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Welcome to ryanmeili.ca

On April 9, 2010, I announced my intention to seek the nomination to become the NDP candidate for MLA in Saskatoon Sutherland. With a strong candidate, a well-run provincial campaign and a solid effort from the candidate and the campaign team, I'm confident we can win Saskatoon Sutherland once again.

Last year I ran for leader of the provincial NDP. This province-wide contest was my first campaign and one in which I started as an unknown name and unlikely contender. Building on my experiences in medicine and community activism in Saskatchewan and in the developing world, I brought together a group of friends and colleagues to build a campaign team.

We based the campaign on the concept of a healthy society, one where the results of a return to the core principles of social democracy; equality, dignity and social justice, will be seen in the health of our citizens and communities. With the help of many volunteers and advisors we built an effective campaign team. We brought many people into the party for the first time, or the first time in decades, and gained a great deal of support among the existing membership. The end result was a strong second place finish with 45% on the final ballot, and the respect of both supporters and opponents.

At the leadership convention I promised to continue that promising political beginning by seeking a seat in the upcoming general election. After much deliberation I have chosen to seek the nomination in Saskatoon Sutherland. I made that decision because I have some connection to the riding, having lived in the area during my studies at the University of Saskatchewan and continuing to work and teach at the College of Medicine on the U of S campus as chair of the Social Accountability Committee and coordinator of the Making the Links program. I also chose to run in Sutherland because there is great promise here for the NDP. It has frequently been held by our party in the past. There is an active executive and membership base. The current MLA not been particularly impressive, and the tide is turning on the Sask Party. Financial mismanagement, dismantling of labour laws and environmental regulations, and disregard for important issues such as the rising cost of living and increasing poverty in times of plenty, have people losing confidence in the Wall government.

This is the ideal situation for the NDP in Saskatoon Sutherland. The errors of the SaskParty are increasingly evident. What we must do now is listen to the people of the province in order to offer real solutions to the challenges they face. We must offer voters a bold, creative alternative. If we do so we can win again in Saskatoon Sutherland and across the province, not just in 2011 but for years to come.

In the coming months I will be visiting with people in Saskatoon Sutherland by phone and in person. I look forward to learning more about the riding, the strengths and challenges of the communities, and getting to know the people of Saskatoon Sutherland as neighbours and friends.

This campaign will be the work of many hands and many minds. If the prospect of a rejuvenated NDP in Saskatoon Sutherland excites you, we want to hear from you. Please take out a membership, share your ideas, or sign onto our email list to receive regular updates. Your efforts will help ensure capable and compassionate representation for Saskatoon Sutherland.