Brad Wall. Photo courtesy of Facebook.
There is a major shake-up underway in provincial politics.
Today, Premier Brad Wall made a surprise announcement. He is retiring from politics, and is stepping aside to make way for a new leader. He will also resign as MLA for Swift Current after his successor is elected, likely next spring. Wall told reporters, he has had the best job of his life.
“Whatever I do after this, this job will be the honour of my working life,” he said. “It has been just a great honour, a wonderful privilege to serve as premier of Saskatchewan, so I am grateful to the people of the province for allowing me that opportunity to serve.”
The NDP Opposition suggested the premier was making the announcement now because of negative feedback over the last provincial budget. Interim leader Nicole Sarauer says while there have been lots of disagreements, she does respect the premier’s years of dedicated service.
“You know, he has dedicated decades of his life to politics,” she said. “And I haven’t been in politics that long, but I do know already that it takes a toll on yourself, your family and your loved ones, so I do thank him for that service.”
The NDP is also electing a new leader, which will happen next spring. The next provincial election will be held in 2020.