Letters: Voters should vet Saskatoon Conservative candidate’s record

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Saskatoon West is a large urban area with diverse people, families and needs. For the last six years, my constituency has been represented by Conservative candidate Brad Redekopp. It’s very clear that Redekopp is out of touch with the people and issues he represents.

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He wields divisive tactics to avoid acting on our concerns and works against our best interests.

Redekopp can be heard using “Axe the Tax” type slogans while voting against corporate accountability on price gouging. His actions work against the interests of the many low-income and middle-class families that live in his riding.

Redekopp also incorrectly suggested in Parliament that an Indigenous offender “was likely to reoffend because of his racial background.” The offensive language was acknowledged; however, this is deeply concerning.

Anti-Indigenous stereotypes create harmful outcomes — especially in a colonial context where Indigenous people are overrepresented in and underserved by the justice system.

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Redekopp also voted against a motion for an immediate ceasefire and promotion of peace in the Middle East, at a time when Palestinian people face genocide in Gaza. Redekopp voted against banning conversion therapy — a homophobic and harmful practice towards the two-spirit and queer community in his constituency.

Redekopp has also voted multiple times against women’s rights to reproductive autonomy. These are only a few examples where he voted against the best interests of community members in his riding.

People in Saskatoon West need to carefully examine Redekopp’s voting patterns to find out who he actually represents.

Sheelah McLean, Saskatoon

Moe should have expelled MLA for remark

I watch with amazement the procedures in the legislature and cannot fathom why the MLA for Humboldt— Watrous, Racquel Hilbert, is still a sitting member of the Saskatchewan Party.

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The words she spoke verbatim from a prepared speech on the floor of the legislature describing Jagmeet Singh, as a “terrorist” were despicable and went beyond, “comments” that were “inappropriate” and “inaccurate” as suggested by Premier Scott Moe.

These remarks were racist and hate speech, and her simple apology is not enough considering the pulpit she has at her disposal. I am sure the good citizens of the Humboldt—Watrous riding did not elect her to represent this behaviour in the legislature.

Strong leaders, on occasion, must make tough decisions and in this case our premier displayed no leadership whatsoever. He should have done the decent thing and expelled her from the Saskatchewan Party caucus for her hateful rhetoric.

Instead, he has allowed her to remain in caucus and permits her to continue as a member of the provincial Justice Committee. This is a committee, I believe, that oversees complaints regarding human rights issues.

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It clearly demonstrates to the people of our province where the Saskatchewan Party places its values and how it kowtows to the fringe of our society for their support.

William Matheson, Saskatoon

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