NDP mulls changing date to pick new leader

The provincial NDP will debate changing the date of its leadership convention.

It’s a move that has long been on the radar of NDP members, but an official notice from party president David McGrane was sent to members of the provincial council on Thursday.

“I wanted to let you all know that one additional item will be proposed to the Provincial Executive to be placed on the agenda at Provincial Council’s meeting this weekend in Moose Jaw,” wrote McGrane.

“With the agreement of the executive, that agenda item is considering moving up the date for our party’s Leadership Convention and the conclusion of our leadership contest,” he continued.

He said there has been “extensive consultation within the party on this topic and there seems to be widespread agreement that new information has come to light that was not available at the time Provincial Council made their initial decision about the date of the conclusion of the leadership race in June 2016 and it is worth having a discussion and revisiting the timeline for the conclusion of our leadership race.”

He noted that when the decision was first made to hold the leadership convention on May 6, 2018, the party was unaware Brad Wall would be resigning as premier.

The Saskatchewan Party is set to elect a new leader on Jan. 27, 2018.

“In light of this new information, provincial executive will be asked to consider taking this item to the Provincial Council this weekend for deliberation,” wrote McGrane.

As it stands now, Trent Wotherspoon and Ryan Meili are set to run for the leadership.

Neither is willing to comment on what option they would prefer, with both indicating they would support the provincial council’s decision regardless.

Moving the leadership race up — perhaps to a date in February — would put the NDP race in more direct competition with the attention-grabbing Sask. Party leadership race.

It could also mean the contest would be taking place when the legislative assembly is not sitting.

As well, it would allow the new NDP leader to go oneon-one with whomever is crowned the next leader of the Sask. Party, and to be in place to oppose the March budget.

However, moving the date up would take away time to sign up new NDP members and build the party.

Also, the provincial council will be cognizant of the divisiveness already evident in the Sask. Party race, and some members will make the argument it would be best to sit back and allow that to continue.