Election excitement prevails in Moose Jaw ridings

Sask. Party candidate Warren Michelson was all smiles after he secured a win in his Moose Jaw North riding on Monday night. Photo by Christeen Jesse.

by Christeen Jesse

Election night in 2007 was a nail-biter in Moose Jaw, and this election it was no different.

Going into Monday night’s provincial election, all eyes were on the Moose Jaw North riding, a close-call constituency which squeaked out a Saskatchewan Party victory in 2007 by just 33 votes—the tightest race in the province.

But as the votes rolled in this time around, Moose Jaw North Saskatchewan Party incumbent Warren Michelson took a generous lead and solidified a repeat win—affirming the victory in 2007 wasn’t a fluke. Attention shifted to the sleeper riding of Moose Jaw Wakamow where first time Sask. Party candidate Greg Lawrence was matched against longtime NDP incumbent Deb Higgins.

“I knew I was going up against a great opponent and I knew it was going to be a lot of work to win. So I door knocked. And I’m sure I hit every door in Moose Jaw at least once, some people I probably talked to four or five times,” said Lawrence.

To the delight of his supporters, the networking paid off and Lawrence secured a win by 214 votes—a notable victory, as Higgins had led the riding since 1999.

“It’s significant because Deb had been in power for so long and she had been a power person within the New Democrats. But I think it was just a change of times really. In 2007 there was a fear of the Saskatchewan Party, but after four years, it was realized that they weren’t going to do weird and evil things,” said Richard Dowson, a Sask. Party supporter.

Michelson agrees, saying the Saskatchewan Party sweep in Moose Jaw shows a real commitment to a government that is progressive for the entire province.

“I think the first term was a little leery, people didn’t understand what they might be getting into as far as a new, unproven government. But the last four years have shown that Saskatchewan can lead the nation in economic growth, it can create more jobs, and the advancement of this province is the envy of most places in North America,” he said.

Lawrence and Michelson were met with cheers and enthusiasm from supporters at Sask. Party headquarters in Moose Jaw following the results. Both winners said they look forward to representing Saskatchewan’s leading party in their own city.

“I’m honoured to represent the people of Moose Jaw Wakamow,” said Lawrence.

“To be part of the team with Warren and Premier Wall and the rest of the Sask. Party team, it’s such an honour. And it was a whole team effort.”