Saskatchewan NDP calling for byelections soon

The Saskatchewan NDP wants the provincial government to hurry up and call the upcoming byelections.

“Under this government life has gotten more expensive and families are falling behind. Utility bills are up, fuel prices are up, tuition is up. Many Saskatchewan patients can’t access a family doctor or specialist. These are things the government can help with and they should. It’s time to send this government a message that they are failing,” NDP Leader Carla Beck said in a news release.

Three byelections will have to happen before the end of September — Regina Coronation Park after the Saskatchewan Party’s Mark Docherty stepped away, Lumsden-Morse after the Sask. Party’s Lyle Stewart resigned his seat for health reasons, and Regina Walsh Acres after Sask. Party MLA Derek Meyers passed away.

Regina Coronation Park will have to happen by Aug. 10, six months after Docherty’s stepping down took effect. That means the writ period will have to start on or before July 15.

Premier Scott Moe has previously said it would make sense to hold all three at the same time, though he didn’t commit to it outright.

The Sask. Party and NDP have announced their candidates for the three ridings:

• Regina Coronation Park: The NDP’s Noor Burki will run against the Sask. Party’s Riaz Ahmad.
• Lumsden-Morse: The Sask. Party’s Blaine McLeod will be up against the NDP’s Kaitlyn Stadnyk.
• Regina Walsh Acres: The NDP’s Jared Clarke will take on the Sask Party’s Nevin Markwart.