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Beaudry-Mellor first entry in race to replace Brad Wall

Aug 15, 2017 | 1:30 PM

The leadership race to become the next premier of Saskatchewan has its first participant.

Tina Beaudry-Mellor, currently minister of social services, has announced her intention to run for the Sask. Party leadership post.

In a statement, the Regina University MLA said she made the decision to run after discussing it with her family.

“I think it is safe to say no one will ever fill the shoes of Premier Brad Wall,” she said.

“I will state here that I am not going to try. Besides, I prefer high heels.”

The long-time university instructor said she couldn’t watch from the sidelines during the leadership race, after encouraging younger generations to take opportunities to get involved.

Beaudry-Mellor said people might point out her lack of experience in being an elected official, given she was first elected in the 2016 general election.

She said this shouldn’t be seen as a bad thing.

“If this is really about renewal then I see this as an advantage, not a disadvantage.”

She said she would look at balancing the budget, diversifying the economy and opposing the carbon tax.

“Saskatchewan’s best days are still ahead of it and I cannot wait to get going.”