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“We make a decision on a case-by-case basis about what the person’s done to turn things around, how they’ve contributed since. And, in these three instances, we’re more than comfortable — more than comfortable — having them as candidates and want them to be MLAs,” he told reporters.

When deciding whether to let a candidate with a criminal record run for the Saskatchewan Party, Wall said he considers when the offence occurred, but it’s not the only factor.

“I don’t think there’s a cutoff line of two years, one year, six months, five years; I think you look at the case, you look at it on a case-by-case basis, you consider the individual,” Wall said.

“Part of leadership is kind of knowing, to have the discernment: Alright, what’s probably a bit more reflective of someone’s values and is not just a mistake.”

Both Wall and Saskatchewan NDP Leader Cam Broten expressed a desire to move the election from discussion about individual candidate’s misdeeds to one about governance.

“Some may want this campaign to spiral down into a discussion about Tweets and pasts,” Broten said during a campaign stop in Regina. “What I’m focused on is the present reality that Saskatchewan people face and what Saskatchewan families face. I think that’s what people in this province want this election to be about.”

Wall similarly pledged to keep the discussion about campaign promises.

“It’s a campaign and so there will be politics and there will be policy and I think it’s up to each campaign to also be proposing what their ideas are for the future,” he told reporters. “We’re going to keep talking about the economy.”

— With Regina LeaderPost files from Natascia Lypny