A former member of Parliament is making a run to become the next leader of the Saskatchewan Party.
Rob Clarke announced his leadership intentions Wednesday morning.
Calling his campaign a “fresh start for Saskatchewan,” Clarke said he is entering the race as the only candidate prepared to hit the restart button on the party and the government.
“All the candidates in the race are talking about renewal, which only represents more of the same,” Clarke said at a press conference.
“I am the only true outsider in this race, the only candidate capable of delivering renewal and building a bigger and better party.”
Clarke said this is one of the most important elections seen in the province in over a decade, not only because a new leader will be chosen, but also a new premier.
“Let’s hit the reset button, let’s just not talk about renewal but actually do something,” Clarke said.
“Let’s give the honest, hardworking people of Saskatchewan what they want they want – a fresh start.”
He offered no details about any policy positions during his live Facebook announcement; however he did elaborate on why he’s entering the race with only three weeks left to sell memberships.
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“I do bring a lot of qualities to this leadership race, being an RCMP and having the experience of running a full campaign.” Clarke said.
“I think I should be able to appeal and ask for people’s second votes, if it comes down to it.”
He added that he has support in northern Saskatchewan, with plenty of family and contacts in the Regina and southern Saskatchewan areas.
Clarke hinted he is jumping into the race so late because he needed to raise funds.
“I have to work,” he said. “I have to pay the bills, I have to pay the mortgage, I think most people in Saskatchewan will understand that,” Clarke said.
“You look at the other candidates, who are MLAs and actually campaigning on taxpayer dollars, I find that very frustrating.”
Clarke believes the other candidates should take a leave without pay while campaigning for the leadership as he had to do while running for a federal seat as an RCMP officer.
He did weigh in on recent controversial comments made by Education Minister Bronwyn Eyre.
“I think it was intolerant, derogatory and hurtful,” Clarke, who is from the Muskeg Lake First Nation, said.
“If and when I am elected, I will discuss that with her personally; maybe some cultural sensitivity courses would be in order.”
Clarke was the MP for the Conservative Party of Canada for the Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River riding in northern Saskatchewan.
He was first elected to Parliament in a March 2008 byelection and re-elected twice in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections
He lost his seat in the 2015 federal election.
Clarke was previously a member of the RCMP for 18 years, rising to the rank of sergeant before running for office.
Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Ken Cheveldayoff, Alanna Koch, Scott Moe and Gord Wyant are also running to replace Brad Wall as leader of the party and become the new premier of Saskatchewan.
Those five have taken part in three leadership debates, with a fourth debate scheduled for Nov. 16 in North Battleford.
Under the rules established by the party, only candidates who have been officially nominated one week in advance of a debate are allowed to participate.
The new leader of the Saskatchewan Party will be chosen on Jan. 27, 2018 at a leadership convention in Saskatoon.
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