The Sask. New Democrats have nominated a former MP to contest for the northwest.

Current La Loche mayor Georgina Jolibois won a contested nomination this week against Darwin Roy for the Athabasca riding.

She served as the Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River and introduced legislation to create a national holiday for truth and reconciliation. She is a five-term mayor of La Loche.

“Having served my community of La Loche for over 20 years, I have seen first-hand the impact of this Sask. Party government’s inaction to address key issues,” said Jolibois. “The ongoing housing crisis in La Loche and all of Northwest Saskatchewan has only been made worse by the heartless introduction of income assistance changes. Instead of helping us, the Sask. Party has simply created another problem.”

Long-time MLA Buckley Belanger resigned in August to contest northern Saskatchewan in federal politics, yet unsuccessfully.

“Her service to her community as a Mayor and a Member of Parliament is exactly the experience and expertise that the people of Northwest Saskatchewan need from their MLA. With her proven track record, I know she will be an outstanding representative for Northwest Saskatchewan,” said NDP leader Ryan Meili.

A date for the by-election has yet to be set.