SASKATOON – As the federal election race heats up in Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek, New Democrat Cheryl Loadman is pledging to be a strong voice for rural Saskatchewan, promising bold action on agriculture, jobs, and affordability.
A business professor at the University of Saskatchewan and longtime small business owner, Loadman brings a dual background in entrepreneurship and education to the campaign trail. In an interview with SaskToday, she laid out her vision for a more equitable and resilient rural economy.
Farming first
Loadman emphasized that agriculture must remain front and centre in Ottawa’s policymaking.
“A strong agriculture sector is at the heart of our economy, our communities, and our country,” she said.
The NDP, she said, is committed to protecting supply management for farmers and consumers in all trade negotiations, expanding agricultural export markets beyond the U.S., introducing a payment protection program for produce growers, and taking immediate steps to restore protection for growers selling to the United States.
Another major priority is investing in high-speed broadband and cell phone infrastructure to connect farmers and rural communities.
Rebuilding rural industry
Beyond the farm gate, Loadman wants to see a renewed federal focus on rural manufacturing.
“Canada’s NDP understands that rural Canada is often left behind in government support to build local economies,” she said. “We will work with rural Canada to find solutions.”
Loadman said the NDP plans to launch a massive building initiative focused on shovel-ready infrastructure projects that include rural communities across the country.
“We support the building Build an East-West clean energy grid, which provides good jobs for Canadians,” she said.
“We will engage in a home building plan in rural and urban areas that will employ Canadians.”
The NDP supports Canadian-made solutions for products like heat pumps and construction materials, which can be manufactured anywhere in Canada and especially in Western Canada.
Tackling the affordability crisis
Echoing concerns from across the riding, Loadman pointed to skyrocketing housing costs, limited rental options, and high food and fuel prices as major issues.
"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has estimated that Canada needs nearly 6 million new homes to keep up with housing needs – these numbers include demand in rural Saskatchewan."
She said an NDP government would speed up the process of getting Canadians into homes.
They would engage local community to ensure they get public financing for new construction.
“We will do so by working in partnership with non-profit developers, co-ops, and Indigenous communities.”
In addition, an NDP government would address the skills shortage in the construction and building industry.
“We will train more people including young Canadians, newcomers, and people displaced by the tariff war in skilled trades.”
Loadman said where relevant in rural Saskatchewan they will utilize suitable federal and crown land to build rent-controlled homes. Additionally, they plan to increase funding to acquire more public buildings and land, accelerating the development of affordable homes—particularly low-cost rental units.
Tarrifs, health care and rural neglect top voter concerns
At the doorstep, Loadman says voters are raising worries about tariffs, health care, and the well-小蓝视频 of the country.
“Not only do tariffs - both U.S. and Chinese impact our agriculture sectors, but we are worried about the loss of local provincial industry as well as the impact of these tariffs on prices we see every day on store shelves.”
The NDP is committed to putting Canada first—prioritizing Canadian-made goods, strengthening key sectors like manufacturing and resource industries, and standing up for farmers and workers on the world stage.
“Canada thrives when entrepreneurs, workers, and local leaders have the tools they need to succeed,” she said. “I want to make sure these issues are on the table for this election—rural Sask. deserves opportunities to prosper and not be a second thought for political parties who only remember it when they are running for election.”
Commitment to Indigenous partnerships
With five First Nations in the riding, Loadman pledged to maintain regular engagement and prioritize Indigenous-led solutions.
“I see my role as an advocate and ally—pushing for real progress, holding the government accountable, and standing behind Indigenous communities as they lead the way forward such files as truth and reconciliation, respecting treaty rights, closing infrastructure gaps, and supporting Indigenous-led solutions.”
Why she’s running
Loadman says her campaign is rooted in a simple idea: rural Saskatchewan deserves better.
“It wasn’t a single moment or big idea that pulled me in. It was a slow realization that I care deeply when things feel unfair, that change has to happen and that we need to take individual action when we are able. We cannot just sit back and be frustrated. Politics are a place where I can put that frustration and hope to work—it’s about refusing to sit back when you know you could stand up.
“I'm here because I care deeply about rural Saskatchewan, our province and our country. I’ve spent my life listening, learning, and helping others—whether in a classroom as a professor or in the community as a volunteer, or around kitchen tables of voters as a political activist. I believe in doing the work. Talking to people on their doorstep.”
