Sask. NDP prepares transition plan to form government after next election

Although the next provincial election isn’t for another three years, the Saskatchewan NDP are already prepared with a transition plan in case they win.

During the first day of the party’s annual convention held at TCU Place in Saskatoon on Friday, NDP leader Carla Beck announced Ron Styles as leader of the party’s transition team. Styles would be responsible for ensuring a smooth takeover from the Saskatchewan Party if the NDP wins the 2028 election.

Read more:

Styles isn’t an elected official, but Beck said he has 38 years of experience serving with Crown corporations, including as president for SaskTel, SaskWater, and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

Styles said it was an honour to take on the role.

“I believe that Scott Moe and the Sask. Party are failing the people of Saskatchewan,” Styles said, adding how he has seen the standard of living and quality of education, health, and social services have all declined in the province over the last seven years.

According to Beck, Styles’ role will focus on three areas: restoring effective and efficient government, implementing party promises, and developing transition strategies. More people would join the transition team in the coming weeks and months, she said.

Beck admitted the decision to plan for a potential transition three years in advance is “unusual” and “ambitious,” but she said it’s building on momentum from the 2024 election when the NDP doubled its number of seats.

“We haven’t stopped since election night (when) we came within 1,600 votes in this province,” she said, adding how she says people already see this party as “a government in waiting.”

By planning for a government transition this far in advance, Beck said it sends a message that the NDP is serious about leading Saskatchewan.

“I also want the people of Saskatchewan to know that we’re not messing around. If we form government in Saskatchewan, we’re planning to hit the ground running on day one,” she said, adding that people want to see a party preparing now instead of taking time off to regroup.

If the party was to win three years down the road, Beck said the agenda would include getting healthcare “out of last place,” effectively fighting crime and creating safer communities, and lowering the cost of living.

The convention runs until Oct. 5. Beck will address delegates in a speech Saturday morning, which will be followed by a leadership review vote.

Read more: