Economist And Progressive Blogger - Erin Weir - Seeking Leadership Of Saskatchewan New Democrats
"I have to admit that I became an economist because I didn't have enough charisma to cut it as an accountant."
Erin Weir
Candidate For Leader
Saskatchewan New Democrats
Readers of Progressive Bloggers will be proud to note that one of our members and bloggers is now in the race to lead the Saskatchewan NDP.
I like Erin Weir. I like what he talks about in terms of policy and vision. He is going to bring a high level of informed debate and discussion to the campaign.
Weir seeking leadership of Sask. NDP
by Pamela Cowan - Regina Leader-Post
"Erin Weir isn't entering a popularity contest with Brad Wall, but he plans to challenge the premier on policy issues.
At a Friday morning news conference to announce his intention to seek the leadership of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party, Weir admitted he doesn't have the charisma to take on the most popular premier in Canada.
"I have to admit that I became an economist because I didn't have enough charisma to cut it as an accountant," quipped the former NDP youth president and candidate for Wascana in the 2004 federal election.
At Tommy Douglas House in Regina, the 30-year-old said one of the worst mistakes that former NDP leader Dwain Lingenfelter made in the last provincial election campaign was his personal attacks on Wall. "It did not work and it's unlikely to work in the future," Weir said.
He believes the NDP should challenge the Saskatchewan Party's agenda and propose policy alternatives. Weir said the top issue facing Saskatchewan is better management of the province's non-renewable resources.
"For a decade, I have consistently argued for collecting a better return on the depletion of those resources," he said. Collecting more royalty revenue is complex and should be explained and developed over years rather than raised as an issue in pre-election campaigning, Weir said.
"Additional resource revenue would allow the provincial government to both invest in needed public services today and also set aside a savings fund for future generations," he said.
He favours using revenue from non-renewable resources to develop solar, wind and geothermal power.
Weir noted that recent NDP governments did little to combat climate change and consequently some members migrated to the Green Party. He reiterated his stance that the province increase the current hourly minimum wage from $9.50 to $11.
Since Lingenfelter resigned when he lost his seat on election night last November, veteran MLA John Nilson has been acting as interim leader.
Cam Broten, MLA for Saskatoon Massey Place, announced his leadership intentions Wednesday. Other contenders expected to enter the leadership race are Saskatoon doctor Ryan Meili and MLA Trent Wotherspoon.
Party members will elect a new leader on March 9, 2013. The vote will be a preferential system.
pcowan@leaderpost.com
Regina Leader-Post
