John Nilson was elected to serve as acting leader of the Saskatchewan NDP on Saturday.
The Provincial Council and caucus of the Saskatchewan NDP met in Regina to elect an acting leader for the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party (NDP).
Previous leader, Dwain Lingenfelter resigned on November 7th after his party was defeated in the 2011 provincial election by a majority government. He was also defeated by the Saskatchewan Party candidate in his own riding, Regina Douglas Park.
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“I am honoured to be selected to serve the NDP as acting leader,” said Nilson.
Mr. Nilson was first elected in 1995 and has represented the Regina Lakeview riding since then. Nilson was appointed to Cabinet as Minister of Justice and Attorney General in 1995.
Nilson, was elected to the Regina Lakeview riding in 2011 by 48.4 per cent of the vote. It was a close race with the Saskatchewan Party’s Bob Hawkins acquiring 46.6 per cent of the vote.
Mr. Nilson lives in the Regina Lakeview area with his wife and two daughters and is an active member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and the Scandinavian Club of Regina.
The NDP lost 11 seats to the Saskatchewan Party in the 2011 election.
The new interim leadership position must have at least 50 per cent of the vote, plus one vote.
The NDP said they will decide on a leadership competition to select a new leader in February or March of 2012.
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