Federal election campaign kicks off in Saskatchewan

WATCH: As Wayne Mantyka explains, Conservatives are hoping for a clean sweep of the province, as other parties look to make inroads.

The 2025 federal election campaign is officially underway. While the Conservatives hope for a repeat sweep of Saskatchewan’s 14 seats – other parties are attempting to make some inroads.

Saskatchewan Liberals say there is renewed optimism going into this election campaign.

“These are actually exciting times. If you’d asked me a couple of months ago why I was doing this, completely different story and completely different background – but things have changed over the past couple of months,” Liberal Candidate for Regina-Wascana Jeff Walters told CTV News.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s snap election call on March 22 gave the Conservatives what they have long pushed for – a chance to go to the polls.

“There’s a real sense that people want change,” said Andrew Sheer, former Conservative party leader and incumbent for Regina-Qu’Appelle.

“They want a change of direction and so what we’re asking voters to think about is do they deserve a fourth term after everything they’ve done to Canada.”

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The New Democrats have their priorities set.

“I’ve been out talking to people, not as many as I would like. I was of course waiting for the official announcement,” explained Ray Aldinger, NDP candidate for Regina Lewvan.

With the campaign now officially underway – federal politics is spilling over into the provincial legislature.

“This is a very important election. It’s no secret where our government’s been on the federal government over the last number of years,” Deputy Premier Jim Reiter noted.

Saskatchewan’s NDP outlined its priorities in a letter to federal leaders.

“I think they should be looking to have clear answers to all of the issues that we’ve raised,” Leader Carla Beck explained.

“There may be other issues that other voters, other groups have. but clear answers when it comes to equalization for example and the impact that has in our province, the childcare program, the infrastructure, some real steps.”

The federal election campaign coincides with the spring sitting of the legislature.

MLAs on both sides of the house are preoccupied with their own matters and suggest there won’t be much time to get involved with the federal campaign.