Saskatchewan Party coasts to victory
Centre-right group beats NDP for fourth straight majority government
SASKATOON — Scott Moe led his Saskatchewan Party into rare territory Monday winning a fourth straight majority for the longest-serving government in the country.
The centre-right party was elected or leading in more than 45 constituencies, comfortably more than the 31needed to control the 61-seat legislature.
There was no applause or crowds to welcome Moe, who made his victory speech after winning his first public man- date as premier. Instead, he addressed supporters who gathered virtually, because of limits in place around the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This has been an election like no other in our lifetimes,” the 47-year-old said, standing next to his wife, Krista.
“It was challenging for all of the candidates and the campaign volunteers who had to find new ways to reach their voters and to reach them safely,” he said. “We’re humbled by the task that lies before us and we’re ready to go to work on your y behalf.
“We’re eager to build a strong economy, strong communities, strong families, and a strong Saskatchewan for everyone,” he added.
Moe was re-elected in his rural riding of Rosthern-Shellbrook, while NDP Leader Ryan Meili was in a fight to retain his Saskatoon Meewasin seat against Rylund Hunter of the Saskatchewan Party. Meili trailed by 83 votes by night’s end, with as many as1,600 mailin ballots to be counted in the coming days. It’s possible all of Moe’s 17 cabinet ministers will hold on to their seats.
Only Advanced Education Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor wwas in jeopardy. She led her Re- ggina University seat by fewer than 200 votes with mail-in bal- lots to come.
“I know it’s nerve-racking waiting for just a few hours for those results,” Moe said. “I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like waiting for a couple of days.”
Meili, a 45-year-old medical doctor, is trying to arrest a dubious trend. The last two NDP leaders, Dwain Lingenfelter in 2011 and Cam Broten in ’16, lost ttheir seats in the general elec- tion.
“It wasn’t enough this time,” said Meili in his concession speech. “My message tonight is for those who voted for change, because there are thousands upon thousands of people across Saskatchewan who voted for change today.
“This is not the end. This is the beginning. Do not give up, because in Saskatchewan we can do so much better than what we’ve seen.”