Sparks flew as the leaders of the Saskatchewan Party and NDP squared off in a televised debate Wednesday night.
Brad Wall and Cam Broten exchanged barbs over the economy, government spending and other election issues during the nearly hour-long debate.
Wall touted his government’s economic record, saying despite a downturn in the oil industry, the province’s diversified economy remains strong in other sectors.
But Broten said the Sask. Party didn’t seize the opportunity to diversify during good economic times, and squandered the rainy day fund it inherited from the previous NDP government. Wall, who is seeking a third term as premier, said the NDP left the province with an infrastructure deficit.
Wall said his government has saved money by building new schools through public-private partnerships. However, Broten suggested such projects are more expensive than conventional builds.
The leaders also sparred over health care and education, with Broten accusing the Sask. Party of making cuts in those two areas – allegations Wall said were unfounded.
At times, the debate seemed more a shouting match, with both leaders talking over each other.
“When your opponent has an angry list of complaints and is not also articulating much of his platform, I’m going to set the record straight,” Wall said after the debate.
Broten told reporters that Wall was “very dismissive” during the debate, and accused him of hiding the truth from voters.
“Anyone who knows me knows I’m not an angry person, but I’m a passionate person,” Broten said.
“When it comes to the issues that Saskatchewan families care about, that Saskatchewan families need help with, I am passionate about that. I have a fire in my belly and I want to see changes.”
The leaders of the Liberals, Progressive Conservatives and Green Party were not invited to the debate. Those parties didn’t meet some of the criteria set out by the media consortium, such as holding seats in the legislature at dissolution or having a reasonable chance of winning a seat based on polling.
Saskatchewan voters will head to the polls on April 4.
