Early results in Saskatchewan’s general election unfolded as expected Monday, with Scott Moe’s Saskatchewan Party dominating rural constituencies and Carla Beck’s NDP taking charge in the cities. Moe, in his second election as party leader, retained his seat in Rosthern-Shellbrook. Saskatchewan Party candidates were elected or leading in about 30 ridings, with 31 needed to form a majority government in the 61-seat legislature.
Energy Minister Jim Reiter was re-elected in Rosetown-Delisle and Agriculture Minister David Marit won the count in Wood River. Beck’s New Democrats were expected to rely on victories in the cities. They led in a handful of ridings in Regina and Saskatoon shortly after polls closed.
The Saskatchewan Party was seeking a fifth-straight majority to add to its 17 years in office, while Beck's NDP was looking to take back government for the first time since 2007. The voting capped a month-long campaign that focused on health care, affordability and crime. Moe promised broad tax relief and continued withholding of federal carbon levy payments to Ottawa.
His platform would cost an additional $1.2 billion over four years. He said his tax reduction plan would save a family of four $3,400 over four years.
It also includes tax credits for those looking to grow their families or put their children in sports and arts. Moe promised deficits in the first two years, followed by a surplus in 2027. Beck pledged to spend more to fix health care and education, paus.