Sask NDP name their candidate for upcoming Athabasca Byelection

Former MP and current mayor of La Loche Georgina Jolibois has been named as the Saskatchewan NDP candidate for the yet to be called by-election in the Northern Saskatchewan riding of Athabasca.

Jolibois said in a press release,"Having served my community of La Loche for over 20 years, I have seen first-hand the impact of this Sask. Party government’s inaction to address key issues."

The La Loche Mayor served as Member of Parliament from 2015 to 2019, being defeated in 2019 by Conservative Challenger Gary Vidal.

The Athabasca Riding was left vacant after long time MLA Buckley Belanger, resigned from his position in early August to run for the Liberals federally.

Jolibois will be up against Saskatchewan Party candidate Jim Lemaigre in the yet to be called by-election.

The North Western riding of Athabasca has been held by the NDP since 1975, with only a brief period being held by the Saskatchewan Liberals from 1995 to 1998.

The Saskatchewan NDP won the seat in the 2020 general election with over 56 percent of the votes cast.

The Liberals, Progressive Conservatives, Greens and Buffalo Party had yet to name their candidates for the riding.

Premier Scott Moe has until February 15th, 2022 to call the by-election in the riding of Athabasca.