Legislative Report

Calvert NDP in Full Crisis Mode

The people of Saskatoon were treated to a rare spectacle a few days back. Long time NDP MLA Pat Atkinson packed a room in a local restaurant with her supporters to make an important announcement: she’s not quitting. Atkinson decided she will not be joining seven of her caucus colleagues who are calling it quits while in still power instead of risking ignominious defeat in the next election. It must have been a tough call, given Ms. Atkinson’s inconsistent comments on the public record.

On Monday, she was telling reporters “The reality is that sometimes you come to the point where it’s time to do something else and maybe try out a new profession, so there’s been a number of factors that I’ve weighed”. Two days later, Atkinson performed an abrupt about face. Atkinson’s announcement said less about her and more about the state of her party. When an NDP MLAs decision to stay constitutes a major development, that says a lot about the current environment. Seven of Atkinson’s colleagues reached the opposite conclusion. They will not be running.

Now, Ms. Atkinson makes news by maintaining the status quo. She will run, but this does not end Lorne Calvert’s problems. As the NDP continues to flounder without vision or direction, others will share Ms. Atkinson’s indecision. Some, like her, will stay. Others will likely join those who have decided to leave. Lorne Calvert’s talent pool will grow increasingly shallow. While Saskatchewan should be maximizing all of its potential for growth, Lorne Calvert will be attempting to patch together a team that can keep the sinking ship afloat.

And Mr. Calvert will have to remain ever vigilant for signs of a revolt similar to the one that lead to the abrupt and unceremonious departure of Kevin Yates from his job as Minister of Corrections and public safety. The NDP is facing a serious crisis. Lorne Calvert has few competent, experienced MLAs to replace those who are leaving. This is the worst kind of crisis to manage—a crisis from within.

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