Melfort's provincial MLA candidates

Jessica R. Durling, Reporter

Matthew Diakuw, Green Party

Matthew Diakuw does not have a public biography available for reference and did not respond to comment by the time of publication.

The principles of the Saskatchewan Green Party are aligned with the principles of the Global Greens, which is an international network of political parties.

The Green Party acknowledges that human society is dependent on ecological resources, and supports the integrity of ecosystems and preservation of biodiversity.

Their statement of principles includes participatory democracy, nonviolence, respect for diversity, and social justice.

“We promote the building of respectful, positive and responsible relationshipsacrosslinesofdivision in the spirit of a multicultural society. Community Based Economics, Cooperation and Mutual Aid, Decentralization,” their website reads.

Todd Goudy, Sask. Party

Todd Goudy was first elected as the MLA for Melfort in a byelection in March of 2018.

For eight years, Goudy served on the board of education as a trustee of the North East School Division (NESD). He has also served as the chaplain for the RCMP, and on the Heath Advocacy Committee.

Raised in Melfort, Goudy moved to Alberta after graduating from Melfort and Unit Comprehensive Collegiate (MUCC).

Goudy returned to Melfort with his wife and children in 2007, and eventually became pastor in the Baptist Church.

The guiding principles of the Saskatchewan Party include economic growth and job creation through the private sector, not government, as the engine of the economy; smaller, less intrusive, more efficient government; steady, gradual reduction in government spending and taxation while maintaining a firm commitment to balanced budgets; a highquality health care system for all Saskatchewan people, regardless of where they live within the province; a strong social safety net which protects those who truly need support while encouraging individuals to become self-sufficient; democratic reform to make government more responsive to the people it serves; individual freedom and the equality of opportunity for all citizens; and the constant improvement of Saskatchewan’s economic and social conditions within a strong and united Canada.

Lorne Schroeder, New Democratic Party

Lorne Schroeder is an organic beef farmer near LeRoy.

In the past he has served a term as the reeve for the RM of Leroy, as the LeRoy School Board chair, on the LeRoy Credit Union board, LeRoy ball club, curling club and Kinsmen Club.

In addition, he serves on the board of the Farmer Direct Co-op.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) values include valuing fairness and extending opportunity and prosperity broadly, reducing inequality, and believe in encouraging aspiration and giving everyone a chance to get ahead and achieve their full potential.

“We value democracy and believe that everyone should have the ability to shape their own life and the life of their community, that those who are most affected by a decision should have the greatest input into the discussion, and that government needs to be more transparent, accountable, inclusive and responsive to the needs of Saskatchewan families, businesses and communities,” their website values read.

Dave Waldner, Buffalo Party

Dave Waldner manages a family farm with his son, as well as operates an independent construction company.

As a student, Waldner spent time working for the Pioneer Grain Construction crew building elevators in southern Saskatchewan during his summers.

After finishing school, Waldner worked during the winter in the oil fields of Alberta and various construction jobs in the summer before meeting his now wife and purchasing a family farm.

Walder currently enjoys participating in Emmanuel Baptist church service clubs.

The Saskatchewan Buffalo Party states that Waldner believes more industries for farmers are needed in Saskatchewan to jump start the economy and create more jobs.

The Buffalo Party is a newer political party in the province, which advocates that the Saskatchewan people have the right to vote for independence from the rest of Canada.

They state that they believe that a smaller government will reduce red tape, reduce the suppression of a free market and be less of a tax burden to the people.