Belanger resigning as NDP MLA to seek federal Liberal nomination

Athabasca MLA Buckley Belanger has set his sights on federal politics and will be resigning from his current provincial seat on Sunday.

He made the announcement Tuesday during an online media conference, when he said he will be seeking the federal Liberal nomination for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River. The riding is currently held by Conservative MP Gary Vidal.

“It is a decision that I am making with a lot of enthusiasm and certainly with a lot of optimism,” Belanger said. “This is my way of listening to some of the folks that have told me look at every option and that’s exactly what we are doing.

“I think from the political perspective that this is indeed a great opportunity for Northern Saskatchewan to really make a big difference and get a voice to Ottawa.”

Belanger has been an MLA since 1995, when he was first elected as a Liberal. He later decided to join the NDP, subsequently won a byelection to keep his seat in 1998 and has served the constituency in that capacity ever since.

Belanger explained he decided to seek the Liberal nomination because he believes nothing seems to be happening for the residents of Northern Saskatchewan.

He accused the provincial government of not doing enough during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the feds stepped in to ensure First Nations and Metis communities had the resources they needed.

“In those desperate, trying times, people were really fearful because COVID-19 was not understood,” Belanger said. “In those darkest times, the federal government came along and offered those supports and a lot of people were very, very happy with that.”

Another reason Belanger decided to seek the nomination is because of the Liberals’ support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Northern Saskatchewan residents are tired of bad roads, housing problems and what he called the lack of response to the crisis of illegal drugs, Belanger told paNOW.

“There just seems to be no support out there and something’s got to give,” he said.

Belanger is the longest-serving member of the Legislative Assembly and has served as minister in various portfolios under premiers Roy Romanow and Lorne Calvert, including Northern Affairs, Environment, Community Resources, and Highways and Transportation.

The NDP is sorry to see Belanger leave the party, Leader Ryan Meili said in a statement, adding the party is grateful for his service.

“Our focus now will be making sure there is a strong voice for Northwest Saskatchewan in the Legislature as the Sask. Party has repeatedly shown complete disregard for the concerns of the people of Athabasca,” Meili stated.

— With files from Ian Gustafson

Derek Cornet, larongeNOW