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Moe responds to Trump election, walks back changeroom ban policy in first scrum

Premier Scott Moe spoke to the media following his cabinet shuffle last week and addressed topics ranging from Donald Trump to the biological changeroom topic.

When asked to respond to Trump’s re-election, Moe said, “As you know, and at times, some have criticized the time that we have spent, whether it be ministers or myself in Washington, D.C., working on relationships both on the Democratic side as well as the Republican side. I think today, in light of a change in administration in the U.S., that we can be thankful that we have made those efforts on all three fronts, whether it be supporting our federal government, engaging with the new administration, supporting through the Council of Federation table premiers' engagement, but also ensuring that we are representing Saskatchewan's interests, not just in the U.S.A., but I would say in other areas of the world as well.”

When asked if his first priority would be the biological changeroom policy as he indicated on the campaign, the Premier said he misspoke. "I'm a decisive personality, and I might say some things without maybe giving them the proper thought," he explained. "When I said this would be the first order of business, it’d be one of those times."

He added that local school boards will be elected and the government will consult with them moving forward, saying, “There's going to be a conversation that happens with the school divisions after their elections happen. That conversation is going to be focused on ensuring that every child is supported."

Moe also said, "I need to take a breath from time to time and consult with people as well," and that the tone of the government will change, starting with his.

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NDP announces new Chief of Staff

After the recent provincial election, the Saskatchewan NDP is making some changes behind the scenes.

Jeremy Nolais will take on the role of Chief of Staff to Carla Beck and the NDP caucus. He will replace former MLA Warren McCall in this role.

Nolais is known for working as the chief of staff to Rachel Notley and the Alberta NDP during her latest term as opposition leader, working nine years overall with the NDP including senior government roles.

Beck welcomed Nolais to the team, saying, “Jeremy’s experience and insights will be invaluable as we continue to build on our momentum and advocate for the priorities of the people of Saskatchewan. We look forward to presenting a bold and positive alternative to the people of Saskatchewan.”

The news was posted to Nolais’ Twitter account saying, “So excited to start a new adventure tomorrow as Chief of Staff to the incredible Carla Beck and the Saskatchewan NDP caucus.”

NDP caucus meets in Regina for first time following election

The opposition NDP held their first in-person caucus meeting in Regina last Friday. The NDP has increased its seat count to 27 MLAs, the largest opposition caucus in decades.

NDP leader Carla Beck said she and her team are ready to hold the government accountable and position themselves as the government in waiting. Beck said, "Anyone who seeks to be the government in this province should be focused on addressing the issues that Saskatchewan people need addressed,"

She told reporters Thursday that classrooms have experienced a decade of underfunding. Beck said, "We have kids right now whose parents are being called before lunch to come and get them because there aren't supports available for them in those schools." She continued, “There are huge issues across the province, even just in education. That's what any government should be focused on."

The NDP has not yet announced their shadow cabinet/critic portfolios.

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Elections Saskatchewan releases final vote count result

The provincial election final count has been completed and the results remain unchanged.

Elections Saskatchewan said, “During this Final Count, all vote-by-mail ballots received between October 27 and November 7 are counted, along with all hospital and remand centre votes, centrally in Regina. The Final Count is also conducted in returning offices, where returning officers will verify the numbers generated from the First Preliminary Count on Monday, October 28.”

Eyes were on the constituency of Saskatoon Westview, the closest race during the election. NDP candidate April ChiefCalf was successful, defeating Saskatchewan Party incumbent David Buckingham by a margin of 74 votes.

Overall, 471,087 votes were cast in the election, with a voter turnout of 56.7%, up a few points from 2020. The Saskatchewan Party garnered 244,037 votes, or 52.3% of the vote. The New Democrats had 188,373 votes or 40.4% of the vote.

The next official step is returning the Writs of Election to the Legislative Assembly on November 20. The legislature is set to resume business this fall with a sitting and Throne Speech expected the last week of November.

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