Long-serving Saskatchewan NDP MLA John Nilson has announced he will not run in the next provincial election.
At a news conference Friday, the veteran MLA for Regina Lakeview thanked the constituents who elected him five times over the past 19 years.
“I couldn’t do all the good things for the province without the support of local people,” said Nilson.
He said his decision to retire at the end of this term after nearly two decades in office was a difficult one to make.
“It’ll be more than 20 years by the time the next election comes, and you recognize that it’s time for the next generation of leaders to come,” Nilson said.
“I think there are some capable people that are waiting to put their names forward.”
First elected in 1995, Nilson held several cabinet positions over the years, and was Saskatchewan’s longest-serving health minister. He was also interim leader of the NDP Opposition from November 2011 to March 2013.
“John has, without a doubt, left an impressive and progressive mark on this province,” said Regina NDP MLA Trent Wotherspoon.
“This is somebody who has given 20 years to the people of Saskatchewan; who’s left our province as a better place.”
Nilson said his plans for retirement include traveling, research and writing.
