The Saskatchewan Party announced who will be running under their banner in the next provincial election for Weyburn-Bengough. Weyburn lawyer Mike Weger was acclaimed during a nomination meeting Tuesday night. The need for a new candidate for the riding came about earlier this year, when Dustin Duncan, who has been the MLA for Weyburn since 2006, announced he would not be seeking re-election.  

“I’ve been involved in politics and involved in our constituency association for the past ten years, and when I found out that Dustin was going to be retiring, it obviously crossed my mind that maybe this is something that I should look into,” Weger said of the decision to seek the candidacy. “I definitely spoke with some friends, family, trusted advisors in the community, and timing seems right.” 

Weger has practiced law in Weyburn for the past 15 years and owns NSWB Law Firm. He has also been very active in the community, serving on the board of Hockey Weyburn, working with a number of community organizations, and being very active with Cystic Fibrosis Canada.  

Politics, however, is something he has always kept an eye on.  

“It’s definitely something I’m passionate about,” Weger continued. “I’ve done my best to contribute to this community as long as I’ve been back in Weyburn here, which is going on 16 years now, and I think it’s just a way to take a step forward to give back to the community, give back to our province, and hopefully be able to represent the constituents of this area, take their concerns back to Regina, to the Legislative Assembly, if I’m elected.” 

Seeking the nomination after Dustin Duncan will mean Weger would be looking at some pretty big shoes to fill. Duncan is the second longest-serving MLA for Weyburn in history and could be the longest, depending on when the writ for the election is dropped.  

“I’ve had that discussion with Dustin, and I’ve used the same phrase – that I hope I can try to fill his shoes,” said the new candidate. “We owe a lot of gratitude to Dustin for the time that he’s served and in doing so, not only just being our local MLA, but carrying major portfolios with the government as well.” 

Being a candidate in a provincial election can be very time-consuming, which is something Weger is already preparing for with his law firm. He is reducing his practice area and won’t be taking on too much that would have him out of the office for extended periods of time.  

“I have great support staff, and an associate, Levi Paradis, working at the law firm as well that are very supportive of me, and we know that we can manage our schedules to accommodate this, and make sure I can devote the time required to the campaign, and then of course, if I’m elected, we’ll make some further adjustments,” Weger explained.” 

The date for the next provincial election has not been set yet, but according to legislation it must be held before October 28th of this year.  

So far, Weger is the only candidate who has been announced in the riding for the election. The Saskatchewan NDP, Saskatchewan Progress Barty, the Saskatchewan United Party and the Buffalo Party have all yet to hold nomination meetings for the Weyburn-Bengough constituency.