Conservative Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville, Cathay Wagantall, has announced she will resign her seat at the end of August, moving up her departure from Parliament Hill. Wagantall, who was once escorted from the premises for refusing to disclose her vaccination status, made the announcement in a statement released Wednesday.
Early Departure from Parliament
Re-elected for a fourth time in 2025, Wagantall had originally planned to serve until the next federal election. However, her statement indicated a change of plans, with her resignation now effective August 31, 2026. The Conservative Party has already selected Yorkton business owner Nelson Pohl as the candidate for the Yorkton-Melville riding in the next election.
Statement Highlights
In her public statement, Wagantall expressed support for Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and congratulated Pohl on his nomination. She also criticized two prime ministers while thanking her constituents, family, and staff. The statement did not provide a specific reason for her early departure, but Wagantall reflected on her tenure:
“I have decided to take my leave as of August 31, 2026,” the statement read. “The depth of support I’ve received over the past four elections has been both sobering and affirming. Sobering, in light of the overwhelming hardships imposed on the lives of those I represent. The economic sabotage and unethical, regressive overreach of the Carney-Trudeau government continues to deeply affect Canadians.”
Political Career and Controversy
Wagantall was first elected in 2015. In June 2022, she gained national attention for defying a parliamentary edict requiring all members to confirm their vaccination status before entering the House of Commons. The rule was implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wagantall, who had been working from home and called the rule “ridiculous,” was escorted from Parliament Hill. She was allowed to return days later when the vaccination rule was rescinded.
Looking Ahead
With Wagantall’s resignation, the Yorkton-Melville riding will see a new Conservative candidate in Nelson Pohl. The exact timing of the next federal election remains uncertain, but Pohl is poised to carry the party’s banner in the riding when the election is called.
