SASKATOON — The recent NDP leadership contender Kaitlyn Harvey will not be running in the Saskatoon Meewasin byelection.
Harvey had previously announced plans to run for the NDP nomination in Meewasin a month ago, while still campaigning in the leadership race, which she eventually lost to Carla Beck.
But on Tuesday, Harvey bowed out, saying in posts on social media that she planned to concentrate on her law practice.
Harvey cited Sask. Party plans to move ahead with a 20-year forest harvesting plan that she said would put heritage sites at risk and damage critical habitat, and indicated her intentions to make fighting it a focus of her legal career.
"It's hard to know what the 'right' or 'best' thing to do is in this situation but I know there are many great candidates who could run in Meewasin, whereas there aren't many lawyers in Saskatchewan who practice in this area of law. There is a huge need for legal representation and advocacy, right now, and I feel compelled to use my knowledge and skills to help fill this gap.
"I have therefore decided to continue with my legal practice and seek to hold the government of Saskatchewan accountable from the outside, and use my platform and website www.changestartshere.ca to raise awareness of these issues and crowdfund to help cover the cost of research and litigation."
Saskatoon Meewasin had previously been held by former NDP leader Ryan Meili, who vacated the seat following the leadership race. A byelection has not been called as of yet.
