REGINA – Saskatoon Centre MLA Betty Nippi-Albright has announced she has quit the New Democrats and will sit in the Legislature as an independent.
The bombshell announcement came on Tuesday afternoon. In a written statement posted on social media, Nippi-Albright said that effective immediately, "I will sit as an independent MLA for Saskatoon Centre. This decision comes after a long reflection about how I can best serve the community of Saskatoon Centre and the people who placed their trust in me."
“I entered public life to serve Saskatoon Centre and to be a strong Indigenous voice for Indigenous people in this province on issues that matter to them. As the only first nation, female, sitting MLA in Saskatchewan, I'll bring a unique perspective: academic training, health experience, and lived experience that are not represented elsewhere in the Legislature and that perspective is needed in our province.”
Nippi-Albright stated that over time, "I have not felt the support or respect required to carry out this work in a good way." She also took issue with the leadership of the provincial NDP.
“In good conscience, I can no longer support the direction of Carla Beck’s leadership. My responsibility is first and always to the citizens of Saskatoon Centre and not to any political party. I was elected to be a voice for the people of Saskatoon Centre. Imhave raised important issues for a long time, many of which did not receive attention until recently. Sitting as an independent will allow me to continue advocating for Saskatoon Centre, for inherent and treaty rights holders, and for those who voices are too often overlooked. My commitment to this work remain strong, and I will continue to serve with integrity and purpose. Migwetch."
The news took other MLAs at the legislature by surprise Tuesday.
Nippi-Albright had been the NDP critic for Mental Health and Addictions and in that role often sparred with Minister for Mental Health and Addictions Lori Carr. When reporters asked for her reaction after the news broke, Minister Carr said it was the "first I've heard of it, so we'll have to see."
Opposition Leader Beck also did not have a lot to immediately say to reporters, telling them in a media scrum that she "was just made aware of it."
Beck also indicated she hoped to speak to Nippi-Albright.
“I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to Betty yet. I’ll have that conversation with her tonight and be more prepared to answer questions on that tomorrow,” Beck told reporters.
