line of fact.

The NDP shared post-debate that every penny under their plan has been costed, accounted for and has been signed off by an economist.

Meili continued his push on what he says are the Sask. Party’s plan for cuts, privatization and austerity while suggesting a NDP government would make schools safer and create good jobs for Saskatchewan families.

He says he was able to get across most of his party’s main points in their plan, but he would have liked to touch a little more on healthcare.

Overall, Moe feels the debate was a success. He says both parties were able to put their policies out and so the real winners in the debate were the people of the province
because they got to hear both visions of the leaders.

Today it is back to the campaign trail with Ryan Meili in Regina and Moose Jaw and Scott Moe will be in Moose Jaw as well.

[vmf and ckrm]