Fred Bradshaw was the master of ceremonies during the Government of Saskatchewan's formal announcement of a new consolidated school in Carrot River. (Aaron Schulze/northeastNOW Staff)
Carrot River Valley Race

Carrot River Valley MLA discusses campaigning during a pandemic, responds to NDP critiques

Aug 28, 2020 | 4:58 PM

During the Government of Saskatchewan’s formal announcement regarding a new, consolidated school in Carrot River, the community’s local member of the legislative assembly (MLA) addressed his campaign.

Fred Bradshaw, Carrot River Valley MLA, has held the riding for the Saskatchewan Party since 2007. He said preparing for a provincial election during a worldwide pandemic is different compared to the last decade and a half.

“As a rural MLA, you’re used to going out to the various parades and functions throughout the summer. We didn’t have those this year,” Bradshaw said. “I guess it’s the same for everyone though during the campaign. There’s more time spent on the phone. I can be out and about, but you can’t do face to face like we normally do.”

The top contender for Bradshaw’s seat in 2020 is Rod McCorriston. The New Democratic Party’s (NDP) nominee for Carrot River Valley was born in Tisdale and worked for the Department of Highways for 20 years prior to becoming the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union’s director of labour relations for 10.

When McCorriston became the Saskatchewan NDP’s nominee for Carrot River Valley in June 2020, he told northeastNOW he would aim to fix worn down highways, provide higher speed internet in rural areas, and recruit and retain more healthcare professionals for the area if he were elected. Bradshaw responded to the critiques.

“When I was first elected in 2007… there were only four physicians in Nipawin. There are 12 now,” Bradshaw said. “I had a minimum of three calls every single day on people not getting a family physician. The internet and cellular coverage are moving forward. It’s not as fast as everyone wants… but it’s coming. We’re going to see better cell and internet coverage as we move forward.”

No date for a potential debate between Bradshaw, McCorriston, or other Carrot River Valley MLA candidates has been scheduled yet.

The 2020 Saskatchewan provincial election will take place Oct. 26.

aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

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