By Taylor MacPherson

New SaskParty leadership candidate Rob Clarke talks P.A. issues

Nov 16, 2017 | 7:00 AM

The newest candidate to enter the SaskParty leadership race spoke with paNOW about some of the local issues facing the region, and how he would address them as premier.

Former Conservative MP Rob Clarke announced his candidacy yesterday morning in Saskatoon. Clarke told paNOW he felt his Indigenous background as a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and his long experience as both a federal lawmaker and police officer will set him apart from the other SaskParty contenders.

“I have good knowledge of the federal issues that are facing residence of Saskatchewan,” Clarke said. “I also have an RCMP background, which none of the other candidates do.”

While some of the other leadership hopefuls have promised full provincial funding for a new regional hospital, most notably frontrunner Scott Moe, Clarke made no such guarantees. Clarke said he understands the need for a new hospital is a pressing one, but said it’s important that the province act in a manner that’s fiscally conservative.

“The hospital is getting a bit outdated and it does need some work,” Clarke said. “We’d have to look at the budget first and see if the province can afford it.”

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Clarke said he also understands the frustrations caused by the Diefenbaker Bridge, as he drives across it personally nearly every day when travelling to his home near Candle Lake. The former MP said he’d like to see funding for a new bridge shared between the provincial and federal governments.

“Maybe we can do a dual project where the province and the feds share the responsibility,” he said. “That could be addressed if the joint partners are in place.”

Clarke said he believes he’s well-positioned to fight the NDP, saying he’d bring conservative values back to Saskatchewan. The New Democrats have seen recent successes in British Columbia and Alberta, but Clarke said he intends to stop their advance by focusing on fiscal responsibility, job creation, and revenue development.

“You’re also seeing it here in Saskatchewan with the by-elections. The NDP have been elected and I think we need to put a stop to it and focus on conservative values with the SaskParty,” Clarke said. “I’m going to be the biggest nightmare for the NDP.”

The Saskatchewan Party will choose their new leader Jan. 27.

–With files from Glenn Hicks

Taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TMacPhersonNews