In the spring of 1997, a small group of Progressive Conservative and Liberal MLAs launched an initiative that would change the face of Saskatchewan politics.
They began talks with other Conservatives, Liberals, federal Reformers, and like-minded individuals to create a new party — one that could rally the growing sentiment for change in Saskatchewan under a single banner.
On August 8, 1997, former Progressive Conservative Leader Bill Boyd and former Liberal Opposition Leader Ken Krawetz announced the formation of the Saskatchewan Party. The new caucus in the Legislature was formed by four former Conservative MLAs — Bill Boyd, Dan D’Autremont, Ben Heppner, and Don Toth — and four former Liberal MLAs: Bob Bjornerud, June Draude, Rod Gantefoer, and Ken Krawetz.
Milestones
- August 8, 1997Former Progressive Conservative Leader Bill Boyd and former Liberal Opposition Leader Ken Krawetz announce the formation of the Saskatchewan Party.
- August 11, 1997Ken Krawetz is selected by the caucus to serve as interim Leader.
- September 10, 1997The Speaker of the Legislature declares the Saskatchewan Party caucus the Official Opposition.
- September 17, 1997After a petition drive gathers the required 2,500 signatures, the Chief Electoral Officer registers the Saskatchewan Party as an official political party.
- November 14, 1997The party holds its Founding Meeting in Saskatoon, establishing its initial policies and a draft constitution.
- April 20, 1998Elwin Hermanson is elected the first Leader of the Saskatchewan Party.
- June 28, 1999Wayne Elhard wins the Cypress Hills by-election — the first MLA elected under the Saskatchewan Party banner.
- September 16, 1999The Saskatchewan Party elects 25 MLAs in its first general election.
- November 5, 2003The party captures 28 seats in the 2003 provincial election.
- March 15, 2004Swift Current MLA Brad Wall becomes Leader of the Saskatchewan Party.
- November 7, 2007The Saskatchewan Party wins 38 seats in the 2007 provincial election to form the first Saskatchewan Party government.
- November 21, 2007Premier Brad Wall and the new Saskatchewan Party government are sworn into office.
- November 7, 2011Re-elected with 49 of 58 seats and 64.2 per cent of the popular vote — the highest share won by any party in Saskatchewan history.
- April 4, 2016Re-elected with 51 of 61 seats — a third consecutive majority government.
- January 27, 2018Scott Moe is elected Leader of the Saskatchewan Party, winning 8,075 votes on the fifth and final ballot.
- February 2, 2018Scott Moe is sworn in as Premier of Saskatchewan.
- October 26, 2020Re-elected with 48 of 61 seats — a fourth consecutive majority government.
- October 28, 2024The Saskatchewan Party is re-elected to an incredible fifth straight majority government under Premier Scott Moe.
Today the Saskatchewan Party forms government under Premier Scott Moe. Meet our team of MLAs, or read the party’s guiding principles.