endorsements

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.