Batley, Craig Leonard (CAP) Batley works as a security guard in Prince Albert, his hometown. He is the proud lone representative for the Canadian Action Party in Saskatchewan, and says he has never belonged to any other party. Batley's main goal in this election is to encourage Canada to adopt an anti-war stance. He says the current political direction in Canada leans towards global government, and he would like to represent a different option for voters. http://canadianactionparty.ca/about/candidates/craig-batley
Brazier, Myk (Green Party) Brazier grew up along the White Fox River, and has spent his life appreciating the beauty of nature in the northern part of the province. After studying at the University of Regina, Brazier worked in the film industry before becoming the Green Party's candidate for the Prince Albert Riding. He believes everyone has a right to clean water, air, and soil, and would like to help Canadians stay green. http://greenparty.ca/campaign/47006
Hoback, Randy (Conservative) As the incumbent for this riding, Hoback is a member fot he Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-food, and Standing Committee on Natural Resources. Born in Prince Albert, Hoback works closely with members of farming councils and agricultural organizations to ensure that farming communities in Saskatchewan are well represented. http://www.randyhobackmp.ca
Mushinski, Valerie (NDP-New Democratic Party) Mushinski started her career as a registered psychiatric nurse, and still today has made health issues a focus of her career and campaign. She is currently the President and CEO of Cumberland Regional College, and has served on several volunteer and activists boards in the health and commerce fields. In addition, Mushinski has received the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan. http://valeriemushinski.ndp.ca/
Wassill, Ron (Liberal) Wassill has years of political experience as a city councilor and the Mayor of Zenon Park, Saskatchewan. His passion is community development and advocacy. To that end, Wassill is currently invested in the local RINC Project, as well as sitting on the Economic Development Committee of Zenon Park. http://www.liberal.ca/candidates/ronald-wassill/
Population: 48794
Average family income: $65933
Riding History:
This riding has been held by three prime ministers. Sir Wilfrid Laurier won in 1896 in Saskatchewan Provisional District. As Prince Albert since 1907, it had William Lyon Mackenzie-King, who was first elected in 1908 in Waterloo-North, lost in 1911; won in Prince PEI in 1919 and in York North ON in 1921, losing in 1925; then won here in a by-election in 1926 (he defeated John Diefenbaker in the 1926 general election) and was t eh MP until 1945 when he lost to Ed Bowerman of the CCF and ran and won in a Glengary by-election after an MP quit. Diefenbaker held the seat from 1953 until his death in 1979. Stan Hovdebo of the NDP won the 1979 by-election and the 1984 vote. He won Saskatoon-Humboldt in 1988 while the new Prince Albert-Churchill River was won by Ray Funk of the NDP. Funk lost to the Prince Albert mayor, PC Gordon Kirby, in 1993. It became Prince Albert in 1997, and was won by Derrek Konrad of the Reform party. He quit after one term and in 2000 it was Brian Fitpatrick for the Alliance. He took it for the Conservatives in 2004 and 2006, and then retired. Tory Randy Hoback won the seat in 2008.
Summary:
This riding has a fairly prestigious history, having held three separate prime ministers. Incumbent Conservative Randy Hoback has only held the seat for one term, but the riding has gone Tory for the last four elections. In this election, Prince Albert also has the honour of hosting the only Canadian Action Party candidate in Saskatchewan, Craig Batley, who may make a dent in Hoback's campaign.
