Vidal looks to share positive Conservative vision on campaign trail

With the Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River riding encompassing nearly 343,000 square-kilometres, it won’t be easy for federal candidates to share their platform.

“It obviously creates a huge challenge,” said Conservative candidate Gary Vidal, who held a meet and greet Tuesday in La Ronge. “A lot of the [candidates] in city ridings, they can go and reach their constituencies in a really short time. For example, if I am going to Creighton, Denare Beach or … La Ronge, I can have anywhere from 15 hours driving time before I even get to these places. It adds an extra challenge in how we manage our time and resources.”

The vastness of the riding hasn’t stopped Vidal from reaching a number of communities, however, as he’s already made stops in Big River, Candle Lake, Canwood, Christopher Lake, Creighton, Debden, Denare Beach, Elk Ridge, Emma Lake, Goodsoil, La Loche, La Ronge, Meadow Lake, Pierceland, Turnor Lake and more. In total, there’s approximately 70,000 people living in the riding of which almost half are eligible to vote.

At his meet and greet in La Ronge, Vidal stated he was able to have good conversations with voters, as well as learn more about the tri-communities. He also noted he’s hearing largely the same concerns from other residents in the riding, adding many are frustrated with the current leadership and looking for change. Wherever he goes, Vidal mentioned he wants the positivity in his campaign to be apparent.