Cumberland MLA to step aside from provincial politics in 2024

A northeast Saskatchewan MLA said he will be stepping aside and not seeking re-election in 2024.

Doyle Vermette, the Saskatchewan NDP MLA for Cumberland, made the announcement on Tuesday.

“Being the MLA for the Cumberland constituency has been one of the greatest experiences I’ve had in my lifetime. It has brought me many positives and sometimes many challenges, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Vermette. “I have built trust and many relationships with wonderful people, and I hope these relationships will only get stronger as we continue to fight for a better province.”

Born and raised in Prince Albert, Vermette moved to La Ronge, where he raised his family.

His dedication to public service goes back decades, from serving on the council for the village of Air Ronge from 1994-97 to sitting on the Board of Education for the Northern Lights School Division for eight years, two of those years as board chair.

From 2004 to 2008, he was acting chair of the Gabriel Dumont Institute.

He has served on the boards of the Keewatin Career Development Corporation, the Saskatchewan Water Corporation, the Jim Brady Métis Local #19 and the Kikinahk Friendship Centre.

“I have been in office since 2008 and now feel it is time for another to take the wheel and continue the fight for the people of our constituency,” Vermette said.

Vermette first took provincial office in 2008 following a byelection in Cumberland after Joan Beatty resigned. He was re-elected multiple times to that seat, most recently in 2020, winning just over 65 per cent of the vote.

According to a statement from the Saskatchewan NDP, Vermette has been a fierce advocate for his community and all people of northern Saskatchewan, particularly northern youth.

As Critic for Mental Health and Addictions, he tackled the suicide and addictions crisis and accomplished the feat of passing his private member’s bill, The Saskatchewan Strategy for Suicide Prevention Act, with support from all members of the assembly.

“Doyle’s contributions to his community, the North, and this province are immeasurable and you’d be hard-pressed to find someone in this chamber so dedicated to the community he calls home. His advocacy and accomplishments have truly cemented a lasting legacy,” NDP Leader Carla Beck said. “Always quick with a joke, his presence will be sorely missed and we wish him and his family nothing but the absolute best as he takes on this next chapter of his life.”

The next provincial election is to be held in the fall of 2024.