NDP looks to build momentum in 2018

The NDP leader is heading into 2018 full of positives.

After another election defeat in 2016, the opposition gained momentum last year following the government’s unpopular budget. One poll suggested the NDP would win the next provincial election.

Nicole Sarauer puts that down to the hard work the 12-person team of MLAs have been doing, with each criss-crossing the province listening to what she calls “the frustrations of people.”

She hopes that will continue in 2018.

“I am very confident that this is what will happen, but my hope for the year is that we will continue to build on the momentum we have built. We continue to go out humbly to communities across the province and listen to people’s concerns and utilize the many strengths of the members of the caucus,” Sarauer said.

Sarauer will likely play a role in the transition that will happen for the NDP in 2018 as a new leader is selected in March.

Saskatoon MLA Ryan Meili and Regina MLA Trent Wotherspoon are the only two candidates in the running. They remain seatmates in the legislature and despite their differences, Sarauer believes the NDP team will remain united.

“We have already done a good job of keeping our caucus united in what can be a divisive time in politics. We all have the same goal of shining a spotlight on the failings of the Sask Party government,” Sarauer maintained. “I do know that the leader candidates that we do have have been doing a very good job of staying collegial and staying united despite the facts they are presenting somewhat different visions for the party.”

By the time the politicians return to the legislature in March there will be new faces on both sides, with a new premier picked at the end of this month.

Sarauer contends that will present new challenges and opportunities for the NDP.

“They (the Saskatchewan Party) haven’t really had a real leadership race before, this is their first time and I think what comes out of that will be very interesting.”