The five candidates in the Saskatchewan Party's leadership race were in Estevan on Thursday for a next premier's luncheon, hosted by the Estevan Chamber of Commerce.
Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Ken Cheveldayoff, Alanna Koch, Scott Moe and Gordon Wyant spoke to more than 80 people who were in attendance at the Days Inn's Taylorton Room. Each candidate was asked by the chamber to give their thoughts on three issues: the future of coal-fired power generation in Saskatchewan, the large increases in property taxes many businesses are facing due to the provincial reassessment this year, and the recruitment of physicians. All three issues have been sources of concern in the community this year.
The candidates were given a five-minute opening statement to discuss those issues and articulate other ideas from their platforms. They provided a one-minute closing statement.
The Sask. Party leadership race began in August when Premier Brad Wall announced he would be leaving provincial politics after a new leader is selected. The new Sask. Party leader will be chosen on Jan. 27. That person will also be the province's next premier.
A sixth candidate, former Conservative MP Rob Clarke, withdrew from the leadership race Wednesday morning. He has thrown his support behind Ken Cheveldayoff.
