Early election ‘would be very wise’: Sask. NDP leader

As MLAs prepare for their spring session at the legislature in Regina, Saskatchewan’s opposition leader is already starting the call for a new election.

Sask. NDP leader Ryan Meili spoke with reporters in Saskatoon after an address to the CUPE Saskatchewan union conference on Friday.

He said with so much change in recent months in the province’s politics including a new premier, retiring/resigning MLAs and a new legislative speaker, it may be prudent to hold a general vote sooner rather than later.

“I don’t think we’ve got a government that has a mandate,” Meili said.

“An opportunity to go to the polls sooner would be very wise.”

The Saskatoon-Meewasin MLA noted Premier Scott Moe was selected by “a few thousand” Sask. Party members, rather than the general populace.

Moe won the leadership over Alanna Koch with 8,075 votes on Jan. 27.

Under fixed election date legislation, the next provincial vote is set for Nov. 2, 2020 which is five days after the next round of municipal elections in the province.

However, Meili doesn’t believe the set date will be much of a hurdle to overcome.

“They’ve never actually had an election on one of their fixed election dates,” he said. “What matters more is what the people really need and the opportunity for them to express their democratic intention for the future of the province.”

The NDP leader noted major discussions haven’t happened within the party in regards to calling for a new election, but he hopes the public will start asking questions about getting their say.

Barring a general vote, Meili said the upcoming byelection to replace Sask. Party MLA Kevin Doherty in Regina Northeast will be a test of his own leadership.

“This is a great opportunity to see where we’re at,” he said.

Meanwhile, Premier Scott Moe brushed off the idea, saying the Saskatchewan Party was elected with a firm mandate.

“I see no reason to put forward 20 or 25 million dollars towards a general election,” said Moe. “The Saskatchewan Party had a strong mandate to govern in the 2016 election and we’ve always said there would be a set election date every four years.”

— With files from 980 CJME’s Sarah Mills