A Social Democratic Province? An Examination of Saskatchewan Public Opinion in 2011-12

Abstract

Saskatchewan has long been viewed as possessing a unique form of social democratic politics that sets it apart from other Canadian provinces. Drawing on three separate academic surveys, the authors argue that Saskatchewan residents are in fact very centrist in their political values, while their policy positions depict less consistency. Moreover, Saskatchewan residents appear to hold values and support policy positions quite similar to those of residents of other Canadian provinces. This centrism means that Saskatchewan’s political parties must be able to attract centrist voters while maintaining policies that motivate their social democratic or conservative electoral bases.