Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck energized with larger caucus after election defeat

REGINA — The leader of Saskatchewan’s Opposition says she’s ready to take on Premier Scott Moe in the legislature after her party lost Monday’s election but significantly grew its ranks.

The NDP’s Carla Beck said Thursday she plans to continue to push for better health care and education, while also holding Moe’s Saskatchewan Party accountable over affordability issues, rising crime rates and economic stagnation in some sectors.

“I’m feeling good, energetic and ready to go,” Beck said in an interview.

“And I’m very proud of the work the team did.”

Beck’s Opposition will be Saskatchewan’s largest in nearly two decades. It’s on track to win 27 seats in the 61-seat legislature, short of the 31 required to form a majority.

New Democrats swept Regina, took all but one seat in Saskatoon and held onto the two northern seats, while failing to capture a rural seat.

Beck said she’ll continue to build relations with rural communities to bridge the divide.

“A someone whose family still lives in rural Saskatchewan, I see a lot of common ground, but a lot of people in rural Saskatchewan haven’t sat down face-to-face with someone who’s a New Democrat for a long time,” she said.

“We saw a lot of that in this campaign, and we did see people who — once they met our candidates, saw our message — did say, ‘I’m going to vote for you this time.'”

Beck also didn’t capture seats in the smaller cities of Prince Albert and Moose Jaw, which are critical if her party wants to form government next time.

She said there are lessons to be learned, and the party will continue to look back at this election.

“But really quickly, we’ll be … looking forward and looking to build.”

Her initial disappointment in losing was also quickly eclipsed by the party’s achievement in growing its seats, she added.

“I still believe that if you look for division, you’ll find it, but if you look for common ground, you’ll find a whole lot of that out there as well,” she said.

Moe, whose party is on track to win 34 seats, was not available for an interview Thursday.

A spokesperson from his office said in an email Moe met with newly elected government members and is planning for a new cabinet and legislative session.

Moe lost Saskatoon cabinet ministers Bronwyn Eyre and Paul Merriman along with Regina’s Laura Ross, Christine Tell and Gene Makowsky.

On social media Thursday, Moe wrote people voted for “a strong economy and a bright future,” while others voted for change.

“Our new government will deliver both,” he wrote.

In his victory speech, he told supporters he must do better. He said he heard the message there’s unhappiness in how the province is delivering health care, education and making life more affordable.

With her larger caucus, Beck said she’ll lead by example while making sure her members can hold their own.

“Let people shine,” she said.

“We’ve got an incredibly bright group of people, really dedicated people who are connected to their communities.

“The people of Saskatchewan will benefit from the integrity and from the work ethic that these new MLAs are going to bring.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 31, 2024.

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press