Ken Cheveldayoff joins Sask. Party leadership race

Saskatoon MLA Ken Cheveldayoff is adding his name to the list of hopefuls to take over as leader of the Saskatchewan Party.

Cheveldayoff had previously said he intended to run, but made his official announcement Monday in Saskatoon.

“Saskatchewan is the cause, my lifelong cause,” he told a crowd of about 100 supporters at the Sheraton Cavalier.

“I am prepared to take the torch from Brad Wall. I am prepared to make it shine bright again.”

The Saskatoon-Willowgrove MLA unveiled part of his platform during his announcement, outlining plans to emphasize on growth of the agriculture sector.

He said he would “foster the development of niche lines” of agriculture products, and encourage First Nations and Metis involvement in the industry.

Cheveldayoff touted his upbringing on a farm near Blaine Lake, where he helped with day-to-day jobs.

“I was never much of a farmer, but boy did I gain a great appreciation,” he said.

He also noted he was opposed to the federal carbon tax, but wanted to promote the idea of agriculture as the country’s largest “carbon sink.”

Most recently serving as the Sask. Party’s House leader, Cheveldayoff has held a number of cabinet posts since the Sask. Party first came to power in 2007.

Cheveldayoff previously served as minister of First Nations and Métis relations, minister responsible for the Sask. Gaming Corportation and minister responsible for Northern Affairs.

He was also environment minister and monister responsible for the Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and the Saskatchewan Water Corporation.

Cheveldayoff attended Ottawa’s Carleton University, the University of Saskatchewan and California’s Newport University, earning a degree in economics and political science in 1988 and an MBA in 1996.

Before going into politics, he worked for Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Cheveldayoff was first elected to Saskatchewan’s Legislative Assembly in 2003, winning re-election bids in 2007, 2011 and 2016.  He currently represents the riding of Saskatoon-Willowgrove.