Saskatchewan.

• Author: Ursulescu, Stacey
• Position: Legislative Reports

Premier Brad Wall Announces Retirement

On August 10, 2017, Premier Brad Wall announced that he will retire from politics. In his statement, he said he would continue to serve as Premier until the new leader is chosen.

Concurrent Leadership Races

The nomination filing deadline for candidates for the Saskatchewan Party leadership race is November 24, 2017, and a new leader will be elected at a leadership convention in Saskatoon on January 27, 2018. At the time of submission, five candidates are seeking the leadership.

The provincial NDP is also seeking a new leader. The leadership convention scheduled for May 2018 was moved to March 3, 2018. This will allow the new leader to be in place for the spring sitting on March 6, 2018. Thus far, two candidates have declared their intention to run for the leadership.

Resignation of Member for Kindersley and Conflict of Interest Commissioner Report

Bill Boyd, the member from Kindersley, announced on August 15 that he would resign effective September 1, 2017. Questions began to be asked about the use of his public office to influence and promote a private business interest during a trip to China. He was the keynote speaker at a seminar in China, and the advertisement poster incorrectly stated that he was the Minister of the Economy and featured a government logo.

Mr. Boyd, as well as the Leader of the Opposition, Nicole Sarauer, requested Conflict of Interest Commissioner Ronald Barclay provide an opinion regarding his compliance with The Members' Conflict of Interest Act. On August, 28, 2017, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner stated, "... I conclude that he inaccurately represented the involvement of the Government of Saskatchewan in this irrigation project he was promoting in China ... Mr. Boyd's actions in respect of this matter fall below the standards expected of Members of the Legislative Assembly".

Mr. Boyd resigned from the Saskatchewan Party caucus later that day. No date has been set for the by-election in the Kindersley constituency.

Cabinet Shuffle

With several cabinet ministers resigning their portfolios to run for the leadership of the Saskatchewan Party, Premier Brad Wall announced a number of changes to his cabinet.

Five cabinet ministers switched portfolios:

* Kevin Doherty became the Minister of Advanced Education;

* Dustin Duncan became the Minister of Environment and Minister Responsible for SaskPower, SaskWater, Water Security Agency, and Global Transportation Hub;

* Bronwyn Eyre...