The NDP take back Regina Northeast in byelection win

The NDP have won Regina Northeast in a byelection Wednesday.

Yens Pedersen, a three-time candidate, will take his place in the Saskatchewan Legislature Oct. 24 when the fall session begins following a comfortable win with 53.8 per cent of the vote. Saskatchewan Party candidate Gary Grewal got 39.1 per cent of the vote.

“It feels pretty great, it is way better winning than losing,” Pedersen joked to reporters once the result was known.

And he believes the momentum is now on the NDP’s side following the budget decisions made by the government.

“Over and over again what we heard back was this is how this cut is hurting my family, my grandchildren,” Pedersen argued. “We think the people of Saskatchewan are getting tired of this government, getting tired of some old ideas.”

The win is a boost to Ryan Meili, the first win for the NDP under his leadership. After two other byelection victories in the past 18 months, the NDP’s seat count increases to 13.

“I think this really says that the people of Saskatchewan are looking at new democrats, taking us serious as a potential government,” Meili said.

Barring any other vote, the next true test for the government and opposition will be in November 2020, the next general election.

According to the Elections Saskatchewan website, approximately 40 per cent of eligible voters cast a ballot.