NDP MLA Doyle Vermette will continue to be the Opposition Whip. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

Caucus roles

Vermette named northern affairs critic in NDP shadow cabinet

Nov 5, 2020 | 1:42 PM

Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette will be the northern affairs and mental health and addictions critic, as well as the Opposition Whip in the NDP’s new shadow cabinet.

“I will work with Buckley (Belanger) with his portfolios and we’ll do all we can to bring northern issues to government,” Vermette said. “It won’t be like the government doesn’t know what the issues are, we’re going to make sure they’re well aware.”

Belanger, who is the NDP MLA for Athabasca, will be the critic of highways, forestry, Global Transportation Hub and Regina Bypass. Overall, the NDP caucus is comprised of eight women and five men, along with a number of new MLAs.

“With the new ones coming on, they are bringing strength in other areas that they have worked on,” Vermette said. “I know some of them were on other boards and some of them were involved in community organizations. They’ve got different strengths they will pull together.”

During Vermette’s next term, he expects there to be further awareness about addictions, mental health and the coronavirus. He also said Saskatchewan continues to experience some of the highest suicide rates in the country and he’s willing to listen to concerns from frontline workers, families and others who want to be heard.

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In regards to addictions, Vermette mentioned there needs to be more treatment programs and places people can go if they wanted to become healthy.

“You have people who have a number of days clean and sober and they are waiting, some of them white knuckling to get in and you don’t want them to relapse,” he said. “More needs to be done, so we are going to be putting more attention and pressure on that.”

In a media release, NDP Leader Ryan Meili stated party is ready to hold the Sask. Party government to account and put people first. He also noted the MLAs consist of a strong and diverse team who will act to push for the needs of families as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

“Our first priority is to ensure critical investments are made to protect families facing economic uncertainty, the kids in our schools, seniors and the most vulnerable,” Meili said. “I am confident that this team will get results for the people of our province.”

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno