Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has secured a decisive vote of confidence from his party, earning approval from more than 80 per cent of delegates at the recent Saskatchewan Party convention.
Taking Responsibility for Urban Setbacks
Addressing the gathering, Premier Moe struck a reflective tone. He directly shouldered the blame for his party's performance in the province's two largest urban centres during the last provincial election. "The loss was a step backwards for us and a step backwards for the Saskatchewan Party. For that, I take responsibility," Moe told the crowd. He acknowledged his role as the public face of the campaign, stating, "I was the face of the campaign and we didn't always get it right."
Despite these urban losses, which saw the party's support wane in Saskatoon and Regina, Moe's government ultimately secured a fifth consecutive majority. However, the Premier emphasized that the party cannot afford complacency and must refocus its efforts.
Looking Ahead to the Next Election
In his speech ahead of the confidence vote, Moe confirmed his intention to lead the party into the next election but stressed the need for improvement. "I will never, ever take that support for granted," he assured members, whose backing he needs to run again as leader.
Moe positioned himself and his party as a stable choice for economic growth, while characterizing the Opposition NDP as "lost and reckless." He announced that potential candidates for the next provincial election can begin seeking their nominations early next year, signaling the start of a new electoral cycle.
Party Business and Internal Rules
The convention, held in Saskatoon, also featured debates on internal party governance. Delegates were set to decide on a significant motion that would change membership voting rights. The proposal seeks to strip voting powers from permanent residents and youth, allowing only Canadian adult citizens to vote on party matters.
This level of support, while strong, marks a decrease from the 97 per cent approval rating Moe received at the party's last convention in 2023. Organizers of the recent gathering did not provide an exact percentage for the Premier's latest approval rating, only confirming it surpassed the 80 per cent threshold.
