Click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter
Doyle Vermette will run for the NDP in the 2020 provincial election. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
Cumberland

Vermette nominated by NDP to run in 2020 provincial election

Nov 25, 2019 | 2:00 PM

Cumberland NDP MLA Doyle Vermette believes he still has unfinished business in Regina.

He was officially nominated by the party Nov. 23 to seek re-election when Saskatchewan voters head to the polls next in the fall of 2020. Vermette entered the position when he won a byelection in 2008 before being re-elected in 2011 and 2016.

“I reached out to some of the community members, some of our leaders and also some of our elders and people that I trust, wondering if I should seek-re-election,” he said. “It is an honour to serve them. I did a lot of thinking. I talked to our leader, I talked to my colleagues and I did a lot of talking because I wanted to be sure. The constituency is big and it’s a large area.”

During his time in office, Vermette has served as the NDP caucus whip, critic of northern affairs and associate critic of First Nations and Métis relations. Since 2008, he stated he’s had the opportunity to take an increased role with the NDP and he feels like he has the support of the party behind him.

Vermette, who was born and raised in Prince Albert, is of Métis ancestry and he moved to La Ronge with his wife Sandra in 1990. He has worked in the service industry in La Ronge, as well as with his family’s forestry company based in Spruce Home.

“We work like we’re 10 points behind and that’s how we do it,” Vermette said of the NDP. “We don’t take it for granted. We work hard and I know I try to work hard to win the trust of voters and the people who I represent in the constituency.”

Throughout the years, Vermette has been active in a number of other organizations including as a board member with Northern Lights School Division, as well as acting-chair with the Gabriel Dumont Institute. He’s also served on the boards of the Kikinahk Friendship Centre, Keewatin Career Development Corporation, Saskatchewan Water Corporation and the Jim Brady Métis Local 19. Between 1994 to 1997, Vermette served as an alderman for Air Ronge.

“Doyle cares deeply about people and does a tremendous job representing his constituents in the legislature,” NDP Leader Ryan Meili said. “Doyle will play an important role in delivering real improvements in people’s lives as part of the next NDP government.”

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno