Linda Osachoff of Canora, with her extensive experience in a number of senior leadership positions, has decided to run for the position of Saskatchewan NDP president.
Osachoff said she is a lifelong enthusiastic New Democrat and has been involved with the party in numerous capacities. She has served as a volunteer, as a candidate in 1986 and most recently as president of the Canora-Pelly NDP Association.
“Having retired from full-time employment gives me an opportunity to contribute in a more meaningful way to the NDP,” said Osachoff. “I believe we are approaching the most important election in a generation and our leader, Ryan Meili, and his able caucus are well positioned to lead this province in a direction that will benefit all people in Saskatchewan. The decisive victory of Yens Pedersen for the NDP in Regina Northeast on September 12 simply confirms that people are dissatisfied with the status quo and are wanting a change.”
Osachoff said previous NDP presidents have usually done a good job in the position, but have typically been from larger urban areas. She hopes to bring a rural perspective to the job.
“However, at the end of the day, the fundamental concerns of people in rural areas are
the same as people across the province,” said Osachoff. “We're looking for economic
security; for sustainability of our communities; for access to services and for infrastructure appropriate for our needs. I believe that Ryan Meili and an NDP government can begin to address these concerns in a meaningful, pro-active way. And I want to do what I can to ensure that happens.”
Osachoff said the main focus of the president is to oversee the internal workings of the party, to support the leader and to be a presence and support within NDP associations.
“I believe the experience I've gained in senior leadership roles throughout my career have prepared me to achieve these objectives,” she said. “Most recently, I held the position of CEO at Crossroads Credit Union. Prior to that I was the director of operations at the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses; and before that, I held various human resource positions within the Saskatchewan health system. Mainly though, I believe that building relationships is at the core of this position. That includes reaching out, listening to folks, building bridges and creating awareness.”
Osachoff and her husband, Alfredo Converso, are co-owners of La Campagna Bed and Breakfast and Alfredo also runs a seasonal market garden.
“I have four children and we love being Nonno and Baba to three adorable grandchildren,” she said. “We volunteer in the community; Alfredo with the Arts Council and both of us on the board of the National Doukhobor Heritage Village. I've lived in the Canora area for the greater part of my life, and feel privileged to reside in ‘God's Country.’"
The Saskatchewan NDP provincial executive, including the president, will be selected at its annual convention, held in Saskatoon this year on October 12 to 14. The term of president is two years.
