Long-time NDP MLA not running in next year’s election

A familiar face in the Saskatchewan Legislature won’t be returning after the 2020 provincial election.

The NDP’s Warren McCall says he won’t be running for re-election.

On Thursday, the Regina Elphinstone-Centre MLA said his family has been dealing with a number of difficult health challenges and said it has brought into focus the sacrifices that go with public office.

“I’ve been around long enough in this to have been through the deaths of immediate family members,” McCall told reporters at the legislative building. “This was certainly part of the end of my first marriage.

“There is a real sacrifice that politicians make in terms of family and trying to balance the demands of the job.”

McCall said his 85-year-old father had a health scare during the Christmas season, so McCall wants to spend more time with him. As well, McCall’s wife battled cancer in the winter, and that too prompted him to consider leaving politics.

He also mentioned that he’ll be 48 at the time of the next election and if he’s to start another career — he mentioned that being a Social Studies teacher at Scott Collegiate is his “secret fantasy life” — he may have to go to school to prepare for that.

In a media release, McCall also said “that the NDP candidacy in Elphinstone could use some renewal as well.” He told reporters that he remains proud of his colleagues in the party and of Leader Ryan Meili as the NDP moves forward.

McCall was first elected in 2001, and by the end of this term, he will have served nearly 20 years in office. He was part of the Lorne Calvert NDP government and served in cabinet.

McCall is currently the NDP’s critic for Advanced Education, SaskTel, and Parks, Culture and Sport, among other files.

A product of Regina’s North Central neighbourhood, he said he was glad to have had the opportunity to represent the area.

“I’m thankful for all of the wonderful kitchen tables I’ve sat around and doorsteps I’ve been on and good times and bad times I’ve shared with my friends and neighbours,” McCall said. “That’s where I was born and raised, a lot of folks know me and they still managed to vote for me.

“I’m just very thankful.”