Local MLA talks about new party and looking ahead to 2024

After serving as an independent for some time, Wilson set out to form her party, vowing to unite Saskatchewan residents under common sense and drawing in people who were tired of the status quo of government.

In a year-end interview with paNOW, Wilson said that the launch of the party did come with hiccups but is happy that it’s running, and people are hearing its message.

“I found that despite all the challenges Saskatchewan people have been forced to face, as I move around the province and talk with people, I see they’re looking forward with hope.”

One of the biggest issues the Sask United Party tackled in the last year was parental choice in education. Wilson and the party were a huge supporter of the Pronoun In Schools policy which became law in October. Under that rule, children under the age of 16 must have parental consent if they wish to change their name or pronouns at school.

“Our office received dozens of letters of support in parental influence in children’s education,” she said.

Despite the Sask Party government and Wilson saying the bill was about parents’ rights and involvement in their child’s education, opponents of the bill continue to fight it, claiming it puts LGBTQ students at risk.

Before that bill was passed, the Sask. Party ran its first candidate in a by-election for Lumsden-Morse. While the Sask. Party won that race with 53 per cent of the vote, and Sask United candidate Jon Hromek came in second with 22.75 per cent, ahead of the NDP, Buffalo Party and Green Party candidates.

Wilson called that result a win, believing the party took votes away from the Sask. Party because of its stance on education and parental rights.

When it comes to the year ahead and the issues facing those in Saskatchewan Rivers, Wilson said she continues to hear about people hit hard by the cost-of-living increases.

“Even to the point where seniors are obligated to go back into the workforce,” she said. “They’ve (Sask Party) created conditions where people are having to look into their safety net of finances.”

Crime, especially on rural properties was another issue Wilson and her party focused on in the legislature.

“People are living in fear in their homes and their businesses, so I know we have to work with different partners to identify these problem areas and maybe work in a more coordinated approach of support services for Saskatchewan people,” she said.

Despite the concerns she’s hearing from those in her constituency, Wilson believes her party’s platform is catching on and is excited to spread the word as the next provincial election is just months away.

“I also see that the next generation is answering the call to design a society they want for today (and) for the future, whether it be in education or health or corrections,” she said “It means that people are no longer content for politicians to take their tax money without accountability of how it’s used, and people are responding and together we can put off all these fears and take charge by uniting with our common values.”

The 2024 Saskatchewan election is scheduled to take place on or before Oct. 28.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

Local MLA talks about new party and looking ahead to 2024

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