Saskatchewan’s top civil servant has entered the Saskatchewan Party leadership campaign.
Alanna Koch, who was the deputy minister to the premier, is made the announcement Monday morning at a farm south of Regina.
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“Ultimately, this race is about families – the family farm, family businesses, and middle-class working families,” Koch said in a release.
“The leader of this province needs to have a deep understanding of what matters to Saskatchewan people and that’s what I bring to this race.”
Koch has an extensive background in agriculture.
“I have stood up for farmers and the agriculture industry. I’ve helped open doors so our farmers can sell their beef, wheat and canola all over the world,” Koch said.
“I have focused on what matters to Saskatchewan business. I am passionate about Saskatchewan and our future.”
Koch was named deputy minister to the premier in July 2016, the first woman in Saskatchewan to hold that position.
She has taken an unpaid leave of absence from her position.
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Koch is the fourth person to enter the leadership race, joining Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Jeremy Harrison and Gord Wyant.
Parks Minister Ken Cheveldayoff is also expected to enter the race on Monday.
He is making an announcement at noon Monday in Saskatoon.
Cabinet members have until Aug. 28 to announce their intentions to run for the Saskatchewan Party leadership and resign from cabinet.
With files from David Baxter
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