The election results are in, revealing the spending habits of Saskatchewan’s major political parties in the hotly contested 2024 provincial election. (Elections Saskatchewan/Submitted)
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May 12, 2025 | 2:45 PM
Months after the dust settled on the 2024 provincial election, which saw a **Saskatchewan Party victory** coupled with a notable resurgence for the **Saskatchewan NDP**, the financial details are now laid bare. A new report details exactly how much each party invested in their campaigns and what strategies they employed.
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck’s Financial Gambit
As anticipation grew for a potential NDP victory, the party’s campaign spending reflected its ambitions. The NDP’s election expenditures, released at the end of April, indicate they outspent the Saskatchewan Party by **$18,176.58**, totaling **$1,047,897.20** overall. This significant investment highlights their focus on **advertising and strategic services**.
Advertising: A Focus on Media Investments
A substantial portion of the NDP’s budget—**$387,185.99**—was allocated to advertising. The funds were primarily directed towards traditional media, including television, newspapers, and radio, with a notable partnership with **980 CJME** for advert spots. The party also ventured into digital advertising, channeling funds into platforms like **Prime Video, Netflix,** and **Roku**. Additionally, they spent **$15,287.89** on a specialized texting platform to engage potential voters directly.
Service Investments and Surveying Strategies
Under its ‘services’ category, the NDP officially recorded **$176,515.30** for various surveys conducted throughout the campaign. These encompassed both pre- and post-debate evaluations to gauge public sentiment. Other notable expenses included:
- $37,000 on call center operations
- $3,142.86 for a communications consultant from Calgary
- $9,200.10 to the Chief of Staff for the Alberta Opposition NDP, facilitating communications strategy
Interestingly, the NDP also documented expenses related to vehicle repairs during the campaign, covering incidents that included minor vandalism and vehicle wear and tear, underscoring the unpredictable nature of election logistics.
Saskatchewan Party’s Campaign Spending
On the other hand, the **Saskatchewan Party** invested $1,029,720.62 in their campaign efforts, with **$454,730.14** going towards advertising and **$376,866.19** allocated to services. This multifaceted approach included:
- $129,580.96 for television advertisements
- $79,997.07 on radio, again involving **980 CJME**
- $49,813.12 dedicated to billboard advertising
- $186,238.56 for robust social media and online campaigns, utilizing platforms like Facebook and Google Ads
Unique Campaign Strategies
Additionally, the Saskatchewan Party embraced innovative campaigning methods. They allocated **$123,521.79** for texting engagement through Government Technologies Solutions, along with **$96,121.11** on provincial mailers and approximately **$11,100.00** to a Toronto-based door-knocking service, showcasing their commitment to grassroots engagement.
Fundraising Insights
Despite the closeness in campaign spending, it’s noteworthy that the Saskatchewan Party’s fundraising efforts were nearly double that of the NDP. The Saskatchewan Party amassed an impressive **$4,670,290.83** in contributions, while the NDP gathered **$2,551,852.14**.
The 2024 election results not only highlighted the strategies of these two major parties but also provided a glimpse into the evolving political landscape in Saskatchewan. With spending reflecting strategic priorities, the question remains: how will these financial decisions shape future campaigns?
