Former Sask. premier to step down as NDP leader

Former Saskatchewan premier Lorne Calvert announced his intention on Thursday night to resign as leader of the provincial NDP, clearing the way for a party leadership convention next year.

Calvert, who served aspremier from 2001 to 2007,made the announcement at a party meeting in Saskatoonfollowing rumours thathe was preparing to step down.

"I declare the race is on!" said Calvert, who was accompanied by his wife and daughter.

"The next great chapter begins tonight. Tonight, we begin the exciting quest for our new leader."

Calverttold supporters who greeted the leader with cheers as he took the microphone that he will remain as party chief until a new one is selected.

The meeting also featured a tribute video to Calvert, who spoke to the meeting at length about his career.

Although Calvert, 55, won his seat in the riding of Saskatoon-Riversdale duringthe fall 2007election, his party was ousted by the right-leaning Saskatchewan Party after holding power for 16 years.

Calvert's leadership went unchallenged atan NDP convention in March; however, the former United Churchminister had alreadysaid he would probably not stay on as leader for another campaign. He said hewanted to stay inhis postonly long enough to assist with rebuilding the party.

Calvert has said part of the party's renewal plan must include reconnecting with rural voters and reaching out to engage new members.

Before he madehis resignationannouncement Thursday,Calvert was lauded by those who have known him throughout his 22 years in government.

"He did the job well, very well," said former premier Roy Romanow, who Calvert succeeded in 2001.

"Lorne is a genuine human being who genuinely loves to interact with people .I suspect we'll see him in public service in some fashion."

Calvertsaid he plans to retire from political life, possibly in favour of community-based work with the United Church of Canada.

"I've always sort of believed my faith tells me doors will open, opportunities will be there to serve."

Calvert was first elected in 1986, representing the riding of Moose Jaw South. He handled several portfolios during his first 12 years in provincial government, including the health and social services ministries, but wasn't considered a high-profile politician.

Defeated6 leadership rivals

Calvert quit as an MLA in 1998 to spend more time with his family. When then premier Romanow announced he was stepping downa few years later, Calvert threw his hat into the leadership race and won in 2001, defeating rivals Nettie Wiebe, Joanne Crofford, Chris Axworthy, Maynard Sonntag, Buckley Belanger and Scott Banda.

He campaigned in the 2003 election on a promise to make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to work, go to school and raise a family, andthe provincewith the lowest-priced bundle of utility costs.The NDP won, but just barely, with a 30-28 majority over the Saskatchewan Party.

"He was a politician that was very much respected, had a lot of integrity," said David McGrane, a political studies professor at the University of Saskatchewan.

"There was never once a hint of any sort of scandal involving him. It's actually remarkable."

Speaking before the announcement, McGrane said he wouldn't be surprised by news of Calvert's resignation.

He knew very well he would not be the person rebuilding the party," McGrane said. "It would have to be somebody new, somebody fresh."