Two more Sask. Party MLAs say they’re not running again this fall

Two more Saskatchewan Party MLAs have announced that they won’t run for reelection this fall.

In a statement shared by the governing party, both Marv Friesen and Hugh Nerlien said they don’t plan to run again.

Friesen has represented Saskatoon Riversdale since 2020. According to the party, he’s facing health challenges that make it difficult for him to continue in politics.

“I want to thank the people of Saskatoon Riversdale for electing me in 2020 and thank Premier Moe and my caucus colleagues for their support and friendship over these past four years,” Friesen said in a statement.

Nerlien, who was first elected in 2016 and represents Kelvington-Wadena, didn’t give a reason for his decision but said he will focus on spending more time with his family after departing from politics.

“It has been the honour of a lifetime to represent the great people of Kelvington-Wadena for the past eight years,” he said in a statement, “and I look forward to supporting our next candidate to become the next MLA in a Saskatchewan Party government.”

The party said it will nominate new candidates in both ridings in the weeks ahead.

While the party will have 29 incumbents on the ballots this fall, a number of high-profile government MLAs have announced they won’t be running again.

Those names include long-time cabinet ministers Donna Harpauer, Don Morgan, Don McMorris, Gord Wyant, and Dustin Duncan, along with Dana Soropad, Fred Bradshaw, Greg Ottenbreit, Ken Francis, Gary Grewal and Delbert Kirsch.

This year’s election must be held on or before October 28.