The federal deficit, health care and fears over a possible coalition of left-leaning parties are a few of the issues voters are talking about in the Wascana riding.

One Wascana voter says she'd like to see more federal support for health care.

"I work at the hospital and see a lot of the issues – shortages of doctors and nurses and overcapacity beds," she said.

Another resident of the riding agrees health care is a pressing issue in this election.

"I'll soon be a senior myself, so the health care issue is important to me," he said.

He added that he's also concerned about the federal deficit, but notes it isn't as bad as it was in the 90s.

"I wouldn't want to see us in that situation again," he said.

One woman who lives in the riding says the biggest election issue for her is a possible coalition between the Liberals, the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois.

"Whatever party gets to most votes should get in," she says.

Quick Facts: Wascana

Candidates:

Liberal Party: Ralph Goodale (Incumbent)

Goodale is deputy leader of the official opposition. Raised on a family farm near Wilcox, Goodale is a graduate of the University of Regina with a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He has experience in business, agriculture, law, broadcasting, and federal and provincial politics. Goodale was first elected in 1974 in Assiniboia, then defeated three times. In the 1980s, he became the provincial leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party and was elected as an MLA in 1986. Goodale returned to the House of Commons as the MP for Regina-Wascana in 1993. In the former Liberal government, Goodale was a minister in the departments of agriculture, natural resources, public works and finance. He also served as government house leader. As a cabinet minister, Goodale was responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, Communication Canada, Metis and non-status Aboriginals. Goodale and his wife Pamela live in Regina.

Conservative Party: Ian Shields

Shields worked for ReMax from 1992 until his retirement in 2008. In 2000, he entered politics in Regina over concerns about Liberal government scandals. In 2004, Shields was the Saskatchewan co-chair of the federal Conservative campaign. In 2006, he ran Brad Farquhar's campaign and in 2008, Shields managed another campaign in Sault Ste Marie, Ont. In 2004, he managed Stephen Harper's leadership campaign in southern Saskatchewan. Shields has five grandchildren.

NDP: Mark Spooner

Spooner is an assistant professor in the education faculty at the University of Regina. He was hailed as one of Saskatchewan's top professors by the Globe and Mail and Prairie Dog magazine. Spooner has published numerous articles in academic journals, in addition to government reports. He also created the City of Regina Survival Guide and Map, which highlights places where those in need can find help, including shelters, free clothing services and emergency assistance. He holds a PhD in education from the University of Ottawa and a masters in education and bachelor of arts in psychology from Carleton University. Spooner sits on the board of Carmichael Outreach, which provides a range of programs and services, including preventative measures and harm-reduction strategies for Regina's marginalized groups.

Green Party: Bill Clary

Clary ran as a Green Party candidate in the Saskatchewan provincial election in 2007 and in the federal election in 2008. He served on Leader town council for three years. Born in Leader, Clary spent 25 years on the west coast. While in Vancouver, he worked for BC Housing and as a transit operator. In 2005, Clary moved back to Leader. He says the values of the Greens are consistent with his commitment to building a democracy in support of sustainable communities, equity and an empowered populace.

2008 election result:

Liberal Ralph Goodale won with 46.1 per cent, followed by Conservative Michelle Hunter with 34.4 per cent.

Population (2006 census): 75,717

Average family income: N/A

Riding History:

The riding was held by John Diefenbaker strategist and cabinet minister Alvin Hamilton from 1957 to 1988. Progressive Conservative Larry Schneider held the seat for one term before losing to Liberal Ralph Goodale in 1993. Goodale has been the riding's MP since. In 2006, he won more than 57 per cent of the vote. However, in 2008, he beat Conservative Doug Cryer by only five points.