Endorsements Archive

Greg Marchildon, Executive Director of the Romanow Commission

Submitted by Ryan on Mon, 06/01/2009 - 10:14
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It is gratifying to know that one candidate, Ryan Meili, is putting forward the creative ideas and policies to achieve what Tommy Douglas described as the second stage of medicare.

His positions on social policy more generally are the most progressive of any candidate, allowing us to dream of a better future not only for ourselves but for our children and grandchildren.

Dr Michael Bayda, Family Medicine Resident

Submitted by Ryan on Sat, 05/30/2009 - 09:55
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I first met Ryan during my involvement with the SWITCH program as a medical student in Saskatoon. I was impressed with his ability to show compassion, laugh with his patients, and understand their situation.

His ability to see the big picture and his never-ending list of new ideas for future community development are impressive. These are ideal qualities for the leader of our province.

Don Mitchell, longtime NDP activist

Submitted by Ryan on Sat, 05/30/2009 - 09:46
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My first choice for leader of the Saskatchewan New Democrats is Ryan Meili.

Ryan has best captured the values of community, social justice, and holistic planning which are at the core of progressive politics. For the people and for the planet he best articulates the alternative to corporate greed and destruction.

Angie Merasty, First Nations Activist

Submitted by Ryan on Thu, 05/28/2009 - 08:54
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Tansi,

I am honored to have met, known and worked for Dr. Ryan Meili in this campaign and I am excited to offer my personal endorsement of Ryan Meili to be the next leader of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party. I firmly believe that Ryan offers our party its best hope for the future.

Drew Hitchcock

Submitted by Ryan on Thu, 05/28/2009 - 08:43
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I'm supporting Ryan Meili because he represents the first meaningful change that can be presented to voters in a generation. With Ryan as leader of the party, the people of Saskatchewan can have the opportunity to vote for an unapologetically progressive voice.

Dr. Allen Backman, School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan

Submitted by Ryan on Tue, 05/26/2009 - 08:05
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I have known Ryan Meili since he was a medical student and even then his interest and involvement in progressive health policy was evident. Today, he is the only leadership candidate who understands what must be done to ensure the continued sustainability and growth of Medicare. His health care platform excites me as a health policy analyst.

The Louis Riel Trail (political blogger)

Submitted by Ryan on Wed, 05/20/2009 - 08:46
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Coming into 2009, Ryan Meili was a Saskatoon-based activist with little profile outside of his community, and no funding. As the campaign has progressed, Meili has managed to surround himself with smart, committed people who have moved him from relative obscurity to a serious challenger for the leadership of the Saskatchewan NDP while taking on one of the best-funded and most famous politicians in Saskatchewan public life. A good part of leadership, is the ability to surround oneself with talented, dedicated, and honourable people something Meili has excelled at.

Accidental Deliberations (political blogger)

Submitted by Ryan on Tue, 05/19/2009 - 08:47
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Rather than merely serving as an outlet for younger party members, Meili has managed to put together a team of supporters which looks to be as well positioned as any to govern the province -- hopefully starting in 2011, and for a long time to come.

Sharon Lindgren

Submitted by Ryan on Wed, 05/13/2009 - 21:53
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I just read the Commonwealth. Until then I had no idea who to vote for. Your answers were the only answers that were unapologetic, decisive, positive and complete with a plan. Thank you!

I have been less than enthusiastic over these past few years with not only our leader but many of our candidates. Finally, you come along and not only are your ideas and vision for the future new, exciting and progressive but they come with a plan.

I can't say that I have felt this excited about a leadership election since I was a teenager. Finally -- a leader with real vision for the future and a plan to make it all happen.

Noah Evanchuk, Barrister

Submitted by Ryan on Wed, 04/29/2009 - 13:08
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It is with great pride and hope that I wholeheartedly endorse the candidacy of Ryan Meili for the leadership of the New Democratic Party, Saskatchewan Section.

Ryan is an individual who consistently displays the values we as New Democrats embrace and wish to share with all Saskatchewan citizens. He is compassionate and principled; yet also free thinking and open-minded. In the span of less than two months, he has taken this contest by storm. Not by mouthing canned talking points or buzz words, but by demonstrating the courage to bring back excitement and energy to our party whilst maintaining a focus on making our province a more fair and equitable place to live for all citizens.

