Prince Albert NDP candidate Virginia Kutzan speaks after being introduced as the front-runner for the party during the upcoming federal election at the Union Centre in Prince Albert on Mar. 29, 2025. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

By Logan Lehmann

Politics

‘It’s time for a change’: Virginia Kutzan named NDP candidate for Prince Albert in federal election

Mar 30, 2025 | 12:32 PM

The New Democratic Party (NDP) has a new face representing the Prince Albert riding in the upcoming federal election.

The NDP has named Virginia Kutzan as the candidate for Prince Albert, her first time running in any sort of political election and explained why she chose to put her name on the ballot.

“I’ve really never felt so upset, full of angst, disturbed by the threats to our country from the occupant of the White House. I really felt that I needed to do more than you know, just sit home and worry,” she said.

A crowd of nearly 30 people and supporters were on hand for the event at Prince Albert’s Union Centre on Saturday. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

Kutzan grew up on a farm outside of Dufferin, Saskatchewan where her family raised cattle and farmed crops, and is a member of 4-H Saskatchewan. Following her graduation from high school in 1973, she went into healthcare and quickly became involved in the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses when it was created in 1974.

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During her time in nursing over the next 45 years, she served in various roles within the Union including local president, local OH&S coordinator, and provincial trainer for OH&S programs. Additionally, she served on the Provincial Board of Records and the Provincial Negotiation Committee and was the first opponent on the workers Compensation App Committee. She also is a successful home business owner, selling quality Canadian made women’s clothing for 12 years.

She finally got into politics following her retirement in 2018 serving as the President of the Prince Albert Carlton provincial constituency for six years. Now, she’s in the spotlight as the front-runner for the NDP for the Prince Albert federal riding in the upcoming election in less than a month and said it’s time for a new face to represent the area at parliament in Ottawa.

“It doesn’t matter how long or what party you’re with, if you’re in too long, you’re in too long. It’s time for a change.”

“I believe that the Liberals and the NDP in this riding can beat the Conservatives,” she continued when asked what her hopes are in the election. “If we consolidate our votes together, behind myself as a candidate here, I believe we can win.”

Kutzan was a tad emotional when she received a standing ovation following her speech, and added she was pleased to see that large of a group come and support her along with her team.

“That was really wonderful, I think I surprised myself. I don’t know if I maybe didn’t expect that many people, but it was lovely just to see that.”

Kutzan was all smiles after her speech when she received a standing ovation. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

“We have a really excellent team,” she explained. “Lon Borgerson is here also was an MLA here and he ran for the federal election too. We have people that have been there and know the ropes.”

She now plans to head door-to-door ahead of the election, which is set for April 28.

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loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com

On Bluesky: @loganlehmann.bsky.social