Ryan Meili pursuing NDP nomination for Saskatoon Meewasin

A Saskatoon physician has announced his intention to run for the NDP in a constituency left vacant following the death of an MLA.

Dr. Ryan Meili said Thursday he plans to pursuethe nomination for the Opposition in Saskatoon Meewasin.

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Roger Parent represented the constituency for the SaskatchewanParty. He was elected to his second term in April's election, but passed away in November one day after his family announced he had been diagnosed with cancer.

Though no official plans have been announced, a byelection will need to be held for the seat.

A longtime health advocate, Meili said it makessense to pursue a seat in the Saskatchewan Legislature.

"It's pretty clear to me that if I really want to make a difference in people's health, I need to go where we can affect the underlying factors that make the biggest difference."

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Meiliran as a leadership candidate for the Saskatchewan NDP in 2009 and 2013.

He said he's already heard concerns about food security in the Meewasin Valley from people in the constituency, and he's ready to learn more about the area's needs.

"My work is going to be listening, [and] seeing what people are really thinking about and trying to help them wrestle with those issues."

No other candidates for either the NDP or Saskatchewan Party have put their names forward to run in the byelection at this point.