Rancher, James Thorsteinson is the Sask Party candidate for Cut Knife-Turtleford in the Oct. 28 provincial elections.
Question 1: Who are you?
Thorsteinson: Born and raised in north Waseca. I’m a cattle rancher, running a cow-calf and yearling operation with my family. I volunteer and I’m involved in the 4H program. Former board member with the Libbie Young Centre in Lloydminster. Served as the Saskatchewan Party president from 2014-2023.
Question 2: Why do you want to be an MLA?
Thorsteinson: I want to serve the constituents of Cut Knife-Turtleford. I want to be a person they can come to and ask questions; get assistance on things they are having issues with on a provincial level and get those answers for them. I think they deserve a strong voice in the legislature.
Question 3: What is your platform?
Thorsteinson: We have done some really good things so far on affordability. We have announced the largest income tax cut in Saskatchewan since 2008. The increase of the graduate retention program. The doubling of the active child benefit. We are going to put more money in the pockets of Saskatchewan families.
Question 4: What is your plan for the riding?
Thorsteinson: What most people are talking about is some healthcare issues. There are some issues here in attracting healthcare professionals. We are doing a good job right now with our health and human resources plan and trying to bring in some of those professionals. A few people have issues with some highways in the constituency, so that’s something I would make sure the ministry of highways is aware of. Also, I have not spoken to a single person who likes the carbon tax.
Question 5: What is your plan to deal with homelessness and the unhoused?
Thorsteinson: The Saskatchewan Party government is making investments to ensure our communities are safe for everyone, including the most vulnerable. Since 2021, we’ve dedicated $57 million to the fight against homelessness with new emergency shelter spaces and supportive housing. $40.2 million in the next two years will create 155 new supportive housing spaces, 120 new permanent emergency shelter spaces, and 30 new complex needs emergency shelter spaces. The Ministry of Social Services now provides funding for 528 emergency shelter spaces across the province. This, along with increased supports in mental health and addictions, will help assist those who are the most vulnerable in our society.
Question 6: What is your plan to deal with crime and insecurity?
Thorsteinson: We are trying to hire more RCMP officers. We announced a large amount of money that we are going to put forward to do that. The announcement of the new marshal service. That’s key, especially in Northern Saskatchewan.
Question 7: What are your thoughts on healthcare?
Thorsteinson: Something that we are dealing with all over North America – trying to attract people here. I know since we have started the health human resources plan, we’ve got eight nurses, and seven care assistants recruited in Turtleford. In Unity, we have 11 nurses, seven care assistants, and one lab tech. In Wilkie, we have got five nurses, and seven care assistants that have come in. So, the program itself is working. We are getting more people here, and we need more, absolutely.
Question 8: What are your thoughts on the economy in the riding?
Thorsteinson: I think the local economy is doing quite well, basically as an agriculture and oil economy.
Question 9: What are your thoughts on the economy provincially?
Thorsteinson: The provincial economy is doing well. We have pretty good resource revenues coming in. And they are remaining strong. Our ag sector is doing quite well. There could be some issues on the grain side with some lower yields and quality issues in a few places. Overall, we want to grow the economy and keep the economy growing strong.
Question 10: Final thoughts
Thorsteinson: I am looking forward to the election season. I hope everyone comes out on Oct. 28 and exercises their right to vote. I ask for their support so that we can continue to build that strong economy and have a bright future.
