Thousands of election-related leaflets distributed hand-delivered by volunteers from an umbrella group called Liveable YXE respect electoral rules, according to a spokesperson.

According to Jory Vermette, the group has been around since 2016 and is made up of various small organizations, including Climate Justice Saskatoon, Wild About Saskatoon, Swale Watchers, Saskatoon Cycles, Bus Riders of Saskatoon and several others.

Vermette said the purpose of the small black and white flyers is to provide a “snapshot” of where Saskatoon mayoral candidates stand on several “quality of life” issues. The flyers contain a QR code on the front and back, as well as information on the group’s website. habitableyxe.ca.

Jory Vermette, spokesperson for YXE habitable. (Submitted)

“So people can kind of get a sense of where candidates stand on critical issues, so that when they go to the polls, they try to make the most informed decision possible.

“And along with that, we’re also looking to get people to vote.” Because, as we know, in the last election, for a multitude of reasons, the turnout was quite low, I think it was hovering around 27 percent,” he added.

The flyers are distributed in Wards 1, 3 and 8 and their associated neighborhoods. Vermette added that the group is nonpartisan and has not received grants for fliers from local groups — instead the money comes from a nonprofit called Climate Reality Project.

“We also do not support any particular candidate or platform. Our position is strictly to inform the public of the candidates’ positions and encourage them to participate in this year’s elections,” Vermette said.

He said a questionnaire distributed to mayoral candidates is also highlighted on their website, with verbatim responses posted. Many questions focus on issues such as emissions, public transportation, housing, homelessness and economic development.

Vermette noted the group contacted Elections Saskatoon to ensure it did not cross partisan lines or “gray” areas.

“So everything we’ve done so far is completely within Elections Saskatoon’s rules. And we have been in contact with them since the beginning,” he explained.

In a brief statement, Elections Saskatoon returning officer Shellie Bryant said she was aware of the flyer and clarified it did not come from the city.

“This is neither a communication from Elections Saskatoon nor a communication from the City of Saskatoon. Voters can find reliable election information at saskatoon.ca/vote2024“, she wrote.

Vermette said the flyers will be distributed to homes until Nov. 12. The election is November 13.

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