Lyle Whitefish, right, pictured with leader Ryan Meili, was nominated by the Saskatchewan NDP in the Saskatchewan River constituency Thursday evening. (Facebook/Saskatchewan New Democrats)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

2020 Provincial Election

Whitefish to stand again for NDP in Sask Rivers

Feb 28, 2020 | 1:03 PM

New Democrats for the Saskatchewan Rivers constituency have chosen their candidate for the 2020 provincial election.

Lyle Whitefish, who ran for the NDP in the constituency last election, won a contested nomination over Chander Thaman Thursday night in Spruce Home. Whitefish, who is the principal of Mistahi Sipiy School on Big River First Nation, said he feels good about his prospects.

“I feel confident this time we will get the support because people know who I am and what I stand for,” he said.

The party declined to make the number of votes cast available.

Whitefish explained when he ran for the party in 2016 he and his team got a late start campaigning. He added he is better organized this time around.

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In regards to specific issues, Whitefish said one of his biggest issues is economic development, which he believes is important in helping keep younger people in the province.

“I am an educator and I see a lot of our young people, they’re graduating and, you know, there’s really no movement in Saskatchewan in terms of jobs or any kind of support for them,” he said.

Other issues Whitefish believes are important are ensuring equal access to education and the environment.

Whitefish will face off against three term incumbent Nadine Wilson. Whitefish said constituents are not being well served by Wilson.

“We don’t ever hear from her, we hardly ever see her, she doesn’t make a lot of noise in the legislature, she’s a backbencher and really has no voice,” he said.

Saskatchewan NDP leader Ryan Meili said the party has been happy to see more contested nominations than they did previously. Meili added his party is looking to make a breakthrough in P.A and the surrounding area.

“Prince Albert Carlton, Sask Rivers, Batoche, these are seats that are absolutely key to us,” he said.

The opposition leader said the current government’s policies, like adding the provincial sales tax to construction and restaurant meals have hurt the area.

Having a candidate who has run previously is something Meili said is a positive.

“It always makes a difference when people have put in the effort, put their names out there,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn