How have the New Democratic Party and right-of-centre parties differed in Saskatchewan politics?

Saskatchewan politics is characterized by a long-standing two-party tradition that divides the electorate between right-of-centre parties and the New Democratic Party (NDP), formerly known as the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF).1

Ideological Differences

• Right-of-Centre Parties: Groups such as the Liberal Party, the Progressive Conservatives, and the modern Saskatchewan Party have generally advocated for economic development driven by business and corporate interests. Under Progressive Conservative leadership in the 1980s, for example, the province began privatizing utilities that had previously been publicly owned.12
• The NDP: Rooted in democratic socialism, the party has historically supported the use of public and cooperative enterprises. The CCF government (1944–1964) famously socialized electric power, natural gas, and bus transportation, and implemented North America’s first compulsory medical care program. However, the NDP has also demonstrated pragmatism; while in power, it introduced policy changes, such as reduced royalties, to encourage investment in the resource sector.132

Electoral Bases

The right-of-centre parties have traditionally drawn their greatest strength from rural areas, whereas the NDP maintains a stronger base in urban centers and the northern portion of the province.1