The Saskatchewan Party is looking for a new leader after Premier Brad Wall announced his retirement Thursday morning.
Since November 7, 2007, much has changed in Saskatchewan with Brad Wall at the helm. Generally, Wall was well-liked by his constituents, according to popularity polls.
Wall’s premiership has not been without controversy. The last budget saw an initial deficit of $685 million, the Global Transportation Hub land deal scandal followed the Sask. Party since news broke of it in 2016 and the Regina Bypass project was widely criticized because of its continuously rising cost.
After 10 years of leadership, Saskatchewan people and others have some opinions about Wall’s time in office. Here’s what some of them are saying:
From Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: “I have had the privilege of working closely with Premier Wall for more than a year and a half. In that time, we have made important progress on the issues that matter most to middle class Canadians, including pensions, health care, growing our agricultural industry, and promoting our natural resources to the world.
“Premier Wall has worked tirelessly to promote Canada and Canadian exports with our international trading partners. His efforts will benefit the people of Saskatchewan for years to come.”
The University of Regina’s President Vianne Timmons had this to say: “Serving as Premier involves significant sacrifice and time away from family and friends, and any person who takes on this challenge deserves our most sincere appreciation. We wish Premier Wall all the best in his future endeavours.”
From federal Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer: “Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast have appreciated his leadership on the national stage, particularly his opposition to a national carbon tax. He has always been a strong voice for resource development and job creation, and the prosperity and opportunity these industries offer to hard-working families.”