YORKTON, Sask. – Cathay Wagantall's tenure as the Member of Parliament for Yorkton-Melville officially came to an end Aug. 31, closing a political career that spanned four election campaigns and nearly 11 years in office.
Wagantall first won the riding in 2015 and announced earlier this year that she would resign before the next federal election.
In a statement released in June, Wagantall thanked residents of the riding for their support over the years.
"The depth of support I've received over the past four elections has been both sobering and affirming," she said.
Wagantall also congratulated Yorkton businessman Nelson Pohl, who was selected by the local Conservative association as its candidate of record for the next federal election.
Her departure creates a vacancy in Yorkton-Melville and will trigger a federal by-election, although a date has not yet been announced.
Political parties are already preparing for the upcoming campaign. The federal NDP says it has been organizing supporters in the riding and across Saskatchewan ahead of the vote.
"We will soon be nominating a candidate in the riding who will fight to offer real, tangible solutions that improve the lives of Canadians in Saskatchewan," said Blake Evans of the federal NDP.
Evans said the party has been building grassroots support in Saskatchewan and is preparing to take its message on affordability and economic issues to voters in Yorkton-Melville.
