NDP leader Carla Beck and NDP MLA Erika Ritchie visiting the Battleford's. (AlyssaRudolph/battlefordsNOW)

By Alyssa Rudolph

provincial matters

Sask. NDP leader questions govt. approach in Battlefords as Cockrill defends Sask. Party

Dec 11, 2025 | 12:09 PM

Canada’s trade relationship and health care were among the big talking points when representatives from the provincial NDP spent time in the Battlefords meeting with local residents and organizations.

Party leader Carla Beck said it is important for her to visit communities and talk to people who are experiencing issues firsthand.

“I was hearing some concerns about the unstable trading relationship with the United States. It certainly impacts us disproportionately in some ways in Saskatchewan, given we’re such a large exporter. Most recently, threats around potash, which is one of our top three exports in the province,” Beck said.

Other concerns brought up by residents included topics like limited medical care and aging infrastructure. MLA Erika Ritchie said many residents also talked about opportunities for youth.

“The children are our future and our youth. Ensuring that we can have vibrant communities where they can stay and contribute and thrive and start their families was a big concern that I heard,” said Ritchie.

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During their visit, NDP also met with staff from the Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre. The staff shared about the rise in seniors, immigrants, full-time employees and homeowners who are now using the food bank. Beck said they had a discussion on how much the food bank has grown in the community, but also small towns across the province.

“At a certain point, I think we have to ask why so many people? Why do we have so many people who, in so many cases are doing everything they can but still have to rely on the food bank?” she said.

The NDP leader also commented on topics that are currently affecting the Battleford’s. One of which was the Saskatchewan Marshals Service (SMS) and the hiring of three members ahead of the headquarter regional launch. Beck said her government is on record as having opposed views on the service due to the given timeline and the lack of proper investment. However, she doesn’t disagree that there is a need for increased policing.

“In terms of what we would have done differently; we would have met with communities, met with frontline police officers, met with those who are on the front lines in the first place, which is not what we saw happen,” said Beck.

In response to the NDP’s concerns, Battlefords Sask. Party MLA Jeremy Cockrill said when it comes to trading relationships, Premier Scott Moe has positioned Saskatchewan better than any other province.

“By engaging directly with India, China, and the United States, the Premier is ensuring that Saskatchewan producers, miners, and manufacturers are being represented well in the effort to gain or regain market access,” Cockrill said in a statement sent to battlefordsNOW.

Cockrill added while Saskatchewan remains the most affordable place to live, there are still people in the Battleford’s who do rely on the food bank for support.

“Our government has supported local food banks with financial investment over the last couple of years, and Erin Katerynych and her team at the Battlefords and District Food Resource Centre do an incredible job to support people in need,” he said.

Cockrill added that the advancement of the SMS has been praised by the Battlefords local Mayors, First Nations and other community members.

“The investment into the Marshals, along with the conversion of the old SLGA store into a new RCMP training facility and investments into the targeted RCMP teams, are how our government is ensuring that safety in the Battlefords remains a top priority,” he said.

Heading into the new year, Beck said residents across the province will continue to see NDP representatives in their communities.

“Not just me as the leader, but the whole team. We will continue to not only bring forward concerns about what’s happening with the current government right now but continue to propose the changes that people are telling us and that we see that we need in the province.”

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alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com