The Moose Jaw Chamber of Commerce held their mayoral candidate forum Thursday night, featuring all 3 candidates running to be the next mayor of Moose Jaw; John Kot, Nancy Nash, and incumbent Fraser Tolmie.

Candidates started the forum with introductory remarks, followed by three pre-determined questions. There were then a number of submitted questions from viewers at home.

One of the questions asked what each candidate planned to do to support businesses through the pandemic.

Candidate John Kot: "People of Moose Jaw should be reminded to support local business whenever we can. That is something we can all do, and it's an important step during this pandemic."

Nancy Nash: "I trust and respect the citizens and believe that they are smart enough to decide for themselves how they want to conduct business. The Charter of Rights was set up to protect all Canadians during a pandemic like this. People have the right to their individual choice under this Charter.'

Fraser Tolmie: "We've been trying, from the cities perspective, to have businesses better learn the e-economy. We deferred taxes and approved grants for businesses directly impacted by the pandemic. We will continue this process, to listen to our partners, and help where we can."

Another question that was submitted from a viewer asked the candidates what they would do to address the drug issue within the city.

John Kot: "The police force in Moose Jaw is doing a very good job. I think they should be going to the schools more often though, giving the students more information, and telling them to just say no."

Nancy Nash: "I'd like to see cops 'on the beat' walking and being very accessible, so that if you are in trouble - even if you are overdosing - you can approach a cop and say you need help instead of being walked over."

Fraser Tolmie: "We've partnered with the province and told them we need mental health and social workers within the police station to help with this challenge so that our police officers can actually focus on the job, and that's what we've done."

And finally, another submitted question asked each candidate how they would help the city of Moose Jaw attract and grow more investment in the technology sector.

John Kot: "[I would] Try to attract companies that manufacture solar panels, electrical parts for wind turbines, companies that produce lithium batteries, and work closely with businesses who are interested to make sure that they know all that Moose Jaw has to offer."

Nancy Nash: "Technology totally has a place in society and business, but it should never control our lives. Humans need to be connected and feel connected in order to survive; shopping at a store with a door, a person, and face to face interaction."

Fraser Tolmie: "I recently visited an ag focus innovation incubator in Regina. This combined with the water security and potential for growth, I can see Moose Jaw to not only be a centre of technology excellence in the ag industry but the Fort McMurray of agriculture in western Canada."

The forum can be viewed in its entirety below.

Advances polls are now open, and will run at city hall the following dates:

  • 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30
  • 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31
  • 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 2
  • 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3
  • 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4
  • 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 5

Election day is November 9, with polls running from 9 am - 8 pm.