The Saskatchewan New Democrats will elect a new leader in Regina in late June. The NDP Provincial Council set the rules and timing for the leadership race on Saturday. All members in good standing will be eligible to vote online or by mail-in ballot. On February 18th, Leader Ryan Meili announced he was stepping down from the role.

At the same meeting, the NDP unanimously approved a solidarity motion with the people of Ukraine, as well as all Saskatchewan people with friends and family in the region. Here is the full motion:

Be it resolved that the Saskatchewan NDP fully support and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, as well as with all Saskatchewan people with friends and family in the region. Furthermore, we commend the Saskatchewan NDP Caucus for taking meaningful action and offering to work collaboratively with the provincial government to:

· Call on the federal government to expedite the settlement process for those fleeing violence in Ukraine;

· Expand resources offered to settlement agencies in Saskatchewan to support newcomers, and;

· Expand the mandate and membership of the Saskatchewan-Ukraine Relations Advisory Committee (SURAC) to include members of the Legislative Assembly from both sides of the aisle.

Saskatchewan has a long history with Ukraine. Our province was settled by many Ukrainians, and we are proud that many Ukrainian-Canadians call our province home. We encourage Caucus to continue its efforts, as Ukraine continues to face violence and an unjust war.