Gord Wyant says he has what it takes to lead Saskatoon as mayor

Fresh from the announcement that he won’t be running as an MLA in this fall’s provincial election, Gord Wyant says he thinks he has what it takes to lead Saskatoon as mayor.

Wyant, the MLA for Saskatoon Northwest and Saskatchewan’s current advanced education minister, made the comments at a City of Saskatoon event on Thursday. He stopped short of declaring his candidacy, however, saying he’s focused on his current role first and foremost.

“I have a great interest in the city,” Wyant said. “I think it’s time for some new leadership in the city, but for the time being, I’m still a minister of the Crown.”

Asked if he has the talent and experience necessary to serve as mayor, Wyant touted his extensive history in politics.

“I’ve served as chair of the public school board, I served seven years on this council – great years in the city, years of growth under some terrific leadership – and some significant portfolios in government. I’ve been the deputy premier, and seven years as the attorney general in this province,” Wyant said.

“Going through those economic portfolios and those human services portfolios, you learn a lot, and learn a lot about leadership – particularly leadership from some of the people that you’ve had the privilege of working with over some of those years.”

The city will have a new mayor in November, after incumbent Charlie Clark announced he won’t be running again last month.

Prior to his start in provincial politics, Wyant served on Saskatoon city council from 2003 to 2010.

While Wyant said he thinks he has the skills necessary to lead Saskatoon, he noted that at the moment his full attention is on his responsibilities as a provincial cabinet minister.

During a conversation with reporters at the Legislative Building in Regina on Wednesday, Wyant said Saskatoon is currently going through some challenges.

“I think the city of Saskatoon needs some strong leadership at a very difficult time in the city, and I know that there are people in the city of Saskatoon that have that strength to lead the city of Saskatoon,” Wyant said.

“I was very flattered and humbled to have people reach out to me to suggest that I might have the talent to do that.”

– With files from 650 CKOM’s Lara Fominoff