Feb, 2001.
Volume 43, No. 18

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The Carillon brings you the weekly news from the University of Regina.

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The Editor
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(306)-586-8867
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(306)-586-7422
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University of Regina

My father always says that when people from Saskatchewan go to other parts of the country, they never have any trouble finding work. It's been widely known for generations that people from Saskatchewan, the heart of the prairies, have been resourceful, innovative, and cunning. They have had to be. They were farmers, and didn't have much to make do with.

Now, I must admit that I have not followed the NDP leadership race closely. I am not a card-carrying New Democrat, no matter how much prodding I receive from my most liberal great-aunt. But I am a Saskatchewanian, and I'm proud of the progressive socialism founded in this province by the likes of Tommy Douglas. I'm proud of how our Roughriders are mentioned on The Simpsons (even if it is to make fun of them), and I'm proud of SaskTel, our industry-leading telephone company.

SaskTel gave the world fibre-optics. Douglas gave it realistic democratic socialist policy and health. I think Lorne Calvert can maintain this long-standing tradition. I am also confident that he can win the next election. I'm sure he can lead our province into the 21st century with the kind of innovation that makes Saskatchewan a great province.

Nettie Wiebe's appeal to the students of this province was encouraging, and certainly welcome, but it was Calvert who not only showed a commitment to post secondary education, but to the environment, sustainable growth, energy resources and social justice.

Lorne Calvert has proven himself in his community. I figure that he's the sort of guy who shakes your hand after a church service and asks whether you are staying out of trouble. That's the kind of person I want to have leading our province.

Most importantly, Lorne Calvert is an experienced statesman and politician. I was quite inspired by Nettie Wiebešs passion, candor, and brashness, but it's rare for a person to stand firmly behind progressive political agendas while still being a respected parliamentarian. Nettie Wiebešs bold platform dealt with global issues, but before we can take on the world, we have to take care of problems here in our own province. Lorne Calvert can maintain the link between progression and realism.

I simply cannot disagree with Lorne Calvert as our next premier. He is the right man to address the problems facing our province, and NDP members made the right decision in choosing him as our next leader.