Leader profile: NDP's Cam Broten motivated by his family

It appears that Cam Broten isn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty.

That’s because each Sunday you can find him elbow-deep in eggs, butter and milk as he whisks up batter for the waffles and pancakes for his family to enjoy in bed.

Although like busy parents, he admits to the occasional premix box, “sometimes I cheat”.

It is those cherished moments that drive him in his political life.

In fact, at times, it is hard to separate the politician from the family.

“Politics is something that is not a job, it is a calling on whatever side of the aisle you are on, it is about public service,” Broten explained. “What motivates me is my family and thinking of the other families in our province.”

A Saskatoon MLA since 2007 and NDP leader for the last three years, Broten admits the campaign trail this time has been a little different with his face on all the billboards.

Campaigning to be premier, Broten maintains it is very simple as to why he wants the job.

“I believe that Saskatchewan can be a whole lot more than we are right now. There are many fantastic things about the province but there are many things that need fixing,” he said. “We need to keep what’s working well in the province, there are many great components, but fix the things that aren’t working well.”

This election, Broten has found time for some relaxation, with running or swimming his exercise of choice.

“Even if you’ve got lots of things going on in your head, if you get a bit of fresh air and bit of an escape from things, it recharges you.”

And while the campaign grind has provided little room for family time, Broten’s wife Ruth and his three girls have been by his side as much as possible.

They were with him as Broten voted for himself in the advanced polls.

While Clara and Gudrun are perhaps a little too young to understand, Ingrid has begun to ask questions while in the car about whether “they are in Daddy’s area or not”.

Broten will soon need to make batter for one extra waffle around the table. Ruth is expecting again with the new addition expected this August.

“We’ll wait and see, I think. A boy would be great, but a house full of girls would be fantastic too.”