The NDP leadership race in Saskatchewan is down to three contenders after Erin Weir withdrew from the race Wednesday to support Ryan Meili.
Weir and Meili held a joint press conference at Tommy Douglas House in Regina, at which time Weir officially endorsed Meili in the leadership race. At the same time, the Meili team released a joint statement of principles from the two campaigns.
In a statement released by the Meili campaign Wednesday, Weir thanked his supporters and outlined why he made the endorsement.
"Our campaign has always been about advancing a progressive policy vision for Saskatchewan. We articulated specific proposals and a plan to pay for them," said Weir.
"Based on his book, his policy announcements during the campaign, his comments in leadership debates across the province and today's shared policy statement, I believe that Ryan is deeply committed to many of the same policy ideas. I encourage Saskatchewan New Democrats to vote for him to ensure progressive leadership of our party."
Weir's decision to drop out of the race comes on the heels of bad news from recent public opinion polls, including one commissioned by the Saskatoon StarPhoenix and another released by the competing Cam Broten campaign. The surveys placed Weir in fourth place in the race with Meili, Broten and Trent Wotherspoon.
The decision also comes after the last of 14 party all-candidates forums was held in Saskatoon last weekend. Those took place over the past number of months, including one in North Battleford in January, in which Weir actively participated.
Meili welcomed Weir's endorsement, which comes just weeks before the March 9 leadership vote in Saskatoon.
"Erin has run a very strong campaign, and earned the respect of all Saskatchewan New Democrats for his principled and pragmatic approach," said Meili.
"I'm thrilled to welcome him aboard my team; his intelligence and his diligence are tremendous assets for all New Democrats."
