It will be a long and emotional day at the legislature Thursday.
It marks the last day of the current session and that means the final day there for a number of politicians who are retiring.
Nine Saskatchewan Party MLAs are making their final appearances. Bob Bjornerud, Doreen Eagles, Wayne Elhard, Bill Hutchinson, Yogi Hughebaert, Ken Krawetz, Rob Norris, June Draude and Don Toth are all saying goodbye, some of whom are founding members of the Saskatchewan Party.
“I am going to miss them all,” Premier Brad Wall said. “I’ve served with them all basically since I started in 1999.”
On the other side, veteran NDP MLA John Nilson is saying goodbye after a 20-year career.
Nilson has served in various positions, not only as interim leader after the 2011 election, but he is the longest-serving health minister. He was in the post for five years.
He oversaw the introduction of Saskatchewan’s smoking policy and was the Attorney-General who delivered the apology to David Milgaard.
Despite the high profile roles, Nilson maintains he is most proud “of helping people”.
Each is being granted the chance to speak and say goodbye.
With all the departures, regardless of election results, there will be a lot of new faces in the legislature this spring.
10 Sask. MLAs saying goodbye as fall session wraps at the legislature
By CJME News
Nov 26, 2015 | 6:27 AM