Doyle Vermette of the Saskatchewan NPD candidate is elected in the riding of Cumberland.
Summary
An NDP stronghold in northern Saskatchewan, Doyle Vermette seeks re-election in Cumberland.
Boundaries
Encompassing the entire northwest quarter of the province, Cumberland roughly spans all areas north of the 54th parallel, and east of the 106th parallel, excluding the Black Lake area.
The largest population centres are La Ronge, Air Ronge, Denare Beach, Creighton and Cumberland House.
Last Election
Vermette defeated Saskatchewan Party candidate Thomas Sierzycki by over 1,700 votes. Turnout in the riding was 40 per cent.
History
Perhaps the safest NDP riding in the province historically, Cumberland has gone to the NDP — or its predecessor, the CCF — in every election since 1952.
Candidates
NDP: DOYLE VERMETTE Incumbent
First won the seat in a 2008 byelection after Joan Beatty resigned to run federally for the Liberal Party. Re-elected in 2011 and 2016.
NDP whip and critic for northern Saskatchewan, SGI and STC.
For eight years, Vermette was a member of the board of education, Northern Lights School Division/Nortep-Norpac, spending two years as board chair.
Vermette is of Métis ancestry and was born and raised in Prince Albert.
Saskatchewan Party: DARREN DESCHAMBEAULT
Went to school in Cumberland House where he was born and raised.
He received his bachelor of arts from the University of Regina.
Has worked in communications for about 30 years and currently works as a communications consultant for an oil and gas company.
Deschambeault and his spouse have two children.
Deschambeault disclosed that he had an impaired driving conviction in 2001. He said he has since received a pardon for that offence. The Saskatchewan Party said it was making the conviction known in the interest of transparency.
Green Party: AARON OOCHOO