Former Prime Minister SaskPoliticker answers questions following resignation and the formation of a new Government

Mr. SaskPoliticker, Andy Schneider from the Globe and Mail, you became leader of the Progressive Conservatives when they first merged. Why switch parties now?

“You know, I’ve always been a New Democrat. This was clear when I first ran, I held a membership at the time, and there was no federal branch of the NDP for me to join. Despite the political games ongoing in Ottawa right now, I’m excited for the opportunity that the NDG presents to revive the New Democrats federally at a time when they’re thriving across provinces. I campaigned in Wab Kinew’s election victory, and I’ve been supporting Carla Beck in Saskatchewan having been a long-time member of the Sask NDP. I’ve come home, and I’m more ready now than ever to bring it home for Canadians.”

Sarah McGlocklen CBC, how do you respond to the Pirates forming a Government after your departure?

“Well Sarah you’ll note that in my address I suggested that this would be a revealing period. If the Pirates call an election, you know, despite the fact that I disagree with their perception of democracy in Canada and disagree with some of their policy positions given, you know, a lack of consultation or expertise, Canadians could trust that the Pirates would be open and accountable. They’d be trustworthy if they kept their word and stuck by their principles. But if the opposite were to happen and they try to go on governing, we’d all see that the Pirates were really in it for power and not for people. They promised and pushed for an election, and if they don’t call one after they’ve really stuck their neck out their and abandoned all the policies that we’d had in our agreement that we have already delivered on, there’s no reason for any Canadian to trust them. I won’t suggest what they’ll do, I can’t speak for them, but we’ll see.”

Bryan Kelly CTV, you just presented a budget, and it didn’t pass. Will you keep pushing for your budgetary policies outside of Government?

“Bryan that’s a simple answer: yes. But you know, who knows how things will go or if there will be an election. Canadians can count on my values staying true throughout. This is an historic budget and I don’t think any party can take away from that or would want to refuse it. We can do better. I’ve already been planning policies and looking at how we can finance Pharmacare and Dentalcare, will continuing to reduce taxes and reign in national finances in cooperation with the provinces. I’ll keep pushing and if my policies aren’t landing with a Government, I believe Canadians will reject such a Government at the polls because this is the most significant budget we’ve ever had in many ways. Thank you all, no further questions.”