Elections need women volunteers
Volunteerism has the power to shape communities, lives and futures.
This year of elections, we urge Saskatchewanians to channel their volunteer spirit into an especially impactful avenue: supporting women candidates and nominees pursuing political office.
Political offices, from school boards and municipalities to band councils and the provincial legislature, play a crucial role in our democratic process and directly affect our quality of life. Yet, underrepresentation of women in these spaces persists, creating a need for balance that mirrors our society more accurately.
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Supporting women in politics through volunteer work strengthens their campaigns and contributes to creating a more inclusive, representative democratic landscape.
Volunteering in political campaigns is an exciting mix of grassroots organizing, community engagement and the dynamic pace of political life. Volunteers can engage in a variety of roles, including canvassing, event planning, digital campaigning and mobilizing voters on election day, each essential for steering a campaign’s direction and possibility of success.
Why focus on women candidates? The answer lies not only in the pursuit of equality but in the tangible benefits that gender-balanced leadership brings.
Research shows that women’s participation in political discourse often leads to more comprehensive, collaborative, cost-effective and community-centric outcomes. The perspectives and experiences women bring to policy-making are invaluable, benefiting all citizens.
Plus, volunteering for women makes a strong statement against the unique challenges they face in politics, such as sexism, lack of mentorship and unequal access to political financing. By volunteering, you contribute to breaking down these barriers, one campaign at a time.
We invite you to engage with your community, empower and support those women aspiring to serve in public office. Whether supporting a candidate for the local school board or provincial office, your skills and time can make a profound difference.
Equal Voice believes in the power and promise of equal representation. And we invite you to join us in this mission —consider volunteering for a woman candidate in your community this election season.
To all potential and current volunteers: your enthusiasm, skill, and time are the most valuable resources a campaign can have. Remember Margaret Mead’s words: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
For those ready to dive into political volunteerism, Equal Voice is here to connect you with training and information. Together, we can pave the way for a future where every voice is at the table.
Lindsay Brumwell,
Equal Voice Foundation
Transparency lost in farmland investment
While reviewing farmland sales information a couple of weeks ago, I discovered that our Saskatchewan provincial government recently amended legislation that blocks a farmer’s access to see if investment funds are buying Saskatchewan farmland.
Up until one month ago, farmers could search the Comparable Land Sales Database and be able to see if investment funds were buying Saskatchewan farmland. Now that information is restricted to banks, realtors and the investment funds themselves.
When I contacted the Farmland Security Board to ask why they had made this change, they told me that the change was made to remain compliant with the new legislation, The Land Titles (Comparable Land Sales Database) Amendment Regulations, 2023.
While farmers may be able to request buyer information for one specific title of land, that is not enough information to establish what the trends are in outside investment of Saskatchewan farmland.
When I contacted the office of our Provincial ag minister to ask why this legislation was amended and to inform him that I did not believe the change was in the interest of the province of Saskatchewan nor the farmers of Saskatchewan, I did not receive a reply.
I do not believe the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities nor any farm organizations were consulted when the change in policy was made.
My suspicion is that this change was made because big investment funds were not happy that the Farmland Security Board was disclosing “their business” to the farming public and the Saskatchewan Party accommodated these outside investors’ requests.
If you as a Saskatchewan farmer or farm organization feel that you should have a right to see when investment funds are buying land in your RM, I would encourage you to contact your MLA or the Saskatchewan minister of agriculture, David Marit.
Shaun Wildman
Regina, Sask.
