REGINA (Staff) – Saskatchewan Liberal party agriculture critic Harvey McLane announced last week he will not seek the leadership of the party and threw his support behind Saskatoon doctor Jim Melenchuk.
McLane said he would concentrate his efforts on bringing agricultural issues to the campaign.
“I had to ask myself a very fundamental question: Would my passion and devotion for rural Saskatchewan overshadow the total responsibility that a leader must have for the whole of the province?
“Today I commit my support and my energy to one who I feel confident can work in harmony with each of us in drafting and implementing the policies that will rejuvenate our farm communities, repair our ailing health system, kick-start our rural economy and get all of Saskatchewan working together again.”
In an interview, McLane said he will make sure Melenchuk knows the importance of agriculture.
The leadership convention will be held in November in Saskatoon. A series of candidates’ forums begins Sept. 23.
