Dennis was invited to speak to the Saskatoon Blackstrap federal NDP annual meeting in February 2000. He chose to talk about equality as the “defining vision” around which social democrats organize their lives and thinking.
Speech
Thanks for your kind invitation to have me speak to you tonight. I want to talk …

Introduction
The HRDC scandal occurred when Liberals abused a program called the Transitional Jobs Fund. The fund, administered through Human Resources Development Canada, was designed to support projects in areas of high unemployment. Dennis supported the program’s concept, but expressed dismay that it had been used as a Liberal slush fund.
Remarks
Gruending (Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, NDP): Madam Speaker, the …

Introduction
Dennis was elected to the House of Commons in a by-election on November 15, 1999 to represent Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar. In his first speech, he paid tribute to MPs who had preceded him in the riding, and he promised to work for equality and social justice.
Speech
Mr. Dennis Gruending (Saskatoon—Rosetown—Biggar, NDP): It is an honour to speak in …

Introduction
In October 1999 Prime Minister Chretien called a bye-election in Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar for November 15. The campaign was bruising one. A Reform Party entourage arrived at Dennis’s home and frightened his teen-aged daughters. NDP signs were defaced by having a hammer and sickle decal pasted on them. But the NDP won by 2,200 votes. Dennis made …

Introduction
Dennis sought the NDP nomination in Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar in July 1999 after veteran MP Chris Axworthy stepped down to enter provincial politics. Dennis was not contested and made this acceptance speech at a well-attended nominating meeting at the Union Centre in Saskatoon.
Speech
Good evening friends and fellow New Democrats. I want to thank my nominators, Nettie Wiebe …

Introduction
Dennis was the NDP candidate in Saskatoon-Humboldt for the 1997 federal election. The NDP gained 1500 votes over its 1993 showing, but came up 221 votes short of the Reform Party candidate. Dennis made these remarks in conceding defeat.
Speech
Friends, I was deeply honoured last November when you nominated me as your NDP candidate in Saskatoon-Humboldt. …

Introduction
Dennis was asked in 1996 to seek the federal NDP nomination in Saskatoon-Humboldt, the area in which he was born and raised. He was unopposed and made the following acceptance speech in Wakaw, Saskatchewan.
Speech
Friends and fellow New Democrats. Thank you for coming out today. I know that you’re busy, and that many of you have …