The Regina Douglas Park By-Election

By Greg Hluska

It has been almost two months since Harry Van Mulligen announced his resignation from Regina Douglas Park and the major provincial parties appear to be gearing up for a major race.  As I see it, this constituency, a long-time N.D.P. stronghold, is incredibly important for all of this province’s two major political parties.  The N.D.P. desperately wants this by-election to be a coronation of sorts for their new leader, Dwain Lingenfelter.  The Saskatchewan Party, on the other hand, wants this by-election to be proof that their vision for Saskatchewan is helping them make in-roads in urban markets.

This by-election is incredibly important to me as well.  In my wildest dreams, this by-election will emerge as an opportunity to discuss important issues.  An election is not only a chance to vote, it is a chance to get provincial politicians to go on the record and talk about important issues like the environment, the social deficit, affordable housing and economic development.  Because of the importance attached to this particular by-election, the Regina Douglas Park race will be a great barometer of Saskatchewan politics and of the direction of Saskatchewan political parties.

If you live in Regina Douglas Park, please make a commitment to vote in this important by-election.  If you do not like any of the political parties, or if you do not think they represent your point of view, you have two choices.  Either spoil your ballot or run as an independent.  Abstaining from the vote is not a legitimate form of protest.

This will be a very exciting by-election and I cannot wait to watch it unfold.  Best of luck to all the candidates!