'Frustrated' Riders look to end six-game winless skid
15h ago
The team is losing by an average of four points per game and have gone 0-5-1 in their last six games.
After announcing he won’t be running again in the next election, Joe Hargrave was shuffled out of cabinet Monday in favour of Terry Jenson.
Jenson was sworn in as the new Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement early Monday afternoon.
He said he was very excited when asked to take the post earlier that day.
“When you’re first elected your primary reason for being elected is to serve the people, and I serve with lots of great people and I really enjoy serving my constituents, and this is an honour and privilege to be able to join another group of esteemed individuals in the ministry,” said Jenson.
He’s the MLA for Martensville-Warman which has, as the premier described, two of the fastest growing cities in the country.
“Because I’m in a situation where there is a lot of growth, I think I bring some ability and some knowledge and insight into how to address those needs in a meaningful way,” explained Jenson.
He said he has a deep business background, having run a successful small business for nearly 30 years, and Jenson said his business acumen and success will serve him well in the role.
New cabinet minister Terry Jenson takes the oath in Government House to replace Joe Hargrave and become the new Minister of SaskBuilds and procurement after Hargrave asked to step away. May 27, 2024 (Lisa Schick/980 CJME)
The news release accompanying the shuffle said Hargrave had asked to step away from the ministerial role – there are three other cabinet ministers who won’t be running again who have not been replaced.
Premier Scott Moe said each minister staying or leaving their position was a conversation with them and what they would choose or what was in the best interest of the party.
When asked about Hargrave not running, Moe said he thought Hargrave had reflected on a few personal things that have happened in his life over the past few months and what he plans to do the next four years.
At the same time Jenson was brought in, Minister Lori Carr was made Government House Leader and Paul Merriman was made Deputy House Leader. Jeremy Harrison had been the house leader but resigned that post after he admitted to bringing a gun into the legislative building, contrary to what he had previously claimed.
16 sitting Sask. Party MLAs
Hargrave isn’t the only government MLA who won’t be on the ballot in the fall election.
As of Monday, there were 16 sitting Sask. Party MLAs not running again – two lost their nominations, but the other 14 chose not to run.
There are also two independent MLAs who used to be with the Sask. Party who won’t be running – Greg Lawrence who resigned his caucus membership, and Ryan Domotor who was kicked out of caucus.
The decision of so many MLAs to not run doesn’t indicate dysfunction in the party, according to Moe.
“There’s some personal reflection going on, I think, in the broader scope of what it takes to serve in politics in today’s day and age, at any level,” said the premier.
Moe said he didn’t have any concerns about how many were leaving.
“Not when you dive into the discussions with each of those individuals as to why they may not be running again,” he said.
Instead of concern, Moe said he’s excited about the new candidates coming in, saying it’s an opportunity for renewal for the party.
“I think there’s some real opportunities in the folks that are choosing to run for this party for the first time and where we see the future of this party, both rural and urban,” said Moe.
The next election has to happen on or before Oct. 28.