Moose Jaw Mayor Fraser Tolmie seeking Conservative nomination

Moose Jaw Mayor Fraser Tolmie has announced his intention to seek the nomination as a Conservative candidate for the riding of Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan.

Tolmie says he will continue to serve as mayor until a federal election is called.

“This is a nomination race, and there are no guarantees. I have to win the nomination first, but I do feel this is a natural progression,” Tolmie said Tuesday.

Tolmie says his values line up with those of the Conservative party, and he continues to support the party.

Tolmie previously attempted to seek the nomination in 2015 but was allegedly blocked from doing so by the electoral district association.

“I have a great working relationship with our present MP, Tom Lukiwski. It’s all water under the bridge,” Tolmie said. “I have a lot of respect for Lukiwski and my party.”

Lukiwski announced in late May that he won’t be running in the next federal election.

When asked about what sets him apart from other candidates, Tolmie said he listens to the people.

“They want someone who has a proven track record. I’ve eliminated bureaucracy within city hall (and) we’ve changed the culture. It’s no secret that the City of Moose Jaw had a toxic culture, and we’ve changed that collectively as a council,” Tolmie said.

It’s unknown when the next federal election will be held.