As expected, Rosthern-Shellbrook MLA Scott Moe entered the Saskatchewan Party leadership race last week.
He has strong caucus support, receiving the endorsement of 21 caucus members including an unexpected Jeremy Harrison. The Meadow Lake MLA withdrew from the contest just an hour before Moe’s announcement.
Harrison said in a statement that Moe is a longtime friend “and the candidate in this race who most closely shares both my values and principles.”
Moe said Harrison and the others will play a valuable role in developing the policy the team will announce prior to the Jan. 27 vote for the person who will automatically become the next premier.
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He said renewal is not just about one person.
“I just don’t know how someone can step into our premier’s shoes,” Moe said in an interview. “It won’t be just one person. It will be a team of us.”
Health Minister Jim Reiter introduced Moe at the campaign launch, saying he is the best person to lead the team.
Moe was raised on a grain farm in the Shellbrook area and has an agriculture degree from the University of Saskatchewan. He is married with two children.
First elected in 2011, he has served as advanced education and environment minister. He was the minister responsible for new agricultural drainage regulations.
He has been a strong opponent to a carbon tax.
“I know that Scott will fight the federal carbon tax with every tool at our province’s disposal,” said Harrison in his statement. “I also know Scott is a person of deep integrity who is committed to ethics and accountability in government.”
Moe said his caucus support comes from a wide cross-section of both urban and rural Saskatchewan and his team will engage with all residents.
There are now five candidates in the race. Current agriculture minister Lyle Stewart and former minister Bob Bjornerud, a founder of the Sask. Party, have both endorsed Gord Wyant. Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Ken Cheveldayoff and Alanna Koch are the other candidates.
