Thanks to the announcement that longtime MLA Kim Trew is retiring from his seat in Regina Coronation Park, the Saskatchewan NDP is getting its first hint as to what type of new candidate it can expect to attract going into the 2011 provincial election. And the early returns on that front are highly promising, as Tamara Harder has decided to run for the NDP's nomination.
Within the NDP and progressive movement, Tamara may be familiar for her current role as president of the Saskatchewan New Democratic Women - or perhaps for her participation as one of the emcees at the recent anti-prorogation rally. Outside the political sphere, she's the Executive Director for the Saskatchewan division of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, a youth self-development program, and has served as a leader in the development of Regina's North Central Community Gardens.
For now, Tamara's policy focus looks to be on housing issues (particularly based on the needs of renters and first time buyers), as well as environmental and energy issues. In addition, she's placing an emphasis on party renewal and diversity - and figures to be well placed to build connections to a number of groups who may currently be underrepresented within the NDP.
We'll find out with time which new faces may be interested in pursuing the nominations in Regina Coronation Park and elsewhere. But I'm glad to see Tamara (who's also been a personal friend for some time) stepping forward to represent the NDP - and very much hoping that she and plenty more strong NDP candidates like her will be on their way to a long and fruitful stay in the Legislature by the end of next year.
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