ALL EYES ON THE HORIZON

Ever since Brad Wall announced his retirement, the constant question has been, “Who — and what — will be next?”

Part of that answer came with the Saskatchewan Party’s selection of Scott Moe as premier until the next election. And another possible outcome came to light in Regina on Saturday as the NDP chose Ryan Meili as leader.

So, we are down to a battle between Meili and Moe, two very different men representing two very different world views.

It looks like Saskatchewan is not just on the path to find a new premier, but a journey to discover what ideology will guide our province.

It is probable, unfortunately, that the battle between the NDP and the Sask. Party will become a showdown between rural and urban citizens.

The new leaders, however, will help set the tone and context of this political battle.

There are encouraging signs from both leaders that they want to win voters based on their ideas and ideals, not name-calling or fearmongering.

Moe’s first real test as premier was to address the province during the outcry and anger expressed in light of the Gerald Stanley verdict. He was strong, calm and firm in his support of Indigenous people in the province. Moe’s handling of the situation impressed many, and he comes across as very sincere in his willingness to listen.

Meili’s career has been based on building public health, and he is known for being soft-spoken and collaborative. He has reached out to rural voters from the very beginning of his election.

“It’s blowing pretty hard out there,” Meili said on the night of his win, referring to the storm raging in the province over the weekend. “It think those might be the winds of change.”

Both Meili and Moe will have roles to play in making sure those winds of change don’t tear the province apart.

While we are looking at what’s next, it’s worth noting that our first female premier is looking like a more distinct possibility than just a few months ago. This is especially true since Thursday is International Women’s Day.

The NDP’s Nicole Sarauer is gaining high praise — even from Wall — for her performance as interim leader. There is already talk of her being an eventual successor for Meili.

And with Alanna Koch finishing an impressive second in the Sask. Party race, she also is a strong contender the next time a leadership race comes around.

It will not be a short wait to see a woman in the highest position of power in the Saskatchewan government, but even the possibility marks important progress.