Chartier “excited to be more available” for her family following retirement as MLA

After nearly 11 years as the MLA for Saskatoon-Riversdale, Danielle Chartier is retiring from her position, but she may not be going far.

Chartier shared her decision Wednesday in a Facebook post, outlining her family as the determining factor.

Chartier returned to Saskatoon following her Wednesday decision, and she spoke to 650 CKOM at her office Thursday about her choice, along with what’s next in her life.

“I’m retiring from politics, but not retiring from advocacy and fighting for people in Saskatchewan, here. We have a government that has spent a good chunk of its time not putting people first, so I will just be transitioning to finding other ways to fight for people here in Saskatchewan.”

She said her next steps will be focused on issues such as mental health, addictions and seniors’ care, but she’s not exactly sure as of yet what that will look like for her.

“This all happened fairly quickly. My dad passed away in the fall, but I was 100 per cent in on running. As a single parent for a good chunk of the last several years, I really rely on my support network.”

Chartier’s support network includes her sister, Michelle, who she says provided tons of care for her while the legislative assembly is in session. She said after a conversation with her over the weekend, Chartier decided that her sister needs a break.

“My sister has been as committed to this work as I have. This work of advocating for people in Saskatchewan by supporting me,” she said. “I need to be here for my kids, particularly my youngest who’s still at home.”

Chartier’s two children, Ophelia and Hennessey, have missed their mother throughout the years, she said. Currently, 22-year-old Hennessey is finishing her degree in science at McGill University.

Ophelia is 12-years-old. She was one when Chartier was elected, and she doesn’t know anything other than her mother working as an MLA, Chartier said.

“(Ophelia) is eager to have her mom back.”

Chartier said although she’s excited about her future endeavours, she’s sad to be leaving her current post.

“I love this work, it’s been such a huge privilege to represent the community that I grew up in, and that I still live in. So I’m sad to say good-bye to that part of the job, but I’m excited to be more available for both of my kids.”

In looking back at her career, Chartier says she’s extremely proud of her work with “Moms Stop the Harm,” which is an organization of mainly mothers who have been fighting for better mental health and addictions care.

Chartier is also proud of her work on a 2016 bill around PTSD becoming a presumptive illness, and work with the 2013 traffic safety advisory committee with impaired driving legislation.

Chartier says she will be stepping away at the end of the term. Whether that be on October 26, or sooner, she said she’s still ready to serve her constituents to the best of her ability until that time.

“I’d like to have another chance this legislative session to speak to a budget, to ask questions in committee because those are important parts of this work,” she said. “I still have a lot of fire in my belly, and there are lots of questions to be asked.

“All signs point towards a government breaking their set election law, and calling the election shortly after the budget.”

She said looking forward, she’s “confident” in the NDP’s future prospects in Saskatchewan.

“We’re really focused on putting people first, and making sure that we hold the government to account in their failings in health care and education,” she said.

“I think that’s resonating with people that I talk to.”