There are three provincial byelections set for Saskatchewan on August 10th.
Two of the contested ridings are in Regina; the third is Lumsden Morse, with all three being closely watched, with a full provincial election scheduled for the year.
Five candidates are looking to be the new Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Regina Coronation Park contingency. Mark Doherty resigned earlier this year, leaving the seat vacant and up for the taking.
Riaz Ahmad, Saskatchewan Party
It is an honour of a lifetime,” Ahmad said. “I look forward to working with the great people of Coronation Park as their candidate, and hopefully next MLA.”
Ahmad is excited to be representing the Saskatchewan Party under the leadership of Premier Scott Moe.
“Premier Moe and the Saskatchewan Party listen and deliver to the people of our province,” Ahmad said. “If elected to be an MLA, I hope to be a strong bridge between our constituency and government.”
Born in Pakistan, Ahmad immigrated to Regina in 2013. Before coming to Canada, he studied Accounting Management at the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan.
He currently works with his brother at their family-owned pest control business. Ahmad lives with his wife and their four children in Coronation Park.
Noor Burki, Saskatchewan New Democratic Party
“It is my honour to represent the NDP in this by-election,” said Burki. “As a business owner, educator and father, my dedication is to ensuring the brightest future possible for my children, your children, and everyone in Saskatchewan.”
Noor Burki is a small business owner, a driving instructor, and a father to seven daughters. He lives in Regina with his wife, Shamim. He owns Wascana Driving School and serves as a driving instructor to students within the Regina Public School system.
He is committed to building a brighter future for his children, your children, and everyone in Saskatchewan.
Burki previously ran for the NDP in Regina Coronation Park for the 2020 general election.
Reid Hill, Sask Progress
Hill was born and raised in Regina and is a graduate of the University of Regina.
Hill has been active in the community, serving as a board member with Royal Canadian Legion Branch 001, and he has worked on community projects such as shared outdoor learning spaces for students.
He says health care is one of the main reasons he is running in this by-election.
After a serious health incident with his father, Hill saw first-hand the frailty of the healthcare system in Saskatchewan.
“My father’s treatment was good thanks to the hard-working staff. I saw first-hand the strains of the system. The hospitals and care facilities are understaffed, and the lack of family doctors has shown how bad our health system has become,” he remarked.
The other two candidates running are Olasehinde Ben Adebayo, Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan and Kendra Anderson, Saskatchewan Green Party.
Voting will take place in each riding beginning on August 3, with voting running on August 4, 5, 6, and 8, and by election day on August 10. No voting is scheduled for August 7 and 9.
Editors note – 620 CKRM was unable to receive information from Olasehinde Ben Adebayo and Kendra Anderson by the time of publication.
