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Hi, I'm columnist, blogger and author Gail Krawetz.

The Project & My Purpose

I have researched and written a book telling the story of the little-known beginnings of the Saskatchewan Party in 1997, the groundswell of support it received and its meteoric rise to forming government in 2007. This is a feat unequalled among modern-day political parties in North America. 

By providing this account I want to ensure that a more fulsome and accurate historical record is documented than has to date been available, and to create the first book on the subject. Also, I am the wife of one of the party founders and as such lived through the times even before the party was formed. I’m a writer, and even in the earliest days felt I was keeping these stories for a future time, though I didn’t realize it would be a book 20 years later. I think I can provide a uniquely behind-the-scenes perspective, balanced with factual research and sources, that will tell the story in a uniquely personal way.

Why is This Book Important?

The creation of this party changed the political landscape of this province and, therefore, deserves its rightful place in the annals of Saskatchewan history. As well, the book will reveal how a strong political will, the right circumstances and a group of dedicated, like-minded individuals accomplished what many thought was impossible.

The Story

Here's how it all started...

The 1995 Saskatchewan provincial election saw the nearly five-decade juggernaut of the New Democratic Party once again secure power partially because of vote-splitting. Internal struggles within the Liberal Party and recent scandals of some Progressive Conservative members meant that neither of these was in a position to present a viable alternative to the powerful NDP organization on its own. 

The "Original 8," as they’re called, were a group of 4 Liberals and 4 PCs who banded together, each for different reasons and taking on different, but significant, risks, to create the new blended party. They would name it the Saskatchewan Party, much to the chagrin of their opponents, who likely were mostly just miffed they hadn’t thought of it first. :)

These 8 brave souls risked family, friends, fortunes and the most priceless good of all, personal reputation, in the action many saw as disloyalty in the extreme to their original parties. They did it because together they imagined something better for their beloved province of Saskatchewan.

But even they had no idea the impact they would have and the spectacular speed with which it would happen, nor the legacy it would create that is evident today in so many ways.

How I Am Telling the Story

The many supporters of the SaskParty who are keen on learning this history are an important audience for this book, as are those who are interested in the political process and history of Saskatchewan. 

The tone of this book will be informative and educational, but also revealing, as many never-before-known details will be shared. The book will be an easy and entertaining read, as humorous and personal anecdotes of those who lived this history will be shared directly from interviews I’m conducting as part of my research. 

My Challenge & The Goal

Book publishing is expensive. I have many reasons why I want to self-publish this book, not the least are that I want to maintain an objective distance from the Party itself. Even with my own experience as part of this history, I’m very serious about presenting an objective and well-researched book that shows as fair and balanced a picture as possible.

Our first goal is $20,000 to help pay for editing, design, marketing and printing costs to print 400 hardcover and 400 softcover books. We will announce additional stretch goals during the campaign as well.

I'm supported by a great team of wonderful people helping me with this campaign to whom I’m grateful. They’ve helped me put together all the ways in which you can help me bring this important historical story into being, and get your copies first!

How You Can Help

Your support has allowed me to focus on my research and writing, completing the manuscript and research according to schedule. Even though I’m bearing some of the costs for making the book, I will know from your support that there is the interest I believe is out there to hear these stories.

Also, crowd support will create an important buzz for a successful book launch. This story needs to get out to the public to counter any incorrect material that is already in print. You can help not only by contributing to the campaign to pre-purchase your book or books, but by sharing the campaign with those in your networks. (It's easy to do through the various sharing methods here on the campaign page!)

Reaching our campaign goal will ensure that the result is the best possible product, both from an academic perspective as well as an esthetic one. Getting a "thumbs up" from the original players would be most gratifying to me personally.

Thank You!!

Without you, this can’t happen. And the time is now, as those who were involved at the earliest stages may not always be around to tell these stories later. Unfortunately, we’ve already lost one of the Original 8. 

So I thank you for your support, whether it’s in purchasing books and other perks, or sharing the campaign with everyone you know. Finally, you are helping to create an historical document that will be a valuable resource for future study, commentary and reference.

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