REGINA — The leadership race for the Saskatchewan NDP is underway, as Regina Lakeview MLA Carla Beck becomes the first candidate to throw her name in the mix to be the party’s next leader.
Beck made a public appearance on March 3 to officially announce the launch of her leadership campaign.
“I’m ready to build a party that can win again,” said Beck, in a statement on social media.
She said that she feels she is the best choice to rebuild the NDP’s influence and regain control of the provincial government.
If elected, Beck will be the first woman to serve as a permanent leader of the Sask NDP, aside from Regina Lakeview MLA Nicole Sarauer’s term as interim leader in 2017-18.
Beck’s announcement comes two days after the party’s provincial council declared the launch of the leadership race, which will culminate with a convention in Regina in June.
Beck was first elected in Regina Lakeview in 2016, since serving as deputy leader, caucus chair and previously as the critic for education and early learning and childcare. She currently sits as the opposition critic for labour.
“I’m excited to keep travelling the province and engaging with New Democrats, and people who haven’t seen themselves in our party for a long time, or maybe even ever,” said Beck, in a campaign video.
Fellow MLAs Sarauer, Trent Wotherspoon (Regina Rosemont) and Aleana Young (Regina University) have all offered endorsement for Beck as the party’s next leader.
“[Beck] is the best person to bring people in, build them up, and replace Scott Moe,” said Sarauer, in a social media post on Feb. 27.
Outgoing leader Ryan Meili has said that he will not be offering his endorsement to any potential candidates that come forward for the campaign.
