While the news broke early Friday morning, it was made official with a press conference shortly before noon the same day – Ryan Meili will be stepping down as the leader of the Saskatchewan NDP after a new leader has been chosen.  

“I’m grateful for the support that I have received,” Meili said during the media event. “The support of course, first of all from Mahli (his wife), and Abe and Gus – Gus is four, he’s never known a life where I’m not in this role – and it’s going to be a big change for all of us.” 

Meili referenced the fabled “walk in the snow” in announcing his decision, chuckling that many won’t miss his bad jokes. 

“I have no regrets about speaking up for public health action, and no regrets about saying we have to be courageous and tell people the truth and not simply pander,” Meili added. “The only regret I have is that we weren’t able to force this government to take COVID more seriously, to act, to protect people’s lives, to protect our health system, to protect people’s lives.” 

Comparing himself to a Peleton, a popular indoor exercise bike, Meili noted that he is associated with the tough things that needed to be done during the pandemic, and going forward it will be tough for him to not be associated with that while people are looking for something new. So, like the Peleton, which was in high demand at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he remarked that he too was not in as high demand as he was at one time. 

“I believe we need a new voice, and I believe Saskatchewan people are looking for one,” he continued.  

Meili confirmed that he will be staying on as the MLA for the riding of Saskatoon Meewasin.  

Meili was elected as the leader of the Saskatchewan NDP in 2018, after two bids for the leadership in 2009 and 2012. He was first elected to the riding of Saskatoon Meewasin during a by-election in 2017.