‘Done this province proud:’ Sask. reacts to Wall resignation

Brad Wall is known for using social media to spread his message – now, people are sharing their sentiments on the popular premier in the same way.

Wall announced his plans to resign in a video posted to Facebook and Twitter Thursday morning. Hundreds of people in Saskatchewan saw the video within the first hour and posted their messages in the comments.

“You have done this province proud. Thank you for your years of service,” Mj Smith wrote on Facebook.

“Thank you for the last 10 years, sorry to see you go,” Stacey Huckabay posted.

It has been..and will always be the honour of my working life to serve as Premier of this Province that I love. https://t.co/COG6fGNWc4

— Brad Wall (@PremierBradWall) August 10, 2017

Soon after the video was posted, Wall tweeted, “It has been, and will always be, the honour of my working life to serve as Premier of this Province that I love.”

The tweet garnered hundreds of responses, including from beyond provincial borders.

“Trusted and true Canadian, you will be missed. Not only a sad day for Saskatchewan but all of Canada,” Elaine Murray tweeted.

Others shared similar sentiments, with one Twitter user from Calgary saying, “We in Alberta have envied you in Saskatchewan for having such a fantastic leader. Thank you Brad Wall.”

Huge thanks @PremierBradWall for 10 great years of service as SK Premier & @sskroughriders fan #1! #ThanksBrad #SKpoli

— Michael M (@princeof416) August 10, 2017

Wall’s career with the Sask. Party started as a candidate in Swift Current, winning the seat in the 1999 provincial election.

Wall was re-elected in 2003 as MLA for Swift Current. He succeeded Elwin Hermanson as the party leader in 2004. He then guided the Sask. Party to its first majority government in 2007.

The party then took the largest vote share in the province’s history with a landslide majority government win in 2011, capturing 64 per cent of the popular vote.

Wall then led the Sask. Party to a third consecutive majority government in the 2016 provincial election, taking 63 per cent of the popular vote.

Biting backlash

Not all the messages bid the Premier a flowery farewell.

“Guess the captain does not stay with a sinking ship,” tweeted BJ Rogers.

Among the commenters thanking Wall for his service, others called into question the timing of his departure following budget decisions in March many have protested.

“He gutted our finances, education system, denied climate change, and now runs away before it all comes out in the wash,” Robert Rudachyk posted on Facebook.

“About time. But pity the party that has to come fix his mess. They will be blamed for his mess until fixed somewhat,” Lydia Worme wrote.

Wall announced Thursday he will be staying on as premier until a new leader is elected.