Eric Schmalz addresses the crowd gathered at the Prince Albert Wildlife Federation building. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Election race in

Prince Albert reeve acclaimed Sask. Party candidate in Sask Rivers

Jul 6, 2023 | 8:49 AM

A little more than three months after announcing his intentions to seek the Sask. Party’s nomination in the Sask Rivers constituency, Eric Schmalz stood before a crowd of supporters Wednesday night and proclaimed “we did it.”

The current reeve for the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert ran unopposed, therefore winning the nomination race by acclamation. Addressing the crowd gathered at the Wildlife Federation building, Schmalz said he’s always harbored a keen interest in being a strong voice for the people he serves, whether as a volunteer, a member of the RCMP, or as reeve.

“Although the wheels were put in motion long ago, the catalyst for me standing here for you tonight were the quiet conversations at a premier’s dinner last December,” he explained.

He added those conversations were bolstered by the voices and encouragement he received upon announcing plans to seek the nomination.

“My friends, we did it,” he said.

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Schmalz told the crowd he represents a symbol of positivity, renewal and commitment; as well as a renewed voice for Sask Rivers in the legislature. He also noted a commitment to broadening the economic and educational opportunities for people living in the constituency.

“I will work to foster partnerships with individuals and organizations in order to achieve this goal,” he said.

Speaking afterwards with paNOW, Schmalz acknowledged one of the key concerns he heard when speaking with people was related to the economy and opportunities connected to resources.

“I want people to live anywhere they want in this constituency and still have access to good jobs, good education for their children. I don’t want to see people having to move into a bigger centre because they feel the opportunities aren’t there,” he said.

From 2007 to September 2021, the constituency was held by the Sask Party under MLA Nadine Wilson. The former caucus member resigned from the party and sat as a independent before forming a new party known as Sask. United. When asked what tone he thought the campaign may take, Schmalz committed to staying positive and focusing on the message of renewal.

“We want to make sure there’s opportunity where we can make it and where we can assist in helping grow opportunities for both entrepreneurial pursuits and people to go to work. It’s important we make sure there is fertile ground to be able to grow our economy,” he said.

The provincial election has been scheduled to take place Oct. 28. 2024. Schmalz’s current term as reeve concludes around the same time.

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Nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell