University student Kaitlyn Stadnyk is excited to be the Saskatchewan NDP’s candidate for the Lumsden-Morse constituency and believes her youth and rural experience make her an ideal person to represent the riding.
During a nomination meeting on June 9, the NDP named Stadnyk as its representative for the upcoming byelection. Stadnyk, 22, will face the Sask. Party’s Blaine McLeod, as both attempt to become the riding’s new MLA after 24-year incumbent Lyle Stewart retired in March for health reasons.
The provincial government has yet to schedule the byelection date.
“It is an honour. I’m so happy to represent the wonderful people that call our communities home. … it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Stadnyk told the Moose Jaw Express.
Stadnyk — who is working on completing her bachelor of human justice degree — grew up on the family farm outside Lumsden and comes from generations of homesteaders and farmers, experiences she believes give her a strong understanding of the challenges rural communities and residents face.
Furthermore, she has been involved in her community for years. She has worked with numerous non-profit organizations, including the John Howard Society and White Pony Lodge, while she helped create —and leads — the only restorative justice club in Canada.
She has also volunteered with current NDP MLA Meara Conway, which helped spark her interest in politics. She noted that that experience, her community service and her schooling —she graduates next fall — led to her running for politics.
“I’ve always had a passion for politics,” Stadnyk chuckled.
Stadnyk has been out talking to residents about their concerns, specifically health care, education and the cost-of-living situation. She noted that many women in her family have been — or are — nurses, so health care’s challenges have affected her. Moreover, she is a university student and knows that education is also suffering.
“Affordability is everyone’s issue,” she said. “Families in this province are facing a once-in-a-generation cost-of-living crisis and we’re all looking for help.”
Stadnyk cited a recent poll that suggested Saskatchewanians are the most likely to say they are worse off financially now than a year ago — a sentiment she shares.
She claimed the Sask. Party government has increased power costs by 11 per cent in less than a year, hiked fees and taxes roughly 32 times since 2017 and taxes grocery store food such as granola bars and rotisserie chickens.
Stadnyk believes her age will be beneficial based on the positive comments she has received while speaking to people throughout the constituency. Many are excited to see a young person engaging in politics and potentially providing a fresh voice for the area.
The university student says she is a good listener and public speaker and is passionate about her community. She also believes there needs to be more young women in politics.
The Sask. NDP caucus is composed of 11 people, eight of whom are women, while its leader is a woman.
“Carla (Beck) is amazing. She also grew up on a farm, so we relate on that. She’s met all of my family and my grandmother is a big fan of hers,” Stadnyk said. “They were both in tears bonding over everything and very proud of me.
“She’s (Beck) is like a mother figure. She feels like family.”
Stadnyk says people should vote for her because she knows they are frustrated with the Sask. Party and believes it’s time for a change. She believes she can be a strong and effective voice for constituents in Lumsden-Morse.
