Cam Broten is the new leader of the Saskatchewan NDP.
The Saskatoon MLA defeated doctor Ryan Meili by a razor thin 44 votes on the second ballot in Saturday’s leadership contest.
A clearly relieved Broten says the very close race was certainly a bit of a rollercoaster ride but also notes former Manitoba NDP Premier Gary Doer was involved in a very close leadership race of his own in 1988.
The two leadership rivals have not always seen eye-to-eye when it comes to the direction of the NDP but Broten says he will do everything in his power to keep Meili and his supporters involved in the party.
Regina MLA Trent Wotherspoon dropped off after the first ballot.
The leadership convention was held in Saskatoon.
On Monday, one of the first things Broten did as the new NDP leader was shuffle opposition critic duties.
This includes new critic duties for the province’s two northern MLAs.
Athabasca MLA Buckley Belanger moves from deputy leader to deputy whip.
The position of deputy leader has been given to leadership rival Trent Wotherspoon.
Belanger also no longer has critic responsibilities for environment, forestry and the water security agency but has added the role of energy and resources critic to his duties.
He also retains his previous duties as critic for highways and infrastructure and SaskTel.
Cumberland MLA Doyle Vermette has added the role of deputy critic for First Nations and Métis Relations to his duties.
He also remains the opposition whip and the critic for northern Saskatchewan, parks and sport, tourism Saskatchewan and STC.
Other changes include former interim leader John Nilson’s appointment as health critic and Warren McCall taking on the post-secondary education file.
Broten has also created a new role – the critic for diversity, equality and human rights issues which goes to David Forbes.
Cathy Sproule will serve as the NDP house leader and Broten will handle critic duties for executive council, First Nations and Métis relations, intergovernmental affairs and immigration.