Peter Garden, Saskatoon business owner

Submitted by Ryan on Mon, 04/27/2009 - 08:51
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For those of you who know me well, you know that I am a political person but rarely get involved in party politics. In fact, I feel very uncomfortable with party politics and find them mostly to be divisive, disingenuous and ineffective at creating the kind of change that I am working for in my personal activism and with Turning the Tide.

Jason Hammond, Librarian

Submitted by Ryan on Sat, 04/25/2009 - 09:02
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After doing some research on Ryan, I decided to do something I’d never done before – I went to an event in Regina to hear a leadership candidate speak. And I was so impressed, I called my wife and we both went to hear him speak at another event later the same day. We’ve both become members of the NDP so that we can vote for Ryan during the NDP’s convention in June.

Nettie Wiebe (environmental ethicist, National Farmers Union past president, former NDP leadership candidate)

Submitted by Ryan on Fri, 04/17/2009 - 14:02
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Thanks to the NDP, Saskatchewan has a great history of leading the way on key quality of life and justice issues, such as medicare, funding for arts and culture, social services and cooperative economic development. It takes vision, courage, commitment, good energy and smarts to lead the way in making positive changes. I believe that Ryan Meili shows that kind of leadership.

David Forbes, MLA Saskatoon Centre

Submitted by Ryan on Thu, 04/16/2009 - 20:09
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I’m very pleased to be endorsing Dr. Ryan Meili as leader of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party. I am endorsing Ryan because he shares my belief and commitment to community at the local, provincial, national and global level.

Elaine Power, PhD

Submitted by Ryan on Thu, 04/16/2009 - 20:07
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Wow - a friend just sent me a link to your website, and I'm so impressed and inspired! The country needs more political leadership like yours!! I'm in Ontario, and can't make it to Saskatchewan to help out, but sent a donation instead.

Gary Carlson (Lifetime NDP Member and former Provincial Counselor)

Submitted by danny on Tue, 03/31/2009 - 18:04
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Ryan has the refreshing ideas, energy, vitality and vision to lead the Party in in the process of renewal based on sound social democratic principles. He is committed to working toward a much healthier environment for us all. He is the leader needed for our time.

Dion Tchorzewski, Regina attorney, son of former Cabinet Minister Ed Tchorzewski)

Submitted by danny on Tue, 03/31/2009 - 18:02
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As we seek to renew our party and to ready it for the next election we need to focus on new ideas and a fresh approaches to issues. I strongly believe that the candidate that offers the NDP the best chance for meaningful renewal that will lead to success in 2011 is Ryan Meili.

Peter Prebble (former Cabinet Minister)

Submitted by danny on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 11:25
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Today it is my pleasure to endorse Ryan Meili as my first choice for leader of Saskatchewan’s New Democratic Party.

Ryan has demonstrated an understanding of urban and rural concerns and he has strong roots in both rural and urban Saskatchewan. He will be a leader who all Saskatchewan people will enjoy getting to know and work with.

Lon Borgerson (former Cabinet Minister)

Submitted by danny on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 11:21
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This is an exciting time for Saskatchewan New Democrats. We are, of course, in the process of electing a new leader for a party that has a history of great leaders... and great premiers.

Each of these leaders with a unique style and personality; each of them growing into the role of leader and premier. Each of them leaving a distinct legacy for the people of this province.

Don Kossick (community organizer, former Federal NDP candidate)

Submitted by danny on Fri, 03/27/2009 - 11:18
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Dear Friends,

I wanted to let you know that I am endorsing Ryan Meili in his leadership bid.

I have thought long and hard about this decision. I feel that Ryan can bring a energy and thinking as a leader that we need if we are going regenerate a progressive social democratic agenda.

Malcolm French

Submitted by danny on Mon, 03/16/2009 - 17:21
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Over the last few days, I have had the opportunity to meet with Sask NDP leadership candidate Ryan Meili on three separate occasions, to discuss my concerns about the organizational and intellectual state of the party, and to see and hear him interacting with other progressives - including several alienated New Democrats and former New Democrats.

What can I say? I am impressed.

Brendan Pyle

Submitted by danny on Mon, 03/16/2009 - 17:20
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Hello friend,

The greatest thing about being a Saskatchewan New Democrat is that I can look at all the candidates in the leadership and see all four of them holding our banner and leading us to victory in the next election. Dwain Lingenfelter, Deb Higgins, Yens Pederson and Ryan Meili all have what it takes to rebuild our party and lead Saskatchewan to a brighter future.