SASKATOON — The leader of the Saskatchewan NDP says he's resigning because it has become difficult for people to separate him from his demands for tougher COVID-19 measures.
Ryan Meili, who renewed his medical licence to help on the front lines, has delivered a caucus message the past two years that focused heavily on stricter public health rules and sometimes lockdowns.
He compares himself to a Pelaton bike — an exercise machine owned by a company that has faced declining stocks as the pandemic progressed.
"At the beginning (of the pandemic), everyone wanted the indoor exercise bike. That was the thing. And now nobody wants one. I get it. People want to move on from this time," Meili said Friday from his office in Saskatoon.
"As someone who has become so associated with masks, with mandates, with calling for the tough things that needed to be done, it's going to be very difficult to no longer be associated with that at a time when people are looking for something new."
Meili said he will remain in caucus as member of the legislature for Saskatoon-Meewasin for at least one more session before deciding whether he will stay in politics.
He and his caucus have decided it would be best for him to continue as leader until a replacement is selected in a leadership race. That person will be the NDP's fourth leader since Lorne Calvert retired in 2008.
Meili was first elected leader of the Opposition in 2018, but failed in his goal of substantially expanding the NDP seat count in the October 2020 election.
The party's 13 seats in the legislature were reduced by one this week when a long-held stronghold went to the governing party in a byelection. It was the first time the northern constituency of Athabasca went to the Saskatchewan Party.
"The leader of the Opposition has continuously tried to communicate, and has not resonated with Saskatchewan people, and more recently not resonating with people in the Athabasca byelection," Premier Scott Moe said Friday.
"In many ways, what were seeing is he's falling on the sword of his caucus members."
Meili said he's not resigning because of any particular moment, but because this is the right time to have a clear-eyed look at where the NDP is politically, especially since the government has decided its time for society to live with COVID-19.
"Where the province is going … I think someone else can carry that (message) more successfully," Meili said.
"There just comes a moment when you know."
He said he's proud of the work he's done as leader and apologized to those who supported him. His goal remains to help the New Democrats get elected in the next provincial election in 2024, he said.
"It's not like people are impressed with Scott Moe or the Saskatchewan Party," Meili added. "They're looking for a real alternative, and I'm here to help."
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2022.
— By Mickey Djuric in Regina
The Canadian Press
