Ryan Meili stepping down as MLA of Saskatoon Meewasin
NDP leader Ryan Meili announced he is resigning from his position as MLA of Saskatoon Meewasin.
Meili is also stepping down as the leader of the official opposition, as the spring sitting of the Saskatchewan Legislature ends.
“It is time for me to move on and do other things and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have been the leader of the NDP, to have been leader of the opposition and to be a doctor leading in the middle of a pandemic, it’s been the challenge and opportunity and honour of a lifetime,” Meili said.
Representatives from both sides of the aisle offered their appreciation for Meili and his family for their sacrifice and service to the people of Saskatchewan, during proceedings Thursday.
“As a leader, as an activist, as a doctor in Saskatoon and right across this province, as far away as Mozambique Ryan Meili has made a lot of sacrifices in the name of helping others," NDP MLA Carla Beck said.
Premier Scott Moe also wished Meili the best – commending his perseverance.
“The fact that he did live true to his beliefs whether we agreed on those beliefs or not he most certainly did live to them and he stood by them and those two traits, perseverance and being true to the beliefs that you have, I think are admirable in any individual,” Moe said.
“We largely as politicians likely agree on more than we disagree on and I would say that extends across Saskatchewan.”
Meili served as the MLA for Saskatoon Meewasin for five years and as leader of the provincial NDP for four.
He was elected as leader in 2018, after two failed attempts to get the job.
A new NDP leader will be elected in June. Two names are on the ballot: Regina Lakeview MLA Carla Beck and Saskatoon lawyer Kaitlyn Harvey.
Following the leadership vote, a by-election will be held in Meili’s constituency. A date has not yet been set.
It will be a critical seat for the NDP to maintain as Meili’s departure leaves the party with just 11 out of 61 seats in the legislature.
“I won’t be that MLA, but I’m going to be helping out in that campaign to make sure we win,” Meili said.
Meili said his final day in the seat will be July 1.
The outgoing leader added that he is going to take some time off to think through his next steps.
“It will be medicine and some degree of advocacy for health because I don’t really know how to do anything else,” he said. “I’ll definitely be seeing patients, that is something I’ve missed and I enjoy so much.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.